Marycrest International University

Marycrest International University was a small, private university located in Davenport, Iowa. The school was originally named Marycrest College. It was founded as a Catholic women's college in 1939 by the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM) at the request of the Bishop of Davenport. The campus was located on West 12th Street, on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. As early as the mid 1940s, international students were welcomed to the campus. In 1969, educational opportunities were extended to men when the college became coeducational. In 1990, Marycrest College became affiliated with the Teikyo Yamanashi Education and Welfare Foundation of Japan and was renamed Teikyo Marycrest University. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3987/is_200201/ai_n9069795] Marycrest International University to Close,"Dynamic Chiropractic", Jan 28, 2002] It was networked with Teikyo campuses around the world and its mission was dedicated to international education without prejudice. The institution ended its formal association with the Catholic Church at this time, though many nuns continued to teach and work at the university.

During the early 1990s, Japanese students formed a substantial part of the enrollment of the university. When Japan's economy declined in the mid nineties, [ [http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/1511/Japan's_economy.html] Japan's Economy, by Randall Jones, "OECD Observer", Mar 2005] enrollment at Marycrest also declined. In 1996, the institution's name was changed to Marycrest International University. This was an attempt to more fully reflect the global mission of the institution. It was also part of an effort to re-market the university in order to boost enrollment, which by this time had declined to approximately 500 students.

The campus was closed at the end of its 2001-2002 school year, as a result of continued enrollment declines and persistent financial difficulties. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3987/is_200201/ai_n9069795] Marycrest International University to Close, "Dynamic Chiropractic", Jan 28, 2002 ] Many of the remaining students transferred to nearby schools, including St. Ambrose University. All of the academic records are now housed at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

Marycrest International University was respected for its solid programs in education, social work, and nursing. In its later years, the university also developed an interdisciplinarly program in computer graphics and web design. The campus newspaper was "The Crest". Marycrest athletic teams were called the Eagles and included men and women’s soccer, basketball, volleyball, and women’s softball. Annual traditions included Pig Roast, Midnight Breakfast, and A Taste of Culture.

Although the university is closed, the campus continues to serve an important role in the local community. In 2006, a residential community for senior citizens known as Marycrest Senior Campus was established in the residence halls.

References

External links

* [http://marycrestalumni.com/ Marycrest Alumni Association]
* [http://chronicle.com/errors.dir/noauthorization.php3?page=/weekly/v48/i18/18a03601.htm Article from the Chronicle of Higher Education]