Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University is a private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and a secondary campus in Schaumburg. Founded in 1945 in the wake of a faculty revolt over discriminatory policies, the institution was named in honor of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. It is recognized for its commitment to social justice, inclusive admissions, and a diverse student body, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through several colleges.

History

The university's origins stem from a 1945 protest by faculty and students of Central YMCA College against the racially restrictive admissions policies of its parent organization, the Young Men's Christian Association. Led by philosopher Edward J. Sparling, the dissenting group established a new, inclusive institution, securing the historic Auditorium Building in Chicago as its first home. Early support came from notable figures including Eleanor Roosevelt, who joined the board of trustees, and Albert Einstein. The university expanded significantly in the latter half of the 20th century, establishing the Chicago College of Performing Arts and, in 1996, opening a suburban campus in Schaumburg. A major consolidation occurred in 2020 with the merger of Robert Morris University Illinois into the institution, greatly expanding its program offerings and footprint.

Academics

Roosevelt University is organized into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and the College of Pharmacy, the latter established after the Robert Morris University Illinois merger. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers numerous programs from bachelor's degrees to doctorates. The university is particularly noted for its Chicago College of Performing Arts, which houses the Chicago Musical College and a theater conservatory, and its longstanding Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies. Notable academic resources include the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate and the Institute for Metropolitan Affairs.

Campus

The flagship campus is centered in the iconic Auditorium Building on Michigan Avenue in the Chicago Loop, a National Historic Landmark designed by architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. This location also houses the modern Wabash Building, a 32-story vertical campus. The university's performing arts programs utilize the adjacent Auditorium Theatre. The suburban campus is located in Schaumburg, within the Woodfield Mall area, and focuses on business, education, and professional studies. Following the merger, the university also maintains several former Robert Morris University Illinois locations in the Chicago area.

Notable alumni and faculty

Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Luis Alberto Urrea, former United States Secretary of Commerce Philip Klutznick, and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke. The performing arts college counts Oscar-nominated composer Lalo Schifrin and operatic bass-baritone Dale Duesing among its graduates. Distinguished faculty have included Nobel laureate in physics Albert Einstein (visiting), poet Gwendolyn Brooks, and sociologist St. Clair Drake. Former United States Senator Carol Moseley Braun has also taught at the university.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Lakers, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as members of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Lakers field teams in sports including basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field. Home games and events are primarily held at the Athletic and Convocation Center on the Schaumburg campus. The athletics program emphasizes the balance of academic and competitive achievement for its student-athletes.

Category:Universities and colleges in Chicago Category:Private universities and colleges in Illinois Category:Educational institutions established in 1945