The College
Marymount College is a Catholic, coeducational college that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. Founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the College is part of an international system of education that presently includes several colleges in the United States and secondary schools throughout the world.
As an independent institution, Marymount is goverened by a Board of Trustees comprised of religious and lay members. Founded in 1932, Marymount continues to embody the ideals of its Catholic heritage while remaining ecumenical, culturally diverse, and academically selective. The College is dedicated to the development of the whole person, and inspired by the belief that we are all united by our common heritage as children of God.
RSHM
In 1849, Father Jean Gailhac and Mother St. Jean Cure founded the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) in France. This new religious community of women set out to care for the needs of orphans, youth, and other neglected members of society. Their work took its inspiration from the words of Christ in St. John's Gospel: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (Jn10:10)
Over the years, RSHM foundations were established in Ireland, Portugal, England and the United States. By the time of Father Gaihac's death on January 25, 1890, the number of sisters had increased from three to 180.
Education was certainly one of the most urgent needs in every country where the RSHM established themselves. Involvement in education enabled the sisters to work for the dignity, primarily of women and girls, of all classes of society. Likewise, it allowed them to form Christians who would develop their own talents and gifts for service to others.
Higher Education
The RSHM involvement in higher education dates from the founding of Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, which received its accreditation as a four-year college in 1919. At the invitation of Bishop John Joseph Cantwell, the establishment of Marymount College in Los Angeles followed. Originally established in 1932 as a two-year women’s college in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, Marymount received accreditation as a four-year women’s college 15 years later. In 1960 the campus moved south to the idyllic Palos Verdes Peninsula, and in 1968 established an educational partnership with an all-male institution of higher learning, Loyola University, offering cross-enrollment of classes.
Merging the College's upper division classes with Loyola helped to form Loyola Marymount University in 1972. Recognizing the value and importance of a first-rate two-year educational experience, Marymount made the decision to return to its origins as a two-year institution of higher learning – this time, however, offering a coeducational experience. In 1975 the College moved to its present location in Rancho Palos Verdes, a venue that offers a panoramic view of Catalina Island and the Los Angeles coastline.
Today, Marymount College is highly regarded as an institution of higher learning that excels in preparing students for eventual transfer to four-year colleges and universities. After receiving their associate’s degrees from Marymount, more than 90 percent of graduates continue their studies at a wide range of undergraduate programs throughout the country, including some of the most selective and prestigious schools. With the decision to once again offer bachelor degrees, Marymount College will begin a new era as Southern California's newest four-year college.
