Founded in 1950 Marymount University has a rich history. It began as Marymount College a two-year women’s school. The campus sits on the former estate of Admiral Presley Marion Rixey. He was the Naval Surgeon General and personal physician to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley. Classes were held in the Rixey Mansion later renamed the Main House.
Marymount became a four-year college in 1973. It added master’s degree programs in 1979. Its first doctoral program a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy started in 2005. Men were admitted to the nursing program in 1972. The college became fully coeducational in 1986. Its name changed to Marymount University.
In 2010 Marymount celebrated its 60th anniversary. It opened Caruthers Hall a 52000 square foot academic facility. Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Hall a 77000 square foot residence hall also opened. Malek Plaza a gathering area between the buildings features a statue of Sister Majella Berg. She was Marymount’s president from 1960 to 1993.
The Ballston Center opened in 2017. This LEED Gold Certified complex includes a nine-story academic office tower. Placemaker Marymount Ballston a 12-story student housing extended stay hotel is also part of the complex. Both have multi-level underground parking. A public plaza and the Reinsch Pierce Family Courtyard anchor the Ballston Center.
Under President Irma Becerra Marymount became Virginia’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution. The university restructured its academic programs. It launched several fully online doctorate programs. The Saints Service Network and the ABIDE Hub also opened. As of June 30 2017 endowments totaled 43 million dollars. Marymount University continues to evolve and grow. It remains a significant presence in the community. The university’s commitment to education and service is evident. This is especially true in its numerous programs and initiatives. Marymount University stands as a testament to its founding vision. It provides opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.