Nazareth College (Michigan)
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Nazareth College was a Catholic college in Kalamazoo, Michigan that operated from 1924 until 1992.
Under the auspices of the Most Reverend Michael James Gallagher, Bishop of Detroit, Nazareth College was chartered in 1924 at Nazareth, Michigan by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth. At that time the college was granted its Articles of Incorporation by the State of Michigan as a four year liberal arts college. Although the college traces its founding to this date, it is necessary to go back to 1897 to find the college’s roots.
Nazareth Academy opened in 1897 and based on the charter that was issued, it provided for the future extension of the school to the collegiate level. On May 7, 1913, Monsignor O’Brien announced the formation of the O’Brien scholarship and the opening of Nazareth College. In 1914, Margaret Packard became the first recipient of the O’Brien scholarship and Nazareth’s first graduate in 1918 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Sister Mary Celestine Connors served as Acting Dean of the college from 1918 – 1932 when she became the college’s first President, a post she held until 1938.
A seven million dollar campus construction project was begun in the 1950’s. In 1959, groundbreaking began on Albers Hall, named after Bishop Joseph Albers of the Lansing Diocese. Also in 1959, construction began on Connors Hall. Originally named Immaculata Hall, it was renamed in honor of Sister Mary Celestine Connors. In 1962, the Administration building was begun closely followed by Dooley Hall in 1963. Dooley Hall was initially called Madonna Hall. The name change was to honor Dr. Thomas Dooley. He served in Laos during the Vietnam War and later returned to help the people there. He posthumously received a congressional goal medal for his humanitarian work in that country. Work on Dillon Hall and the library was completed in 1967.
In 1971 the decision was made to admit men to the college, thus changing the campus culture forever. By the late 1980's, twenty-three undergraduate majors and two graduate programs were being offered. Nazareth College was also noted for its night and weekend classes designed to meet the needs working adult students. Off-campus programs were located at Glen Oaks Community College in Centerville, Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, and Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek.
The next major addition to the physical campus was the completion of the Athletic Center in 1989, though it was never truly finished. This provided the students with a much needed outlet for physical fitness and activities as well as contributing to the college sponsored varsity sports for men in soccer, basketball and baseball; and for women in volleyball, basketball and softball. It surly also contributed to the victory of the women’s volleyball team in 1991 at nationals.
The Nazareth College Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the college in April of 1991. The college closed slowly and gracefully over the course of the next 18 months, allowing many students to finish their degrees. Ownership of the physical college campus reverted back to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The Sisters wanted to find a purpose for the buildings that fit with their mission of service. Connors, Dooley and Albers Halls have been leased to Kalamazoo County Human Services Department. Borgess Hospital purchased the athletic center and has converted it into Borgess Health and Fitness Center. Unfortunately a purpose for the administration building and the library could not be found and they were torn down in 1995 and 1996, respectfully.
The college seal, that was inlaid in the main floor of the administration building, was saved and is now on display on the grounds of former campus. It is located on the west side of the main entrance road to Nazareth, close to where the administration building was.
In 1987 it offered bachelor degree programs in: accounting, America studies, biology, business administration, computer information management, elementary education, English, fine arts, fine arts management, human services, learning disabilities, liberal studies, medical technology, natural science, nursing, pharmaceutical and medical services representative, pre-medical pre-dental and pre-veterinary, secondary education, social psychology, and social work.
