- March 11, 2024 CSJ Institutions
Fontbonne University, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), St. Louis Province, has announced their plans to close after the summer 2025 term. Fontbonne University is one of two universities founded by the CSJs in Missouri and one of nine universities nationwide in the Association of Colleges of the Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ).
Click here to view the video message from Fontbonne.
A Statement from the St. Louis Province Leadership Team:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), St. Louis Province continue to be proud of Fontbonne’s legacy, named originally after Mother St. John Fontbonne, who sent the first Sisters of St. Joseph to the United States from France. Originally founded to educate women, Fontbonne’s first classes were held in 1923 at our Carondelet Motherhouse in south St. Louis. Fontbonne has grown to educate people from diverse backgrounds here in the St. Louis region and beyond. We are grateful to be a part of the story of Fontbonne that has graduated over 20,000 students, including hundreds of our own sisters.
Fontbonne’s steps during the closure process further demonstrate the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We are deeply grateful for the manner in which Fontbonne leadership, faculty and staff are working diligently to enable students to complete their degree requirements as the University prepares for closure.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet know the impacts of Fontbonne on the greater St. Louis area will continue to live on through each graduate, staff and faculty member and how each of them continues to live out the CSJ charism to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. We continue to offer prayers, support and our gratitude to the Fontbonne community as they navigate the next step.