City of Austin Honors the 140th Anniversary of St. Edward’s University with Special Proclamation
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University is proud to announce Austin city leaders have issued an official declaration proclaiming February 21, 2025, as St. Edward’s 140th Anniversary Day.
“This momentous recognition from the Austin City Council exemplifies our steadfast and intentional commitment to fostering a foundation for success, which has spanned 140 years and continues to thrive,” said St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes. “We are grateful to our Austin leaders for honoring the university’s dedication to providing a premier education, equipping our graduates for prosperity in their careers and inspiring all students to make a positive impact in Austin and communities around the world.”
Today at Austin City Hall, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, District 2, issued the proclamation honoring St. Edward’s for challenging students to address critical issues of society; encouraging students to seek justice and peace; preparing students for success in the ever-evolving workforce; and collaborating with Austin and Central Texas communities to discover solutions for pressing matters.
“Throughout its history, St. Edward’s has consistently demonstrated its perseverance to serve the Austin community, and beyond, by influencing students to emerge as catalysts for constructive social transformation,” said Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. “It is an honor to celebrate 140 years of transforming the lives of past, present and future students on the hilltop, so that they can create meaningful change for others in return.”
In February, St. Edward’s kicked off its milestone year of celebrations with “Meeting the Moment: Continuing 140 Years of Hope at St. Edward’s University.” The event brought together university leadership, alumni, Austin-area leaders, community partners, benefactors and long-standing supporters to commemorate the university’s remarkable achievements and look ahead to future initiatives driving the university’s Strategic Plan 2027 goals.
Since the launch of Strategic Plan 2027 five years ago, St. Edward’s has reached new heights, earning accolades elevating our mission to become A Destination University for a More Just World, while educating the hearts and minds of more than 35,000 alumni and growing. Some notable achievements include:
(2025) St. Edward’s Achieves Research University Status from Carnegie Foundation
(2024) St. Edward's University Again Named Fulbright HSI Leader for 2024
(2024) St. Edward’s University Again Named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students
(2023) Texas Lawmakers Honor St. Edward's University for Commitment to Serving Latino Students
(2023) St. Edward’s Earns National Seal of Excelencia Certification
(2023) St. Edward's University Day at the Texas State Capitol
(2022) St. Edward's University Earns AACSB International Accreditation
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 50 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs and a doctorate program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West. The American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation designated St. Edward’s research university status in 2025.
