Lombard College
History
Lombard College was a universalist institution located in Galesburg, Illinois. The college was chartered in 1851 and officially opened in 1855. The college was named after the Universalist preacher and abolitionist, Benjamin Lombard. Lombard College was known for its liberal arts education and was one of the first co-educational institutions in the United States, admitting both men and women from its inception.
Academic Life
The academic life at Lombard College was rigorous, with a strong focus on the liberal arts. Students were required to study a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, literature, history, science, and mathematics. The college also offered courses in theology, reflecting its Universalist roots. Lombard College was known for its high academic standards and its commitment to intellectual exploration and critical thinking.
Campus
The Lombard College campus was located in the heart of Galesburg, Illinois. The campus was home to several notable buildings, including the main building, which housed the college's administrative offices, classrooms, and library. The campus also featured a chapel, a gymnasium, and several dormitories for students. The campus was known for its beautiful landscaping, with many trees and green spaces for students to enjoy.
Notable Alumni
Lombard College produced many notable alumni throughout its history. Some of the most famous include Carl Sandburg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and biographer of Abraham Lincoln, and Joy Morton, the founder of the Morton Salt Company. Other notable alumni include Don Marquis, a humorist, journalist, and author, and Edwin H. Conger, a U.S. diplomat and ambassador.
Closure and Legacy
Lombard College closed its doors in 1930 due to financial difficulties. However, its legacy lives on in several ways. The college's records and many of its artifacts are housed at Knox College, another liberal arts college in Galesburg. Additionally, the Lombard College bell, which once rang to signal the start and end of classes, now resides in the tower of the Central Congregational Church in Galesburg.
In 1973, the Universalist Church of America, which had been a major supporter of Lombard College, merged with the Unitarian Church to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. In honor of Lombard College's Universalist heritage, the association established the Lombard College Graduate School, which offers graduate-level courses in Universalist theology and history.