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
1966
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
1998
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
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.
