La Salle University

From a humble parish on North 2nd Street to a sprawling urban campus, La Salle University’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. La Salle University first opened its doors in 1863, thanks to the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It was named after their founder, St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, not the explorer as some believe. The university’s early years were marked by several relocations. Initially housed in St. Michael’s Parish, La Salle University then briefly occupied the former premises of St. Joseph’s College on Filbert Street. Its third home was a grand mansion on North Broad Street, once belonging to the great-great-grandfather of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The need for more space led La Salle University to its current location in 1930, at the intersection of 20th Street and Olney Avenue. This move to the Logan neighborhood offered a suburban atmosphere while remaining connected to the city via the Broad Street Subway. The 1930s presented significant financial challenges, nearly forcing the university’s closure. A successful 75th Anniversary Fund Drive in 1938, led by John McCarthy, saved the institution and even allowed for land acquisition. This land, east of 19th Street, was originally intended for a city college. World War II brought another near closure due to low enrollment, but the post-war era saw a resurgence. New buildings sprung up, including a library, student union, and science building. Student housing expanded with the purchase of land from the Belfield Country Club and local homes like “The Mansion.” In 1970, La Salle University became co-educational, opening its doors to women. The following year, Olney Hall, now Hayman Hall, became the main academic building. Expansion continued throughout the ’70s and ’80s with the purchase of land in Germantown and the Belfield Estate, the former home of Charles Willson Peale. In 2007, La Salle University further expanded its reach by acquiring the former Germantown Hospital, transforming it into West Campus. La Salle University’s campus today boasts a blend of historic and modern structures, including the Connelly Library, the Roland Holroyd Science Center, and the Hansen Quad. The La Salle University Art Museum, located in Hayman Hall’s basement, holds a remarkable collection, including a “Walking Madonna” by Dame Elisabeth Frink. La Salle University’s basketball legacy is legendary, with a national championship win in 1954 and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013. From humble beginnings to a thriving university, La Salle University’s story continues to unfold.