Franciscan Tradition

From the first Franciscan journey in the First Year Experience (FYE) class through Baccalaureate Liturgy on Commencement Day, the Lourdes Franciscan spirit welcomes, inspires and challenges students to be their best.

Our Founder

In 1916, the Rochester, Minnesota Franciscan Sisters established a Franciscan presence in northwest Ohio under the direction of Mother Adelaide Sandusky. A woman of vision and determination, Mother Adelaide was a lover of learning. She believed that when a person was surrounded with beauty, he or she learned to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and the beauty within themselves.

Her spirit and that of many pioneer Sisters continues to inspire the Lourdes University community. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, Lourdes invites students to add to the beauty of the world around them by responding to the needs of God’s people in our own time.

Tau Scholars

Each year, a select group of students are awarded a Tau scholarship. Tau Scholars receive up to $2,000 per year, renewable for a total of four years. Apply for one of the Campus Ministry Tau Scholarship.