Photo courtesy of St. Catherine University Library and Archives
After opening its doors in 1905, St. Catherine University, formerly the College of St. Catherine, quickly earned a reputation for supporting young women pursuing quality higher education. In 1917, the school earned full accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 20 years later, they became the first Catholic college in the United States to be awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization that recognizes achievement in the liberal arts.
St. Catherine University could not have achieved this success without the help of our first president, Mother Antonia McHugh.
After serving 15 years as dean, McHugh became the then-college's first president in 1929, and she strove for academic excellence before, during, and after her time as president. McHugh’s legacy remains a strong element of St. Kate’s; the Antonian Scholars Honors program was named in her honor.
McHugh herself established a character building program where students took courses with topics ranging from world history to moral philosophy. “These courses emphasize the students' responsibility in promoting world service and world happiness,” said McHugh in a 1930 speech to the St. Kate’s community.
Mother Antonia McHugh and her impact continue to encourage leaders at St. Kate’s today. Presently, students in the Antonian Scholars Honors program achieve exceptional academic performance, and develop skills as leaders and creative thinkers through participation in interdisciplinary seminar classes and competition of an independent study based on an interest or passion.