Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Lasallian institution of higher education located in Romeoville, Illinois. Founded in 1932, it is sponsored by the De La Salle Brothers and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong programs in aviation, nursing, criminal justice, and business, set on a spacious suburban campus near Chicago.

History

The institution was founded in 1932 as the Lewis Holy Name Technical School by the Archdiocese of Chicago and the De La Salle Brothers, opening its doors at a location in Lockport, Illinois. It was named for philanthropist Frank J. Lewis, whose financial support was instrumental in its early development. In 1934, the school moved to its present location in Romeoville, Illinois, on land that was part of the former Joliet Army Arsenal. The school achieved junior college status in 1952, was renamed Lewis College of Science and Technology, and began awarding bachelor's degrees in the 1960s. It attained university status in 1973, adopting its current name, and has since expanded its academic offerings and physical footprint significantly, including the addition of regional campuses in Oak Brook, Tinley Park, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Aviation, Science, and Technology, the College of Business, the College of Education and Social Sciences, and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. It is particularly renowned for its aviation programs, which utilize the university's own Lewis University Airport and are among the largest in the United States. Other notable areas of study include criminal justice, cybersecurity, nursing, and business administration. The university confers a wide array of degrees, from bachelor's to doctoral levels, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Education. Academic life is enriched by the core Lasallian mission, emphasizing faith, service, and community.

Campus

The main campus spans over 410 acres in Romeoville, Illinois, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. Key facilities include the Harold E. White Aviation Center, the state-of-the-art Science Center, the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, and the Oremus Fine Arts Center. The campus is also home to the Lewis University Airport, a significant asset for its aviation programs. Residential life is supported by multiple residence halls and apartment complexes, while the University Ministry center supports the campus's spiritual life. The grounds include the historic Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and the Lewis University Art Gallery.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Lewis Flyers, compete at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Flyers field teams in sports such as men's basketball, women's basketball, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, soccer, and track and field. The men's volleyball program has a storied history, having won multiple national championships. Athletic facilities include the Neil Carey Arena, the Brennan Field soccer complex, and the Lewis Stadium for track and field. The mascot, Louie the Flyer, represents the teams at events.

Notable alumni

Distinguished graduates include John Houlihan, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox; Kevin Gamble, a former NBA player and coach; and Michele Bromley, a news anchor for WGN-TV. In aviation, alumnus Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, famed for the "Miracle on the Hudson" emergency landing, completed coursework in aviation safety. Other notable figures include Michael K. Beard, founder of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, and Thomas J. Bata, former CEO of the Bata Shoe Organization.

Category:Universities and colleges in Illinois Category:Lasallian educational institutions Category:Educational institutions established in 1932