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About D’Youville College
Our Heritage
D’Youville College is named for Marguerite d'Youville, an eighteenth century
Canadian woman whose love of God inspired her to spend her life responding to
societal needs and finding creative ways of serving the poor. She was born near
Montreal in 1701.
As a widow with young children, Marguerite never neglected the poor. She was an astute and resourceful businesswoman, a compassionate friend, and a person whose life was deeply rooted in her trust in God. Other women joined in her efforts to offer asylum for the elderly, blind, orphaned, and abandoned. Eventually they became one of the first congregations of religious women to be founded in Canada; they were known as the Grey Nuns, Sisters of Charity.
During her life Marguerite assumed the responsibility for administering the General Hospital of Montreal. She founded homes for the poor and aged, and cared for unwed mothers, orphans, and sick and wounded military men, regardless of their allegiance. She earned the title "Mother of Universal Charity," insisting "the poor must know that we never refuse to serve." On December 9, 1990, she was declared Saint Marguerite d'Youville in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. D’Youville College seeks to continue the spirit of Marguerite d'Youville, especially by encouraging students to be proficient, innovative, resourceful, compassionate, and well-informed members of society.
Our Mission Statement
D’Youville College is an independent institution of higher education that offers baccalaureate and graduate programs to students of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.
D’Youville College honors its Catholic heritage and 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.
Purpose of Education at D’Youville
Through education, individuals should be prepared to address the issues of today and to meet the challenges of the future. Excellent education contributes to the betterment of society. It offers students an academic experience which helps them develop their potential and emerge as enriched human beings with a love of learning and a sense of responsibility for themselves and others. Through lifelong learning, educated people continue to search for truth, use their talents to contribute to the betterment of their communities, and seek excellence in their personal and professional endeavors. At D’Youville College there are four foundation stones in an effective learning environment: academic preparation, practical experience, a consistent value structure, and a concern for the betterment of the community. The educational process shapes D’Youville graduates and the communities they serve.