Tau Society
Cardinal Stritch University, founded by The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, began in 1932 as St. Clare Junior College to educate Sisters and young women joining the congregation. It evolved into a full four-year liberal arts college in 1937 and was renamed Cardinal Stritch College, honoring Milwaukee Archbishop Samuel Cardinal Stritch. That same year, it started accepting lay women and became fully co-educational by 1970. Known for its excellent liberal arts education, Stritch offered 60 programs and was especially respected for its School of Education, particularly in the field of Special Education. Students from diverse backgrounds embraced the core Franciscan values of community, compassion, care for creation, and peace.
Despite closing in 2023, Cardinal Stritch University's impact and the Franciscan values interwoven through all of its programs live on through its 40,000 alumni, who excel in various fields worldwide. Most alumni remain in Wisconsin, contributing significantly to their communities.
Tau Society
The Tau Society recognizes Stritch alumni who generously support the health and retirements needs of our retired Sisters, many of whom are former Stritch educators, artists, administrators, counselors, librarians, and archivists. Gifts from Stritch alumni reflect their deep and profound gratitude to the Sisters for educating, empowering, and deepening their faith.
All donors who are graduates of Cardinal Stritch University, regardless of their financial commitment, are members of the Tau Society. To join, simply click here to make a donation and be sure to provide your graduation year in the comments section of the donation form. Or, download, print, and complete our donation form, including your graduation year. We will contact you after receiving your gift.
Tau Society Benefits
- Subscription to our bi-annual Troubadour magazine with updates about the Sisters (gifts of $25 or more)
- Invitations to special events and celebrations throughout the year at the St. Francis Convent
- Invitation to a special donor celebration with our Sisters in fall 2026 (date TBD)
- Opportunity to receive special greeting cards throughout the year, as well as prayer and enrollment cards
- Recognition as a Tau Society member in our donor rolls
Tau Society Members
Click here to see a list of current Tau Society members. If your name has been inadvertently omitted, or if corrections need to be made to your name or graduation year, please contact Janice Sullivan at 414-747-7792 or jsullivan@lakeosfs.org.
