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Elmhurst College preparing to become Elmhurst University

Building on nearly 150 years of preparing students for careers and lives, Elmhurst College will change its name to Elmhurst University effective June 30, 2020.

"At this pivotal time in our history, less than two years away from our 150th anniversary in 2021, the decision to change our name to Elmhurst University marks the exciting start of the next chapter of our story," Elmhurst College President Troy D. VanAken said.

"It reflects discussions that have been taking place for some time regarding how we should celebrate who we are, what we have become, and what we need to be in order to best serve our students for generations to come."

The school's board of trustees approved the new name on June 15.

The university name more accurately reflects Elmhurst's educational profile as a comprehensive higher education institution, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and applied sciences, while anticipating opportunities for new programs and partnerships, officials said.

The change comes at a time when the college has seen record enrollment and fundraising.

The name change also honors the 1925 vision of H. Richard Niebuhr, the college's sixth president, of an "ever-widening circle" of opportunity for the school to reach an ever-widening circle of diverse students with multiple interests and needs.

"A change in name will not alter our commitment to outstanding teaching, personal education and the fostering of an inclusive and supportive campus learning community that promotes social justice," said Ed Momkus, board chairman and member of the Class of 1974.

Elmhurst offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 master's degree and graduate certificate programs. Because of the strength and breadth of its programs, Elmhurst already is categorized as a university by external entities, including U.S. News & World Report.

The name change will enhance its recruitment efforts, especially among international, graduate and nontraditional students, because university status is more widely understood by those groups. It will reduce misconceptions some prospective employers may have.

It also will pave the way for expanded academic and partnership opportunities for both faculty and students, as well as greater opportunities for participation in international and other off-campus programs.

The name-change idea has been raised periodically over the years and formally was reintroduced in 2016 when VanAken initiated a strategic planning process in preparation for Elmhurst's sesquicentennial.

Over the past year, a dialogue took place among campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff and students; and with the larger Elmhurst community, including the board of trustees and the Alumni Association board of directors.

The recommendation was deliberated and endorsed by campus governance groups before going to the board for final approval.

The college's Advisory Committee for Strategic Planning, which includes membership from the board, faculty, staff, students and alumni, will be asked to lead the transition effort. The committee will work with other campus stakeholders to ensure all have the opportunity to participate in the planning and implementation.

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