SAN FRANCISCO, UNIVERSITY OF

private, coeducational institution of higher learning, located near Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif., U.S. It is affiliated with the Jesuit order of the Roman Catholic church. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through six academic divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences, McLaren School of Business, the College of Professional Studies, and schools of Education, Law, and Nursing. The university offers courses in conjunction with the Academy of Art College and St. Ignatius Institute and operates a student-exchange program with Boston College and Fordham University. Campus resources include the Institute of Chemical Biology and the Center for the Pacific Rim. There are four regional campuses (at Cupertino, Sacramento, San Ramon, and Orange) and two satellite centres (at Oakland and Stockton). There are approximately 7,700 students in enrollment. The University of San Francisco was founded by Jesuits in 1855 as St. Ignatius Academy. The school was elevated to collegiate status when it was granted a state charter in 1859. It was one of the first institutions of higher education in San Francisco. The first bachelor of arts degree was awarded in 1863 and the first master's degree in 1867. The school relocated in 1880 and in 1906, when the campus was destroyed by earthquake and the ensuing fire. In 1927 the school was established on its current Ignatian Heights campus, and in 1930 it was renamed the University of San Francisco. The university became coeducational in all academic divisions in 1964. In 1978 the university subsumed neighbouring Lone Mountain College. Notable alumni include sports executive Pete Rozelle and basketball player Bill Russell.