Celebrating Northwestern’s 175th anniversary

It all began in a humble law office above a Chicago hardware store, where a small group of pioneers declared that in “the interests of sanctified learning” they would undertake the immediate establishment of a university in the Northwest. A short time later, in 1851, the Illinois legislature enacted the group’s charter — and Northwestern University was born.

This year, Northwestern celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding with a slate of events, stories, service projects and fundraising opportunities as the community looks back on its incredible history and forward to what the University can become as it continues to grow and evolve.

Today we remain as hopeful and ambitious as the University’s founders were 175 years ago.”

Throughout the academic year, Northwestern will honor its history through signature events that highlight learning, discovery and impact. Check out the calendar of signature events.

At 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, students, faculty, staff and alumni will gather on Cohen Lawn for an ice cream social marking the milestone. President Mung Chiang will offer brief remarks before joining an informal afternoon of conversation and celebration. Register now to participate.

“Since our founding days, Northwestern University has aspired to achieve ‘the highest order of excellence, as a complete university.’ Complete, indeed, in the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, journalism, education, business, entrepreneurship and athletics,” Chiang wrote last week in a message to faculty and staff.

“Today we remain as hopeful and ambitious as the University’s founders were 175 years ago. Generations before us have navigated numerous challenges and elevated the institution over and over again. In the next two quarters, we will celebrate Northwestern 175, reflect on the milestones achieved through the years and chart our paths toward the bicentennial.”

• Where do we go from here? Northwestern is asking campus leaders to consider the next 25 years and envision what’s next in their respective fields of expertise. Read their responses >