Campus Icons & Traditions

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Campus Icons & Traditions

Cicada Mural

MSJ fountain outside Seton Center East building.

Campus Icons & Traditions

Mount St. Joseph University

Locate the array of campus icons present on the MSJ campus.

Lion Sculpture

Dynamic; Graceful; Roar!

Located in front of the Centennial Field House stands the dynamic, graceful lion sculpture. Created by famed Cincinnati sculptor Tom Tsuchiya, co-sculptor Gina Erardi, and John Cline at Casting Arts and Technology of Cincinnati, Catamount St. Joseph is a bronze statue that is more than twice the size of a mountain lion The Mount intentionally chose a female lion in homage to the University’s foundresses, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and its legacy as the first Catholic college for women in the region.

Seton Fountain

A blue basin streaming with tranquil MSJ spirit

Upon entering the Seton Center Visitor Lot stands the welcoming, eye-catching fountain brimming peacefully in contrast to its many bustling visitors who walk past it. This decorative life source provides a focal point for pause and reflection, especially during the busy academic year. It's probably no surprise it even attracts a few feathered visitors for a drink throughout the day.

St. Joseph Statue

A sacred and celebrated treasure

The statue of our school patron, St. Joseph Statue flanks the Mater Dei Chapel as a central icon standing tall within the MSJ Campus Quad. Saint Joseph is well known as the patron saint of fathers, families, workers, especially carpenters, expecting mothers and unborn children.

MSJ graduates leaving commencement ceremony awaiting faculty applause outside by Harrington.

Commencement Applause

MSJ graduates await a heartfelt, congratulative applause from the hearts and minds who taught them.

At the end of each and every commencement ceremony, graduates await faculty and staff dressed in their own previous graduation regalia, standing to give them a round of applause for students' hard work, dedication, and perserverence to earn an MSJ degree. The personalized attention from an MSJ classroom experience contributes to graduates' well-rounded development, and lasting relationships with former MSJ professors. At the Mount, we care about your success.

Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse

Rich in beauty and history, this special building represents the Mount's heritage.

Established in 1852, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are a legacy of MSJ founders who carry out the Gospel of Jesus through service and prayer in the community. Located up the road from campus, the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse stands tall representing the heritage of Mount St. Joseph University. Complete with an Art Room, a cemetary tucked amongst large, shaded trees, an Immaculate Conception Chapel and many more, the Motherhouse holds decades of special tradition that drives the MSJ mission.

Cicada Mural

Merging science with artistic innovation

Implemented by the MSJ Art Guild students, this mural installation draws its inspiration frommany aspects of science, with an entomology focal-point as a cicada design takes the main stage in anticipation of the Brood X arrival. The mural is composed of acrylic paint inspired by a contemporary, street-art style. To learn more about the MSJ Art Guild, visit the MSJ Renaissance page to get involved!

MSJ students walking in motherhouse for a guided tour.

Heritage Walk

Learn about the Sisters of Charity and MSJ’s beginnings from the historical figures themselves

During student orientation, all students and guests will be guided on a tour by staff in historical dress to learn about the history and innerworkings behind the Sisters of Charity. You can anticipate a viewing inside the graceful Motherhouse to learn the mission of the Founders from the very beginning of their journey.

Exam Jam

Anyone up for a late night breakfast meal during finals on campus? Yes, please.

From writing papers to hour-after-hour studying; we get it. Finals are hard. That's why at the end of each semester, the Mount offers a special late-night tradition of serving breakfast from 8-10 p.m. to give students a break from finals. That burger and fries right down the hall with your friends on us on your time might make that last textbook chapter a little more comforting.

Athletic Hall of Fame

During homecoming weekend, the Mount honors those who have helped build MSJ athletics.

Housed in the Centennial Fieldhouse, the Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of those who helped build the Mount’s strong athletic tradition. Alumni, friends and family are welcome to to take part in the induction ceremony and dinner.

MSJ entrance sign in front of Mount St. Joseph University

Mount St. Joseph University Entrance Sign

A commanding presence exudes a warm welcome.

Pointing the way for pedestrians and drivers, this sign pays homage to its Founders, the Sisters of Charity.

MSJ Letters

The MSJ Letters sculpture—a vibrant and timeless fiberglass artwork by Atomic Specialties, Inc. makes a great photo op!

Come check out the 6ft tall, 15ft wide MSJ Letters on the corner of Neeb Road by the parking garage. Find us on all four @MountStJosephU and share your photos with the new sculpture! #MSJLetters

Art Sculpture

A senior art thesis found a permanent home on campus, standing with asymmetrical, contempororary charm.

What was once a student project has now found a permanent home on the Mount's campus outside of the Art & Design building. Welded with corten steel to prevent rust, the sculpture was completed by a senior Fine Arts student in the late 1980s as a thesis project. She worked on the piece with her grandfather, who provided oversight as he worked with steel. Interesting enough, around this time, an administrator proposed it be permanently placed outside of the Art & Design building.