History
For more than 100 years, College of Saint Mary has empowered women through education, leadership, and Mercy values. Explore the milestones, moments, and people who have shaped CSM’s story.

Educating Women Since 1923
College of Saint Mary was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy with a simple but powerful belief: when women are educated, communities grow stronger. For more than 100 years, CSM has helped women discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers.
A Bold Idea
When College of Saint Mary opened, opportunities for women in higher education were limited. The Sisters of Mercy believed women deserved the chance to learn, lead, and make a difference in the world. The first classes were held in the Continental Hotel on Castelar Street in Omaha. From the beginning, the college focused on academic excellence, leadership, and service.
As the college grew, the Sisters of Mercy envisioned a permanent campus. In 1950, they purchased 80 acres of land for $150,000 near what is now 72nd Street and Mercy Road. The land was divided evenly between the college and the Sisters of Mercy.
Construction of the new campus began in 1953, and by May 1955 College of Saint Mary opened its new home. That year, 255 students enrolled, and by 1958 CSM had become a fully accredited four-year college.



Expanding Academic Opportunities
CSM’s academic programs have grown from teacher preparation to a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in healthcare, education, business, leadership, and the sciences.
COLLEGE Milestones
For more than a century, College of Saint Mary has continued to grow while staying true to its mission. Explore the milestones below to see how CSM has evolved—and how generations of women have found their path here.
- 1923 – College of Saint Mary is founded by the Sisters of Mercy as a two-year teacher’s college in Omaha.
- 1923 – The first classes are held at 15th and Castelar Streets in Omaha.
- 1923 – Mount Saint Mary Seminary receives approval to become a normal school and teacher’s college.
- 1929 – By this year, the Sisters of Mercy had founded five high schools, 17 grade schools, and one university: College of Saint Mary.
- 1950 – The Sisters purchase 80 acres near 72nd Street and Mercy Road for $150,000, splitting the land evenly between College of Saint Mary and the Sisters of Mercy.
- 1953 – A $3 million construction project begins for the new campus.
- 1955 – College of Saint Mary opens at its current campus location.
- 1955 – Enrollment reaches 255 students at the new campus.
- 1958 – CSM becomes a fully accredited four-year college.
- 1960s – College of Saint Mary continues expanding as a four-year women’s college after receiving full accreditation in 1958.
- 1960s–1970s – Enrollment and academic programs grow as more women pursue higher education and professional careers.
- 1996 – Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, is inaugurated as president on October 13.
- 1997 – The campus is completely wired using a $1.7 million Federal Strengthening Institutions grant.
- 1997 – The Transforming CSM Fundraising Initiative launches to begin campus renovations.
- 1998 – CSM celebrates its 75th anniversary.
- 1998 – The Walking Woman sculpture arrives on campus and is adopted as the campus symbol.
- 1999 – Dianne Seeman Lozier Tower is dedicated.
- 2000 – CSM implements the Mothers Living & Learning program in Walsh Hall, and the Spellman Child Development Center opens.
- 2004 – Occupational Therapy and Organizational Leadership graduate programs begin.
- 2006 – Doctor of Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Education gain accreditation; men are welcomed into graduate programs.
- 2008 – CSM becomes the first college in Nebraska to ban smoking.
- 2011 – Dual credit courses with regional high schools begin.
- 2015 – Flames Athletics joins the Great Plains Athletic Conference.
- 2016 – CSM launches its Access & Affordability initiative by resetting undergraduate tuition by 33%.
- 2017 – Full-time enrollment reaches a record 1,014 students.
- 2018 – Full-time enrollment reaches a new record of 1,037 students.
- 2019 – CSM launches its occupational therapy doctoral program and announces a blended-learning Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- 2020 – CSM announces plans for a multimillion-dollar wellness and athletic center, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program launches with candidacy status.
- 2021 – CSM receives a $1.3 million National Science Foundation grant for the Marie Curie Scholarship program and opens the $18 million Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse.
- 2022 – CSM launches the Josie Harper Nursing Scholarship after receiving a $2 million challenge grant from the Harper Family Foundation.
- 2022 – CSM purchases 13.7 acres of land from the Sisters of Mercy and adds graduate housing.
- 2023 – Heather A. Smith, MBA, is named the eighth president of CSM.
CSM Through the years
For more than a century, the College of Saint Mary campus has grown and evolved alongside its students. These photos offer a glimpse into the people, places, and moments that have shaped the CSM community over the years.


Students exit the east doors of Walsh Hall in 1959.

Students entering the House on Maryhill in 1958.






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