Isn’t it remarkable that St. Francis College started as an academy? In 1859, the Franciscan Brothers founded St. Francis Academy. It was the first Catholic school in Brooklyn.
St. Francis College has a rich history. It began with a vision to educate the large number of immigrants in America. The school opened its doors on Baltic Street. It quickly grew.
In 1884, the trustees of St. Francis College received permission. They could establish a literary college. It was under its current name. The college gained the power to confer degrees and honors. St. Francis College conferred its first Bachelor of Arts degree in June 1885. Seven years later, the first Bachelor of Science degree was granted.
Did you know that St. Francis College fielded the first collegiate men’s basketball team in New York City? That was in 1896. The College continued to grow. It built a new facility on Butler Street in 1926.
St. Francis College transformed over time. In 1952, it became a four-year liberal arts college. By 1959, the college became co-educational. It started admitting male students part-time.
The college embarked on an expansion program. In 1960, five office buildings in the Brooklyn Civic Center were purchased. The cost was $5 million. In 1961, the college purchased the Herman Behr Mansion. It served as a residence for the Franciscan Brothers. This signaled the move to Brooklyn Heights.
In 1963, St. Francis College relocated to Remsen Street. It purchased five office buildings from the Brooklyn Union Gas Company. This allowed the college to double its enrollment. Additional property was purchased on Remsen and Joralemon Streets in 1969. Enrollment exceeded 3,000 students.
St. Francis College is known for its commitment. It provides a student-centered education in a diverse environment. The college offers many academic programs. These include liberal arts and professional programs.
In May 2021, St. Francis College executed a lease. It was for a new campus at 179 Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn. The relocation to the new campus was completed in September 2022.
Today, St. Francis College has more than 4,500 students and 20,000 alumni. The students come from diverse backgrounds. They represent over 70 countries and 40 plus languages.
St. Francis College is an inclusive institution. It is rooted in academic excellence and ethical leadership. The college prepares students to thrive in a global community. It helps them shape a just society. The mission is based on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscan values of community, collaboration, and connection continue today. They are just as the Franciscan Brothers envisaged. This was more than 165 years ago.