Carondelet Legacy Stories
Celebrating 145 Years
Carondelet has a long and rich history that spans decades. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the congregation was originally established in France. The Sisters came to the United States in 1836 to serve the diocese in Carondelet, Missouri.
In 1870, seven Sisters of St. Joseph traveled from San Diego to Tucson to open a school. In 1880, the Sisters opened St. Mary’s Hospital, Arizona’s first hospital. In 1961, they opened St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide services for Tucson’s growing east side. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began managing Holy Cross in 1981 and assumed ownership in 1987.
Carondelet Nursing School
As we reflect on the history of St. Mary’s 145th anniversary, we proudly honor the first graduating class of our School of Nursing in 1918. These pioneering women set the standard for excellence in nursing during a critical time amidst the global influenza pandemic.
Their courage and dedication laid the foundation for the high-quality care that defines St. Mary’s today. Fast forward to 1939, St. Mary’s celebrated another milestone with the graduation of our first male nursing students. This class broke gender barriers and enriched our nursing community with new perspectives, marking a significant professional shift.
Their success inspired future generations and reinforced our commitment to inclusivity in healthcare. As we honor these milestones, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of our School of Nursing. The bravery and determination of these early graduates continue to inspire us as we nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals at St. Mary’s.