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Northwestern University

Griffis Helen

Northwestern University – Northwestern University is one of the largest multidisciplinary universities in the United States with high research activity. The university is known for its schools of management, engineering, business, journalism, as well as achievements in medicine, chemistry and economics.

History of Northwestern University

Northwestern University was founded in 1851 by nine lawyers and businessmen. One of the founders of the institution of higher education is John Evans, later the city of Evanston was named in his honor. The university was created for residents of a large territory: residents of the modern states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota.

In 1853, the founders of Northwestern University purchased 379 acres of land on the shores of scenic Lake Michigan 12 miles north of Chicago. A university campus was established here. The first university building, today known as Old College, was completed by 1855. A couple months after construction was completed, classes began at the university. The number of students, as well as the faculty, was negligible, totaling no more than 12 students.

In 1891, Northwestern University opened a law school, and in 1908, a school of commerce. Another year later an engineering college was opened. From this time on, the rapid development of the university began: it became known as a major educational institution, combining fundamental education with research activities. Over time, the university began to expand, opening new schools and colleges, as well as additional campuses in Chicago and in the Qatari city of Doha.

Two university campuses are located on Lake Michigan, one on 240 acres in Evanston Township and the other on 25 acres in Chicago, Illinois. Another campus is located in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

The Evanston campuses include the Institute of Technology, nanomaterials and molecular biology laboratories, the Dearborn Observatory, an art museum, a concert hall, libraries and reading rooms. Near the campus buildings are student-run cafes and restaurants that offer discounted lunch rates to Northwestern students.

The Chicago campus is home to a medical school and laboratories, hospitals and clinics, and a law school. It is also home to the MBA program, evening and Sunday classes for working adults.

Northwestern’s smaller Qatar campus, which trains bachelors in journalism and communications, has several buildings and athletic complexes.

Why attend Northwestern University?

  • Northwestern University’s library contains more than 5 million volumes and about 100,000 periodicals.
  • In 2014, the university spent 550 USD million in sponsored research funds. By the end of 2014, Northwestern University’s endowment totaled 98 USD billion, one of the largest in the United States.
  • Northwestern University’s business school is considered one of the best in the country.
  • Northwestern University has 19 intercollegiate sports teams. They are called the Wildcats and are part of the famous Big Ten conference (Big Ten).
  • University research takes place in 1,500 laboratories, many of which are also available to students.
  • The NU School of Medicine has a Center for Global Medicine, which conducts prospective research in more than twenty countries around the world.
  • NU’s main campus in Evanston stretches along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, one of North America’s Great Lakes. Public transportation stops are nearby, and the campus itself is punctuated with biking and walking trails. The Chicago campus is also adjacent to the lake.
  • More than 250 special interest clubs are organized at the university.
  • The Nemmers Prize was established at Northwestern University in two disciplines: math and economics. It was created thanks to two Nemmers, Frederick and Erwin. The brothers bequeathed 14 USD million to the institution for this purpose. The prize is awarded every two years.