As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing students to contribute to the world through service and leadership.
Transform students into leaders inspired by Franciscan values and tradition to serve and shape our world.
The University of St. Francis acknowledges this sacred land held in stewardship as the original home of past indigenous peoples—most recently, the Illini, the Potawatomi, the Ojibwa, the Sauk, the Fox, and the Miami peoples. We acknowledge our Creator God’s understanding of and reverence for the land and its resources, and the respect indigenous people have shown towards all life upon it.
A “Peace Pole” is planted on the Quad of our main Joliet campus—its four sides each carved with the prayerful wish “May Peace Prevail” in four different languages.
As an institution whose very mission is to pass on to future generations the knowledge and debt owed to previous stewards of this land, the University of St. Francis humbly recognizes and celebrates its roots. Our hope—indeed, our duty—is to ensure there is peace between our brother sun, our sister air, our Mother Earth, (References Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures) the indigenous peoples of this land, the descendants of the immigrant Sisters and we, their followers, and all those who have yet to walk this land.
The University of St. Francis was established in 1920 by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for the education of its own members. For a detailed history of the school, including current milestones, visit stfrancis.edu/centennial.
