Carthage College
Kenosha, WI
Quick Facts
“Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together.”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Carthage College
Carthage: A lakeside legacy of learning, growth, and community on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Carthage College, a private institution with a rich history dating back to 1847, stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Guided by its motto, "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together.," Carthage fosters a vibrant academic community for its 2,667 students. What began as a Lutheran-founded college in Illinois has transformed into a dynamic institution renowned for its continuous innovation and commitment to student success.
The college's journey is a testament to resilience and growth. From its roots as "The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West," through its period as Illinois State University where Abraham Lincoln briefly served on its board, Carthage has always adapted. After facing challenges and relocating to Kenosha in 1957, the college truly blossomed. The dedication of its lakeshore campus in 1962 marked an era of unprecedented expansion, seeing enrollment increase fivefold, endowment triple, and physical assets soar by 600 percent in just a decade.
Today, Carthage College offers a modern, engaging student experience, backed by over $130 million invested in campus enhancements since 2001. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the award-winning Hedberg Library and the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business. Aspiring scientists thrive in the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences, which features a planetarium and twelve new labs. The campus also boasts the Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center, the expansive Campbell Student Union, and contemporary residence halls like The Oaks and The Tower, ensuring a holistic and supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and connect.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1847 by Lutheran pioneers, with a rich history stretching back to Hillsboro, Illinois.
- ✦Abraham Lincoln briefly served on the college's board of trustees from 1860-1861 when it was known as Illinois State University.
- ✦Since 2001, over $130 million has been invested in new construction and major renovations, providing modern learning and living spaces.
- ✦The Hedberg Library was named Wisconsin Library of the Year in 2004 and won the Highsmith Award in 2007.
- ✦The state-of-the-art David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences features a new planetarium and twelve new science labs.
- ✦A vibrant student body of 2,667 students enjoys a private college experience on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- ✦The Campbell Student Union, opened in 2011, houses a 200-seat theatre, art gallery, and diverse dining options.
Timeline
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