History
Catholic education in Detroit extended only through grade school. Founded in 1877, by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) as a high school at the invitation of Bishop Caspar Henry Borgess, the second Roman Catholic bishop of Detroit. It was first named Detroit College and was located on Jefferson Avenue and St. Antoine Street in Detroit. In June of that year four Jesuit Priests, J.B. Miege, Eugene Brady, James Walshe and Edward Higgins were sent from the Provincial headquarters in St. Louis to open the school on September 3, with 50 students, in what is the current high school.
The Jesuits have a centuries-old presence in Michigan. Fr. Claude Dablon, S.J. established the first Jesuit mission in 1668 in Sault Ste. Marie. To read more about the Jesuit influence in Michigan, click on the button below.
150th Logo Inspiration
For generations, students, alumni, and guests have been welcomed by our grand entrance to U of D Jesuit and a lasting symbol of the journey that begins within these walls. Standing atop the main building, the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of the Lawns, along with the cross that crowns the building, serves as a visible reminder of the faith, protection, and Jesuit tradition that have guided our community for generations.
