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When an entourage of nuns arrived in Boca Raton in 1962 to establish a two-year women's college, locals described them as "so progressive they dressed like women."

The sisters were from the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), which began in 1849 with a women's shelter and orphanage in France. In a short time, they expanded globally to establish Marymount Colleges with a mission to transform the world through international education.

Today, the college they founded in Boca Raton is among the most diverse schools in the United States. Lynn University has been among the top-ranked colleges for international students by U.S. News & World Report since Fall 2002. In 2021 and 2022, Niche ranked Lynn No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation for diversity.

"The Office of Admission strives to bring in a unique set of students who can add value to classroom discussions. We want an eclectic mix of individuals who will come together and create robust and engaging conversations facilitated by our faculty members," said Gareth Fowles, vice president for enrollment and university advancement.

"One of the reasons that students continue to choose Lynn is because we create an academic, social and cultural experience that is relevant in today's society," said Fowles. "Students are exposed to new cultures and ideas that take them out of their comfort zone. And when that happens, they're able to learn and grow into valuable contributors to society and the organizations they join after college."

The RSHM sisters were early adopters of what is now broadly understood as an essential part of a well-rounded learning experience. Ideas from people with diverse backgrounds, interests and abilities are increasingly important as students prepare to become good citizens and successful professionals in an ever-changing world.

"A diverse college campus exposes students to broader worldviews and allows them to learn from peers and faculty with perspectives shaped by a variety of experiences," said Gary Villa, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

According to Villa, Lynn continually adapts its core curriculum, the Dialogues, to ensure students have diverse learning opportunities in their classroom conversations and assignments.

In Dialogues of Self and Society (DSS) courses, students debate opposing sides of issues, including social policies, immigration, gender equality and the impact of race and income on social status. "I ask students to debate a position they don't necessarily agree with," said Associate Professor Eric Hamm. "That helps them to see other possibilities."

"It is those differences in perspectives that truly make for a holistic learning environment and allow our students to engage in meaningful and impactful conversations," said Katrina Carter-Tellison, vice president for academic affairs.

The global learning experience at Lynn extends beyond the classroom, too, with 80 study abroad programs in 25 countries and social impact internships with organizations in countries such as Rwanda, Costa Rica, Belize and Colombia.

As the university celebrates its 60th anniversary, the intrepid founding nuns would be proud to see that today's students and faculty continue to carry on their mission.

Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Nunbelievable

“I learned the value of developing strong personal relationships. [With] Lynn being a smaller, tight-knit community with a diverse student body, I was able to build relationships with people from all over the world and understand how to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.”

Digital Communications Specialist at University of Kansas Medical Center

"People really should study abroad, because it really changes your whole view, your whole lifestyle and everything you think about the world."

Full-Stack Software Developer

"I have experienced the value that education adds to every aspect of life. Growing up as a refugee [in Afghanistan], I have faced extreme situations, and I learned to educate myself no matter how hard life gets."