[Bridgeview, IL] On November 8th, United States Congressman Daniel Lipinski of the 3rdDistrict came out to Northwestern College’s Bridgeview Campus to help celebrate the College’s 110th Anniversary! Approximately 250 people gathered in the College’s lobby to watch as the Congressman joined Northwestern College President Lawrence Schumacher to cut the ceremonial red ribbon marking the College’s 110th anniversary, followed by a reception with students, faculty, local dignitaries and business leaders.
“I know how important education is,” stated Congressman Lipinski, a former political science instructor at two universities before venturing into his political career. “Today more than ever, it is really critical to have a good education - a good background and training - in order to get jobs. Colleges like Northwestern College give you that opportunity. The programs here at Northwestern College are all in areas where there’s a real need today and into the future – these are jobs that are going to be there.”
Together, President Schumacher and Congressman Lipinski cut the red ribbon commemorating the College’s milestone anniversary of 110 years here in the Chicagoland area. President Schumacher was joined by his wife Gail Schumacher, the College’s Executive Vice President of Operations and their daughter Lauren, the College’s Marketing Coordinator. In addition, numerous state and community leaders joined the Schumacher Family for the day’s celebration, including Doug Whitley, the President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber; Police Chief Richard Waszak of the Cook County Forest Preserve; former Glenwood Police Chief Brian Smith, a member of the College’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board; Amy Buoscio, the College’s Career Development & Alumni Relations Coordinator as well as Member of the Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce; John Carpino, the Oakbrook Terrace City Manager & former Chief of Police of Willow Springs and former Acting Police Chief of the Village of Oak Brook; and Tony Sapata, the College’s Bridgeview Campus Director.
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. 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, it offers a level of personalized instruction not found at the majority of larger institutions.
Northwestern College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and several programmatic agencies; in addition it 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 & coding specialists, radiographic technologists, paralegals, executive accountants, and human resource managers.
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; in total, $121,000 was made available for this celebratory effort!
Congressman Lipinski thanked Northwestern College for giving an opportunity to so many students to get the education they need to have a successful career and a successful life.
“We are excited to celebrate our 110th year and we are grateful for Congressman Lipinski and the other elected officials and chamber of commerce representatives that came out today to celebrate with us,” stated President Lawrence 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.
