desales-university-and-sustainability---freeproject

DeSales University and sustainability

11 August 2025

Online degrees

DeSales University (DSU) is a private Catholic university located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and sustainability, DeSales offers a diverse range of programs and facilities designed to foster student success and social responsibility. Historical Background

Founded: 1964 (originally as Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales)
Founder: Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
Motto: “Be Who You Are and Be That Well”
Name Change: In 2000, the institution was granted university status and renamed DeSales University.
Current President: James J. Greenfield (since 2018)

The university began its journey in response to a request from the Bishop of the Allentown Diocese, Joseph McShea. The charter, granted on May 27, 1964, empowered the college to grant Bachelor’s degrees. It became coeducational in 1970 and expanded its programs to graduate studies in nursing, management information systems, education, and business administration over the years. Campus and Facilities

Location: Center Valley, Pennsylvania, suburban setting
Campus Size: 550 acres (220 hectares) total; 163 acres developed
Academic Buildings:
    Dooling Hall: Main academic building for liberal arts
    Gambet Center: Business and healthcare education with simulation labs
    Hurd Science Center: Science laboratories and research spaces
    Labuda Center: Performing arts facilities including theaters and studios
    Trexler Library: Houses extensive print/electronic resources and multimedia materials
    Billera Hall: Recreational facility with fitness center and athletic courts

Campus Population and Layout

The developed campus area forms a census-designated place with a residential population of 953 (2010 Census).

Academic Structure and Programs Academic Divisions

Business
Healthcare Professions
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Nursing
Performing Arts
Sciences & Mathematics

Program Highlights

Undergraduate and graduate programs including online and hybrid courses
Doctoral/Professional University Classification
Notable graduate programs (e.g., MBA second-largest in Pennsylvania)

Degree Programs Accreditation Bodies Nursing (MSN) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Physician Assistant Program Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs Business & related fields Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Doctor of Physical Therapy Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Financial Planning CFP Board Registered Programs Student Life and Athletics

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Popular Majors: Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology, Accounting, Biology, Criminal Justice, Drama, Finance, Marketing
Freshman Retention Rate: 82%
Financial Aid: >80% of undergraduates receive some form of aid
Athletics: 18 varsity NCAA Division III teams (“Bulldogs”) in MAC Freedom conference
Other Sports: Club sports include swimming, cheerleading, rugby, ice hockey, and more.
Mascot: Frankie the Bulldog (a French bulldog)

Sustainability at DeSales University

DeSales University espouses a deep commitment to sustainability, biologically and spiritually aligned with its Catholic Salesian heritage and the principles of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home. Core Sustainability Principles

Discovery of God in all things
Ecological education and awareness
Response to environmental and social justice issues (“cries of the earth and the poor”)
Adoption of sustainable lifestyles emphasizing resource and energy sobriety
Community engagement and participatory action at multiple levels

Sustainability Framework Inspired by Laudato Si’ Principle Description Discovering God in All Things Recognition of divine presence in creation Ecological Education Curriculum and initiatives fostering environmental literacy Response to Earth’s and Poor’s Cries Actions addressing climate justice and social equity Sustainable Lifestyles Encouraging responsible consumption and energy use Community Engagement Collaborative projects and awareness campaigns Commitment Statement (Laudato Si’ 14)

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” Additional Highlights Salesian Center for Faith and Culture

The university’s research and cultural development hub
Organizes events like Heritage Week, the Center Valley Forum, and the John Paul II Arts & Culture series
Oversees the Forum for Ethics in the Workplace promoting responsible business ethics

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Hosted annually by the Division of Performing Arts
Features performances in a 473-seat theater managed by students

Community Engagement

DeSales Free Clinic at Allentown Rescue Mission providing free healthcare services to men in shelter or recovery programs.

Notable Alumni Name Profession Steve Burns Actor (attended, did not graduate) Jim Chern Catholic priest, radio co-host Alexie Gilmore Actress Michele Knotz Actress Joseph F. Leeson Jr. Federal Judge Roger MacLean Mayor of Allentown Niki and Gabi Actresses (attended, not graduated) Zack Robidas Actor Conclusion

DeSales University stands as a vibrant educational institution where faith, academic rigor, community involvement, and sustainability converge. It supports a diverse student body across multiple disciplines with a clear focus on social responsibility and environmental stewardship, making it a distinctive choice for students aspiring to make a difference in the world.

For more information, visit their official website.