Athol Murray College of Notre Dame

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, located in Wilcox, Sask, was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity of St Louis as Notre Dame of the Prairies. In 1927 the Sisters were joined by Père Athol Murray, who was inspired by St Augustine's words, "To him who does what in him lies, God will not deny His Grace." These words became the mission statement of the small campus which offered education during the Great Depression to students who desired to change their lives, regardless of their ability to pay tuition. From its modest beginnings it has become Canada's largest independent co-educational residential high school with programs rooted in the Catholic tradition. The college offers a fully accredited university preparatory curriculum (grades 9-12).

The college's aim is the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of the individual through its academic, religious, cultural and social programs, with special emphasis on athletics, particularly hockey. The Notre Dame Hounds have won 48 provincial and four national championships and the college has provided solid training to more than 100 players drafted by the National Hockey League and to players in the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Highlights of Notre Dame's historic campus are the Tower of God, St. Augustine Church, Notre Dame Archives and Museum, Lane Hall, Arena, Gym & Training Complex, Houndshop, Classroom & Labs buildings, and the new and renovated residential Halls.

The college's motto, Luctor et Emergo (latin "we struggle and emerge"), is derived from one that Père Athol Murray held dear. The college's colours are red and white.