Nazareth College

School mission (as provided by the school):

Founded in 1924 and located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester, NY, Nazareth College's challenging academic programs and strong cultures of service and community prepare students to be successful professionals and engaged citizens. With approximately 2,200 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students, Nazareth offers undergraduate and graduate studies in the liberal arts and sciences along with professional programs in education, management, and health and human services. Since fall 2009, Nazareth has invested $25.5 million in campus improvements such as new construction, building renovations, and technology. With the opening of the new Integrated Center for Math and Science in fall 2012, the College's investment in campus improvements increases to $60 million. Many of the College's majors lead to careers in fields experiencing job growth, including physical therapy, nursing, education, and marketing. Career preparation is an integral part of education at Nazareth and 66 percent of 2009 graduates were either employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduating. The faculty is dedicated to student-centered learning, and the College boasts an average class size of 19 students with a student/faculty ratio of 11 to one. The College's strong commitment to experience-based learning is evinced through its internship programs, student teaching opportunities, and curriculum-based field experience. In fact, 69 percent of Nazareth students have experiential learning within their academic field and 91 percent of Nazareth undergraduates participate in community service while they are students. For four years in a row, Nazareth was honored with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America's communities. U.S. News & World Report ranks Nazareth in the top tier of colleges and universities in the category of Universities-Master's, North Region, in its 2011 America's Best Colleges guide. In addition, Nazareth has been recognized by The Princeton Review in its "Best 373 Colleges: 2011 Edition." Nazareth is one of only approximately 15 percent of all U.S. colleges named to the list. Education coupled with professional preparation characterizes academic life at Nazareth, but student life is also significant. Students may participate on 23 Division III varsity sports teams, from lacrosse to equestrian. Nazareth's athletic department was the only one in its conference to have every team qualify for the conference championship tournament in fall 2010. Students living on campus also have a choice of options that feature suites, cafes, and free laundry. They are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities, and Nazareth's Center for International Education has partnerships with institutions in many countries, including Australia, France, Italy, Japan, and Peru. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Nazareth is on the list of top producers of Fulbright Scholars among master's institutions. In 2011, five Nazareth students received Fulbright awards, a record-breaking number in one year for the College. Undergraduate students are also offered free tickets to the Nazareth College Arts Center and its world-class season series events. Nazareth is committed to supporting the visual and performing arts at the College and in the region: The Princeton Review ranks Nazareth's theater programming tenth in the nation. The College is located on 150 scenic acres near Rochester, NY, the third largest city in the state. Area attractions include the George Eastman House, Memorial Art Gallery, and New York Wine and Culinary Center. The city also hosts a variety of annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Lilac Festival, and 360-365 George Eastman House Film Festival. For more information about Nazareth, visit naz.edu. For information about Rochester, NY, visit www.visitrochester.com.