History and Mission

History of Ancilla College

Ancilla Domini College, in Donaldson, Indiana, sponsored by the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, is a two-year, liberal arts college. It was established in 1937 and accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education. Prior to that year, Ancilla functioned as an extension of DePaul University of Chicago under a charter granted to the Poor Handmaids in 1925.

Originally, Ancilla provided higher education only for prospective members of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. With the expansion of the college in 1966, the College broadened its liberal arts curriculum and admitted students from the surrounding geographical area, awarding an associate degree to members of the public for the first time in 1967.

Since 1973, Ancilla has maintained accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the United States.

Mission Statement

Ancilla College is a liberal arts institution of higher learning sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The college’s religious tradition is Roman Catholic; its climate, ecumenical. In a caring environment, Ancilla serves a diverse population, as we transform and empower students to achieve high academic goals, lifelong learning, successful careers and values-centered lives.

Vision Statement

Ancilla College will be a Catholic institution of higher learning passionate about its outreach and accessibility; its delivery of transformational, progressive and student-centered programs; and its fostering of intellectual, spiritual, and social values in the ecumenical tradition of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

As a sponsored ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC), Ancilla College embraces the core values of the PHJCs — Openness to the Spirit, Community, Simplicity, and Dignity and Respect for all — and their belief that these four core values ﬂow from joyful service to all, especially with the needy and underserved.

More information about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ is available at the following link: www.poorhandmaids.org

Core Competencies

With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the teaching/learning process, and personalized student service, Ancilla College provides a positive environment for the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of each student. Together these values form a foundation for the general education program established at Ancilla. As a basis for further learning in a student’s educational journey, the introduction to these values opens the way to expand his/her knowledge in a major concentration area. These values provide guidance to decision-making and program development while implying commitment to providing the essential resources for their fulfillment.

• Critical Thinking & Quantitative Reasoning – Identify and solve problems using critical thinking

• Communication: Written and Oral – Create in formal written formats and speak and present information in
varied contexts

• Global Awareness – Recognize and critique significant historical, political, social or cultural forces that shape
society

• Technology & Information Management – Identify and use appropriate computer and communications
technologies

• Personal Responsibility & Professional Development – Articulate ethical values and employ moral reasoning in
decision-making

Ancilla College also embraces the Poor Handmaid’s of Jesus Christ’s Core Values.

Historic Timeline

1925

Ancilla was established as an extension of DePaul University of Chicago under a charter granted to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in 1925. Originally Ancilla provided higher education for prospective members of the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

1937

Ancilla became accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education.

1966

Ancilla incorporated as a separate entity from the religious congregation which founded it. A board of trustees consisting of Sisters and leaders from the surrounding communities is now charged with maintaining its academic mission while addressing education needs of the local community.

1966

Because of needed expansion of college facilities, the College broadened its liberal arts curriculum and admitted students from the surrounding geographical area, awarding an associate degree for the first time in 1967. Since 1966 Ancilla has augmented its liberal arts program with various career preparation offerings.

1973

Ancilla has maintained accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.

1989

Student Success Center was established to meet individual academic needs of traditional and non-traditional students.

1998

Ancilla athletic teams began participating in the National Junior College Athletic Association and, since 2000, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.

2001

Ground was broken to address science and technology needs. The new wing completed in January 2003 is comprised of computer and science labs, classrooms, and offices. Renovation of the original science
laboratory in 2004 produced a state-of- the-art nursing lab.

2006

Ancilla reorganized several services into an Advising Center to serve all new students and all students with academic needs.

2015

Ancilla College built two new residence halls to accommodate students to live on campus. Brand-new, double-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms in quiet, clean, three-story residence halls with fireplaces, media centers, study areas, and meditation rooms.

Present Day

Today’s 1,200 acre campus is buzzing more than ever. Our students enjoy more luxuries than ever before. Ancilla continues to grow in every area, including the expansion of degree programs, electives and clubs, and athletics programs.