Reflecting on Notre Dame de Namur University‘s humble beginnings and honoring its journey to its current prominence, both faculty and community members came together to mark the institution’s 100th anniversary.
In 1923, the sisters of a private Catholic institution, Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), relocated their educational institution from San Jose to Belmont due to increased attendance. The sisters bought the Ralston Mansion, which soon became an important part of Belmont’s community.
Last month, on Sept. 24, a special event was held on campus to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the university, with 400 attendees honoring the sisters of NDNU that founded it.
Since its establishment, the Belmont location has seen many developments in its educational system and beyond. According to Kurt Allen, the Vice President and Director of Marketing and Communications at NDNU, the university has navigated through “numerous changes.”
One pioneering achievement NDNU honors is the transformation of the Belmont location “to be the first university in California to grant baccalaureate degrees to women,” according to Allen said — a milestone that reflects the institution’s commitment to equality.
Over the past century, NDNU’s Clinical Psychology program has directly contributed to the education of “counselors, marriage and family therapists, and mental health professionals in the Bay Area,” said Helen Marlo, the Dean of the School of Psychology at NDNU.
Beyond its campus borders, NDNU has extended its ground. The sisters have reached the classrooms of Notre Dame’s preschool, elementary school, and high school to engage and share the history of NDNU directly.
In recent years, the school has also witnessed the diversification of academic offerings by introducing online programs.
“We think it is important for our students to experience a wide range of learning and communication modalities so they are prepared for what they will encounter in their careers,” said Caryl Hodges, the Dean of NDNU’s School of Education.
Looking ahead, there are also discussions about NDNU being acquired by Stanford, with an anticipated timeline of mid-2025. Though Stanford’s interest lies in the property rather than the university itself.
“Stanford is not buying the university. Stanford is buying the property, as in the land. NDNU will continue to be its own institution,” Hodges said.
This allows NDNU to preserve its history, mission, and relations with students built by the Sisters over the last century.
“NDNU will continue to be located in an area to prepare business leaders, counselors, educators, and therapists to serve locally, across the state, the country, and even around the world,” Hodges said.
