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University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
- Location & Contact Information
- Address, Directions, & Map:
- 1401 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Telephone Numbers: 217-333-1000
- Official Website: [1]
- Address, Directions, & Map:
- History & Memorable Moments
- Early years: 1867-1880
The Morrill Act of 1862 granted each state in the United States a portion of land on which to establish a major public state university, one which could teach agriculture, mechanic arts, and military training, "without excluding other scientific and classical studies." This phrase would engender controversy over the University's initial academic philosophies, polarizing the relationship between the people of Illinois and the University's first president, John Milton Gregory. [1]
After a fierce bidding war between a number of Illinois cities, Urbana was selected as the site for the new "Illinois Industrial University." in 1867. From the beginning, Gregory's desire to establish an institution firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition was at odds with many state residents and lawmakers who wanted the university to offer classes based solely around "industrial education." The University finally opened for classes on March 2, 1868 with only two faculty members and a small group of students. The debate between the liberal arts curriculum and industrial education continued in the University's inaugural address, as Dr. Newton Bateman outlined the various interpretations of the Morrill Act in his speech. Gregory's thirteen year tenure would be marred by this debate: Clashes between Gregory and legislators and lawmakers forced his resignation from his post as president in 1880, saying "[I am] staggering under too heavy a load of cares, and irritated by what has sometimes seemed as needless opposition." Yet only five years later, in 1885, the Illinois Industrial University officially changed its name to the University of Illinois, reflecting its holistic agricultural, mechanical, and liberal arts curricula. Today, Gregory is largely credited with establishing the University and forming it into the major interdisciplinary university it is today. Gregory's grave is still located on the Urbana campus, situated between Altgeld Hall and the Henry Administration Building. His marker (mimicking the epitaph of British architect Christopher Wren) reads, "If you seek his monument, look about you." [1]
- Recent years: Since 1982
The name of the university was changed to The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1982. This was a historic watermark for the campus not only because it clearly communicates the university's distinguished flagship identity within the University of Illinois system, but also presents a separate identity from the system. It also marked the opening of a new era of hi-tech boom to which the campus community has much contributed and thrived with. The engineering and science departments have become the campus spotlight due to their rich innovative legacy and breakthrough scholastic studies. At the turn of the new millennium, the university has started making strides to keep its edge by expanding research programs and facilities for life sciences. [1]
- Overview, Photographs, & Video Links
Prospective Students
- Admissions Tips
New & Current Students
- Campus Events
- Transportation
- Safety Tips
- Support Centers
- Counseling
- Grading System
- Good Classes & Teachers
- Groups & Organizations
- College & Career Tips
Alumni
- Benefits of Joining Alumni Association
- Mailing List Directory
- Chapters
- Teachers (Where are they now?)
- Cambron, Sheryl Ann (January 1995 - January 1996)
- Alumni Directory
- Alumni Events
Visitors
- Hotels Nearby
- Restaurant Recommendations
- Places of Worship
- Sports Facility Access
Employee
Other Links
References
