Fontbonne University: A Legacy of Virtue, Knowledge, and Notable Alumni
Fontbonne University, an institution rooted in the values of virtue and knowledge, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of higher education. Established in 1923, Fontbonne initially served as a women's college before transitioning to a co-educational institution in the 1970s. Although the university announced its closure in 2025, its legacy lives on through its vast network of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article delves into the history, academic offerings, and notable alumni of Fontbonne University, celebrating its rich heritage and the accomplishments of its graduates.
A Historical Overview
Fontbonne University's origins trace back to 1841 with the establishment of St. Joseph's Academy by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In 1923, Fontbonne College was founded, named after Mother St. John Fontbonne, who refounded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1808 after the French Revolution. The Sisters of St. Joseph, originally founded in France in 1650, had established American roots in Carondelet, Missouri, in 1836.
The college experienced significant growth in its early years. Following World War I, classes began at "Carondelet College," with the first eight baccalaureate degrees awarded in 1927. A new campus was constructed to accommodate the increasing student population, and a liberal arts curriculum was developed over the next two decades. The campus expanded to include a cafeteria, swimming pool, gymnasium, and Medaille Hall, the university's first residence hall.
In the 1950s, Fontbonne expanded its Department of Education to include special education, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and mental handicaps. A major in deaf education was established in collaboration with St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf, and a department of communication disorders was created to train teachers for speech-impaired children and adults. The high school and college sections were separated in 1955 due to insufficient space, with the high school relocating to a new campus in Frontenac.
The university continued to evolve, becoming co-educational in the 1970s and expanding its service programs to include dietetics, special education, communication disorders, and deaf education. In 1995, Dr. Dennis C. Golden was inaugurated as the first male president. The institution officially became Fontbonne University on March 14, 2002. In 2017, Fontbonne acquired 23 acres of the former JFK High School to provide athletic and academic facilities for its students.
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Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs
Fontbonne University offered a wide array of undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs across three colleges, encompassing approximately 100 areas of study. The university's academic offerings spanned humanities, social sciences, arts, natural sciences, education, business, and management. Fontbonne was particularly recognized for its special education programs catering to students with learning disabilities, mental handicaps, and behavioral disorders.
The university boasted avant-garde teaching and learning facilities, including spacious classrooms, conference rooms, workshop centers, and practice rooms equipped with modern technology. The Jack C. Taylor Library housed a vast collection of printed and digital resources, supporting teaching, learning, and research endeavors.
Fontbonne's commitment to academic excellence was reflected in its faculty, comprised of knowledgeable and experienced affiliates. The university's dedication to research was evident in its publications and citations across various fields, including liberal arts and social sciences, computer science, psychology, medicine, and political science.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
Beyond academics, Fontbonne University provided a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse student interests. The university also fielded 17 athletic teams, known as the Griffins, competing in sports such as baseball, basketball, lacrosse, golf, bowling, field hockey, tennis, cross country, track and field, volleyball, and soccer. Fontbonne was a member of the Division III ranks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC).
Fontbonne University fostered a supportive environment for its students, offering career guidance, health care services, and personal counseling to address stress, fear, and other mental health concerns. The campus featured three residence halls providing housing facilities in standard rooms, suites, and apartment-style accommodations.
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Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Achievement
Fontbonne University's legacy is further enriched by its accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in diverse fields. Among the notable names are:
- Bob Cassilly: An American sculptor, creative director, and entrepreneur, Cassilly is best known for founding the City Museum in St. Louis, a unique and popular tourist attraction.
- Karla Drenner: A politician and academic, Drenner has served in the Georgia House of Representatives.
- Sam Dotson: A security expert, Dotson previously served as the chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
- Suzy Gorman: A professional photographer, Gorman has captured portraits of prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and celebrities like Nelly and Bob Costas.
- Mary Louise Preis: An American politician, Preis has served as a Maryland State Delegate.
- Kenneth Page: An American actor and cabaret singer, Page is renowned for his role as Ken in the original Broadway production of "Ain't Misbehavin'" and Old Deuteronomy in "Cats." He also voiced Oogie Boogie in "The Nightmare Before Christmas" franchise.
- Nate Tate: An American politician.
- Vivian Gibson: A coach for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
- La'Roi Glover: Defensive line coach for the St. Louis Battlehawks
These alumni exemplify the values of virtue and knowledge instilled at Fontbonne University, demonstrating the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of the institution on its graduates.
Challenges and Closure
Despite its rich history and contributions, Fontbonne University faced significant challenges in recent years, including declining enrollment and financial constraints. In March 2024, university officials announced the decision to cease operations by 2025. The closure marks the end of an era for Fontbonne University, but its legacy will continue through its alumni, faculty, and the countless lives it has touched.
Fontbonne University's Enduring Impact
Fontbonne University's impact extends far beyond its campus boundaries. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education, fostering a supportive community, and instilling values of virtue and knowledge has shaped the lives of its students and prepared them to make meaningful contributions to society.
The university's focus on special education and its programs for students with disabilities has had a profound impact on the field of education, providing educators with the skills and knowledge to support diverse learners. Fontbonne's graduates have gone on to become leaders in education, healthcare, business, and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy of service and achievement.
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As Fontbonne University prepares to close its doors, its legacy will endure through the accomplishments of its alumni, the memories of its faculty and staff, and the countless lives it has touched. The university's commitment to virtue, knowledge, and service will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and change-makers.
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