Press Releases
Saint Xavier University to Build New South Campus in Orland Park
CHICAGO (December 21, 2001) — Saint Xavier University recently announced plans to build a new South Campus in Orland Park. This new facility, which will open fall 2003, will fill the growing need in Chicago’s south suburbs for adult, graduate, and professional education.
The 30,000 square-foot, single-story building will accommodate up to 500 students at a time. It will include 15 classrooms, three labs, cafe with wireless computer capability, space for academic institutes, a bookstore, library and technology center, and support offices for a total cost of $7.75 million.
"The South Campus will provide quality programs in a state of the art facility conveniently located for area residents,” said Dr. Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Off-Campus & South Campus Programs. "By serving the educational and training needs of the workforce and area employers alike, the South Campus will be a strong presence in this important service region.”
The new campus will expand current degree and certificate programs particularly for working adults who are seeking degree-completion, licensure, or certification. Undergraduate classes and courses in a variety of programs will be offered. Undergraduate curricula to be offered at the South Campus include BA in liberal studies and computer studies, and BS in business administration. Graduate classes include certificate programs in financial planning and managed care, MBA, and MA in education and teaching and leadership. And the facility will be a source of new programs addressing specific skill needs ranging from service management, employee benefits, and software certification.
Robert and Mary Rita Stump, whose family has supported Saint Xavier for several generations, donated the nearly 25 acres of land in Orland Park to the University. Mary Rita Stump is the daughter of Morgan Murphy, Sr., a Catholic layman who was instrumental in the relocation of Saint Xavier to its present location on West 103rd Street in Chicago during the 1950s. Mary Judith O’Malley, the Stumps’ daughter, is an alumnus of Saint Xavier University who actively supports the University, and her husband, State Senator Patrick O’Malley, is a member of Saint Xavier’s Board of Trustees.
Crain's Chicago Business (July 2, 2001) recognized Saint Xavier as one of the fastest-growing, private universities in the Chicago area (1999-2000). In 1998, the Board of Trustees asked the Saint Xavier University administration to grow the Chicago campus enrollment by 25% over a five-year period. That goal was reached two years ahead of schedule this fall.