1634 Society

In March 1634, Jesuit priests Andrew White and John Gravenor arrived in the Province of Maryland. They founded the first Catholic academy in the American colonies. White and Gravenor laid the foundation which would later inspire Archbishop John Carroll to found Georgetown in 1789. The first Catholic institution of higher education in North America, Georgetown was unique at that time in its mission to educate students of all religious backgrounds in mind, body, and spirit.

When the institution was founded, John Carroll reminded the Jesuits of Georgetown that they should never forget to “procure and seek assistance,” monetary and otherwise, to carry out the vision he laid forth. Today, the 1634 Society carries forward John Carroll’s vision: educating undergraduate students about philanthropy, celebrating Georgetown traditions, connecting students with alumni, and inspiring all students to make giving to Georgetown a Hoya tradition.

You can find out more about the 1634 Society’s mission, events, campaigns, and student leaders by following our Instagram or Facebook, or visiting 1634georgetown.com.