St. John Fisher College, located in Rochester, New York, was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of St. Basil as a men's college and became coeducational in 1971. Over the decades, it has transformed into a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college is named after St. John Fisher, an English Catholic cardinal, and embodies a commitment to liberal arts education and Catholic values. Its campus, sprawled across 164 acres, combines traditional collegiate architecture with modern facilities, creating a supportive environment for its approximately 3,600 students.
What makes St. John Fisher College special is its strong emphasis on community engagement and service learning, aligned with its founding principles. The college has a robust connection with the Rochester community, encouraging students to participate in numerous service projects and internships that foster real-world experiences. The Fisher family atmosphere is often cited by students and alumni as a distinctive feature, promoting close-knit relationships between students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the college's athletic teams, known as the Cardinals, have a strong presence in NCAA Division III sports, particularly in football and basketball, enhancing school spirit and camaraderie.
Academically, St. John Fisher College is known for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for professional success. The college offers more than 35 undergraduate majors, with particularly strong programs in nursing, business, education, and pharmacy. The Wegmans School of Pharmacy and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education are notable for their rigorous curricula and high placement rates in related fields. The School of Business is accredited by the AACSB, a distinction held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide, and is praised for its experiential learning opportunities.
However, St. John Fisher College faces some challenges, particularly in terms of diversity and campus housing. While efforts are ongoing to increase diversity among the student body and faculty, the college still has room for growth in this area. Some students have also expressed concerns about the limited housing options for upperclassmen, which can lead to a competitive housing selection process. Despite these challenges, the college continues to work on initiatives to improve inclusivity and expand its residential facilities to better serve its student population.
