Heritage & Mission

Our heritage & mission is rich in mercy

Carlow University’s heritage is rich in history and mercy. The University has a unique connection to Ireland through the founding Sisters of Mercy, a religious community started in 1831 in Dublin by Catherine McAuley.

In 1843, the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Pittsburgh from Carlow, Ireland, with a mission to serve the poor, the sick and the uneducated. They established numerous schools, an orphanage and Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh prior to founding Carlow University.

Key dates:

• Sept. 24, 1929: Sisters of Mercy founded Carlow University as Mount Mercy College
• 1969: Mount Mercy College renamed Carlow College
• 2004: Carlow granted university status

Carlow’s mission continues

Carlow University continues to fulfill the sisters’ mission through a learner-centric teaching environment nurturing the individual for a lifetime of learning.