Xavier University of Louisiana is marking an incredible milestone: its 100th anniversary. The nation’s oldest and only Catholic historically Black college and university (HBCU) celebrated this achievement in a spectacular fashion on January 17. With the sounds of handbells ringing through the air, the university kicked off a year-long celebration of its rich history, growth, and future aspirations.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Change
Founded in 1915 as a high school by Mother Katherine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University was established with a vision to provide educational opportunities to Black students. In 1925, the institution expanded its academic offerings to include a four-year college program, a groundbreaking move to ensure that Black students, who were excluded from white institutions due to Jim Crow laws, could continue their education.
This early focus on accessibility set the foundation for Xavier’s evolution into an academic powerhouse. Today, Xavier is not just a center of higher learning but a beacon of hope for many underrepresented students. “Xavier is not just a unique university, it’s a sacred space,” said Xavier President Reynold Verret, speaking about the school’s historic mission and future ambitions.
Xavier’s Role in Civil Rights History
Xavier’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. The university played a pivotal role during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1961, when the Freedom Riders tested the federal enforcement of desegregation laws, Xavier opened its doors to protect these activists from violent mobs in New Orleans. Thanks to the leadership of Norman C. Francis, who would later become Xavier’s first Black president, the university stood as a symbol of safety and support during turbulent times.
Under Francis’ leadership from 1968 until his retirement in 2015, Xavier grew its reputation and continued to break down barriers, offering an inclusive education long before it became a national norm.
Pioneering New Heights: A Groundbreaking Medical School
As part of its centennial celebration, Xavier has its sights set on a major new venture: the creation of a medical school. The university is collaborating with Ochsner Health to establish this innovative institution, which aims to become the fifth historically Black medical school in the United States within just three years of its accreditation. This bold move not only continues Xavier’s mission to serve underrepresented communities but also ensures that future generations of Black doctors and healthcare professionals are trained to meet the needs of diverse populations across the country and the world.
“We are creating opportunity and service for communities, not just locally but globally,” Verret stated. This new medical school is poised to be one of the signature achievements of Verret’s tenure, building on the legacy of Xavier’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
Fundraising for a Bold Future
In addition to its medical school plans, Xavier is also embarking on a $500 million fundraising campaign in 2024. With a remarkable $125 million raised in its first year, the university is on track to build an endowment that rivals those of top institutions like Notre Dame and Harvard. Justin Augustine, chair of Xavier’s Board of Trustees, is optimistic about the future: “If Notre Dame and Harvard can have a billion-dollar endowment, why can’t Xavier?”
This ambitious campaign will not only fund the new medical school but will also support Xavier’s mission to continue offering high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. The university’s long-term vision includes a foundation of financial stability that can fuel its growth and impact for generations to come.
