Campus development at Neumann University expresses a commitment to strengthening the Franciscan tradition, the growth of the campus, and institutional innovation. Historically, the Sisters of St. Francis were not just focused on creating spaces for learning at their College; they were focused on building the dreams of women and men who aspired to experience the Franciscan charism while expanding their opportunities to improve as leaders and learners.  

Humble Beginnings  

Built in 1924, Our Lady of Angels Convent is the landmark building that helped launch the early beginnings to fulfill the Sisters’ long-term goals to teach and nurture young people in the Philadelphia region. The convent originally served as a place of residence and the base for the ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis. The construction of the convent quickly became a symbol of the Sisters' mission-driven vision to help foster learning.  

In 1953, Our Lady of Angels Convent added to its iconic status as the location for the founding of Our Lady of Angels College. As a residence for the growing number of young women who were becoming members of the Sisters of St. Francis, the building afforded the growing congregation, the opportunity to expand their vision to serve in the ministry of teaching and health care. The building became the cornerstone for future campus growth and programming.  

Today, the section of the convent where students from Neumann reside and is part of the growing campus has been renamed Glen Riddle Hall. Even with a name change, the building continues to serve its original purpose. Neumann University students now reside in the building alongside members of the Sisters of St. Francis. This example of shared living between college students and members of a Religious Congregation was recently highlighted nationwide as an example of how the Franciscan Tradition influences the lives of inter-generational communities. 

Expansion & Evolution  

The next phase of growth for the institution was seen in the successful completion of the Bachmann Building in 1962. This marked the initial phase of expansion for the institution. Named in honor of Sister Mary Francis Bachmann, who played an instrumental role in the founding of the Sisters of Saint Francis, the Bachmann Building dramatically expanded the capacity for teaching and learning. Its creation symbolized the courage and determination espoused by Mother Francis and the Sisters of St. Francis.  

The institution took another step forward in 1985 with the completion of the Thomas A. Bruder Jr. Life Center. The Bruder Life Center generated the opportunity to have a campus cafeteria, a theater, and a gymnasium. The building came to symbolize the creative energy and focus of Neumann College as the campus grew into a coeducational college.  

Neumann continued to expand with the advent of the Living & Learning Centers (LLC) I, II, III. These three on-campus dormitories were built in 1997, 1999, and 2002, respectively and symbolized a transformation of the campus from a perceived commuter school into a robust traditional campus setting.  

Living and Learning Centers I, II, and III also afforded the institution the opportunity to reconnect with its past. Each of the buildings was renamed in 2019. to honor the first three presidents of Neumann University. LLC I became Flynn Hall to recognize Mother Everilda Flynn, OSF, who served as Neumann’s president from 1965-1970. LLC II became Cunningham Hall to recognize Sister Madonna Marie, OSF, who served as Neumann’s president from 1971-1983. And LLC III became O’Neill Hall to recognize Sister Margarella O’Neill, OSF, who served Neumann as president from 1983-1997.  

Modern Era  

The modern era for Neumann emerged in the early 2000s. The Sisters of St. Francis invited the Neumann College Leadership Team to purchase their office building at the Concord Road entrance to campus. With help from Neumann University alum Rocco A. Abessinio, the school was able to add the building to its infrastructure. Now called the Rocco A. Abessinio Building (RAB), it serves as the home to several of the administrative offices, including the president’s office, the business college, and the newly created cyber security facility and degree program. Aligning with the addition of the RAB was the expansion of degree programs. In 2004, Neumann earned the opportunity to grant a doctorate in physical therapy, and in 2006, the University was invited to begin offering an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.  

Between 1985 and 2008, Neumann experienced exponential growth in its enrollment numbers. The combination of strong academic programs and a robust coeducational campus created the opportunity to enhance the co-curricular facilities. In 2009, the Mirenda Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development was opened. Named in honor of Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, who was Neumann’s president from 1996 to 2017, the 72,000 square foot building was designed to deepen members of the University Community’s awareness of the relationship between sports and spirituality. The building is a symbol of the transformational energy the Franciscan tradition embodies.  

Assisting in the continued evolution of the campus connectivity was the addition of the St. John Neumann Circle in 2010. Named after Neumann University’s Patron Saint, it was created with the purpose of connecting the Bachmann and Bruder buildings with the Flynn, Cunningham, O’Neill, and Mirenda buildings. The St. John Neumann Circle unifies the two largest components of campus today.  

Shaping the Future  

Neumann’s future is filled with vision and excitement. Dr. Chris Domes, who became Neumann’s sixth president in 2017, is leading the institution through a comprehensive strategic plan. Neumann kicked off this plan with the purchase and renovation of Our Lady of Angels Convent – a full circle moment for both organizations.  

Additionally, Neumann has a strategic partner to assist in building an on-campus ice hockey rink. The completion of this project will create more opportunities for growth and partnerships. The strategic plan also includes an opportunity to add a student center in the years ahead to further the dynamic student life.  

Legacy of Impact  

The enduring legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia will forever be associated with the growth and identity of Neumann University. The Franciscan tradition is born and renewed through each of the buildings and set of dreams that emerged on Neumann’s campus. Each of these facilities transformed Neumann’s identity in positive and constructive ways, most notably by improving the student experience. These students have gone on to become a dynamic group of alumni who learned the importance of Franciscan values through it RISES values reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. These alums continue to apply their Franciscan-honed knowledge, skills, and abilities in their families, volunteer work, schools, hospitals, and corporations as they share their love for God, creation, and community.