Catholic Identity & Heritage
DeSales University provides a spiritual context for learning, rooted in the Christian Humanism of St. Francis de Sales.
St. Francis de Sales felt that all people, in all walks of life, are called by God to and have the ability to live a devout life. He believed that love of God leads naturally to love for all persons, and his life was a model of servant leadership and gentleness. A prolific writer, St. Francis is the official patron for authors and journalists, and also for the deaf.
We believe that as a Catholic university, DeSales has a critical role in our rapidly changing world. We balance the pursuit of knowledge with a search for meaning, and we seek to ensure that knowledge and technological advancements are used for the good of individuals and human society.
We pursue this mission through the lens of Christian Humanism, the legacy of our patron saint. At the heart of St. Francis’ spirituality was his vision that man [is] the perfection of the universe, the mind the perfection of man, love the perfection of the mind, and charity the perfection of love.
![history history](/images/default-source/default-album/history.jpg?sfvrsn=40e9e0cf_2)
![Salesian Spirituality Salesian Spirituality at DeSales - Stained Glass](/images/default-source/default-album/salesian-5.jpg?sfvrsn=f753e3fa_4)
![ministry Ministry](/images/default-source/default-album/ministry.jpg?sfvrsn=61eff868_2)
![student-life-6 bronze statue](/images/default-source/default-album/student-life-6.jpg?sfvrsn=71af2582_0)
What does it mean to be a Catholic, Salesian University?
![The DeSales DUC at dusk](https://www.desales.edu/images/default-source/call-out-rows/ducatdusk.jpg?sfvrsn=f5bad0f8_0)
Campus & Community
The Salesian Center offers a dynamic mix of programs and activities that promote the interaction of faith and culture on our campus, and in the community.
![quote-desales St. Francis de Sales](/images/default-source/default-album/quote-desales.jpg?sfvrsn=c001f9a1_0)
Let us be what we are and be that well, in order to bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork we are.