Tradition: The Society of Jesus

The University of San Francisco has inherited the rich vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who in 1540 founded the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits). St. Ignatius and his first companions met when they were students at an outstanding institution, the University of Paris. The young Society began operating schools as early as 1548, and the tradition of excellence in education remains a precious and challenging legacy for Jesuits today.

Reflecting the values of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Jesuit education today continues to affirm the ultimate goodness of the world as created, loved, and redeemed by God. It seeks to find God in all things, and to help our students and co-workers become "men and women for others."