Marian University

About Marian University

At Marian University, our vision is to provide an education distinguished in its ability to prepare transformative leaders for service to the world. Our mission is to be a great Catholic university dedicated to achieving excellence in learning, which is achieved through teaching, research, and scholarly activities in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition. We welcome students of all faiths who seek an educational experience framed within the context of our Franciscan values of dignity of the individual, peace and justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship. Our understanding of these values is informed by reflection on the life of Jesus Christ and prayer. The institution grew out of the dedication and vision of Sister Theresa Hackelmeier and the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, who established a school in Oldenburg, Indiana, in 1851. The college was founded in Oldenburg in 1936 and moved to Indianapolis in 1937. On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University. Daniel J. Elsener became the eighth president of Marian College, now Marian University, on August 1, 2001. President Elsener has dedicated his professional life to the mission of Catholic education. As a result of his energetic and visionary leadership the university has experienced great success recruiting students and raising money to advance the mission of the university.