Dominican College of Racine

Dominican College of Racine was a college in Racine, Wisconsin founded in 1864 as St. Catherine's Female Academy and later known as St. Albertus Junior College (1935-1946), Dominican College (1946-1957), Dominican College of Racine (1957-1972), and College of Racine (1972-1974).

It was founded in 1864 in Racine by the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic as St. Catherine's Female Academy

Despite increased enrollment and an increasing respect for the college's innovative academic programs, the college faced serious financial difficulties by 1974. Factors contributing to these problems, included construction of the Theatre/Gymnasium Complex without long-term financing, high interest rates for short-term loans, a decline in the stock market, a rapid increase in operating costs, and a reduction of contributed services. On March 15, 1974, the college filed bankruptcy papers. Numerous members of the administration, faculty, and student body undertook the task of raising 1.75 million dollars needed to keep the college operating. A merger with Lewis University near Lockport, Illinois also was attempted. All attempts failed. The college held its final commencement ceremonies on June 8, 1974 and a few summer courses were held until August. Eventually the college property was divided and the buildings were sold.

In 63-64 Dominican's basketball team was known as the Shakespearean Players. When Paul Pryor was hired during the first part of 64-65, he began by changing the name to the Squires. The school started playing intercollegiate basketball in the 1964-1965 season. They continued to play under the name of the Squires In addition to basketball, the 1966-67 Squires also participated in intercollegiate golf, tennis and softball. By 1968, the school had changed its nickname to the Lakers.

During the 1973-1974 school year, Bill Cofield was hired as athletic director and basketball head coach. He became the nation's first black athletic director and head coach at a predominantly white institution of higher learning by accepting these positions.

Bo Ryan began his collegiate coaching career in 1973 as an assistant coach under Bill Cofield, the Dominican basketball team went 14-15 that year. During that same season, Ryan would earn the first of many Coach of the Year honors in his career as head coach of the Dominican baseball team.

Student organizations at the college included

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