Founded: Early 1200s by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi

Known For: Humility, service to the poor, care for creation, and a deep love for all of God’s creation

Approach: Living with joyful simplicity, fostering compassion, and building solidarity with the marginalized

Motto: Pax et Bonum ("Peace and Goodness")

Marian Connection: Marian University dates to 1851 and was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, whose Franciscan charism continues to shape our mission, values, and community. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, Marian embodies a commitment to serving others, promoting peace, and stewarding the environment.

Franciscan Identity at Marian: At Marian, our Franciscan heritage is more than a tradition—it’s a way of life. Our students, faculty, and staff live out *Pax et Bonum* through initiatives like:

• Service Learning: Annual service trips and local outreach programs, such as partnerships with Indianapolis nonprofits, provide hands-on opportunities to serve the poor and vulnerable.
• Care for Creation: Our campus sustainability efforts, including the EcoLab and student-led environmental projects, reflect St. Francis’s reverence for nature.
• Franciscan Leadership Institute: This program equips students to lead with compassion, humility, and a commitment to social justice, rooted in Franciscan principles.
• Community of Joy: Campus ministries and events foster a welcoming, inclusive community where simplicity and mutual respect thrive.

Why It Matters: As a Franciscan institution, Marian University stands apart by forming graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate leaders dedicated to peace, justice, and the common good. Whether through nursing, education, business, or the arts, our Franciscan values guide our students to make a meaningful impact in a complex world.

Discover how our Franciscan Leadership Institute empowers students to live these values.

Founded: 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola

Known For: Academics, global service

Approach: Intellectual formation, leadership, and justice

Motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam ("For the Greater Glory of God")

Founded: 1244, drawing on the Rule of St. Augustine

Known For: Reflection, unity, and truth-seeking

Approach: Community life, deep study, pastoral ministry

Motto: Tolle Lege ("Take and Read")

Founded: 1216 by St. Dominic

Known For: Preaching, theology, and pursuit of truth

Approach: Dialogue, education, and defending the faith

Motto: Veritas ("Truth")

Founded: Around 529 by St. Benedict of Nursia

Known For: Monastic life, hospitality, liturgical prayer

Approach: Balance of prayer, work, and study

Motto: Ora et Labora ("Pray and Work")

Founded: 1680 by St. John Baptist de La Salle

Known For: Education for underserved youth

Approach: Faith-based teaching and inclusivity

Motto: Signum Fidei ("Sign of Faith")