Saint Martin's University

Established in 1895, Saint Martin’s University is the educational mission of Saint Martin’s Abbey, a Catholic Benedictine monastery, whose members pray, work, and live together on the University campus. Saint Martin's is one of 18 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s is an institution of higher education that empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment in all arenas of human endeavor. Saint Martin’s students learn to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others through the interaction of faith, reason, and service.

Essential features of university life are animated by its Benedictine identity and its participation in the centuries-old traditions of Catholic intellectual thought and the search for truth. Thus, the University honors students and guides them towards achieving academic excellence. Superior teaching is the expected norm. Rooted in the long tradition of the liberal arts, the university curriculum cultivates creativity and the ability to communicate and pursue ideas; critical thinking and independent inquiry; academic proficiency; the formation of sound ethical judgments; and service to humanity. Reflecting the Benedictine virtue of hospitality, the University welcomes and, indeed, seeks students not only from the Pacific Northwest, but also from other parts of the nation and the world at its main and extension campuses. Saint Martin’s treasures persons of all ages, religions, and nationalities as it encourages cognizance of diverse viewpoints and an appreciation of all cultures.

The physical beauty of Saint Martin’s 300-acre campus in Lacey, Wash., reflects the rich intellectual and spiritual nature of its presence in the Pacific Northwest. Lacey, a city of 38,400 people, is adjacent to Olympia, the state capital. The population of the Greater Olympia Area - Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater - is over 100,000. Located near the waters of southern Puget Sound, Saint Martin's is less than an hour from Seattle, 30 minutes from Tacoma and two hours from Portland, Oregon. It is conveniently near Interstate-5 and major shopping areas.

The campus' wooded areas are threaded with pleasant walking trails. Many species of wildlife roa

m or fly over its undeveloped acres and in the meadows near the main University buildings.

Because of its location near metropolitan areas, Saint Martin's and the Greater Olympia Area attract nationally recognized entertainers, artists and musicians, providing cultural opportunities that complement the University's educational experience. The Saint Martin's community also can take advantage of a host of events in nearby cities, ranging from top-flight art shows, concerts and theater to professional sports.

The University's next-door proximity to Olympia, the state capital, provides opportunities to watch and sometimes take part in government in action. Valuable student internships and work experiences are frequently obtained through positions in government offices and agencies.

The South Sound area is naturally wonderful. Swimming and other water activities are as close as five minutes from campus on a wealth of nearby lakes, streams and ocean inlets. Pacific Ocean beaches, just 50 miles west, offer opportunities for clamming, kiting, deep-sea fishing and sailing. Less than an hour away, hikers, skiers, backpackers, birders and other outdoor enthusiasts can pursue their favorite pastimes in the mountains or enjoy such spectacular Northwest attractions as Mount Rainier National Park, Mount St. Helens, the Olympic peninsula and the San Juan Islands.