Lewis University

Website Links

Description

Located in the Midwest, Lewis University is a comprehensive, Catholic university, where the traditions of liberal learning, values and preparation for professional work come together with a synergy that gives the university its educational identity and focus. Founded in 1932, Lewis is a dynamic, coeducational university offering more than 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, 25 graduate programs, and certificates of advanced study.

Founded in 1932 under the direction of the Chicago Archdiocese and Bishop Bernard J. Sheil, Lewis began as the Holy Name Technical School, a school for boys which opened with 15 students. The school was established on a campus of 170 acres of farmland that was donated to the archdiocese by Michael and Frances Fitzpatrick of Lockport. From the beginning, Frank J. Lewis, the noted Chicago philanthropist and industrialist, took an active interest in the school. He assisted with the funding of various buildings that became the nucleus of the University.

In 2009, a new addition and renovation to the College of Nursing and Health Professions was completed to provide additional simulation labs for students. Construction of a state-of-the-art 50,000 sq. ft. Science Center addition and renovation began in the fall of 2010 and opened for classes in January 2012. A second elevator was added to the Learning Resource Center, and a new athletic field and complex was built.

During these early days, aviation technology courses were chosen as the special emphasis of instruction, becoming the origin of today’s highly regarded Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies. The school was incorporated in 1934 under the name Lewis Holy Name Technical School. In 1935, it became Lewis Holy Name School of Aeronautics, a name which is engraved in stone on the building now known as the Oremus Fine Arts Center.

Our history is colorful. Lewis evolved from an aviation technical high school for boys to an outstanding comprehensive Catholic University. Lewis continues to be innovative in responding to the needs of a growing region with programs for traditional undergraduate and graduate students and working adults, with delivery formats that include accelerated courses, online, evening and weekend options.

Fact sheet

Companies nearby