Donnelly College
Deo Gratias Award – 2021 Distinguished Catholic Organization
“Donnelly encourages students to rely on both faith and reason in exploring challenging questions and living out Donnelly’s values: Seek Truth, Build Community, and Pursue Excellence.”
Since 1949, Donnelly has been committed to making a private, Catholic college education accessible to everyone.
Founded by Bishop George Donnelly of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Sister Jerome Keeler, a Benedictine nun from Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas; Donnelly is one of only eleven diocesan colleges in the nation. The vision of Donnelly’s founders preceded even the development of the national community college system and has impacted nearly 50,000 students, their families, and their civic and faith communities. In the Archdiocese’s July 1949 announcement, Bishop Donnelly noted that the College was being established so students could “obtain a Catholic college education without needless expense.”
Annually recognized as one of the most affordable and diverse colleges in the U.S., Donnelly offers extensive student support, bachelor and associate degrees, and nursing programs at its urban Kansas City, Kansas campus, which just underwent a $30 million renovation. In addition to academics, students pursue extracurricular activities, campus ministry programs, intramural teams, on-campus jobs, external internships and community service opportunities.
Donnelly’s Catholic Identity
Donnelly’s educational approach is rooted in Benedictine and Catholic higher education traditions. Donnelly encourages students to rely on both faith and reason in exploring challenging questions and living out Donnelly’s values: Seek Truth, Build Community, and Pursue Excellence. Per its motto, Lux Vera, faculty and staff strive to connect students with the True Light of the Creator that shines through each of them.
A wide range of faith formation opportunities are available to students, faculty, staff and the community: daily Mass, theology courses, sacramental preparation, student-led rosary group, Lenten lunches, Pro-Life Club, annual participation in the March for Life in Washington D.C., and Catholic social justice trips.
Affordable Catholic Education
The high-quality, affordable Catholic liberal arts education that Donnelly provides is a critically needed option for higher education in Kansas City and nationally. As an institution committed to expanding college access for all and especially for underserved populations, Donnelly is a national leader in graduating college students with minimal debt.
At its founding, Donnelly’s affordability was made possible by the “living endowment” from the Benedictine sisters and Diocesan priests who taught for free. Today, it is donors whose generous support makes it possible for Donnelly to continue offering a private Catholic college experience at a tuition rate ($8,500 this year) that is significantly less than at peer institutions.
Donnelly is living out Pope Francis' call to "serve those on the margins." As Donnelly's President, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, often says, "If we were really listening to the Pope’s words, we would have to create a college like Donnelly. Fortunately, it already exists. It just needs more support."
Celebrating a renovated campus and looking ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2024, Donnelly will next focus on growing its endowment. The Archdiocese, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas remain valued partners in advancing Donnelly’s ministry of transforming people, places and spirits.
