Villa Maria College (Buffalo, N.Y.)
administrative history
Our History, Our Heritage
A Brief History
Villa Maria College was founded in 1960 by Mother Mary Annette Guzowski and the Felician Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province. The College was initially a teacher-training center for sisters in the education apostolate and was established as an affiliate of the Catholic University of America.
In 1961, a provisional charter was secured from the Board of Regents of the State of New York to grant Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees to women religious.
Major Milestones
1965 – A charter was extended to include laywomen who wished to pursue an associate degree.
1968 – The college was granted an Absolute Charter and was recognized as a co-educational institution.
1972 – The college became fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
1974 – The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree was added.
2005 – The Absolute Charter was amended to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design.
2008 – New bachelor degree programs were added in Animation, Fashion Design and Merchandising,Music and Music Industry, and our accreditation was reaffirmed by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
2010 – Villa Maria College celebrated 50 years of providing quality education.