Marylhurst University, located in Marylhurst, Oregon, announced in May 2018 that it would close by the end of the calendar year. The university chose to partner with Saint Martin’s University to continue its legacy. As part of the agreement, Marylhurst will transfer a $3.14 million endowment to Saint Martin’s, which will generate over $100,000 in scholarships annually to future Saint Martin’s students. Saint Martin’s will serve as the custodial institution for Marylhurst University’s records and transcripts. In addition, Marylhurst alumni will be able to opt-in to communications from Saint Martin’s to connect with fellow alumni and stay up-to-date on important information, special events, and future programs. Marylhurst alumni can opt-in through a special page on the Saint Martin’s website: https://www.stmartin.edu/marylhurst.
“As a fellow Catholic institution of higher education, Saint Martin’s University is honored to partner with Marylhurst University to serve as a custodial institution and to assist its alumni,” said Saint Martin’s University President Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D. “We look forward to welcoming Marylhurst alumni into our community.”
Marylhurst University was in operation for 125 years. In 1859, 12 Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary left their home in Quebec to establish an educational community in Portland, Oregon. St. Mary’s Academy opened its doors that same year, expanding to St. Mary’s Academy and College in 1893, and in 1930, the college operations relocated to the current campus nestled between the cities of Lake Oswego and West Linn. In its early days, Marylhurst College provided higher education to young women. In 1974, Marylhurst transitioned to a co-educational college for lifelong learners, one of the first in the nation, serving older students returning to complete degrees. In 1998, Marylhurst became a university, adding master’s degrees and online degree completion programs. With each turn, Marylhurst University provided access to a quality education to those whose opportunities were limited by gender, age, location, and other barriers. Marylhurst University has awarded thousands of degrees, with more than 12,000 living alumni today.
