The Marianist communities and the University came together in 1983 to work at preserving the Marianist presence and to focus on Marianist formation of persons involved in St. Mary’s University’s mission. The Forum was formally established in 1986 as a collaborative effort involving the professed Marianists (priests, brothers and sisters) and laypersons engaged in teaching and administration.

From its inception, the Marianist Forum has endeavored to meet its goal of “visibly continuing the implementation and development of the Marianist charism and heritage at St. Mary’s University” by sponsoring special programs through the school year. Events tsponsored by the Forum include a fall reception celebrating the opening of the academic year, “brown bag” discussions and lectures on various topics, lectures on various topics, activities developed by the individual offices of the forum, Marianist Heritage Week activities, selection of Marianist Heritage Award recipients, and organization of the award ceremony and reception for Marianist Heritage Award recipients.