The University of Portland's educational philosophy of carefully integrating learning and faith can be traced to the founding of the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1837. Today, with the support of the Congregation, which has always prided itself on its devotion to higher education, the University dedicates itself to teaching, faith, and service while cultivating the minds and hearts of its students, and the influence of the Congregation is felt throughout the University's every endeavor inside and outside the classroom. The end result is the formation of faithful citizens who are able to effect changes in our world.