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Founders' Day is the day in which St. Mary's Academy commemorates the school's founding in October of 1859. Each year on the closest Friday to October 22, we celebrate our unique mission and rich history. For one week leading up to the event, current students learn about the history and legacy of the school. Alumnae observing their 50th, 60th, 70th, 75th, and even 80th reunion years are invited as honored guests on this special day to celebrate with our entire student body and staff. A full day of festivities is planned by our campus ministry and alumnae relations departments.
St. Mary's Academy was founded in October of 1859. At the request of Oregon's Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet, twelve Holy Names Sisters of Jesus and Mary from Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, journeyed to Portland and established the first Holy Names province in the United States. On November 6, just 15 days after their arrival, they opened St. Mary's Academy. On the first day they enrolled six students - three Catholic, two Jewish, and one Anglican. In 1867, the first two graduates received their diplomas. Our twelve pioneer Sisters whose hope for the future, determination, and spirit of sacrifice made it possible for St. Mary's to shape the lives of more than 10,000 young women over the past 147 years.
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