Chronology: The Marywood Story

At the turn of the 20^th century, the abiding faith and the far-reaching vision of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, made Marywood possible. It was their deep faith that gave them the resolve to establish an institution of higher education for women in Scranton⁠—the only one in the state of Pennsylvania at the time⁠—certainly a tall order by any measure. Against the odds, and even against the powerful railroad interests of that era, the IHM Sisters who founded Marywood never lost hope or abandoned their commitment to serve. Their ongoing faith and joyful, loving service has been rewarded many times over.

As this Chronology demonstrates, year by year, decade by decade, from one century to the next, Marywood grew from a groundbreaking college for women into a vibrant, comprehensive university that serves the educational needs of both men and women of all backgrounds. Marywood University is a thriving tribute to our founders and a vital contributor to the strength of our region, our nation, and our global community.

This is the Marywood story, authored by the IHM Sisters more than a century ago and still being written today.

Archival Photos Throughout the Years