 The site on which the college was built had previously been an orchard and dairy, and was still surrounded by semi-rural properties.The Brigidine Sisters remained the administrators and teachers of the College until 1995.The College Motto, "Fortiter et Suaviter", often interpreted as "Strength and Gentleness", originates from the foundation of the Brigidine Congregation in Ireland by Bishop Daniel Delany in 1807.