La Salle University
La Salle University is named after Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers. Saint John Baptist de La Salle was born into a wealthy family in Reims, France during the 17th century. He was well-educated, held a doctoral degree and was an ordained priest at the Cathedral of Reims.
Through many encounters, De La Salle found himself called to serve the poor and disadvantaged, specifically children, whose lack of access to education was perpetuating poverty.
Responding to these needs, he began to establish schools. In 1680, John Baptist de La Salle founded a Catholic religious order of men that is now known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He lived the remainder of his life among the poor, ministering to his teachers (his Brothers) and touching the minds and hearts of his students so that they might lead more purposeful lives.
This form of apostolic life has evolved over three centuries. The Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian Mission, derived from De La Salle’s name, places a commitment on education and specifically for those who are poor and marginalized. The term “Lasallian” is more than just a label, it guides everything we do – why we do things and how we do things.
As a Lasallian university at La Salle we believe:
- in the living presence of God within each individual, that everyone has valuable gifts to contribute to our world and that education is the best way to foster these gifts.
- that every human being deserves dignity and respect. Our explorer community includes people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences and have different opinions and ways of thinking.
- in a quality education is the core of who we are as a university community. We strive to make education accessible to as many people as possible and are committed to providing the best education so that our students can make a positive impact on society and live fruitful lives.
- while we are a Catholic institution, we foster and support everyone’s faith journey. We offer Mass, and provide an interfaith prayer space for all members of the community. Open-mindedness and acceptance is essential to our work, we strive to ensure all interests across campus are supported and represented.
- we are called to stand in solidarity with the poor and advocate for those suffering from injustice. We strive to educate our community on the root causes of poverty and injustice and work to make lasting social change.
La Salle University is part of a global Lasallian network of Brothers and Lasallian Partners (men and women, married and single, women and men religious who belong to other institutes, diocesan priests and deacons who share responsibility with the Brothers for the Lasallian educational mission.) operating over 1,000 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational centers, in 80 countries on six continents and serving over 1 million students.
La Salle University is part of an International Association of La Salle Universities that currently include 64 Lasallian higher education institutions.