
Dedicated to the Enlightenment of the Human Spirit
Seventy-five years ago, Roosevelt University was born when a visionary leader and 62 faculty members bravely stood up against the norms of exclusion in favor of inclusion. They founded Roosevelt University as a place for all to belong, regardless of background. This year we proudly celebrate 75 years of diversity, inclusivity and equity. We celebrate our legacy of belonging.
EVENTS
Click the button below to learn more about upcoming events celebrating Roosevelt University’s 75th anniversary.
75 Years, 75 Stories
Discover the groundbreaking scholars, business leaders, activists and performing legends who built Roosevelt’s legacy. Throughout 2020, we’ll publish 75 stories of faculty members, alumni and major events — one for each year of Roosevelt’s history.

Equality Experiment
When the board told Edward Sparling to prepare a racial and religious census of the student body, he refused, saying, “We don’t count that way.” The board demanded his resignation.

Edwin Turner
Edwin Turner founded the Roosevelt athletics department and personally coached basketball, bowling, soccer, softball, track, tennis and golf. At the time, he was the only black coach of an integrated college basketball team in the country.

Harold Washington
In a campaign speech, Harold Washington once said: “In the future when you ask me, ‘What are you really like, Mayor Washington?’ I’m going to say, ‘Go over to Roosevelt University. I’m like them.’”
GIVE
Help us celebrate Roosevelt’s rich legacy by making a gift in honor of our 75th anniversary. Your contribution will help ensure our students’ success through scholarships and other student-focused initiatives.
Contact Us
You can reach us via email at alum@roosevelt.edu or by calling us at (888) RU–ALUMS.
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