University of Illinois Chicago Circle - Circle Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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Navy Pier, the first Chicago campus of the University of Illinois, was opened in August, 1946. Its aim was to satisfy the needs of both graduating high school seniors and returning GIs for higher public education. In 1947, the University administration stated that any further ex- pansion at Navy Pier would be unwise because of its limited facilities and goals. In 1951, the State legislature approved the bill which led to the search for a location in the Chicago area for a permanent, four - year, degree granting branch of the University. In 1959, $50 million were allocated for the building of the new campus. In 1961, the present site of Circle was approved by the City Council. To the people of Chicago, the opening of the University of Illinois, Circle Campus, signified an important educa- tional and cultural advance. Academically, it was a chal- lenge to the older institutions, e.g. Loyola University and the University of Chicago. Former Governor Otto Kerner stated that with the building of Circle Campus, Illinois would undoubtedly become a leading state in education, as it was in so many other fields. He saw the academic and cultural united in the campus architecture; The architectural style of Chicago Circle is a delight to the human eye and is indicative of our new approach to education at all levels. The campus ' modern architecture, the concrete, steel and glass design made it a monument to Chicago ' s changing image as a growing, innovative city. Reflecting on the new campus and what it means to the city, Chicago ' s Mayor, Richard J. Daley said, Our world is becoming more and more urbanized. Of necessity, a University which truly seeks and meets the needs of society must be a part of urban life. Just as universities make great cities, so too great cities make great univer- sities, and the U. of I. at Chicago Circle is destined to be one of the great universities of our nation. To the people who were living in the campus neigh- borhood, the University posed a serious threat. Concerned neighbors organized community groups to oppose the building site. The location was chosen for two reasons: first, because its geographic position would make it one of the most easily accessible campuses for students from all around the city and suburbs, both by car and public transportation; and second, because from this point was to begin a great renaissance and rebuilding of the city ' s West Side. Considering these aims, the community ' s opposition was overruled and construction was begun. The bitterness of the community has subsided some- what over the years but even today, students and faculty living in the neighborhood claim that friction does exist. What mellowing has occurred is due in large part to the concern that the University has shown for the community: the facilities are available to the neighborhood people, summer athletic programs have been initiated for the neighborhood children, and the Jane Addams Hull House has been restored. li