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A group of twelve men, some in clerical attire, are formally posed for a sepia-toned studio portrait against a plain, draped background.

Before 1877, Catholic education in Detroit extended only through grade school. In that year, the city's bishop, Casper H. Borgess, long recognizing the need for Catholic higher education in his diocese, invited the Society of Jesus to satisfy that need. 

Celebrating our Sesquicentennial

Beginning in the fall of 2026, and ending in November 2027, we will look back on and celebrate 150 years of University of Detroit Jesuit. We welcome our community to join this celebration by attending events, exploring our digital archives, and sharing their favorite memories.

A Note About Our History

The history presented as part of our 150th Anniversary is based on the resources available to us, including school records and archives, yearbooks, alumni publications, newspaper and periodical articles, historical documents, and other sources. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, historical records are not always complete, and some details may have been lost, omitted, or reported differently over time. Our anniversary history represents our best understanding based on the sources currently available to us. As we continue to uncover stories, documents, photographs, and memories from our past, we welcome additional information that may help us further enrich and clarify the story of U of D Jesuit.

Did you Know?

First Commencement
First Commencement

The first Commencement took place in the Merrill Hall with music provided by the Detroit Opera House orchestra. Technically, there were no graduates as there were no students in the fourth year of Academic (i.e. high school).

College or High School?
College or High School?

Detroit College started as part grade school, part high school with a total of 84 students registered. The first college classes began in September of 1879.

Name Game
Name Game

Did you know there have been five name changes or addendums to the school name? 1. Detroit College (1877-1911); 2. University of Detroit (1912-1948); 3. University of Detroit High School (1948-1972); 4. University of Detroit High School and Academy (1973-1983); 5. University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (1983-Present)