It all began with a promise - to provide educational opportunities to women in a time and place where those opportunities were limited. A promise which continues to shape and guide Mount Mary College today.

Mount Mary College traces its roots to St. Mary's Institute, founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1872. In 1913, the Institute extended its educational program to the post-secondary level and was chartered as Saint Mary's College - the first four-year Catholic college for women in Wisconsin to grant degrees.

By 1926, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, now called the Higher Learning Commission, had recognized the college's academic standards, and has continued to do so ever since. The following year, the Sisters were asked to move their college to Milwaukee. While it was not an easy decision, they recognized the need to educate women in the larger community. And so, in 1928, they laid the cornerstone of Notre Dame Hall. That building, along with Caroline Hall, was completed by the fall of 1929 - ready to welcome 92 resident and 40 commuter students to the newly named Mount Mary College.

Since then, Mount Mary College has grown and evolved with the times. But one thing has remained constant - its promise to help women develop their talents and prepare to contribute to the larger society. The curriculum has always included not only the liberal arts, but also professional training in areas like teaching, business, and dietetics.

Today you can discover that promise, begun so long ago, to unleash your potential, and act on your dreams.