About Notre Dame de Namur University

NDNU Seal

Mission Statement

Notre Dame de Namur University provides transformative, professionally oriented education designed for learners who reflect the diversity of our world. Our graduates are highly skilled professionals and lifelong learners who work to transform the world through values-based professional work and community-based action for social justice.  

As an inclusive learning community, NDNU invites people from all walks of life to come together to honor the dignity, sacredness, and diversity of every person. Rooted in the inclusive values of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Catholic intellectual tradition, and our liberal arts heritage, NDNU is guided by its Core Values and the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community.  

Vision Statement 

NDNU will be recognized in the San Francisco Bay Area as a leader in integrating community engagement into high quality academic programs. NDNU’s programs will be widely known for their innovative synthesis of liberal arts learning, professionally oriented learning, and core values.

About Notre Dame de Namur University

Founded 170 years ago, NDNU is an accredited, private, Catholic, co-educational master’s university, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Silicon Valley. NDNU broadens the perspective and outlook of its students by exposing them to peers with very different backgrounds, cultures and world views.

Full History of Notre Dame de Namur University

Founded in 1851, NDNU is a WSCUC accredited, private, Catholic, coeducational master’s and undergraduate degree completion university, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Silicon Valley. NDNU broadens the perspective and outlook of its students by exposing them to peers with diverse backgrounds, cultures and world views.

Core Values

  • Community
  • Diversity
  • Excellence
  • Goodness
  • Integrity
  • Justice
  • Learning
  • Service

Hallmarks

  • We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
  • We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
  • We educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for all creation.
  • We commit ourselves to community service.
  • We embrace the gift of diversity.
  • We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
  • We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.