St. Mary Student Parish and the Fr. Gabriel Richard Newman Center have roots that are intertwined with those of the University of Michigan. In 1817, a Catholic priest named Fr. Gabriel Richard co-founded the University of Michigan with Rev. John Monteith, a local Presbyterian Minister, and Judge Augustus B. Woodward. From these roots has grown a world-class educational institution that attracts top-level students from around the globe. St. Mary Student Parish retains our tie to this heritage through our Fr. Gabriel Richard Newman Center, our programs, and our commitment to helping students achieve their potential as tomorrow's Catholic leaders. In the courtyard behind the church we honor Fr. Gabriel Richard's dedication to education by displaying a bell from one of the many schools he founded.

In 1889, Catholic students at the University of Michigan joined together to form the Guild of Catholic Students. They named their guild after John Henry Cardinal Newman, author of The Idea of a University. The Newman Catholic Student Association still exists at the U of M, making it the third-oldest university society of Catholic student in the United States.

In 1919, a Catholic chapel was established in Morris Hall to serve a community of over 600 Catholic students. From that growing Catholic student community and the worship community of St. Thomas Apostle Church near campus came the initiative to build the Chapel of St. Mary, the Immaculate Conception; its cornerstone was laid in 1924. At the time of the chapel dedication, an estimated 800 Catholic students attended the University.

As Catholic students sought ways to balance their Catholic identity, educational growth, and social activities at the U of M, they established the Graduate Study Club in 1937 and the Newman Club in 1938. Initially, about 250 students joined, and by 1939 over 500 students were involved in Newman Club activities.

The cornerstone of the Fr. Gabriel Richard Center was laid on October 25, 1952, and the Center was dedicated on November 22, 1953. The Center was designed to provide facilities for classes and conferences, a reference library, and space for recreation and social activities. Today, the Newman Center holds offices, a study lounge, the parish library, kitchen facilities for parish events, classrooms and meeting space for student activities.

Through the next two decades, St. Mary Student Chapel and the Fr. Gabriel Richard Newman Center remained a place where students could gather for study, social events, and prayer. As the student community became increasingly aware of social justice issues, the Newman Center also became a place where they were encouraged to actively work for peace and justice.

In the early 1970's, in recognition of increasing involvement and support from non-student members of the Ann Arbor and University of Michigan communities, St. Mary Student Chapel changed its name to St. Mary Student Parish. As a parish, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for students, young adults, families, and others to grow in their Catholic faith and serve one another as a spiritual community.

As we proceed into a new millennium, St. Mary Student Parish and the Fr. Gabriel Richard Newman Center are challenging students to become leaders in their professions, in their personal lives, and in their faith. As we send our graduates out to Catholic parishes around the country, we hope they will continue to live a vibrant faith, inspiring others through their involvement as witnesses of the faith, teachers of the faith, and vocal advocates for peace and justice in our world.