On July 1, 2009, Marian College officially became Marian University. The official name change followed a 20-month transition period after President Daniel J. Elsener announced at the Opportunities for Excellence Scholarship Celebration and Dinner on October 25, 2007, that Marian College would become a university.

The celebration of the name change took place on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the main entrance of campus. More than 300 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered to unveil the new Marian University sign while a plane flew overhead trailing a banner with the university’s new logo. Mayor Gregory A. Ballard spoke about the institution’s important role as a great Catholic institution in Indianapolis.

The new name reflects the institution’s growth and progress since moving to Indianapolis in 1937, particularly recent growth. Over the past several years, for example, the institution has expanded the academic curriculum; enhanced the faith dimension on campus; created a more vibrant campus life, with a football team and marching band; and added and renovated buildings—currently underway are St.Vincent Health Field and the Steffen Music Center.

Moving forward, Marian University will continue the multigenerational effort of building a great Catholic university in the heart of Indianapolis.