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Mission Statement

Marywood University, sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, roots itself in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the principle of justice, and the belief that education empowers people. The University integrates an enduring liberal arts tradition and professional disciplines to create a comprehensive learning experience. Our undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic excellence, advance innovative scholarship, and foster leadership in service to others. Within a welcoming and supportive community, Marywood challenges individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make choices based on spiritual and ethical values. Marywood University prepares students to seek sustainable solutions for the common good and educates global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Our Core Values

In support of the mission, the Marywood University community actively espouses five core values:

  • Catholic Identity

    The pursuit of truth, goodness, beauty, justice, and the common good within the context of the Catholic faith tradition and in dialogue and service with persons of diverse faiths and worldviews

  • Respect

    Honoring the uniqueness and dignity of each human person; demonstrating ethical and just interactions; and caring for the earth and all creation through a commitment to sustainability

  • Empowerment

    Access to education that enables all to achieve their full potential to live as conscientious citizens in a pluralistic society

  • Service

    A commitment to promoting social responsibility which fosters community engagement to meet real needs

  • Excellence

    Manifesting Marywood University's pursuit of the highest level of achievement in support of "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas" (Holiness, Knowledge, Health) 

Seal of the University

The Marywood University Seal

The black diamond in the lower center of the circular seal represents the city of Scranton, which is located in the heart of the once-thriving anthracite coal district of Pennsylvania. Coal was king in Scranton at the time of Marywood's founding, and the gold field surrounding the diamond symbolizes the wealth the coal industry produced.

The diamond is charged with the open book of learning, and upon its pages the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega, are inscribed. These letters, taken from the coat of arms of Most Reverend Michael J. Hoban, Bishop of Scranton when Marywood was founded, represent God as the beginning and end of all things and the foundation of a true education. An image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, garlanded with roses, pierced by a sword, marked by her crown as Queen of Heaven and tinctured in the gold eternity, is displayed on a forest-green background to symbolize in canting form the name of the University. (Canting arms indicate the name of the bearer.) 

On either side of the heart are fleurs-de-lis, a symbol of the Blessed Virgin, taken from the seal of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who founded Marywood College (now University) in 1915. The seal is bordered with the words "Marywood University" at the top and the University's motto, "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas" ("Holiness, Knowledge, Health") at the bottom.

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University Stone

A picture of the Tourmaline stone

To the first graduating class, the Class of 1919, goes the credit for introducing the Tourmaline to Marywood. This dark green stone of great beauty is mounted in a gold setting for the University ring.

Living Our Mission

Logo of the 2024 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention on a blue background 2024 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention Recognizes Marywood's Exceptional Commitment to Digital Student Wellness, Safety, & Inclusion Efforts

2024 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention Recognizes Marywood's Exceptional Commitment to Digital Student Wellness, Safety, & Inclusion Efforts

The CPN Seal of Prevention™ recognizes institutions of higher education that demonstrate leadership in the areas of student safety, well-being, and inclusion to improve student well-being and success.
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  • Twin sisters, including one wearing a blue sweatshirt that says Choose Kindness, are standing in front of a blurred background. Marywood Students Travel Nationally and Regionally to Give Kindness Presentations

    Marywood Students Travel Nationally and Regionally to Give Kindness Presentations

    Senior multimedia communication students Liz and Maddie Adams, twin sisters who co-founded and host the podcast, Courageously Kind, have been traveling nationally and regionally to give presentations on kindness, with a regional presentation in Tunkhannock set for February 16.

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  • An American flag is pictured in the background of Marywood's and the Pennsylvania National Guard's logos Marywood to Provide 100% Tuition Coverage for Eligible PA National Guard Students and Families

    Marywood to Provide 100% Tuition Coverage for Eligible PA National Guard Students and Families

    Marywood is the only university in Lackawanna County to offer eligible PA National Guard students and their families 100% tuition coverage through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP).

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