Academics
Assembling an Elite Library
In 1856, Greek Professor William D. Godman was instructed to “fit up a room in a suitable manner” as a library, an undertaking that has evolved into a vast library system including more than four million volumes.
Founding Northwestern’s Professional Schools
Starting in 1859, Northwestern began offering professional and graduate-level programs. Today, graduate coursework is offered at 10 schools, many of which are located on Northwestern’s Chicago campus.
Melville Herskovits and the Library of African Studies
One of Northwestern’s most notable collections is its Library of African Studies. The extensive collection is due in part to the work of Melville Herskovits, an Anthropology professor who also founded the Program of African Studies.
Perpetual Scholarships
In its earliest days, Northwestern’s founders raised funds by banking on the future success of the institution. For $100, they offered “perpetual scholarships” that granted the purchaser – and any heirs – to free Northwestern in perpetuity.
Planning the University
In 1850, nine men gathered in a law office above a Chicago hardware store to plan a university that would server the former Northwest Territory.
Undergraduate Education at Northwestern
When Northwestern opened its doors in 1855, it served only 10 undergraduate students. More than a century and a half later, that number has increased more than 800 times, and the curriculum boasts more than 100 academic degrees and concentrations.
The “Universities of Chicago” Proposal
In the midst of the Great Depression, Northwestern’s President toyed with the money-saving idea of merging Northwestern and the University of Chicago. The contentious idea sparked a debate and strong opposition before it was abandoned months later.