Father Michael Accolti, S.J. (1807-1878) One of the first Italian Jesuits to work as a missionary in America. Arrived in Oregon in 1844, then went to San Francisco in 1849 to help educate new settlers during the Gold Rush. Helped establish Santa Clara College, the first college in California and, in 1855, St. Ignatius College, which later became San Francisco University.

Brief Biography (University of San Francisco)

Italian Jesuits in the American West

St. Ignatius College History

Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J. (1838-1928) Worked with the Spokane Indians in 1866. His desire to educate led him to open the first Catholic school and church in Spokane. Plans for a college followed and in 1887, he established Gonzaga University.

Article about Father Cataldo and Gonzaga University

The Town of Cataldo

Giovanni Pietro Antonio Nobili, S.J. [Father John Nobili] (1812-1856) Arrived in Washington state in 1844 and traveled north to British Columbia, Canada, as one of the first missionaries to work with many Native American Tribes. Sent to California with Michael Accolti and established Santa Clara College, the first college in California.

Biography from University of Toronto

Excerpt from Memoriam in San Francisco Herald, 1856

Maria Montessori, MD (1870-1952) A medical doctor with experience in psychiatry, philosophy, and anthropology, Dr. Montessori combined her fields to focus on educating children. She developed an educational method based on her belief in treating a child with respect and assisting, rather than teaching, which allows the child to develop fully in all aspects of his or her life. 2007 marked the 100^th anniversary of the Montessori Method.

The Montessori Method (Full text translated from Italian.)

Centenary of the Montessori Movement

Brief Biography