In 1886, the local bishop of Los Angeles invited the Immaculate Heart Sisters to teach in Catholic elementary schools.  From 1911 to 1924 the IHM sisters flourished and founded several of their own institutions.  By 1916 the sisters obtained a charter from the state of California for the establishment of Immaculate Heart College which was the first standard Catholic college for women in southern California. 

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sister Mary Humiliata (far right) president of IHC worked with her administrative team, Sister Eugenia Ward, treasurer, (left) and Sister William (Helen Kelley) graduate dean, and expanded the mission of IHC to become the most progressive Catholic college on the west coast.

Immaculate Heart College Map 1961

Stanford 1945

In a 1945 photo Sister Agnes Ann Green, (left) 
professor of chemistry and Sister Mary Humiliata 
(right) professor of English, attended Stanford together and were life-long friends and colleagues at IHC.  ​

Anita Caspary and Agnes Ann Green enjoy a meal at the 1985 IHM Assembly.

Student and friend Kathryn Crosby and Anita remained close for many years. Kathryn, a stead-fast friend, supported Anita and the IH Community through all the challenges of the renewal process.

As president of Immaculate Heart College, Sister Humiliata
supported the music and art departments.  The Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and Immaculate Heart College gained international attention for their  Art Department and the artwork of Sister Mary Corita Kent, but the Music Department achieved distinction as well. The Zeyen sisters, Sisters Mary Denis, Mary Mark, and Mary Anthony,  pictured here, were teachers and concert artists. They released three albums with Capitol Records. Shown here is the 1958 Schubert: Trio No.2 in E flat major, op. 100 by the Immaculate Heart Trio.​

Students and faculty published a commemorative book at the closing of IHC in 1980.  The creativity and social justice values embedded in an IHC education are reflected in this tribute. 


Although Immaculate Heart College closed in 1980,  the bonds remain strong among the graduates.  There is a very active IHC Alumnae Association, see Facebook page. ​