Did you know you can give back by supporting small businesses? Here are some hows, whys and benefits of supporting small businesses for your altruistic lifestyle.

Notable Universities Founded by the Irish

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.): Founded in 1789 by John Carroll, an Irish-American and the first Catholic Bishop in the U.S..

Fordham University (New York, NY): Established in 1841 by Archbishop John Hughes, an Irish immigrant from County Tyrone.

Villanova University (Villanova, PA): Founded in 1842 by four Irish Augustinians who originally established Villanova College in Philadelphia.

University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN): Founded by Archbishop John Ireland, an Irish-born prelate who viewed education as vital for Irish-American advancement.

St. John's University (Queens, NY): Established by Bishop John Loughlin, an Irish immigrant, specifically to educate Irish and other immigrant populations. University of St. Thomas +3

Institutions with Strong Irish Foundations

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN): While founded by French priest Edward Sorin, four of the six original religious founders were Irish.

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA): Founded in 1863 specifically to educate the children of Irish Catholic immigrants in Boston.

Manhattan University (Riverdale, NY): Historically connected to the Irish community; its "Jaspers" athletic nickname honors Brother Jasper of Mary, an Irish immigrant and school administrator. University of Notre Dame +4

Modern Foundations

Irish American University (The American College Dublin): Established in 1993 as a nonprofit educational trust licensed in both Delaware and Ireland. AAICU

The first St. Patrick's day in the USA was held in NYC in 1792.