Fun Facts About Christian Brothers University

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a small private university in Memphis, Tennessee. You might know it is a highly regarded catholic university, but these fun facts may surprise you.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #1: The school is run by Lasallian Brothers.

Christian Brothers University is of the Lasallian tradition, inspired by the Patron Saint of Teachers, St. John Baptist De La Salle. Over 30 Brothers live on campus at CBU and many are actively involved in teaching and other university responsibilities. The school is part of a larger international educational mission with schools and colleges across the globe. There are more than 1,000 institutions in 80 countries. CBU is one of 7 colleges and universities in the United States.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #2: CBU awarded the first college degree in Memphis.

Christian Brothers University was the first college to award a degree in the city of Memphis in 1875. At the time the university was at the forefront of integrating high school and college programs.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #3: Thirty-two different faiths are represented on campus.

CBU is a Catholic university run by Catholic brothers, but the CBU student body is much more religiously diverse. In fact, only 23% of students are Catholic. Students of all faiths are encouraged by the university to actively and openly practice their respective faiths.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #4: Christian Brothers University was once a high school.

CBU did not become a four-year institution until 1953 when the junior college connected with the high school was expanded. It wasn't until 1965 when Christian Brothers High School opened a separate campus from the University. Today both Christian Brothers University and Christian Brothers High School exist in Memphis.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #5: CBU was founded in November, 1871.

The school began as Christian Brothers College, a combined elementary school, high school, and college. The school granted high school diplomas as well as Bachelor's and Master's Degrees until 1915. Elementary school classes were dropped in 1922 and the school operated as a high school only until 1940.

Christian Brothers University Fun Fact #6: CBU is one of the South's best colleges. According to the 2008 edition of U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges," CBU is one of the 20 best Southern universities. Princeton Review also ranks it as one of the Best Southeastern Colleges and it appears as one of Michael Viollt's Great Colleges for the Real World.