Before us stands a quiet reminder of a vibrant past. The Former Indiana University Calumet Center, once a bustling hub of learning, now echoes with the echoes of what once was. This structure on Indianapolis Boulevard was born from a confluence of education and community, its story interwoven with the very fabric of the Calumet Region.
In 1917, Indiana University, in collaboration with the Gary Schools, started offering extension courses in Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago. This marked the beginnings of the university’s connection to this area. The program grew, and by 1922, students could graduate with an Associate of Arts degree.
The Calumet Center, housed in a building donated by the city of East Chicago, was formally opened in 1939, marking a significant milestone in the development of Indiana University’s presence in Northwest Indiana. It became a focal point for education and cultural enrichment for the community, providing a space for learning that transcended traditional boundaries and appealed to a wide range of students.
In 1963, the Calumet Center merged with the Gary Center, and the two campuses, once separate entities, melded into the Northwest Campus of Indiana University, later renamed Indiana University Northwest. This consolidated effort further cemented the university’s commitment to the Calumet Region, providing a strong educational foundation for generations of students.
The Former Indiana University Calumet Center stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the spirit of community. Its legacy lives on in the many lives it touched and the stories it holds – a story that continues to captivate those who remember its vibrant past and those who discover its intriguing history.