Why HNU?

Reach your potential at one of the most diverse campuses in California. At HNU, it's about educating the whole person.

About
Why HNU?

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Commencement joy

the sky is the limit

Anything is possible

HNU is home to a wide variety of people, backgrounds and perspectives. We’re deeply committed to each other, and to the vibrant Oakland community that we’ve been part of since 1868. Our close-knit community fosters critical thinking and produces students and professors who look beyond their classes and textbooks to actively engage with the world. And each other. We pull together and do whatever it takes to help one another reach our full potential, all within a warm, encouraging environment. Because we believe that by working side by side, hand in hand, we can accomplish anything.

Meet the people of HNU

Facts & Figures

Some noteworthy numbers

38%

First-Generation College Students (HNU undergraduates)

70%

Students of Color

1868

HNU was founded in Oakland over 150 years ago by six Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

Meet a few HNU alumni

Holy Names University MBA student Adamaka Ajaelo

Adamaka

Building Self-Esteem through STEM

Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.

Aiden

Hawk drafted by the Oakland A’s

Making HNU Athletics history, Aiden McIntyre ’18 is the first player drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Alan

Chronic Pain Crusader

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.

Arturo

Author, Lopez-Levy

Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.

Holy Names University alumna Denise Aaron, Class of 2001

Denise

Wellness Warrior

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.

Dianne Dobbs, Holy Names University Class of 1996

Dianne

Commited to Public Service

Dianne Dobbs '96, MBA '98 is driven to make a strong impact through public service and advocacy.

Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS

Father Salvatore

Ministering in the 21st Century

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.

Jahan Bayramova

Jahan

A Champion from Turkmenistan

Jahan Bayramova is a star tennis player and passionate about coaching children.

James

A passionate advocate

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.

Lillian

SNJM Scholarship Recipient

Lillian Le is a recipient of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Scholarship and working on fulfilling a family dream.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez Holy Names University Class of 2013

Maria

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

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez ’13 was in the public spotlight after being deported to Mexico, leaving behind her three children, home, and successful career.

Shaylah

Inspired to Educate

Shaylah Ellis ‘19, an English major, lives by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Tofik

Immigrant Advocate

Tofik Mohamed '20, a ﬁrst-generation Muslim immigrant from Eritrea, wants to help other immigrants that are trying to make a better life.

Muryam Gourdet Holy Names University Class of 2014

Muryam

The New Face of Science

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.

Holy Names University MBA student Adamaka Ajaelo

Adamaka

Building Self-Esteem through STEM

Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.

Aiden

Hawk drafted by the Oakland A’s

Making HNU Athletics history, Aiden McIntyre ’18 is the first player drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Alan

Chronic Pain Crusader

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.

Arturo

Author, Lopez-Levy

Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.

Holy Names University alumna Denise Aaron, Class of 2001

Denise

Wellness Warrior

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.

Dianne Dobbs, Holy Names University Class of 1996

Dianne

Commited to Public Service

Dianne Dobbs '96, MBA '98 is driven to make a strong impact through public service and advocacy.

Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS

Father Salvatore

Ministering in the 21st Century

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.

Jahan Bayramova

Jahan

A Champion from Turkmenistan

Jahan Bayramova is a star tennis player and passionate about coaching children.

James

A passionate advocate

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.

Lillian

SNJM Scholarship Recipient

Lillian Le is a recipient of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Scholarship and working on fulfilling a family dream.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez Holy Names University Class of 2013

Maria

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

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez ’13 was in the public spotlight after being deported to Mexico, leaving behind her three children, home, and successful career.

Shaylah

Inspired to Educate

Shaylah Ellis ‘19, an English major, lives by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Tofik

Immigrant Advocate

Tofik Mohamed '20, a ﬁrst-generation Muslim immigrant from Eritrea, wants to help other immigrants that are trying to make a better life.

Muryam Gourdet Holy Names University Class of 2014

Muryam

The New Face of Science

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.