Mission and History
Our Mission
D'Youville College is an independent institution of higher education that offers baccalaureate and graduate programs to students of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
We honor our Catholic heritage and the spirit of St. Marguerite d'Youville by providing academic, social, spiritual, and professional development in programs that emphasize leadership and service. D'Youville teaches students to contribute to the world community by leading compassionate, productive and responsible lives.
Our History
The Grey Nuns founded D'Youville College in 1908 and named it for their patron Saint Marie-Marguerite d'Youville. It was the first college in Western New York to offer baccalaureate degree programs for women.
That first semester, nine women enrolled in the school's liberal arts courses. Their classes were held in a four-story red brick academy. Today, it's known as Koessler Administration Building, the core building of D'Youville College.
The Past 100 Years
D’Youville College has experienced tremendous growth and change over the past 100 years.- 1932 Became the first college in Western New York to offer a degree in sociology.
- 1942 Established the region’s first four-year nursing program, now a signature program.
- 1971 Became coeducational
- 1980 Introduced 5-year BS-MS degree programs.
- 2003 Became the first liberal arts college in NY to offer a professional doctor of chiropractic program.
- 2010 School of Pharmacy Opens at D’Youville College.
Today, the college has grown to:
- an 11-building/17 acre campus
- 45 degree programs
- 3,200 graduate and undergraduate students
- 360+ employees
- over $39 million budget
D'Youville's first nine students would not recognize their Alma Mater today. But they would no doubt be proud that their college has thrived and become a leader in higher education.
Learn More
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Statue
The bronze, life-size statue in front of D'Youville's KAB building honors Saint Marie-Marguerite d'Youville.
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Volunteerism
Our students, faculty and staff make an impact through meaningful community service activities.
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Service Learning
Our service learning courses teach civic responsibility while helping strengthen our surrounding community.
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Research
Faculty, undergraduate and graduate students at D'Youville are involved with research at every level.
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Photo Gallery
The D'Youville College Archives contain the institutional records and historical materials of D'Youville, and document the history and evolution of the College from 1908 to the present. Materials in the collection include administrative records, college publications, audio-visual materials, photographs, artifacts, and rare books.