Notre Dame de Namur University announces campus purchase agreement with Stanford University
The potential transaction supports NDNU’s ongoing transition to a primarily graduate university while providing Stanford with additional space to support its people and programs.
Belmont, CA (September 28, 2021) — NDNU has entered into an agreement with Stanford University to work toward Stanford’s purchase of NDNU’s campus in Belmont, California. The agreement is designed to support the academic missions of both universities and stems from a new vision that NDNU is independently pursuing to transition to a university offering graduate programs and undergraduate degree completion programs. Stanford will develop a campus plan with input from NDNU, the Stanford community, City of Belmont, and local residents.
“The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have a legacy of embracing changes that make new things possible,” said Sr. Jean Stoner, SNDdeN, Chair of the NDNU Board of Trustees. “We honor the caretakers of this land before the Sisters arrived in 1923 – the Ohlone people as well as notable families such as Ralston and Cipriani. NDNU has secured its future by finding the potential next owner for this property. This will provide resources for many new opportunities to continue the Sisters’ legacy of education rooted in the values of social justice and global peace.”
NDNU has diligently explored ways to transform the University in order to become sustainable in the future. To meet the needs of the region, NDNU has narrowed its curricular focus, modified existing programs, and is developing new programs, all with support from the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the surrounding community. The agreement with Stanford will provide financial resources to NDNU, enabling the university to develop new programs and provide outstanding educational opportunities to its students, continuing its 170-year legacy.
Leaders of both institutions are excited by the opportunities that this agreement creates for growth and community connections. “This agreement between NDNU and Stanford gives NDNU the flexibility to grow again in new and exciting ways,” said NDNU President Beth Martin. “We will be able to continue the programs for which we are so well known, and to add new programs directly targeted to changing student needs, including a mix of in-person, hybrid, and fully online programs.”
“We are delighted to be planning for the future of the Belmont campus in a way that strengthens both universities and our respective connections to the community,” said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne. “We have a chance to envision new and innovative academic uses for the site that are grounded in its rich history and embrace the dynamism of the Bay Area.”
NDNU is focused on developing additional academic offerings that meet the goals of academic quality, mission match, and sustainability, including potential partnerships with our local community college districts to provide undergraduate degree completion programs. “We are excited to continue our master’s and credential programs in Education, our graduate business programs (MBA, MPA), and the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology programs,” said Gregory White, Vice President for Academic Affairs and CFO. “Graduates of these programs fill leadership and professional positions throughout our region.”
Comments and questions for NDNU regarding this agreement may be sent to landagreement@ndnu.edu.
Notre Dame de Namur University
Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant the baccalaureate degree to women. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The university is fully accredited and offers master’s degree programs in business, education, and psychology, as well as teacher credential programs. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu.
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Notre Dame de Namur University
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University Communications
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