College of Mount Saint Vincent: A Legacy of Education and Opportunity

The College of Mount Saint Vincent, an institution rooted in a rich history and committed to providing a transformative educational experience, has evolved from its origins as a school for women to a comprehensive university serving a diverse student body. This article explores the college's history, academic programs, campus landmarks, and commitment to student success.

A Foundation of Female Education

Founded in 1847 as the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent, the institution initially served as a school for women. This commitment to female education marked the beginning of a long and impactful journey. In 1911, the academy achieved a significant milestone, becoming a degree-granting institution and officially changing its name to the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

Today, the university serves over 1,800 students with professional undergraduate programs in nursing, business, communication, and education. Recognizing the evolving needs of its students and the demands of the modern workforce, the College of Mount Saint Vincent also offers graduate degree programs in nursing, physician assistant, business, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and education.

An alliance between the University of Mount Saint Vincent and St. John’s University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences permits motivated History majors who achieve an impressive record of performance to earn an MA in History from St. John's University. History majors apply for this program at the end of their sophomore year and then take one graduate course in each semester of their junior and senior years, for a total of 12 graduate credits. These credits are applied to their BA degree in History at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and to their Master of Arts degree at St. John's University. Grades are not transferred from Saint John’s University to the University of Mount Saint Vincent, only credits. During the year following graduation from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, History majors complete all remaining requirements for the MA in History at St. John's University.

The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its comprehensive curriculum and dedication to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

Campus Landmarks: A Blend of History and Modernity

The College of Mount Saint Vincent's campus is home to several notable landmarks that reflect its rich history and architectural heritage.

Fonthill Castle

Fonthill Castle once formed the architectural symbol of the university and housed the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. The castle housed the university's library from 1942 to 1968.

The Villa

One of the original buildings on site, the Villa (or gardener's cottage) was built of ashlar, sometime prior to 1856 in mid-19th century "bracketed" style. From 1887 to 1911 the "Stone Cottage" (originally called "Lourdes Villa") housed the St. Aloysius Academy for Boys. Many of the boys attending had sisters who were students at Mt. St. Vincent.

Founders Hall

Founders Hall (formerly the administration building) was built between 1857 and 1859 and subsequently expanded in 1865, 1883, 1906-1908, and in 1951. The original building is a five-story red brick building on a fieldstone base. It features a six-story square tower topped by a copper lantern and spire.

Maryvale

Maryvale was constructed in 1859; it originally served as a laundry. In 1906 the laundry moved to the newly constructed Rosary Hall and Maryvale housed science classes. In 1954, Science classes moved to the new science building and Maryvale became the Library Annex and Studio Annex. It later housed the communications and fine arts departments. Maryvale features a radio studio and a TV studio. The radio shows streams live on livestream.

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Le Gras Hall

In 1911, with the opening of a parochial school in Riverdale (St. Margaret of Cortona School), Le Gras was remodeled to house the university gymnasium with an auditorium on the second floor. It also housed the commuter students' cafeteria.

Sharp Center

Opened in 2009, the Sharp Center offers 50,000 square feet of recreational space and houses the university's basketball courts, fitness center, and athletic offices.

Elizabeth Seton Library

In 1968, the new Elizabeth Seton Library was opened.

These landmarks serve as a testament to the college's enduring legacy and commitment to providing a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

Athletics

Mount Saint Vincent teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III.

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The Elizabeth Seton Medal

The Elizabeth Seton Medal, the university’s highest honor, is named after the native New Yorker, Saint, and founder of the Sisters of Charity. It is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievements, generosity of spirit, and extraordinary self-sacrifice.

Getting to the Campus

The College of Mount Saint Vincent is accessible by various modes of transportation:

Subway:
- Independent (Eighth Avenue "A") train to West 207th Street. Leave station via 211th Street exit.
- I.R.T West Side (#1 train - Van Cortlandt and 242nd Street) to West 231st Street. Take City Line bus #7 or #10 to the campus gate.
Bus:
- Riverdale Express buses from midtown and lower Manhattan, east and west sides. Weekday schedules every 30 minutes. Several buses connect with the City Lines buses at Broadway and 231st Street. The #7 or #10 stop at the campus gate.
Car:
- From the George Washington Bridge: Exit for Henry Hudson Parkway NORTH. Northbound, take Exit 22, West 253rd St. Turn right at the stop sign and bear right over the parkway to Riverdale Avenue. Proceed on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Turn left into the campus.
- From Manhattan's West Side Highway: Proceed north on Manhattan's West Side Highway to the Henry Hudson Parkway NORTH. Northbound, take Exit 22, West 253rd St. Turn right at the stop sign and bear right over the parkway to Riverdale Avenue. Proceed on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Turn left into the campus.
- From the Throgs Neck or Whitestone Bridge: Throgs Neck or Whitestone Bridge to the Cross Bronx Expressway. Exit at Rosedale Ave/Bronx River Parkway. Take Bronx River Parkway NORTH to the Mosholu Parkway. Turn right at the light and take the Mosholu to the Henry Hudson Parkway SOUTH. Southbound, take Exit 22, West 254th Street. Turn left at stop sign, go one block to Riverdale Avenue. Turn right and proceed north on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Turn left into the campus.
- From the Triboro Bridge: Triboro Bridge to Major Deegan Expressway to Exit 11(Van Cortlandt Park SOUTH). Bear right off the expressway to Broadway. Right on Broadway to 261st Street. Left on 261st Street to Riverdale Avenue. Right on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Turn left into the campus.
- From the North via the Saw Mill River Parkway: Take the NY State Thruway, the Taconic State Parkway, Sprain Brook Parkway, Bronx River, or Hutchinson River Parkway SOUTH to the Cross County Parkway WEST to the Saw Mill River Parkway SOUTH to the Henry Hudson Parkway SOUTH. OR Take the Saw Mill Parkway SOUTH to the Henry Hudson Parkway SOUTH. Southbound, take Exit 22, West 254th Street. Turn left at stop sign, go one block to Riverdale Avenue. Turn right and proceed north on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Turn left into the campus. Northbound, take Exit 22, West 253rd St. Turn right at the stop sign and bear right over the parkway to Riverdale Avenue. Proceed on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street. Southbound, take Exit 22, West 254th Street. Turn left at stop sign, go one block to Riverdale Avenue. Turn right and proceed north on Riverdale Avenue to 263rd Street.

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