Cutting-Edge Research
From physiology to bioelectronics
Our History
Explore Northwestern’s past
Looking Back
For 175 years, Northwestern has grown from an audacious idea into a global community of learning and discovery.
Its history is filled with extraordinary highs—from pioneering medical breakthroughs to Nobel Prizes, national championships, performances and traditions that brought the community together—and with moments of challenge and change, when students, faculty and leaders pushed the University to become more inclusive, more ambitious and more responsive to its time.
Then and Now
Compare four aspects of campus life, from the classroom to the residence hall, as they looked generations ago and as they look today.
Residence Hall Life
From supervised dormitories to intentional communities
Varsity Athletics
From tug-of-war to high-performance athletics
Forward-Looking Libraries
From collecting knowledge to creating it
Momentous Moments
175 years produced no shortage of turning points. Step through a few of the moments that shaped Northwestern.
