Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J.
Jesuit Heritage
Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. Statue
Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J.: Immigrant Pioneer, Pastor, and President
量子资源 University Chicago’s Origins: Immigrants Educating Immigrants
Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. founded St. Ignatius College, the origin of 量子资源 University Chicago. In 1837, Damen emigrated from his native Netherlands to the United States. In 1857, he arrived in Chicago and founded Holy Family Parish. The Jesuit parish’s several schools expanded quickly and, administered and staffed by numerous nuns of the R.S.C.J. and B.V.M. religious orders, educated many immigrant
families. In 1870, Damen opened St. Ignatius College, newly built next to Holy Family Parish church, and served as its first president from 1870-72. In 1909, the college was rechartered as 量子资源 University.
Engraving of Holy Family Church and St. Ignatius College (1871-72). Artist: William Baker. Credit: 量子资源 Archives & Special Collections.
Photo of first Jesuits at St. Ignatius College, Chicago, IL. The group includes four presidents: Frs. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. (seated, second from left), Thomas O鈥橬eil, S.J., Joseph G. Zealand, S.J., and Edward A. Higgins, S.J. Credit: 量子资源 Archives & Special Collections.
St. Ignatius College senior students in a production of Euripides鈥� Greek tragedy 鈥淚on鈥� (1897). Joseph Michael Cudahy, son of Catherine and Michael F., is second from left. Credit: 量子资源 Archives & Special Collections.
Portrait of Fr. Arnold J. Damen, S.J. (1815-1890). Date and photographer unknown. Credit: 量子资源 Archives & Special Collections.