Celebrating 175 Years in California – COPY
April 16, 2026
Join us this year in celebrating an enduring Legacy of Goodness in California! We celebrate the Sisters’ arrival in California in 1851 and
the founding of Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. From the Congregation’s founding in 1804, the mission to educate for life and stand with people living in poverty, especially women and children in the most abandoned places, is evident in the enduring legacy that continues to shape our California communities today.
Save the Date!
- Our Eucharistic Liturgy and Reception is April 17, 2026, and will be live-streamed.
- Our 175th Anniversary Celebration is October 4, 2026.
Our History
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) have been a cornerstone of California’s educational and social landscape since 1851.
Foundational Years (1851–1920s)
- 1851: Arrival from Oregon. After a challenging mission in the Oregon Territory, Sisters Loyola and Marie Catherine arrived in San Francisco in 1851 with only 25 cents.
- Establishment in San Jose: At the request of Bishop Joseph Alemany, they moved to San Jose and established the Academy of Notre Dame.
- 1868: Pioneering Women’s Degrees. The College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame de Namur University) was chartered as the first college in California authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees to women.
Expansion and Move to Belmont (1920s–Present)
- 1923: Relocation to Ralston Hall. As they outgrew their space in San Jose, the Sisters purchased the Ralston Mansion in Belmont to accommodate their expanding community and schools.
- 1928-1929: Campus Development. A new structure on Ralston Avenue was built to house the high school and elementary segments.
- Evolution of NDNU:
- 1969: The undergraduate program became co-educational.
- 2001: The College of Notre Dame was renamed Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU).
- 2021: NDNU shifted to a graduate-only model.
Educational Legacy and Social Mission
The Sisters founded and continue to sponsor several key institutions in California:
- Notre Dame High School San Jose: Operating in the heart of San Jose for over 165 years.
- Notre Dame Belmont: A high school and elementary school (NDE) complex that recently celebrated its centennial in Belmont.
- Social Justice Initiatives: Beyond the classroom, the Sisters lead ministries in elder care, refugee support and community services like the “Table of Plenty” in Half Moon Bay.
