Notre Dame de Namur University: A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation

In the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation and progress define the landscape, stands Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), an institution with a rich history stretching back to 1851. NDNU is one of California's oldest higher education institutions, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to forward-thinking education. As a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational university, NDNU's enduring mission is to empower people through education. The university proudly serves adult learners from diverse backgrounds, offering flexible, values-based education accessible on campus, online, or through blended learning environments. NDNU upholds the values of community, social justice, and lifelong learning, continuing a 170+ year mission that began with a revolutionary goal: empowering people through education.

A Legacy of Firsts and a Commitment to Empowerment

Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU began as a bold experiment in equality and empowerment. At a time when women had few educational opportunities, NDNU became the first institution in California authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees to women. This pioneering spirit of inclusivity remains central to the university’s identity.

In 1851, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur founded the Academy of Notre Dame in San Jose, California. Chartered by the State of California in 1868, it became the College of Notre Dame, the first college in the state authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees to women. The institution changed its name to Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) in 2001.

Evolution and Adaptation in Higher Education

Throughout its history, NDNU has continually redefined what it means to provide meaningful education. As higher education evolves, NDNU has positioned itself as a trusted resource for adult learners and working professionals who seek academic advancement without compromising their existing responsibilities. These programs are designed for adult learners, with evening, weekend, and fully online options that allow students to continue working while they earn their degrees.

Recognizing that today’s students need flexibility and accessibility more than ever, NDNU has invested in robust online degree offerings alongside its traditional and hybrid learning environments. This flexibility enables students throughout California-and beyond-to receive a Notre Dame de Namur University education no matter where they live or what their schedules demand. The online experience is designed to preserve NDNU’s unique strengths: small class sizes, engaged faculty, and a collaborative learning culture.

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The university began offering partnerships with local community colleges in 2009 to provide greater access to higher education. That same year, it became a Hispanic-Serving Institution, meaning at least 25% of its undergraduate population is Hispanic. The online degree program was established in 2012, and in 2013, the university introduced one of the first PhD programs in art therapy in the nation.

Mission-Driven Education for Lives of Purpose

What truly sets NDNU apart is its mission-driven approach to education. At its core, the university seeks not just to prepare graduates for jobs-but to prepare them for lives of purpose, service, and impact. Students are encouraged to become socially responsible leaders who not only succeed professionally but also make meaningful contributions to their communities.

NDNU’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, which is why the community’s recognition in the 2025 Best of San Mateo Awards is such a meaningful honor. Being voted Winner in the category of Best Continuing Education Options and a Top 5 in the category of Best Independent Schools affirms the university’s mission of serving learners at every stage of life-from traditional undergraduates to mid-career professionals to retirees seeking new purpose.

NDNU extends its heartfelt gratitude to the San Mateo community for this recognition. Across California and beyond, NDNU alumni are putting their education into practice in ways that create measurable impact. From running small businesses and counseling individuals and families, to shaping educational policy and leading nonprofit initiatives, NDNU graduates embody the university’s values in action.

Personalized Learning and Support

At NDNU, education is never one-size-fits-all. Faculty and staff are committed to personalized academic advising, small class sizes, and open-door mentorship that ensure each student is supported every step of the way.

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Recent Developments and Future Outlook

NDNU recently reached two significant milestones: transitioning to a graduate-only institution and celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Belmont campus. The 100th anniversary event in 2023 served as a focal point for media attention.

In March 2020, the university announced major changes due to ongoing financial issues, declining enrollment, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The board of trustees decided to prioritize current students completing degrees by the end of the 2020-21 academic year while assisting other students in transfer options due to uncertainty of operations beyond the spring 2021 semester. This resulted in mass layoffs and the closure of some of their most successful departments including all their undergraduate programs.

In 2022, the university's accreditor, the WASC Senior College and University Commission, formally warned the university that it was not in compliance with the commission's accreditation standards.

As NDNU prepares for the future, its mission remains rooted in the same ideals that guided its founding: a commitment to education that uplifts, empowers, and evolves.

Campus and Facilities

Notre Dame de Namur University is located in Belmont, California, on the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula, near the Pacific Ocean. The campus developed around Ralston Hall Mansion, built by William Chapman Ralston shortly after purchasing the property in 1864. Ralston was a pivotal figure in the gold and silver bonanzas, which helped him amass wealth.

Cuvilly Hall, named for Sr. Julie Billiart's birthplace, is one of the main instructional buildings and houses the School of Business and Management. St. Mary's Hall is the largest instructional building and includes classrooms, science labs, two computer labs, public safety, and the financial aid, registrar, and business offices.

Ralston Hall housed admissions, administrative and faculty offices, and its first floor rooms, including a ballroom modeled after the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, were rented for events until late 2011, when a preliminary assessment suggested that occupants may not be safe in the event of an earthquake. The building was indefinitely unoccupied until funds could be raised to complete a replacement or retrofit of the masonry foundation, in addition to extensive seismic work on the upper floors.

Academic Structure and Programs

The university is organized into three schools: the School of Business and Management, the School of Education, and the School of Psychology. Notre Dame de Namur University offers master's degrees and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Education credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The MS Clinical Psychology program with the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration (MSCP/MFT), or with the Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling concentration (MSCP/MFT/LPCC), is in compliance with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for programs leading to MFT licensure (MSCP/MFT), or to both MFT and LPCC licensure (MSCP/MFT/LPCC).

Sister Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement

The Sister Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement (DSC) was established on the Notre Dame de Namur University campus in honor of the work of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, who was murdered in Brazil due to her efforts to aid the poor farmers and the environment in that country. The center works to increase awareness of social and environmental justice issues, as well as encourage dialogue, community service, engagement, and activism in these areas.

Athletics

The Notre Dame de Namur University Argonauts were the athletic teams of the university until 2020. The university mascot, the Argonaut, was named for the mythical Argonauts who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece. At the time of the discontinuation, NDNU had 12 varsity sports. Notre Dame athletics competed in the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Northern California Athletic Conference (NCAC) until after the 1996-97 season when the conference disbanded. The university most recently competed at the Division II level as members of the Pacific West, except for men's lacrosse, which had an Independent affiliation after leaving the Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association at the end of the 2014 spring season (2013-14 school year). In March 2020, the university announced the discontinuation of the athletics programs effective at the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Notre Dame de Namur University has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's mission of fostering socially responsible leaders who create a positive impact on their communities.

Kelly Cansler: Completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU and launched an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance.
Brian Schumacker: Manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University.
Mario Rendon: Serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin.
Magda Gonzalez: Was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California.
Jeremy Dennis: Currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager.
Dorothy Stang: Class of 1964, was an activist and Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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