Walsh University was first founded as LaMennais College in Alfred, Maine in 1951 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction on an idea by Ferdinand Waldo Demara,[3] who was then posing as a monk, to educate young men as brothers and teachers. LaMennais College continued in Alfred, Maine from 1951 until 1959. Because of a chance 1957 conversation between Brother Francoeur of La Mennais College and Monsignor William Hughes of Youngstown, Ohio about the Brothers' wish to move LaMennais College from Alfred, Maine, Bishop Walsh invited the Brothers to choose Canton, Ohio as the new location. Bishop Walsh donated $304,000 to the Walsh College project[4]. In 1959 the present location of Walsh University began as 50 acres (20 ha) of farm land on which two buildings were constructed, College Hall (Farrell Hall) and LaMennais Hall which continues to house the Brothers and international priest-students.[5] The Founding Brothers include: Dacian J. Barrette, Thomas S. Farrell, Henry J. Vannasse, Edmond Drouin, Paul E. Masse, Robert A. Francoeur, and Alexis Guilbeault.
Throughout the school's history, the Brothers have played an active role, serving as faculty during the original years and playing a part in the growth and development of facilities and programs. Several have served as President.[6]
On July 12, 2010, Walsh University was approved for the Division II membership process in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The move to the NCAA was a multiple-year process that included a two-year candidacy period followed by a one-year provisional season, in which the Cavaliers were not allowed to advance into NCAA postseason play.[7] Following the successful transition, the university became a full member of the NCAA DII in 2013.[8] Walsh previously competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the American Mideast Conference, while its football team competed in the Mid-States Football Association.
Campus
Entrance to Walsh University's Westgate
The campus covers 136 acres (55 ha) and is made up of 27 buildings along East Maple Street in North Canton.[9]
Buildings include:
Farrell Hall (1960) - This was the first building on campus. Construction started in 1959 and finished in 1960. It was initially named College Hall and was later renamed in honor of Br. Thomas Farrell in 1977, the first president and one of the founding Brothers of Christian Instruction.
LaMennais Hall (1960)
Gaetano M. Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex (1971/2009) - Formerly called the Physical Education Center. A major update and renovation occurred in 2009.
The Don and Ida Betzler Social and Behavioral Sciences Center (1972)
Hannon Child Development Center (1990)
Aultman Health Foundation Byers School of Nursing and Health Sciences Center (2000)
The Paul and Carol David Family Campus Center (2001)
Timken Natural Sciences Center (2005)
Barrette Business and Community Center (2005) - The Barrette Business and Community Center is the former site of the Rannou Center (1966-2004) and opened in 2005.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel (2006)
Birk Center for the Arts (2012)
Saint John Paul II Center for Science Innovation (2015)
Father Matthew Herttna Counseling Center
St. Katharine Drexel House
The Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center (2018)
The campus includes dormitory residences named:
Menard Hall/Betzler Towers (1966/2006) - Menard Hall was the first dormitory on campus and opened in 1966. The Betzler Tower was added in 2006.
Alexis Hall (1968) - named for Br. Alexis Guilbeaut, one of the Founding Brothers of the university.
Lemmon Hall (1995)
Brauchler Hall (1999), Meier Hall (2000), Stein Hall (2002) - colloquially called "The Grove Apartments"
Walsh also oversees the Hoover Historical Center which they acquired in April 2004.[12]
Organization and administration
President Richard Jusseaume, Walsh University president, 2001-present
Walsh's current president is Richard Jusseaume (class of 1967). Richard Jusseaume became president of Walsh University after serving as interim president and was officially named Walsh's sixth president on March 7, 2002. Before his presidential inauguration, Jusseaume served as a two-time Dean of Students and was a member of the Walsh Board of Directors (1992-2001).[13]
Former presidents include:
Br. Thomas Farrell - Served as president 1960-1970
Br. Robert Francoeur - Served as president 1970-1977
Br. Francis Blouin - Served as president 1978-1992
Fr. Richard Mucowski - Served as president 1992-1996
Dr. Kenneth Hamilton - Served as president 1997-2001
Academic programs
Graduate
Walsh University offers the following graduate degrees: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT); Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Master of Artsin Education (M.A.Ed); Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.); Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development; and a Master of Arts in Theology.[14] Several of the graduate programs are offered in online and in an accelerated format so that working adults may pursue their degrees at their preferred pace.[15]
Undergraduate
The university offers 70 majors, seven graduate programs, and accelerated degrees for working adults, including RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs for registered nurses with an associate degree, or another type of diploma, who want to earn a bachelor's degree or master's degree. Undergraduate degrees offered include: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.); Bachelor of Science (B.S.); Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. in Ed.); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.); Associate of Arts (A.A.); and Associate of Science in Computer Science (A.S.C.S.).[16]
School for Professional Studies
Walsh University offers accelerated degrees as part of their School for Professional Studies. The programs are designed to work with the schedules of busy or working adults and classes are held in five and eight week sessions.[17] The School for Professional Studies has an educational alliance with Stark State College.[18] The following programs are offered within the School for Professional Studies: Accelerated Bachelor in Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Accounting, Marketing, or Management;[19] Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication;[20] Accelerated Nursing degrees including a BSN to RN, MSN for the RN, and accelerated BSN;[21] and an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL).[22]
Digital Campus
Walsh University offers online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates and licensures through Digital Campus.[23]
Professional Development
Walsh University offers several opportunities for professional development, including a certificate in healthcare management, FNP certificate, and several educator certificates or licensures[24].
The Renacci Government Scholars Program was established in 2013 to provide students at Walsh University with an opportunity to enhance their experiences in pursuit of a career in government or community service at the state, local or federal level and is available to students who are in need of financial assistance.
Students who participate in the Renacci Scholars program have the opportunity to visit Washington D.C.
To qualify, applicants must:
Excel academically with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Be a Government & Foreign Affairs or International Relations major
Be committed to government or public service
Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
Exhibit leadership potential and participate in community service activities
As part of the program, each year Walsh University hosts a community speaker series in the fall and spring on a topic related to the field of Government & Foreign Affairs. This series provides an opportunity to network with alumni and other personnel and to stay on top of current issues. In addition, students host the nationally recognized All Politics is Local Conference.[25]
Br. Francis Blouin Global Scholars
The Blouin Scholars Program in Global Studies at Walsh University provides students with an opportunity to become part of a community of students and faculty dedicated to using scholarship and service to address major global issues. Blouin Scholars have the opportunity to live and take classes with a cohort of students who are similarly dedicated to become leaders in service to the global community. All classes are built into the Walsh University core curriculum and participants still choose their own individual majors and minors, but are then centered on a common global theme. The Blouin Scholars have opportunities to study abroad in Africa and Europe; attend special lectures and co-curricular activities; and receive priority registration and advising procedures.
The Blouin Scholars are named after Walsh University's third President, Br. Francis Blouin, who exemplified servant-leadership and global service.[26]
STAR Chemistry
The STAR program at Walsh University is a National Science Foundation supported program designed to foster young science talent and prepare chemistry majors for the workforce.
STAR Scholars are trained in:
Environmental Chemistry
Materials and Polymer Chemistry
Fuel and Energy Chemistry
Study abroad programs
Inspired by the example of global citizenship of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the Walsh University Office of Global Learning provides opportunities for students to develop into leaders in service with an international perspective. Global Learning promotes study abroad programs led by Walsh faculty to various locations including:
Rome Experience – The Walsh Rome Experience allows students to study the language, history, art, culture, literature and archaeology of Rome, Italy while Walsh University students experience Rome. Photo from the Walsh University Office of Global Learning.staying in the Walsh satellite campus in Castel Gandolfo.[27]
Uganda Experience – Since 2007, students and faculty have been visiting central and northern Uganda for study, research, service, and the sharing of culture. Considered Walsh's most immersive program, Walsh students have the opportunity to live and work with Ugandan counterparts at Kisubi Brothers University College near Lake Victoria and the Archdiocese of Gulu in the north. Using a sociological lens, students examine Ugandan history, traditions, social institutions, and present challenges for development in this service and reflection-oriented immersion experience.[28]
Tanzania – Students and faculty in this program explore the state of healthcare and nursing education in Tanzania while working alongside Tanzanian nurses and nursing students in this practical, cross-cultural experience. In addition to visiting hospitals and clinics, the group explores life in town of Moshi, the hills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and other natural splendors.[28]
Haiti - Senior nursing students and faculty work in conjunction with Akron Children’s Hospital in Port Au Prince, Haiti. During this experience students participate in clinical rotations with St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and St. Luke’s Adult Hospital. Past students have had the opportunity to observe a pediatric heart surgery, work with Haitian nurses and nursing students and learn from surgeons around the world. The Office of Global Learning and the Byers School of Nursing send students and faculty twice a year to Haiti.[28]
Uruguay - Students and faculty travel to Maldonado Nuevo, Uruguay, where they spend time with the Brothers of Christian Instruction. During their time in Uruguay, students explore what it means to live out the Brothers' mission and work with students in their youth center. This service learning experience for education majors provides Walsh students the opportunity to take responsibility for the children's daily activities with an eye toward encouraging students to continue with their education, learning functional English, and supporting the youth center’s activities as needed.[28]
President's Pilgrimage - Students embark on a journey of faith with current Walsh President Richard Jusseaume and his wife Theresa (Frank) Jusseaume. The group travels through France and Italy for a two-week Pilgrimage that combines the benefits of studying abroad with a unique focus on the Catholic faith. During the trip, the group will visit and celebrate Mass at several devotional sites.[28]
In addition, Walsh University has run faculty-led programs to El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Israel, England, France, Spain, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Further, Walsh has cooperative agreements with agencies such as CCSA and CAPA, allowing Walsh students to experience studies and/or internships abroad.[28]
The team name is the "Cavaliers" and the athletics teams are represented by Sir Walter the Cavalier at events. Sir Walter also makes appearances at various school events outside of Athletics. A carved replica of Sir Walter stands outside the Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex and was created from an oak tree in 2016.[31] The name Cavalier was chosen after the school newspaper, The Spectator, ran a contest in 1963 asking for possible team names. Sean Keenan, Walsh class of 1964, then a junior, submitted for "Cavaliers". He took home a $15 prize.
Bob Huggins, basketball coach at Walsh from 1980–1983. He led the Cavaliers to a perfect 30–0 regular season. (They finished 34–1 overall).[38][39]
Nobel Laureates
Mother Teresa visited Walsh on June 23, 1982. This photograph was captured by Norm Kutz and shows Mother Teresa walking with Walsh's third president, Br. Francis Blouin.
