Providence College
Providence, Rhode Island

Providence College was founded in 1917 through the efforts of the Diocese of Providence and the Dominican Friars of St. Joseph Province, with the blessing of Pope Benedict XV and the consent of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island.

The driving force behind the development of the college was the late Rev. Matthew Harkins of Providence, whose dream it was to create a center of advanced learning primarily for the Catholic youth of Rhode Island. However, the College’s charter demonstrates that the founders intended PC to be opened to persons of all religious faiths.

Bishop Harkins' negotiations with the Dominicans, his gift of approximately 17 acres of land, and $10,000 in scholarship funds helped make Providence College a reality. With donations coming primarily from Catholics and a pledge from the Province of St. Joseph to provide Dominican administrators and teachers, the College broke ground in 1917. Two years later, in September 1919, it opened its doors to 71 students and 9 Dominican faculty members.

Visit the Providence College website to learn more.
Providence College
549 River Avenue
Providence, RI 02918-0001
Tel. 401-865-1000