Lewis University: A Comprehensive Overview

Lewis University, a private Lasallian institution in Romeoville, Illinois, offers a values-centered curriculum rooted in Catholic and Lasallian traditions. Guided by the motto "Signum Fidei" (Sign of Faith), the university blends liberal learning with professional preparation, fostering personal growth and competence. This article explores the university's history, academic offerings, campus life, and commitment to its mission.

Historical Overview

Founded in 1932 by the Archdiocese of Chicago and Bishop Bernard J. Scheil, Lewis University began as the Holy Name Technical School. The institution owes its name to Frank J. Lewis, a Chicago philanthropist who generously funded the construction of many of its early buildings. Initially, aviation technology courses were the primary focus, laying the foundation for the present-day College of Aviation, Science and Technology.

Early Years and Transformation

Incorporated in 1934 as Lewis Holy Name Technical School, the institution's trajectory shifted significantly during World War II. Normal classes were suspended as the campus served as a training ground for United States Navy pilots. This period allowed the administration and faculty to re-evaluate the school's objectives.

Following the war, in late 1944, regular classes resumed with a reorganized curriculum that included a junior college. As returning servicemen sought further education, the school evolved into a traditional arts and sciences institution. Women were admitted for the first time in 1949, marking a significant milestone in the university's history. In 1952, the school was renamed Lewis College of Science and Technology, reflecting its expanding academic focus.

Lasallian Influence and University Status

In 1960, the Brothers of the Christian Schools assumed direction of the institution at the invitation of the Bishop of Joliet. This marked a new chapter for Lewis, infusing it with Lasallian values based on the teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Educators. The Lasallian brothers worked alongside the dedicated lay faculty to implement a program of major improvements.

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The growth of higher education in the 1960s fueled rapid enrollment increases, reaching 2,000 students by 1970. In 1973, the institution officially became Lewis University, a testament to its expanded academic offerings and organizational structure. In July 1975, Lewis University achieved accreditation by the North Central Association for its graduate programs.

Expansion and Modernization

Throughout the 1980s, Lewis University extended its reach by establishing off-campus sites, including locations at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, a graduate center in Oak Brook, and sites in Schaumburg and LaSalle/Peru. The Lewis University Career Education Program (LUCEP), established in 1990, offered accelerated undergraduate degree completion programs for working adults.

In the 1990s and onward, the university continued to expand its facilities and programs. A comprehensive campus renovation program was launched in 1988, resulting in new construction, renovations, and equipment upgrades. The Harold E. White Center for Art and Design was constructed, and De La Salle Hall and the Fitzpatrick House were acquired to provide additional academic space.

In 2005, the University began offering its first doctoral program. The College of Education received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer courses toward the completion of a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning.

The Brother James Gaffney, FSC Student Center opened in fall 2018, providing a central hub for students, faculty, and staff. The Lewis University 2040 Campus Master Plan, approved in June 2021, guides the ongoing evolution of the university's physical setting.

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Academics and Programs

Lewis University offers a wide array of academic programs, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations. In 2019, the university provided more than 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, an accelerated degree completion option for working adults, various aviation programs, and 35 graduate programs.

Undergraduate Studies

Lewis University offers undergraduate programs of study in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as in aviation, business, computer science, communications, criminal justice, education, fine arts, and nursing. Numerous partnerships and dual admission agreements have been developed for pre-professional programs offered in fields such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering, among others.

Graduate Studies

Graduate programs are available in aviation and transportation, business administration (MBA), business analytics, clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, data science, numerous education specializations, cyber security, finance, nursing, organizational leadership, project management, public safety administration, school counseling, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy. A dual degree (MSN/MBA) is available.

Accreditations

Lewis University has earned accreditation for various programs, demonstrating its commitment to quality and standardization. These include accreditations for the bachelor’s in computer engineering, exercise science, master’s in project management, and clinical mental health counseling.

Unique Programs

Lewis University is known for its strong aviation programs, a legacy of its early emphasis on aviation technology. The Lewis University Airport is a designated reliever airport for O’Hare International, featuring two runways and several instrument approaches. In 2007, Lewis was selected by the FAA to offer the only undergraduate program in the state of Illinois for air traffic controllers.

Campus Life

Lewis University provides a vibrant campus life with a variety of opportunities for students to engage in activities and build community.

Student Body and Environment

The Lewis student body is described as “down to earth,” “supportive,” and “typically small-town people dreaming of going to bigger places.” The size of the school and the large commuter population contribute to a tight-knit community within disciplines. Many students transfer in from local junior colleges in the area.

Lewis is largely a commuter school, with an estimated 40 percent of the student body living off campus. Students report a “quiet but focused and determined” environment, with most focused on their studies “in the library or computer lab.”

Activities and Organizations

Students contribute to the school “in one way or another either through sports, STEM committees, or recreational clubs.” With more than 100 clubs and organizations, there's something of interest for everyone. On campus, the recreation center provides a “small arcade” and “pool hall,” (called Flyer’s Lounge) along with “decent food.” Chicago is close by, allowing residential students to get away on weekends and check out what the city has to offer.

Athletics

The Lewis athletic teams are called the Flyers. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) for most of its sports since the 1980-81 academic year; while its men's volleyball team compete in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA). Lewis sponsors 22 athletic teams including men’s and women’s cross country, golf, volleyball, basketball, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming; softball, and baseball. Flyer teams have captured 86 GLVC championships and have made 163 NCAA postseason appearances.

Campus Locations

Lewis University has multiple locations, including its main campus in Romeoville, as well as sites in Oak Brook, Albuquerque, and Rome, Italy. The main campus, a picturesque suburban setting on more than 400 acres, is located just 35 miles southwest of Chicago. In Oak Brook, Lewis offers evening, adult and graduate degree coursework as well as continuing education. The Lewis University Rome Program at LUCE brings students from Lasallian colleges and universities around the world to study together while living at the Lasallian Universities Center for Education (LUCE) in Rome, Italy.

Transportation

The Lewis University Airport is located on campus. Public transportation options include the PACE Bus System Route 834 Joliet-Downers Grove, which provides 24-hour service from the Lewis main campus to local communities. The Metra Train Station (Joliet Union Station, Lockport Train Station, Downers Grove Train Station) offers drop-off points to Chicago. Lewis University provides free scheduled shuttle service to local communities (Romeoville, Joliet, Naperville) for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Mission and Values

Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides a diverse student population programs for liberal and professional education, grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice.

The university's core values include knowledge, fidelity, wisdom, and justice, guided by the spirit of association which fosters community in all teaching, learning and service. The University seeks to continue to foster Catholic and Lasallian values in its educational programs and campus life.

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