Northwestern College Celebrates 110th Anniversary with Naperville Campus Ribbon-Cutting Featuring IL Senator John Millner!

[Naperville, IL] On October 23^rd, nearly 90 people gathered at Northwestern College’s Naperville Campus at Mill and Diehl Roads to celebrate as a red ribbon was cut in honor of the College’s 110^th Anniversary! President Lawrence Schumacher was joined by Illinois State Senator John Millner (28^th District), with each holding a handle of the scissors and cutting the ribbon, marking the transition forward to the College’snext 110 years. Senator Millner sits on the Illinois Senate Higher Education Committee and has been instrumental at responding to the issues and concerns of Northwestern College over the past several years, thus it was fitting that he address the crowd of students, faculty, staff and business leaders on this milestone occasion of the College.

President Schumacher commemorated the College’s anniversary ribbon-cutting event with his wife (the College’s Executive Vice President of Operations) Gail Schumacher and daughter Lauren (the College’s Marketing Coordinator) at his side. It was a historical event in the College’s history, with similar events being held at the College’s other two campuses in Chicago-Jefferson Park and Bridgeview, as well as at the College’s administrative offices in Rosemont. In addition to Senator Millner, numerous other dignitaries came out to participate in the ribbon-cutting event, including State Senator Thomas Johnson (48^th Dist.) and State Representative Darlene Senger (96^th Dist.) who represent the College in the Illinois General Assembly. In addition, State Representatives Mike Fortner (95^th Dist.) and Mike Connelly (48^th Dist.) participated as well as Chief Judge John T. Elsner of the 18^th Judicial Circuit and DuPage County Associate Judge Richard Russo.  Dr. Richard Jorgensen, Candidate for DuPage County Coroner and Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Interim Present & CEO Tami Andrew also stood behind Senator Millner and President Schumacher, as did West Chicago Police Chief Laz Perez and Warrenville Police Deputy Chief Tony Dutkovich. Following the ribbon-cutting, the dignitaries and guests mingled with students, faculty and local businesses at a celebratory reception.

Northwestern College (formerly known as Northwestern Business College until 2008) was founded in 1902 in Chicago at 1747 N. Robey (later renamed “Damen” Avenue) just north of North Avenue. It has continued to be a family-owned institution of higher learning which began with a mission of providing men and women with specialized training necessary for successful careers in business. In 1956 the Schumacher Family bought the College when Violet Schumacher – a former student, receptionist, staff member and finally Director of the College – attained ownership. Decades later, Violet (who recently turned 98 years old!) sold the College to her two children, with her son Lawrence Schumacher taking over as President in 1978. Lawrence became the sole owner of the College in 2007 and has continued to serve as its President for the past 34 years.  

When it started in 1902, Northwestern College offered just two programs: Stenography and Accounting. But as the years passed, new programs were added to meet the needs of Chicago's rapidly growing business community. Over the past 110 years Northwestern College has grown to consist of three campuses including Bridgeview, Chicago-Jefferson Park and Naperville. The College also boasts of NC Online, which allows students to obtain degrees fully online in three programs, including Criminal Justice, Health Information Technology and Business Administration. Today, Northwestern College continues to meet the needs of career-oriented students with its Schools of Commerce & Technology, Health Sciences, Legal Studies, and Nursing. With class sizes averaging 12 students per faculty member, Northwestern College offers a level of personalized instruction not found at the majority of larger institutions, with staff members providing one-on-one counseling and tutoring as needed by students.

Northwestern College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and several programmatic agencies, and in addition is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Last March the HLC granted continuation of Northwestern College’s accreditation for the highest term available – ten years.  Students graduate from Northwestern College and are prepared to enter the workforce as, for example: nurses, massage therapists, law enforcement officers, medical assistants, medical billing specialists, medical coding specialists, radiographic technologists, paralegals, administrative assistants, business administrators, executive accountants, human resource managers, and health information technicians. 

Few businesses reach a milestone of 110 years. During that period, Northwestern College has overcome tough economies, two world wars, recessions and depressions, all while maintaining its focus of providing relevant and future-focused programs that target the nation’s fastest growing careers. Its success, though, is based on the students it has educated for over a century. Therefore, as part of its yearlong celebration, this Fall the College provided 110 tuition awards in the amount of $1,100 each to qualifying students for the 2012-13 academic year, totaling, $121,000! These tuition awards further compliment the fact that the College’s Board of Directors voted against a tuition increase for the 2012-2013 academic year, regardless of increased college costs. 

“We are excited to celebrate our 110^th year and we are grateful for Senator John Millner and the other elected officials, law enforcement leaders and chamber of commerce representatives who came out to celebrate with us,” stated President Schumacher. “We have thrived for 110 years in the Chicagoland area because we continue to offer a good education to the students who walk through our doors. We pledge to continue that tradition as we strive to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities, local businesses and our nation’s workforce!”

About Northwestern College:

Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, http://www.ncahlc.org.  The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available with campuses in Chicago, Bridgeview, and Naperville. More information can be found at www.northwesterncollege.eduor by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.