schools was well known. On April 13, 1915, Harry McEnerny, serving as Drexel's agent, purchased the property for $18,000 (1915) (equivalent to $392,310.16 in 2023). She knew that the city and community would never approve a sale for a black institution, but by going through an agent, the sale was allowed; even so, vandals smashed all the windows after learning of Drexel's intent.
=== High school era ===
The high school opened on 27 September 1915 as Southern University of New Orleans, later re-named after Francis Xavier (the namesake of Katharine's father). In May 1916, it was incorporated under the title, "Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People, of Louisiana," according to the laws of the state, and the new name, "Xavier University", was cut into the stone slab above the main entrance. (The high school, Xavier Prep, remained in operation until 2013; today, St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School operates from the same location.)
In 1917, Xavier expanded to include a normal school to …
