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Northwestern 175 Years

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The Northwestern Story

Our history began as a meeting of nine Methodist leaders in a Chicago hardware store. Despite the prosaic location, Northwestern’s founders had vision. They dreamed of a new university named for and serving the entire Northwest Territory. Their resolution was “to make a University of the highest order of excellence, complete in all its parts.” That willingness and determination to strive for greatness continues to this day.

See how Northwestern has changed.

old campus
new campus
Northwestern’s Evanston campus in 1907 and today. It gained 84 acres of land in 1964's lakefill project and 1968's south campus expansion. ← → to adjust, Shift for larger steps, Home / End for the edges, Enter to reset.

How Far We’ve Come

2 million+
in total enrollment
260,000+
alumni globally

Throughout the past one and three quarters centuries, Northwestern has always aimed at the highest level of excellence across a broad vista. As the Wildcats family commemorates the 175th anniversary of our university, we celebrate the legacy of all the generations before us and chart a new era for our Purple together.”

–Northwestern President Mung Chiang

President Mung Chiang
students at the social event on campus

Mark the Milestone Together

From campus traditions to conversations about Northwestern’s future, anniversary events offer opportunities to come together, reconnect and celebrate the people and ideas that have shaped the University. Join us throughout the year as we mark this extraordinary milestone.

Comprehensive Excellence

Support our faculty as they work to address the world’s most pressing challenges.