Carthage College facts for kids
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Former names
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The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West Lutheran College Hillsboro College Illinois State University (1852–1870) |
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| Motto | Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together. |
| Type | Private college |
| Established | January 22, 1847 |
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Religious affiliation
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |
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Academic affiliation
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Space-grant |
| Endowment | $111.5 million (2019) |
| President | John R. Swallow |
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Academic staff
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150 |
| Students | 2,667 (Fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 2,559 (Fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 108 (Fall 2022) |
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U.S.
42°37′16″N 87°49′18″W / 42.62111°N 87.82167°W |
| Campus | 80 acres (32 ha) |
| Colors | Red and black |
| Nickname | Firebirds |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Ember |
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Carthage College is a private college in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It is connected to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. About 2,600 students go to Carthage.
Carthage offers many different study programs. You can earn a bachelor's degree in over 40 subjects. They also have master's degrees in three areas. There are 150 teachers at Carthage. The college is also part of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. This means they are involved in space-related research and education.
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Carthage College: A Look Back
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Carthage College started a long time ago in Hillsboro, Illinois. It was founded by people who believed in education. The college officially opened on January 22, 1847.
It was first called The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West. But people soon called it Lutheran College or Hillsboro College. It began with just two teachers and 79 students. The college promised a strong and useful education.
Moving and New Names
In 1852, the college moved to Springfield, Illinois. Its name changed to Illinois State University. This is not the same as the current Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.
A very famous person, Abraham Lincoln, was on the college's board of trustees from 1860 to 1861. His son, Robert Todd Lincoln, also studied there. During the Civil War, fewer students attended. The college closed in 1868.
In 1870, some teachers reopened the college in Carthage, Illinois. This is where it got its current name, Carthage College.
Growing Through Challenges
Times were tough during the Great Depression and World War II. In 1943, only 131 students were enrolled. But after the war, more students came. This was thanks to the G.I. Bill, which helped soldiers go to college.
After many years, the college decided to move again. In 1957, they chose to open a new campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The beautiful campus by the lake opened on October 14, 1962.
From 1962, Carthage College grew a lot. Student numbers increased five times. The college also invested a lot of money in new buildings and technology. Since 2001, they have spent over $130 million on campus improvements.
New Buildings and Spaces
Many new buildings have opened at Carthage College.
- Hedberg Library: This library opened in 2001. It won "Wisconsin Library of the Year" in 2004. It also won an award for its "Family Fun Night" program.
- A. W. Clausen Center for World Business: The old library was updated and reopened in 2004 as a business center.
- Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center: This sports center opened in 2001. The old gym was rebuilt and became the Tarble Arena in 2009.
- Campbell Student Union: A new student union opened in 2011. It has a bookstore, dining areas, a theater, and a gaming area. It was named after President F. Gregory Campbell.
- The Oaks: This new student housing opened in 2012. It has villas with suites and media lounges.
- David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences: A new science center opened in 2015. It has a planetarium, new labs, and classrooms.
- The Tower: This new residence hall opened in 2018. It offers apartment-style suites and study spaces.
College Leaders
Carthage College has had many presidents since it started. The current president is John R. Swallow.
Learning at Carthage
Carthage offers many different study programs. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in over 40 subjects. They also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Carthage works with other schools for special programs. These include engineering, occupational therapy, and pharmacy.
Some popular majors for students are:
- Nursing
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
The school year has two main semesters. There is also a special month-long "January Term." Carthage has been officially approved by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. They also offer three master's degree programs.
Tuition Changes
Carthage College changed its tuition price in 2020. They lowered the listed price by 30%. This was to make the cost clearer and attract more students.
Student Life
In 2016, Carthage had about 2,800 undergraduate students. About 70% of students who apply are accepted.
Special Courses
All Carthage students used to take a course called "Western Heritage." This course explored important texts from Western history. Now, they take "Intellectual Foundations." This course has the same goal but includes more texts from different cultures.
Senior Project
Every student at Carthage must complete a "senior thesis." This is a big project in their final year. It can be a research paper, a music performance, an art show, or another creative work.
January Term Adventures
During the "J-Term" in January, students take one class every day. Many students also travel with their teachers on study tours. In 2016, students visited places like Cuba and World War II sites in Europe. All students must complete two J-Term courses.
College Rankings
Carthage College is often recognized as a good school.
- In 2022-23, U.S. News & World Report ranked Carthage among the top Regional Universities Midwest.
- Carthage is known for students studying abroad.
- The Princeton Review listed Carthage as a "Best Midwestern College."
- Many Carthage students have won Fulbright fellowships. These are special awards for international study.
Teachers at Carthage
Carthage College has a good student-to-teacher ratio. This means students can get more attention from their professors. In 2021, there were 142 full-time teachers and 145 part-time teachers.
Carthage in Chicago
Since 2014, Carthage has a "Carthage in Chicago" program. Students can spend a semester in Chicago. They get internships or work on big school projects. They also take classes and live in the city.
Fun Traditions
The Old Main Bell
The Old Main Bell used to sit in a tower at the first campus in Illinois. After sports wins, students would run to ring it. When Carthage moved to Wisconsin, students helped move the bell. Now, it's in the scoreboard at Art Keller Field.
Kissing Rock
Kissing Rock has been a part of Carthage since 1913. Students found this large rock and moved it to campus. It became a special spot. One old tradition said that if a woman sat on the rock, she had to kiss the man who found her there. Many marriage proposals have happened near it!
Students moved Kissing Rock to the Kenosha campus in the 1960s. Today, students paint the rock to share messages. They promote clubs, announce events, and celebrate things. It has been used to remember people, protest, and honor important events like 9/11.
Christmas Festival
The Christmas Festival has been a Carthage tradition since 1974. Every December, Carthage hosts a musical celebration of Christmas. Students from music and theater groups perform for the community.
Sports at Carthage
Carthage athletic teams are called the Firebirds. The college is part of the NCAA Division III. They mostly compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).
Carthage has 28 different sports teams. These include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and more. Over a third of Carthage students play on a varsity sports team. Many others join club or intramural sports.
Volleyball Success
The men's volleyball team has been very successful. They won their first Division III National Championship in 2021. They won again in 2022, making them the first sport at Carthage to win back-to-back national championships!
Baseball Achievements
The men's baseball team has also done very well. From 1990 to 2010, they won over 35 games each season. They have played in the NCAA Division III World Series several times. Coach Augie Schmidt has won many awards for his coaching.
Football Highlights
In 2004, the football team had a record-breaking season. They won 11 games and made it to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time. They won their first two playoff games and finished 5th in the nation.
A New Mascot
For many years, Carthage men's teams were called the "Redmen." In 2005, the NCAA said this name might be offensive. So, the college changed the name to "Red Men" to focus on the team's red uniforms.
In 2020, the college decided to change the nickname and mascot again. On February 19, 2021, the new nickname was announced: the Firebirds. The new mascot, named "Ember," was introduced in October 2021.
Famous Carthage Alumni
Many people who went to Carthage College have done amazing things.
- George A. Anderson – A U.S. Representative.
- Alden W. Clausen – A former President of the World Bank.
- Caroline Bartlett Crane – A minister, activist for women's voting rights, and journalist.
- Daniel L. Gard – A U.S. Navy admiral.
- John Hay – A journalist and U.S. Secretary of State.
- Laura Kaeppeler – The winner of Miss America in 2012.
- Jim Jodat – An NFL football player.
- Fernando Sanford – A founding professor at Stanford University.
Notable Teachers
Some important teachers have also worked at Carthage.
- Thomas Carr – A paleontologist (someone who studies dinosaurs and fossils).
- Augie Schmidt – The successful baseball head coach.
