HNU is a special place, as you’ll discover the moment you set foot on our welcoming campus. Let us give you a look around.
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At-A-Glance
Some numbers worth noting
15
Average class size
38%
First-Generation College Students (HNU undergraduates)
100%
All of our full-time undergraduate students receive financial assistance from Holy Names.
Our History
A proud past
In 1868, six Sisters of Holy Names arrived in Oakland with the dream of providing education for those living in poverty. And we’ve been keeping their dream of service alive ever since.
Discover our Programs & Centers, which are devoted to music, performing arts, learning, and social justice. They contribute greatly to the growth of our students and community.
The Kodály method is an approach to music education developed by Hungarian Zoltán Kodály. It emphasizes accessible and inclusive quality music education, for diverse communities and cultures. This is just one of the programs and centers housed on HNU's campus.
Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.
Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.
Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.
Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS, co-director of campus ministry and chaplain for the University, fosters a sense of community at HNU through storytelling, meal sharing, and service opportunities.
Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.
Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20 brings music to Oakland schools
“Music makes a difference. It changes people. It gives us a voice and a community,” says Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20. As a student in the graduate music program at HNU, she's bringing her passion to Oakland schools.
The odds of Letteria Fletcher '06, MA '08 graduating from college were not stacked in her favor. Today, Fletcher helps homeless youth transition out of the foster care system.
Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.
For Nobel Hadgu '18, 26, life began at the tail end of a civil war whose effects would disrupt his education and force his family to scatter across a continent by the time he was 10.
Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco.
Steve Borg '86 is the chairperson of the board for Holy Names University. A true servant-leader, Steve has over 30 years of leadership experience in the financial service industry.
When Will Newsome's promising basketball career was derailed by a serious heart condition, he became determined to start over and make a name for himself at HNU.
HNU alumna Adrienne Partridge, MEd ‘09, PhD is on a mission to accelerate the growth and advancement of female leaders and the companies in which they work. Dr. Partridge has partnered with over 150 professionals across various industries, from small businesses and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Raphael-Scott was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020
Alumni Service Award. This award is given to alumni who stand out
for their service to HNU and dedication to living the University’s
values.
Gustavo Garcia-Rojas, MA ‘20 is proud to be a DACA student. With his dual master’s degree in counseling and forensic psychology from HNU, he is dedicated to helping other Dreamers get the resources and counseling they need.
After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.
Mattea Carveiro '20 is an inspiring student leader and talented artist. While student leadership wasn't initially part of Mattea's plans, she quickly developed a passion for building community.
Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.
Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.
Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.
Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS, co-director of campus ministry and chaplain for the University, fosters a sense of community at HNU through storytelling, meal sharing, and service opportunities.
Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.
Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20 brings music to Oakland schools
“Music makes a difference. It changes people. It gives us a voice and a community,” says Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20. As a student in the graduate music program at HNU, she's bringing her passion to Oakland schools.
The odds of Letteria Fletcher '06, MA '08 graduating from college were not stacked in her favor. Today, Fletcher helps homeless youth transition out of the foster care system.
Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.
For Nobel Hadgu '18, 26, life began at the tail end of a civil war whose effects would disrupt his education and force his family to scatter across a continent by the time he was 10.
Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco.
Steve Borg '86 is the chairperson of the board for Holy Names University. A true servant-leader, Steve has over 30 years of leadership experience in the financial service industry.
When Will Newsome's promising basketball career was derailed by a serious heart condition, he became determined to start over and make a name for himself at HNU.
HNU alumna Adrienne Partridge, MEd ‘09, PhD is on a mission to accelerate the growth and advancement of female leaders and the companies in which they work. Dr. Partridge has partnered with over 150 professionals across various industries, from small businesses and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Raphael-Scott was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020
Alumni Service Award. This award is given to alumni who stand out
for their service to HNU and dedication to living the University’s
values.
Gustavo Garcia-Rojas, MA ‘20 is proud to be a DACA student. With his dual master’s degree in counseling and forensic psychology from HNU, he is dedicated to helping other Dreamers get the resources and counseling they need.
After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.
Mattea Carveiro '20 is an inspiring student leader and talented artist. While student leadership wasn't initially part of Mattea's plans, she quickly developed a passion for building community.