About
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.

You’ll feel the difference from day one
From our beautiful hilltop setting, we celebrate diversity, support each other wholeheartedly, and strive to reach our full potential. As soon as you join our close-knit community, you’ll know you’re somewhere special.
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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.
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Guiding us forward
Meet our President, Michael Groener, and the other HNU leaders who are providing the inspiration and vision to help us reach our goals.
Learn MoreCreated for enrichment
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.
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Making music accessible
Visit the Kodály Center website
A spectacular setting
What’s new at HNU

Letter to Community: Board of Trustees Decision Regarding HNU’s Path Forward
Board of Trustees Decision Regarding HNU’s Path Forward: The Spring 2023 semester will be HNU’s last
Learn More
Holy Names University in Oakland to Close After Spring Semester in May 2023
Holy Names University in Oakland to Close After Spring Semester in May 2023
Learn More
Open Letter to the Holy Names University Community
HNU President Mike Groener shares an update on the athletic programs at Holy Names.
Learn More
Holy Names University’s Urban Educators Project awards Oakland teachers with tuition-free teaching credentials
This fall, HNU will award full-tuition scholarships to 20 OUSD teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to Oakland’s students.
Learn More
Martha Stoddard Embraces a New Era for the HNU Community Orchestra
Following an extensive search, HNU Community Orchestra welcomes Martha Stoddard as their new conductor.
Learn More
Holy Names University Announces 2022 Commencement Speaker
HNU's 2022 Commencement speaker will be Tiana Davis Kara ’06, an inspiring culture catalyst and advocate.
Learn More
HNU Welcomes New VP of Finance and Administration
Jeanine Hawk, EdD, is the new Vice President for Finance and Administration for HNU.
Learn More
A Positive Force: Savannah Vasquez ’21, MA ’23
HNU alumna and current graduate student, Savannah Vasquez '21, MA '23 is a positive force on campus and in the local community.
Learn More


Interview with Eleanor McFarlin, Head of HNU’s Career Center
Associate Dean and Director of Student Success, Eleanor McFarlin oversees the Career Center and the Upward Bound Program at HNU.
Learn More
Rise Up 510 with HNU Students Jamir Graham and Brenda Moreno
In the first episode of Rise UP 510, HNU students and Peer Mentors, Jamir and Brenda give tips on how to survive college life during COVID.
Learn More
Educator and Advocate: Rosemary Everett, SNJM ’65
Educator and Advocate: Rosemary Everett, SNJM ‘65 has lived a life committed to empowering students and working for social justice.
Learn More
Check it out! HNU Today Winter/Spring Issue is out now
Check it out! New issue of HNU Today magazine available now.
Learn More
Lifehacks: Music at Home
"Lifehacks: Music at Home" was the second successful event from the Holy Names series “Teachers and Parents as Education Co-Navigators.”
Learn More
Black History Month: Honoring HNU’s Black Alumni Leaders
In celebration of Black History Month, take a moment to see how some of our Black alumni are working to lead and inspire.
Learn More
BSU C.O.L.O.R. Grant Established
In conjunction with their annual COLOR showcase, BSU is fundraising to ensure that students can succeed.
Learn More
Holy Names University and Life Chiropractic College West announce bachelor’s degree completion partnership
The two institutions, both located in the East Bay, share a deep commitment to access and to preparing service-minded graduates.
Learn More
Holy Names University Anti-Racism Action Plan
Holy Names University Anti-Racism Action Plan.
Learn More
Dr. Arturo Lopez-Levy on understanding our American identity
Dr. Arturo Lopez-Levy is Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations at HNU.
Learn More
The Cost of Racism for Everyone: A Conversation with Heather McGhee
The Cost of Racism for Everyone: A Conversation with Heather McGhee
Learn More
In Celebration of Inauguration Day 2021
Message from President Mike Groener in celebration of Inauguration Day 2021.
Learn More

Holy Names University Launches the HNU Parent Promise Initiative to Support Bachelor’s Degree Completion Across Generations
Parents or guardians of current students now have the opportunity to take up to two courses toward their bachelor's degree at no cost.
Learn More
Happy New Year and Welcome to Spring Semester at HNU
Welcome message from HNU President Mike Groener.
Learn More

Message from HNU President Mike Groener about yesterday’s events at the Capitol
Message from HNU President Mike Groener about yesterday's events at the Capitol
Learn More
Holiday Message from HNU President Mike Groener
Holiday Message from HNU President Mike Groener. Art by Claudine Parks.
Learn More
First Year Experience Program Project: Students Speak Their Truth
As part of HNU's FYE program, students were asked to respond to the prompt: What does truth to power mean to you?
Learn More
Soaring Toward Justice Speaker Series: Timothy Tyson
Dr. Timothy B. Tyson is an author and historian who specializes in the issues of culture, religion, and race.
Learn More
HNU Announces Tuition Freeze for 2021-2022 Academic Year
In keeping with our commitment to access and affordability, Holy Names University will be freezing tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Learn More
Spring 2021 at HNU: Remote Instruction
HNU has decided that the health and safety of our community is best supported by continuing to offer classes remotely during spring 2021.
Learn More
HNU to “Promote the Vote” this Election Season
HNU is committed to promoting civic engagement through various get out the vote efforts on campus.
Learn More
Social Justice Info Series: Understanding Systemic Racism and Privilege
Social Justice Info Series: Understanding Systemic Racism and Privilege with guest speaker Dr. Rodney Coates.
Learn More
Interview with Associate Professor Dr. Kitty Kelly Epstein
Interview with Dr. Kitty Kelly Epstein, associate professor of education at HNU and Shaniah Ritzie '21, president of HNU's BSU.
Learn More
HNU School of Education’s 1st Annual National Conference
HNU's School of Education held a national conference with parents and teachers to discuss best practices for navigating distance learning.
Learn More
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Laura McLaughlin
Dr. Laura McLaughlin is an Associate Professor of Bio Sciences at HNU and Director of the Community Health Sciences.
Learn More
2020-21 University Common Reading
HNU’s Common Reading selection for the 2020-21 academic year is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
Learn More
2020 Rite of Passage
An honored tradition, HNU's Rite of Passage ceremony was virtual this year.
Learn More
HNU and SUNY Upstate Medical University Address Race, Trauma, and Healing in Education
SUNY's Dr. Sipho Mbuqe addressed HNU faculty in this year's Provost Workshop on the impact of bias and racism on student learning.
Learn More
HNU Preparatory Music students and teachers virtual performance
Students and teachers at Holy Names University Preparatory Music collaborated to perform Pachelbel Canon in D during COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn More
Stronger together: Soaring toward justice
HNU President Mike Groener welcomes Hawks to the start of a new academic year and introduces this year's theme.
Learn More
Summer 2020 Edition of HNU Today Published
Stronger Together: The HNU community rises to the challenge of COVID-19
Learn More
Holy Names University Announces New Academic Strategic Plan: HNU SOARS
The plan promotes social justice and leverages technology to prepare graduates for future careers.
Learn More
Learning and Community at HNU this Fall
Update on what the HNU experience will be like this fall.
Learn More
A Message from the President about Recent Acts of Racist Violence
Moments like this one amplify our responsibility as a university rooted in social justice.
Learn More
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
A special message to the 2020 graduating class of Holy Names University.
Learn More
Q&A with Alison Pope-Rhodius
Applied Sport and Performance Psychology is about working with performers to help them think, feel and behave more productively.
Learn More
Message about Coronavirus prevention and preparation
Information for the Holy Names University community about emergency preparedness for the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Learn More
Pandemic Prose, Poetry, and Pics: HNU Community Art
To help inspire and relieve stress, we created a space for our community members to share the art they are making.
Learn More
Campus Resources During Shelter-in-Place Order
Use this resource page as a guide as HNU follows the state of California's shelter-in-place order.
Learn More
2020 Alpha Delta Virtual Award Ceremony
HNU's Alpha Delta Leadership & Athletic Awards recognize students who have excelled in service and leadership during their time at HNU.
Learn More
Message from Dr. Laura Truxler
Dr. Laura Truxler shares a message to the HNU community on April 22: Earth Day, Founders' Day, and the last day of classes.
Learn More
#HeroicHawks: Dr. Pam Stanley opens her home to nursing students
Dr. Pam Stanley, HNU alumna, faculty, and practicing nurse, opened her home to our nursing students and works everyday to keep us safe.
Learn More
Message from HNU’s ASHNU Student Body President Mattea Carveiro ’20
Mattea Carveiro '20 offers a hopeful message for HNU's graduating seniors and current students.
Learn More
Holy Week Message from HNU’s VP for Mission Integration Sr. Carol Sellman
An Easter blessing from Sr. Carol Sellman '69, MM '78, EdD, vice president for mission integration.
Learn More
Going Virtual: The Digital Learning Initiative
The Digital Learning Initiative helped build the structure that has allowed HNU to adapt so quickly to the COVID-19 era of online education.
Learn More
Letter to Community: Board of Trustees Decision Regarding HNU’s Path Forward
Board of Trustees Decision Regarding HNU’s Path Forward: The Spring 2023 semester will be HNU’s last
Learn More
Holy Names University in Oakland to Close After Spring Semester in May 2023
Holy Names University in Oakland to Close After Spring Semester in May 2023
Learn More
Open Letter to the Holy Names University Community
HNU President Mike Groener shares an update on the athletic programs at Holy Names.
Learn More
Holy Names University’s Urban Educators Project awards Oakland teachers with tuition-free teaching credentials
This fall, HNU will award full-tuition scholarships to 20 OUSD teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to Oakland’s students.
Learn More
Martha Stoddard Embraces a New Era for the HNU Community Orchestra
Following an extensive search, HNU Community Orchestra welcomes Martha Stoddard as their new conductor.
Learn More
Holy Names University Announces 2022 Commencement Speaker
HNU's 2022 Commencement speaker will be Tiana Davis Kara ’06, an inspiring culture catalyst and advocate.
Learn More
HNU Welcomes New VP of Finance and Administration
Jeanine Hawk, EdD, is the new Vice President for Finance and Administration for HNU.
Learn More
A Positive Force: Savannah Vasquez ’21, MA ’23
HNU alumna and current graduate student, Savannah Vasquez '21, MA '23 is a positive force on campus and in the local community.
Learn More


Interview with Eleanor McFarlin, Head of HNU’s Career Center
Associate Dean and Director of Student Success, Eleanor McFarlin oversees the Career Center and the Upward Bound Program at HNU.
Learn More
Rise Up 510 with HNU Students Jamir Graham and Brenda Moreno
In the first episode of Rise UP 510, HNU students and Peer Mentors, Jamir and Brenda give tips on how to survive college life during COVID.
Learn More
Educator and Advocate: Rosemary Everett, SNJM ’65
Educator and Advocate: Rosemary Everett, SNJM ‘65 has lived a life committed to empowering students and working for social justice.
Learn More
Check it out! HNU Today Winter/Spring Issue is out now
Check it out! New issue of HNU Today magazine available now.
Learn More
Lifehacks: Music at Home
"Lifehacks: Music at Home" was the second successful event from the Holy Names series “Teachers and Parents as Education Co-Navigators.”
Learn More
Black History Month: Honoring HNU’s Black Alumni Leaders
In celebration of Black History Month, take a moment to see how some of our Black alumni are working to lead and inspire.
Learn More
BSU C.O.L.O.R. Grant Established
In conjunction with their annual COLOR showcase, BSU is fundraising to ensure that students can succeed.
Learn More
Holy Names University and Life Chiropractic College West announce bachelor’s degree completion partnership
The two institutions, both located in the East Bay, share a deep commitment to access and to preparing service-minded graduates.
Learn More
Holy Names University Anti-Racism Action Plan
Holy Names University Anti-Racism Action Plan.
Learn More
Dr. Arturo Lopez-Levy on understanding our American identity
Dr. Arturo Lopez-Levy is Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations at HNU.
Learn More
The Cost of Racism for Everyone: A Conversation with Heather McGhee
The Cost of Racism for Everyone: A Conversation with Heather McGhee
Learn More
In Celebration of Inauguration Day 2021
Message from President Mike Groener in celebration of Inauguration Day 2021.
Learn More

Holy Names University Launches the HNU Parent Promise Initiative to Support Bachelor’s Degree Completion Across Generations
Parents or guardians of current students now have the opportunity to take up to two courses toward their bachelor's degree at no cost.
Learn More
Happy New Year and Welcome to Spring Semester at HNU
Welcome message from HNU President Mike Groener.
Learn More

Message from HNU President Mike Groener about yesterday’s events at the Capitol
Message from HNU President Mike Groener about yesterday's events at the Capitol
Learn More
Holiday Message from HNU President Mike Groener
Holiday Message from HNU President Mike Groener. Art by Claudine Parks.
Learn More
First Year Experience Program Project: Students Speak Their Truth
As part of HNU's FYE program, students were asked to respond to the prompt: What does truth to power mean to you?
Learn More
Soaring Toward Justice Speaker Series: Timothy Tyson
Dr. Timothy B. Tyson is an author and historian who specializes in the issues of culture, religion, and race.
Learn More
HNU Announces Tuition Freeze for 2021-2022 Academic Year
In keeping with our commitment to access and affordability, Holy Names University will be freezing tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Learn More
Spring 2021 at HNU: Remote Instruction
HNU has decided that the health and safety of our community is best supported by continuing to offer classes remotely during spring 2021.
Learn More
HNU to “Promote the Vote” this Election Season
HNU is committed to promoting civic engagement through various get out the vote efforts on campus.
Learn More
Social Justice Info Series: Understanding Systemic Racism and Privilege
Social Justice Info Series: Understanding Systemic Racism and Privilege with guest speaker Dr. Rodney Coates.
Learn More
Interview with Associate Professor Dr. Kitty Kelly Epstein
Interview with Dr. Kitty Kelly Epstein, associate professor of education at HNU and Shaniah Ritzie '21, president of HNU's BSU.
Learn More
HNU School of Education’s 1st Annual National Conference
HNU's School of Education held a national conference with parents and teachers to discuss best practices for navigating distance learning.
Learn More
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Laura McLaughlin
Dr. Laura McLaughlin is an Associate Professor of Bio Sciences at HNU and Director of the Community Health Sciences.
Learn More
2020-21 University Common Reading
HNU’s Common Reading selection for the 2020-21 academic year is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
Learn More
2020 Rite of Passage
An honored tradition, HNU's Rite of Passage ceremony was virtual this year.
Learn More
HNU and SUNY Upstate Medical University Address Race, Trauma, and Healing in Education
SUNY's Dr. Sipho Mbuqe addressed HNU faculty in this year's Provost Workshop on the impact of bias and racism on student learning.
Learn More
HNU Preparatory Music students and teachers virtual performance
Students and teachers at Holy Names University Preparatory Music collaborated to perform Pachelbel Canon in D during COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn More
Stronger together: Soaring toward justice
HNU President Mike Groener welcomes Hawks to the start of a new academic year and introduces this year's theme.
Learn More
Summer 2020 Edition of HNU Today Published
Stronger Together: The HNU community rises to the challenge of COVID-19
Learn More
Holy Names University Announces New Academic Strategic Plan: HNU SOARS
The plan promotes social justice and leverages technology to prepare graduates for future careers.
Learn More
Learning and Community at HNU this Fall
Update on what the HNU experience will be like this fall.
Learn More
A Message from the President about Recent Acts of Racist Violence
Moments like this one amplify our responsibility as a university rooted in social justice.
Learn More
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
A special message to the 2020 graduating class of Holy Names University.
Learn More
Q&A with Alison Pope-Rhodius
Applied Sport and Performance Psychology is about working with performers to help them think, feel and behave more productively.
Learn More
Message about Coronavirus prevention and preparation
Information for the Holy Names University community about emergency preparedness for the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Learn More
Pandemic Prose, Poetry, and Pics: HNU Community Art
To help inspire and relieve stress, we created a space for our community members to share the art they are making.
Learn More
Campus Resources During Shelter-in-Place Order
Use this resource page as a guide as HNU follows the state of California's shelter-in-place order.
Learn More
2020 Alpha Delta Virtual Award Ceremony
HNU's Alpha Delta Leadership & Athletic Awards recognize students who have excelled in service and leadership during their time at HNU.
Learn More
Message from Dr. Laura Truxler
Dr. Laura Truxler shares a message to the HNU community on April 22: Earth Day, Founders' Day, and the last day of classes.
Learn More
#HeroicHawks: Dr. Pam Stanley opens her home to nursing students
Dr. Pam Stanley, HNU alumna, faculty, and practicing nurse, opened her home to our nursing students and works everyday to keep us safe.
Learn More
Message from HNU’s ASHNU Student Body President Mattea Carveiro ’20
Mattea Carveiro '20 offers a hopeful message for HNU's graduating seniors and current students.
Learn More
Holy Week Message from HNU’s VP for Mission Integration Sr. Carol Sellman
An Easter blessing from Sr. Carol Sellman '69, MM '78, EdD, vice president for mission integration.
Learn More
Going Virtual: The Digital Learning Initiative
The Digital Learning Initiative helped build the structure that has allowed HNU to adapt so quickly to the COVID-19 era of online education.
Learn MoreRead our stories

Adamaka
Building Self-Esteem through STEM

Aiden
Hawk drafted by the Oakland A’s

Alan
Chronic Pain Crusader

Arturo
Author, Lopez-Levy

Denise
Wellness Warrior

Dianne
Commited to Public Service

Father Salvatore
Ministering in the 21st Century

Jahan
A Champion from Turkmenistan

Janine
Building Bridges in Oakland with Basketball

Katerine
Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20 brings music to Oakland schools

Leila
Lifting up Oakland's Next Generation

Leo
A True Hawk

Letteria
Advocate and Therapist

Lillian
SNJM Scholarship Recipient

Luis
35 Years at Holy Names

Maria
Called to Heal: One Alumna’s Tale of Resilience and Renewal

Martin
Teaching with Humor and Joy

Melody
Committed to Social Justice

Muryam
The New Face of Science

Nobel
The Long Way Home to HNU

Ray
Continuing a family tradition at Holy Names

Shaylah
Inspired to Educate

Sister Mary
On a mission of recovery and compassion

Steven
A True Servant-Leader

Tiana
A Tech Tonic

Tofik
Immigrant Advocate

Will
Taking a Different Path

Adamaka
Building Self-Esteem through STEM

Aiden
Hawk drafted by the Oakland A’s

Alan
Chronic Pain Crusader

Arturo
Author, Lopez-Levy

Denise
Wellness Warrior

Dianne
Commited to Public Service

Father Salvatore
Ministering in the 21st Century

Jahan
A Champion from Turkmenistan

Janine
Building Bridges in Oakland with Basketball

Katerine
Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20 brings music to Oakland schools

Leila
Lifting up Oakland's Next Generation

Leo
A True Hawk

Letteria
Advocate and Therapist

Lillian
SNJM Scholarship Recipient

Luis
35 Years at Holy Names

Maria
Called to Heal: One Alumna’s Tale of Resilience and Renewal

Martin
Teaching with Humor and Joy

Melody
Committed to Social Justice

Muryam
The New Face of Science

Nobel
The Long Way Home to HNU

Ray
Continuing a family tradition at Holy Names

Shaylah
Inspired to Educate

Sister Mary
On a mission of recovery and compassion

Steven
A True Servant-Leader

Tiana
A Tech Tonic

Tofik
Immigrant Advocate
