St. Mary's School for Boys opens in Dayton (1850)

St. Mary's School for Boys opened in Dayton, Ohio, on July 1, 1850, marking the beginning of what would become the University of Dayton. The institution was established by the Society of Mary, a Catholic order, following the purchase of a hilltop farm named Nazareth earlier that year. This event laid the foundation for a private Catholic university that later adopted its current name in 1920.

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Background and detail

Background. The University of Dayton traces its origins to the Society of Mary's mission in America. In 1849, Leo Meyer journeyed from Alsace to Cincinnati to establish a presence for the order. On March 19, 1850, Meyer and three Marianist brothers purchased a 125-acre hilltop farm in Dayton, renaming it Nazareth. This acquisition provided the physical setting for the school's subsequent opening.

Institutional Evolution. St. Mary's School for Boys began operations on July 1, 1850. Over time, the institution evolved significantly. It was incorporated as the University of Dayton in 1920 to reflect its connection to the city and claim an American identity. The school also became Chaminade High School, which later merged with Julienne High School to form a coeducational institution.

Legacy and Identity. The University of Dayton is recognized as a private, Catholic research university founded by the Marianist order. It is one of three Marianist universities in the United States. The university adopted the nickname "Dayton Flyers" in 1923 and the motto "Pro Deo et Patria." Its campus spans 388 acres in southern Dayton, on both sides of the Great Miami River.

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