DePaul University

DePaul University
Name	DePaul University
Established	1898
Type	Private, Vincentian
Endowment	$1.1 billion (2023)
President	Robert L. Manuel
City	Chicago
State	Illinois
Country	United States
Campus	Urban (Lincoln Park, Loop)
Students	20,917 (Fall 2023)
Faculty	2,500
Colors	Royal Blue & Scarlet
Nickname	Blue Demons
Affiliations	Big East Conference, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

DePaul University is a private, Vincentian research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission, it is the largest Catholic university in the United States by enrollment. The institution is named for the 17th-century French priest Vincent de Paul, known for his dedication to serving the poor, a mission that continues to inform the university's ethos of access and community engagement.

History

The university was established as Saint Vincent's College by the Congregation of the Mission, with its first classes held in a former saloon on Chicago's North Side. It was renamed in 1907 to honor Vincent de Paul. Under the leadership of presidents like the Very Reverend John T. Richardson, it expanded significantly, particularly after World War II, aligning with the G.I. Bill to serve returning veterans. A pivotal moment in its growth was the 1998 acquisition of the former Goldblatt's department store building in The Loop, which was transformed into the DePaul Center, solidifying its presence in Chicago's central business district. Throughout the 20th century, it evolved from a small commuter school for immigrants into a major national university with multiple campuses.

Academics

The university is organized into ten colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the Driehaus College of Business, the College of Computing and Digital Media, the College of Law, and the Theatre School. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is renowned for programs in business law, computer science, theatre, and music. Notable academic resources include the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center and the Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley Building. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through internships across Chicago, partnerships with institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, and study abroad programs.

Campus

The university operates two primary campuses in Chicago: the residential Lincoln Park campus and the urban Loop campus. The Lincoln Park campus features historic buildings like the St. Vincent de Paul Church and modern facilities such as the Student Center. The Loop campus, centered in the DePaul Center, houses the colleges of business, law, and computing in the heart of Chicago's financial and theatre districts. Additional locations include the John T. Richardson Library and the O'Malley Place.

Student life

Student life is active with over 350 student organizations, including chapters of Alpha Phi Omega and the Student Government Association. Major events include DePaul Activities Board programs and the annual Festival of the Arts. The university has a strong tradition of community service through the Vincentian Community Service Office, partnering with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Media outlets include the newspaper The DePaulia and radio station Radio DePaul.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the DePaul Blue Demons, compete in the NCAA Division I Big East Conference. The men's basketball team, which played historic games at the Chicago Stadium and now at Wintrust Arena, has made numerous NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 1979. Other sports include women's basketball, soccer, and track and field. The team's rivalry with the Loyola Ramblers is part of the Chicago college basketball scene.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include media mogul Oprah Winfrey, actor John C. Reilly, former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and composer Philip Glass. Notable faculty have included Nobel laureate Saul Bellow, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet, and economist Richard Thaler. Leaders in business and law, such as Kevin Warren of the Chicago Bears and judge Anita Alvarez, are also graduates.

Category:Universities and colleges in Chicago Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Illinois Category:Vincentian universities