Dreams take flight here. This is Elmhurst University. A place where a small school atmosphere meets big-city opportunities.
Elmhurst University started as Elmhurst Proseminary in 1871. Jennie and Thomas Barbour Bryan gave land for the school. The German Evangelical Synod of the Northwest founded it. The goal? To train young men for ministry and teaching. Classes were in German. Fast forward to 1919. The name changed to Elmhurst Academy and Junior College. More subjects appeared like public speaking and economics. In 1924 another name change happened. It became Elmhurst College a four-year college for men. Women joined in 1930. Accreditation followed four years later. Graduate programs began in 1998. In 2012, the School for Professional Studies emerged. It offered online programs. Elmhurst College became Elmhurst University on July 1 2020.
Elmhurst University sits on 48 acres in suburban Chicago. It is a certified Level 2 Arboretum. Over 950 tree species thrive here.
Let’s talk about some key spots. The Frick Center is a hub. It holds lounges and dining spots. You can find the university radio station WRSE-FM here. The Barbara A. Kieft Accelerator ArtSpace is unique. It once housed a particle accelerator. The A.C. Buehler Library holds over 237000 volumes. It also has a notable collection of Chicago Imagists art. Daniels Hall houses computer labs. Irion Hall is home to the Music Department. Kranz Forum features a statue of Reinhold Niebuhr. Memorial Hall now houses the Deicke Center for Nursing Education. Old Main is the oldest building. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mill Theater provides a space for theatrical productions. The Science Center is dedicated to sciences. Goebel Hall is now an administration building. The Physical Education Center is named R.A. Faganel Hall. Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel hosts worship and events. Lehmann Hall houses offices including the President’s. Jean Koplin Memorial Hall includes the Admission Office. The Lester Brune Tennis Courts offer a place for recreation.
Elmhurst University has a history of social justice. In the 1940s, it welcomed Japanese-American students. This was during a time of relocation camps. In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Hammerschmidt Chapel.
Academically Elmhurst University shines. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The university provides over 70 majors. Many students choose psychology nursing or business.
Student life buzzes with activity. The Elmhurst Bluejays compete in the NCAA Division III. Over 100 student organizations exist. The radio station WRSE-FM broadcasts to a wide area.
Traditions run deep here at Elmhurst University. The hash bell reminds everyone of the school’s history. The Victory Bell rings after football wins. Inside Old Main’s clock tower are signatures from the past. Even the original nativity scene from “Home Alone” is on display.
Elmhurst University creates opportunities. It combines liberal arts with real-world experience. It fosters a welcoming community. The university is ready to help you achieve your dreams.