Time Line of Alverno College History

Time Line of
Alverno College History

1874	The School Sisters of St. Francis arrived in Wisconsin.
Co-Foundresses of the School Sisters of St. Francis	Mother M. Alexia \| Mother M. Alfons
	This was the first Motherhouse of the School Sisters of St. Francis at New Cassel (now Campbellsport), WI.
1887	St. Joseph's Normal School, the precursor of Alverno College was founded to teach School Sisters of St. Francis to be parish teachers.
1890	A charter was received from the State of Wisconsin to grant degrees.
1890	These are the ruins of the first Motherhouse of the School Sisters of St. Francis on Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee. It was destroyed by fire.
	This is the present Motherhouse of the School Sisters of St. Francis (previously known as St. Joseph Convent and now known as the St. Joseph Center.) It was built on the site of the old Motherhouse. The facility also housed Alverno College from its beginnings until the present campus was built and ready for occupancy in September 1953.	School Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse
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1924	St. Joseph Convent Conservatory of Music opened.
1930	Sacred Heart School of Nursing opened.	Sacred Heart Sanitarium & School of Nursing
1933	St. Joseph Convent Conservatory of Music began offering a two-year program and was renamed the St. Joseph Convent College of Music.
1936	St. Joseph Normal School became Alverno Teachers College.	Cover of First Bulletin for Alverno Teacher's College
1936	St. Joseph Convent College of Music became a four-year program and was renamed again: Alverno College of Music.
1946	Alverno Teachers College became Alverno College, a four-year liberal arts college.	First Bulletin with the name Alverno College on it
1948	In January, Alverno College officially opened to lay women (except lay Music students who had been attending since 1937.)	Lay Women at Alverno
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1950	Alverno College of Music merged with Alverno College becoming a department of the College.
1951	Sacred Heart School of Nursing merged with and became a department of Alverno College. Sister Augustine Scheele became the first President of the newly merged institution and Sister Jutta Hollenbeck became its first Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean. For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here.	Sister Augustine and Sister Jutta
1951	Construction of the present Alverno College campus was begun on the site of the former Fischer Farm. The School Sisters of St. Francis purchased the land on S. 39th Street (in July 1944) in anticipation of the College outgrowing the facilities at St. Joseph Convent.	Fischer Farm
1952	The statue of St. Francis of Assisi was moved into place over the former main entrance on October 2, 1952. The cornerstone of Alverno College was laid on Sunday, October 19, 1952.	Laying of the Cornerstone
	Work in progress on the chapel at Alverno College.
1953	Alverno College moved to its present location. The original Alverno College campus buildings included the main administration building (now Founders Hall) with its classrooms, chapel, cafeteria and kitchen; the auditorium and gym on the south; and Corona Hall (dormitory) on the north. All these buildings were interconnected. Visit the exhibit, "What's in a Name? The Names and Places of Alverno College" to learn more about places and spaces on campus.
1954	The new Alverno College Campus was dedicated on April 21, 1954.	This is the menu and program for the Dedication dinner
1954	Alverno Elementary School, a laboratory school, where elementary education majors would observe teaching at its best, was the next building to be built. It is now called Elizabeth Hall and houses the Alverno Early Learning Center.	Construction of Lab School
1956	A need for more practice rooms, music faculty offices, and a music recital hall triggered the building of the music wing including Alphonsa Hall.	Music Wing Drawing
1956	As the resident population outgrew Corona Hall, the construction of Clare Hall was also begun in 1956. Visit the exhibit, "What's in a Name? The Names and Places of Alverno College" to learn more about places and spaces on campus.
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1960	Sister J. Dolores Brunner (then known as Sister M. Providencia) became Alverno's second Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean. The Society of Fine Arts (SOFA), later called Alverno Presents, was founded by Sister Laura Lampe. It was the longest running performing arts series in Milwaukee.	Sister J. Dolores Brunner ( Sister M. Providencia)
1965	Taking two years to construct, Loretto Hall, now called Austin Hall, was opened.	Article from Alverno Alumnae Contact, October 1964
1966	Construction of the Nursing Education Building (now known as Christopher Hall) was begun. The building opened in September 1967. Visit the exhibit, "What's in a Name? The Names and Places of Alverno College" to learn more about places and spaces on campus.	Aerial view of Nursing Education Building Construction
1968	The School Sisters of St. Francis transferred leadership of Alverno to the first Lay Board of Trustees. Sister Joel Read became Alverno's sixth President. For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here.	First Lay Board of Trustees
1969	The "September '69" program came about as a forum for discussion between students, faculty and administration to effect beneficial changes in the Alverno learning process. Ideas that sprang forth from these dialogues eventually became the framework for the Alverno Ability- Based Curriculum. Learn More...	Alverno Today article on Sept. '69
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1970	The Research Center on Women (RCW) was established. Visit the RCW Exhibit to learn more. Babysitting Service, (renamed Childcare and now known as Alverno Early Learning Center,) began operating. The Career Services/Placement Office, now the Career Education Center, opened. Sister Bernarda Handrup became Alverno's third Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean.	Sister Marian Schreiner in the RCW Sister Bernarda Handrup
1971	Alverno's internship program, known in its early years as Off-Campus Experiential Learning (OCEL), started. Learn More...
1973	Alverno's unique Ability-Based Curriculum was instituted. The Assessment Center opened. The first Visitation Day was held for educators to learn about Alverno's teaching methods. Visitation days are now held semiannually. Visit the exhibit, "Unfolding Understandings: A History of the Alverno Learning Process" to learn more.	Alverno Today, September/October 1973
1974	Robert G. Pitman became Alverno's fourth Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean.	Robert G. Pitman
1975	The Alverno College Archives was created. Sister Joanne Barras was appointed as the first archivist.	Sister Joanne Barras, First College Archivist
1976	The Center for Instructional Communication (CIC), now known as the Media Hub, opened. Learn More... The Business/Management Department was established.It is now the School of Business.	Early Days of CIC
1977	Weekend College, now known as Alverno on the Weekend, was launched to reach out to working women who could not take time out to earn their degrees. The Professional Communication (PCM) Department was established.	February 25, 1977 Press Release
1978	The Alverno College Auditorium was renamed in memory of Robert Pitman. Sister Austin Doherty became Alverno's fifth Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean. Instructional Services began operation with Marlene Neises as director; offered were one reading class and one writing class each taught by Sue Witkowski.	Pitman Theatre Alverno Today, Winter 1978-79
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1980	Alverno Institute (now known as the Alverno Institute for Educational Outreach), which enables the college to support and share at the national level, the teaching and scholarship of its faculty, was established. Learn More...
1980	Telesis Institute, Alverno's non-degree program of continuing education and enrichment, opened. It ceased operation in 2015.	Press Release announcing Telesis November 24, 1980 Cover of the first Telesis Catalog
1984	Nijenrode University, the Business School of the Netherlands, formed a connection with Alverno.	Alverno Today, November 1984
1984	Virginia Wagner was named Dean of Students. She retired in 2015.	Virginia Wagner, Dean of Students
1986	Carnegie Institute for Advancement of Teaching named Alverno's general education program one of the top 3 in the nation.	Press Release from April 29, 1987
1987	U.S. News and World Report ranked Alverno number one. Money Magazine designated Alverno a "best buy".
1987	Alverno College celebrated its Centennial.	Alverno Magazine, April/May 1987
1989	The 100th Commencement was held.	Alverno Today, February 1990
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1990	An annual survey revealed that over 90% of Alverno graduates were employed within 6 months of graduation.	Press Release on Student Placement January 3, 1990
1991	Enrollment topped 2500; 21% were minority students.
1992	With the growing workload, the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean was split in two. Sister Kathleen O'Brien became Alverno's sixth Academic Dean and Sister Austin Doherty remained as Vice President of Academic Affairs.	Sister Kathleen O'Brien
1994	Alverno earned the prestigious Hesburgh Award for faculty development to enhance undergraduate teaching. The Alverno Commission on Education in the 21st Century delivered its final report, to be used in future planning for the college, to the Board of Trustees.	Alverno Today, March 1994
1996	Alverno's first Masters program-a Master of Arts for teachers/trainers, was approved, as well as a new major in Weekend College, Community Leadership and Development. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded a grant of $750,000 to Alverno College for its "distinctive approach to liberal arts education."	First College Bulletin for the Master of Arts Program Alverno cited as "A National Resource and Model" Alverno Magazine, June 1996
1997	Alverno broke ground on October 15, 1997 for the construction of the new Teaching, Learning & Technology Center (now known as the Sister Joel Read Center).	Teaching, Learning & Technology Center Under Construction January 1998
1998	The Communication, Management and Technology (CMT) major was approved for Weekend College and the Environmental Science major was approved for Weekday College.	Real Life (Student Magazine) May 1999
1999	The Teaching, Learning & Technology Center (now known as the Sister Joel Read Center), which includes science, computer, and multimedia labs, and a conference center, opened in January and was dedicated with grand opening festivities on April 17, 1999. Visit the exhibit, "What's in a Name? The Names and Places of Alverno College" to learn more about places and spaces on campus.	Alverno Magazine, Spring 1999 Program for TLTC Grand Opening
1999	In September, Sister Austin Doherty left her position as Vice President of Academic Affairs to become Director of the Alverno Institute; Sister Kathleen O'Brien became the new Vice President. Zohreh Emami and Tim Riordan became Associate Vice Presidents. The Alverno Diagnostic Digital Portfolio (DDP), a web-based electronic tool that allows a student to save and access selected key performances related to her learning as well as internships and volunteer work, was introduced in Fall 1999. Learn More...	Zohreh Emami and Tim Riordan
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2000	Alverno's Athletic program was officially re-initiated with the creation of the Alverno Inferno. Volleyball and basketball were planned for the 2000-2001 school year. Soccer, softball, and cross-country running were added later. Global Studies was approved as a major. The School Sisters of St. Francis, the College's founding Order, celebrated its 125th Anniversary.	Alverno Inferno first season schedules for volleyball and basketball
2001	The Alverno Archives Web site was launched. Computer Studies became a major area of study.
2002	Marketing Management and International Business were approved as new major areas of study. "The Mug" coffeehouse opened in the Campus Center (now Austin Hall.) The International and Intercultural Center opened.	"The Mug" Alverno Magazine, Summer 2002
2003	Sister Joel Read, President of Alverno College for 35 years, retired. For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here. Sister Kathleen O'Brien was named Interim President.	Sister Joel Read at her retirement, May 2003 Sister Kathleen O'Brien
2004	Dr. Mary J. Meehan became Alverno's seventh President. Her inauguration was on October 8, 2004. For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here.	Dr. Mary J. Meehan, PhD.
2005	In Fall 2005 Alverno began offering a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).	Alverno's New MSN Program Alverno Magazine Winter/Spring 2005
	Zohreh Emami stepped down from her position as an Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.	Zohreh Emami
	On November 8, 2005 the Campus Center was renamed Austin Hall in honor of Sister Austin Doherty for her service and dedication to Alverno.	Alverno Alpha November 2005
2006	In Fall 2006, Alverno began offering a Master of Business Administration. The Alverno College Campus received a facelift. The six month beautification project culminated with a dedication ceremony during homecoming on October 7, 2006.	The MBA Alverno Magazine Spring 2006 The campus beautification project included landscaping, signs, new athletic fields and a parking garage.
2007	The George Lucas Foundation named Alverno College one of the nation's ten leading schools for teacher education. Kathy Lake became an Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.	Kathy Lake
2008	Clare Hall (student residence) was renovated during the summer of 2008. There was a dedication ceremony on October 4, 2008 during Homecoming.	Clare Hall renovation was described in the Summer 2008 issue of Alverno Magazine The Clare Hall dedication was featured in the November 2008 issue of Alverno Alpha (Student Newspaper)
2009	On March 11, College President Mary Meehan received the Sacagawea Award from Professional Dimensions.	President Meehan receives Sacagawea Award
	Alverno's Research Center for Women and Girls (RCWG) was opened in Fall 2009 and Kate Masley was hired as its first director. Click here to learn more about Alverno's Research Center for Women and Girls.	Announcement of Alverno's new Research Center for Women and Girls
	A sixth sport, tennis, was added to the Alverno Inferno Athletics program.
	In October Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education,"singled out Alverno College as a shining star; a school that does an exemplary job in training and preparing teachers for the classroom. Learn More...
	The Alverno Childcare Center was renamed the Alverno Early Learning Center.	Alverno Early Learning Center
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2010	In June, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Walmart Foundation selected Alverno College to receive a $100,000 CIC/Walmart College Success Award. The funds were used to create the Promise Scholars Program for first generation student support. Two new programs of undergraduate study were added, an Asian Studies minor and a minor in Chinese Language and Culture.
	Two new specialties in Alverno's Master of Arts program were launched: a Special Education Licensure-to-Masters program and a World Humanities specialization. Calandra Lockhart was hired as program coordinator for Special Education.	Calandra Lockhart and Alverno's Special Education Program
	Alverno began offering a new Weekday major and minor in Women's and Gender Studies.	Alverno's Weekday Women's and Gender Studies major and minor
2011	Rhonda Matthews Ware was appointed Executive Director of the Research Center for Women and Girls. Click here to learn more about Alverno's Research Center for Women and Girls.	Rhonda Matthews Ware in the Spring 2012 Issue of Alverno Magazine
	Tim Riordan stepped down from his position and Jeana Abromeit became an Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.	Tim Riordan and Jeana Abromeit
	Alverno began offering a new Master of Science in Community Psychology and Counseling. A new specialty in the Master of Science in Nursing program: Family Nurse Practitioner was launched. Learn More...
2012	Alverno celebrated its 125th Anniversary.	Celebrating 125 years of innovation in education
	The Mug Coffeehouse received a needed makeover.	The Mug makeover in the Spring 2012 issue of Alverno Magazine
	The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC) announced that Alverno Early Learning Center had been awarded accreditation. As a NAC accredited center, Alverno Early Learning Center was recognized as an early care and education program that exemplifies excellence in the care of young children.
	In October, during Alverno's 125th anniversary Homecoming celebration, the Teaching Learning and Technology Center (TLTC) was renamed the Sister Joel Read Center (RC) in honor of Sister Joel Read. Learn More...	The Teaching Learning and Technology Center (TLTC) was renamed the Sister Joel Read Center
	Alverno's School of Nursing received a very generous donation from JoAnn Resch McGrath, a 1957 alumna of the nursing school. To recognize her vision and loyalty to the nursing program at Alverno, the college renamed the School of Nursing the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing on October 6th during Homecoming.	JoAnn Resch McGrath '57
2013	On April 18, Harvard's Dr. Howard Gardner received the inaugural "Sister Joel Read Outstanding Educator Award" Learn More...	Sister Joel Read and Dr. Howard Gardner. Gardner received the inaugural "Sister Joel Read Outstanding Educator Award."
	Alverno launched a newly-designed RN to BSN program in June 2013.
	The Master of Science in Nursing program was expanded with a new Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track in Fall 2013.
	In fall, golf was added as a seventh sport to the Alverno Inferno Athletics program.	Brad Duckworth and Nursing Student Devon Gorman on the golf course.
	In October 2013, a BA Completion program in Management was begun.
	On December 10, Alverno College announced a $30 million expansion and renovation project. Called Promise & Power, it was the largest in the college's history. Learn More...	Promise & Power Project Overview
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2014	On March 18 a ground breaking ceremony was held for the Promise & Power expansion and renovation project.	Promise & Power Early Construction March 2014
	In Spring, the college rebranding initiative was launched.
	The end of phase 1 of the Promise & Power expansion and renovation project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new La Verna Commons on August 25. Learn More...
	The Heritage Garden located outside the new LaVerna Commons and created to honor the School Sisters of St. Francis who have served Alverno, although not yet completed, was dedicated on October 3 during Homecoming.	Heritage Garden
2015	Alverno completed construction on the $30 million Promise & Power expansion and renovation project, the largest in Alverno's history.	Check out all the wonderful new places and spaces on campus as a result of Promise & Power
	Alexia Hall, named for School Sisters of St. Francis Foundress, Mother Alexia Hoell, opened its doors in January. Take a Virtual Tour! Visit the exhibit, "What's in a Name? The Names and Places of Alverno College" to learn more about places and spaces on campus.	The new Alexia Hall was named for School Sisters of St. Francis Foundress, Mother Alexia Hoell.
	On February 8, Sister Austin Doherty former Vice President of Academic Affairs and a mother of Alverno's innovative ability based curriculum passed away. Learn More... Visit the exhibit, about the life of Sister Austin Doherty.	Sister Austin Doherty (1927 -2015)
	In June, Alverno announced a new flexible Adult Evening and Online degree program to be launched in Fall. Learn More... Also in June, Telesis, Alverno's non-credit enrichment program closed its doors after 35 years.	Cover of the first College Bulletin for the new flexible Adult Evening and Online Degree Program
	A new Communication degree program that combines communication strategy with emerging technology was launched in Fall. Learn More...
	In December, Sister Kathleen O'Brien retired as Vice President of Academic Affairs after 15 years of service. Kathy Lake was appointed Acting Vice President.	Sister Kathleen O'Brien and Kathy Lake
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2016	In May, Alverno Presents (formerly Society of Fine Arts) closed its doors after 56 seasons. Learn More...
	Dr. Mary J. Meehan, Alverno's 7th President and the first lay person to hold that title, retired in June. Learn more about Mary's retirement and accomplishments both on campus and in the community... For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here. Also in June, Alverno announced the launching of two new degree programs in Fall, one in Health Education and another in Kinesiology. Learn More...	Dr. Mary J. Meehan
	In July, Dr. Andrea Lee, IHM, began her tenure as Alverno's 8th President. Learn More... For more information about Alverno Presidents, click here. Andrea Lee's continued work to advance awareness of the legacy and contributions of Catholic women religious prompted the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to award Alverno College a $2.7 million grant in October. The grant will be used to expand upon work Lee began while president of St. Cahterine University. The Hilton Sisters' Project will extend its geographic reach, placing new emphasis on young women in Latino communities. Read the Press Release... Alverno's first doctorate offering, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) was announced in October. It was launched in January 2017. More...	Dr. Andrea Lee, IHM Alverno announced its first doctorate offering, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in October 2016.
2017	Alverno celebrated its 130th Anniversary. Learn more about Alverno's rich history by visiting the exhibit, 130 Years and Counting. A $1 million gift from Marianne and Sheldon Lubar was announced on March 17 for a scholarship which will allow Alverno College to prepare more future teachers and help them reach graduation. Read the Press Release... On April 6 the Wisconsin Campus Compact (WiCC) recognized Alverno College’s Girls’ Academy of Science & Mathematics with the Esther Letvin Community-Campus Partnership Award.The award recognizes outstanding partnerships between colleges and universities and the communities they serve. Learn more...	Faculty member Justin La Manna with girls participating in Alverno's Girls Academy of Science & Mathematics
	A new teacher licensure program for paraprofessionals was announced in May and launched in August. Learn more... On May 25, President Emerita, Sister Joel Read passed away at the age of 91. Learn more about her life...	Sister Joel Read (1925-2017)
	Carole Chabries was appointed dean of Alverno's newly formed School of Adult Learning and New Initiatives in August. Learn more... Also in August, Jodi Eastberg was named executive director of the Center for Academic Excellence. Learn more...	Carole Chabries and Jodi Eastberg
	Scott Zeman began his appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs on November 1. Alverno's Hispanic enrollment surpassed 25% in November and Alverno was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more...	Scott Zeman
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2018	In April, Alverno College received the inaugural Latino Spirit award from Marcus Theatres. Read the Press Release... Because of growing demand, Alverno College launched Wisconsin's first Master in Music Therapy (MMT) program in the fall of 2018. Alverno's undergraduate music therapy program is the nation's third oldest and celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. Learn more...	Alverno launched the first Music Therapy graduate program in WI
	In July it was announced that Alverno College has partnered with the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee to create a dual licensure program that integrates a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Montessori teacher preparation program. Read the Press Release... To help fill a growing need, Alverno College launched a new School Psychology graduate program in Fall. Learn More...	Alverno began a new School Psychology graduate program in Fall 2018
	In September it was announced that Alverno College was awarded a $974,698 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund and support the college's New Futures in Science and Mathematics Program, which is designed to help high-achieving, low-income women graduate with a degree in a STEM discipline. Learn more... In November, for the first time since its debut on the Alverno stage 50 years ago, Alverno mounted a production of "I Never Saw Another Butterfly" Read the Press Release...	Alverno was awarded a STEM grant from the National Science Foundation
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2019	The fourth report on the status of girls in Wisconsin was released as part of Alverno's continued commitment to raise awareness regarding issues and challenges that impact girls in our state. Data drawn from various sources were compiled and analyzed by researchers affiliated with the Alverno College Research Center for Women and Girls. Read the Press Release... Alverno College and the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) have established a formal partnership that streamlines the transfer process for female students who want to become social workers, allowing them to complete their associate degree in human services at MATC and transfer to Alverno to complete their Bachelor of Social Work. Learn more...	The 4th edition of the Status of Girls Report in Wisconsin was released