About the University of Chicago
Right from its beginning in the late nineteenth century, the University has maintained the highest levels of accomplishment in research and academic study.
More than 60 Nobel Prize Laureates have been associated with the University of Chicago and numerous faculty members have been elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Arts. The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is consistently ranked as one of the finest medical schools in the country.
Located in historic Hyde Park on the South Side of the city about a mile from Lake Michigan, the University extends along both sides of the Midway Plaisance, an expanse originally designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The University buildings, many constructed from the 1890's to the mid 1900's, are grouped around tree-lined quadrangles and reflect the Gothic style of an English college. The University recently celebrated its Centennial in 1993.
A collar of more modern buildings surrounds the traditional campus center and contains structures by such noted architects as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Architectural marvels abound, including the cathedral-sized Rockefeller Chapel and the tiny, ivy-covered Bond Chapel. The hospital and clinics are located adjacent to the historic quadrangles.
Hyde Park, the home to the University of Chicago, is a community of approximately 50,000 residents. Although located a short distance from downtown Chicago, Hyde Park has maintained its own identity and culture. Famous residents have included Carl Sandburg, Sinclair Lewis, Clarence Darrow, and Saul Bellow.
Campus life at the University is exceptional. Art enthusiasts gravitate toward the exhibits at the Smart Museum and the Bergman Gallery. Musical life abounds with the University Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and Chamber Orchestra. The yearly folk music festival and performances by internationally acclaimed artists at Mandel Hall are very popular. In addition, Court Theater, the professional theater at the University has been a leading force in Chicago theater for 25 years.
The University maintains a top-notch sporting facility at the completely renovated Henry Crown Field House, one of Chicago's largest indoor sports complexes. The complex features the area's largest indoor track, four basketball courts, batting cages, complete weight-training facilities, saunas, and courts for racquetball, squash and handball. Swimmers can choose between Bartlett Gymnasium and Ida Noyes Hall.
The University of Chicago is home to some of the finest libraries in the country. The library system has more than 5.2 million books in its holdings. The Joseph Regenstein (graduate) Library forms the centerpiece of the system with seven floors and 3.5 million volumes.The John Crerar Library located next to the main hospitals houses one of the most complete collections of medical texts and journals of any University. Twenty-four a day access is granted to all physicians. Copy (xerox) cards are supplied to all residents.
