Honoring 150 Years

Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, Elmhurst University paid tribute to its sesquicentennial anniversary.

The pioneering spirit that led 14 students in 1871 to enroll in the Elmhurst Proseminary lives on today in Elmhurst University’s strong culture of innovation.

Troy D. VanAkenPresident

What is the heart and soul of Elmhurst University? It is embodied in our amazing students who are celebrated for their intellectual rigor, service to society and faith.

H. Scott MatheneyUniversity Chaplain

As we commemorate our sesquicentennial, let us be inspired by Reinhold Niebuhr’s pronouncement that nothing worthwhile can be accomplished in a lifetime. And so while we joyously celebrate our past, we also look to our future with unbridled anticipation and, above all else, the embodiment of hope for generations to come.

Michelle SobeyAssistant Director of the Niebuhr Center

Elmhurst Voices

Elmhurst University graduate Amanda O'Brien

‘A Perfect Time to Reinvent’

After thriving at Elmhurst, Amanda O’Brien ’21 is heading abroad to teach in France.

John Baines, head men's basketball coach at Elmhurst University.

‘We’ve Got a Nationally Recognized Program’

Men’s basketball coach John Baines continues to build on tradition.

Elmhurst University Associate Professor of Education Ayanna F. Brown, Ph.D.

‘Creating Students Who are Willing to Push’

Ayanna F. Brown guides students on their growth journey.

Upcoming events

VIEW ALL EVENTS

A Year of Celebrations

Browse our photo galleries and relive the excitement of our signature Sesquicentennial events.

An Elmhurst University student smiles during her graduation ceremony during the University's 2022 Commencement.

View gallery Commencement: May 21, 2022 image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image

Confetti drops on the group of featured speakers at the conclusion of the inaugural TedxElmhurstUniversity event.

View gallery TEDxElmhurstUniversity: April 23, 2022 image image image image image image image image image image image image

A group of Elmhurst University students pose for a photo during the 2022 Presidents' Ball event in Elmhurst, IL.

View gallery Presidents’ Ball: March 4, 2022 image image image image image image image image image

Elmhurst University business department co-chair Shaheen Wolff speaks, with a large number "150" beside her, during Elmhurst's Founders Day celebration.

View gallery Founders Day: Dec. 6, 2021 image image image image image image image image image image image

Elmhurst University chaplain H. Scott Matheney speaks to the audience during the 2021 Festival of Lessons and Carols.

View gallery A Festival of Lessons and Carols: Dec. 3, 2021 image image image image image image image image image

Two female students wearing "Elmhurst 150" T-shirts watch a roaring bonfire during Elmhurst University's 2021 Homecoming pep rally.

View gallery Homecoming: Sept. 20–26, 2021 image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image image

Incoming Elmhurst University students mingle with staff during the 2021 President's Picnic.

View gallery President’s Picnic: July 14, 2021 image image image image image

Byron Stripling plays the trumpet during Elmhurst University's annual June Jazz outdoor concert.

View gallery June Jazz: June 19, 2021 image image image image image

A large group of Elmhurst University graduate students throws their hats up into the air to celebrate their graduation after the 2021 Commencement ceremony.

View gallery Commencement: May 21–22, 2021 image image image image image image image image image image