St. Catherine University. Department of Apparel, Merchandising, and Design (2011-2021)

Dates

• Usage: 2011 - 2021

Administrative history

The genesis of this department dates back to 1914, when the Department of Domestic Science was established. Soon it was renamed Department of Home Economics and Domestic Art. In 1922, the name was shortened to Department of Home Economics. The department was originally housed in Whitby Hall and offered a major beginning in 1926. Its faculty taught courses that prepared students for a professional career in home economics and related subjects, or for the traditional role of wife, mother, and homemaker. Courses in philosophy, theology, and other liberal arts were an integral part of their education. In 1967 a major was added in Textiles and Clothing. A visiting student program was established in 1976, in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology, which provided students an opportunity to study in New York City. A chapter of Kappa Omicron Phi, the honor society for the field of home economics, was established on campus in 1977. In 1985 two scholarships were established: the Sister James Agnes Fogarty Scholarship and the Through the Gates Scholarship, the former funded through sales of the department cookbook. In 1992 the department name was changed to the Department of Family, Consumer and Nutritional Sciences. The department was restructured in 2013 to create the Department of Apparel, Merchandising and Design. During this change Nutrition, Dietetics, and Foods became part of the Nutrition and Exercise Science Department.

As of 2021, the department is known as Fashion Design and Merchandising, and is part of the School of Business. It prepares students for careers in creative design, fashion entrepreneurship, historical costuming, patternmaking, styling, technical design, and CAD, as well as wholesale and retail in fashion. Students in the fashion design major present a collection at St. Kate's annual Katwalk fashion show. Students can take advantage of the opportunity to study for a semester or year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, London College of Fashion, Acadia Fashion Institute in Florence, or other approved off-campus study programs.

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