Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Read on to learn more about this diverse institution located in the heart of the city and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs! 

About DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university founded in 1898 and located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Spanning 41 acres between two campuses, the university serves around 14,000 undergraduates and about 6,700 graduate and law students, offering 130 majors. The main campus, Lincoln Park, is the larger and older of the campuses, while the Loop Campus, the smaller and much newer campus, is located in downtown Chicago. With students from 49 states and 136 countries, DePaul's diverse student body reflects the vibrant city it calls home. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is reflected in its focus on both academic excellence and social justice.

What DePaul University is Best Known For

DePaul University is a renowned institution that is widely recognized for various reasons. Firstly, it is one of the largest Catholic universities in the country, with a total student population of over 20,000. The university's urban location in the heart of Chicago offers students access to countless internship opportunities in the city's thriving industries. DePaul's core values of diversity and inclusivity have remained steadfast since its founding and continue to shape its student body and curriculum. One additional recognition for the school– DePaul boasts some of the country's best game design, film, and drama programs, drawing in talented students from all over the world. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in the arts or simply seeking a well-rounded education, DePaul University is an excellent choice.

History of DePaul

‍DePaul University was founded in 1898 by the Vincentians and was initially named St. Vincent's College. Its original purpose was to serve Roman Catholic children of immigrants. In 1907, it was re-chartered as DePaul University and offered courses to men and women of any religious background. The first woman was admitted to DePaul in 1911, becoming one of the first co-educational Catholic institutions to do so. 

DePaul established the School of Music and the College of Commerce, became one of the oldest business schools in the nation, and began offering courses in Chicago's Loop. The university continued to grow despite the Great Depression and World Wars, forming a US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps unit and mobilizing for WWII. In the 1960s, the Black Student Union was formed, creating a wide range of student organizations. In the 1970s, DePaul started the School for New Learning, one of the first colleges in the nation for adult students.

Some incredible expansions and renovations have been made over the past several decades, making DePaul an even more fantastic university to attend. 

Famous Alumni

DePaul University has produced an impressive roster of successful alumni in various fields. The university has cultivated talent across multiple disciplines, from business magnates to writers, educators, and politicians. However, it's the entertainment industry where DePaul has made a significant impact with a long list of actors, actresses, and musicians who have achieved critical and commercial success. Among the notable alumni who have stood out are Gillian Anderson, known for her roles in "The X-Files" and "The Crown," John C. Reilly, who has starred in hit films like "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Step Brothers," and Joseph David Keery, famous for his portrayal of Steve Harrington in "Stranger Things." Peter Lewis Kingston Wentz III, a renowned American musician, also attended DePaul University and is recognized as the bassist and lyricist for the rock band Fall Out Boy. These notable DePaul alumni demonstrate the university's commitment to producing well-rounded, accomplished individuals making significant contributions in their respective fields.

Life On Campus

Life on campus for students at DePaul University is diverse and engaging, although 90% of students commute or live off campus. With over 350 student organizations, students have ample opportunities to pursue their interests and get involved with their peers. 

DePaul's intercollegiate athletic teams, known as the DePaul Blue Demons, are members of the Big East Conference and have a storied history of success. The men's basketball team has made 18 NCAA tournament appearances and appeared in two Final Fours, while the softball team has won their third consecutive Big East Tournament title and made their 21st NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019. 

Greek life is an integral part of campus culture, with nearly 1100 members and 26 chapters, including ten male fraternities, 16 female sororities, and one co-educational organization not part of traditional Greek life. Life on campus at DePaul University offers students many opportunities to engage with their peers, pursue their passions, and make lifelong connections.

Life Off Campus

Being in the heart of Chicago brings a lot of opportunity and exploration to DePaul students who venture off campus. There is never a shortage of things to do and see when you're a student at DePaul! Whether it's city life, culture, sports, or even nature, there is always a way to have fun!

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Whether you're a Cubs fan or just excited to visit an iconic ballpark, Wrigley Field is a perfect way for college students to spend an afternoon. Wrigley is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country and is packed with some of the loudest and proudest fans around. It's an experience that you'll need to partake in at least once before you graduate. 

If you want to escape the city, a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden is a must, especially if the weather is nice. Stroll on for miles to see different flowers, plants, and birds and take a break from the sounds of the city. 

When you're ready to dine out, there's nothing more Chicago-like than the world-famous Chicago-style pizza! Pizza with a fork and a knife? Don't mind if we do! It's hard to pick one favorite pizza place; there are literally dozens we could recommend. So ask the locals to point you in the direction of their favorite! 

Being a tourist for a weekend is also a fun way to spend your time! Chicago is known for so many iconic landmarks that you can't graduate without visiting them all– Sears Tower, The Bean, Buckingham Fountain, Michigan Ave.--add them all to your itinerary! 

Favorite DePaul Traditions

With over 120 years of rich history, there is no doubt that DePaul has countless traditions that have stood the test of time and will live on forever in the memories of students and alumni in attendance. Here are a few of our favorites: 

DePaul University has a longstanding tradition known as Vincentian Service Day (VSD), initiated during the 1998-1999 academic year as part of the university's Centennial celebration. Every year, over 1000 DePaul students, staff, faculty, and alumni engage in a day of service with over 50 community partners in the Chicagoland area and cities nationwide.

DePaul University's Blue Demon Week is a celebration that unites students, faculty, staff, and alumni in honor of what it means to be part of the DePaul Blue Demon community. The week-long event is packed with various activities and events that cater to diverse interests and preferences, organized by various student organizations and departments across the university. A notable highlight of the week is the Blue Demon Challenge, a 24-hour fundraising event that aims to raise an impressive $5 million this year. The spirit of Blue Demon Week is encapsulated by the motto, "Once a Blue Demon, Always a Blue Demon," which reflects the enduring bond and pride that unites members of the DePaul community.

Storage Scholars and DePaul University

Storage Scholars is beyond excited to have a new partnership with DePaul University in 2023! We are proud to have a strong campus presence this year as DePaul is one of our Key Access Schools! Students and parents have entrusted us to pick up student belongings after they move out for the school year, keep those belongings safe in storage for the summer, and then re-deliver everything back in the fall before the first day of class. We will even provide all the boxes and packaging supplies so students don't have to leave campus for anything. We're excited to establish ourselves on campus and to be called upon year after year by DePaul University students and parents.

We are also excited to be able to offer Ship to School at DePaul University as well. With this new program, students can receive shipping boxes and supplies at their homes over the summer, fill them with their belongings, and ship them to the Storage Scholars warehouse (located near campus), where they stay until a week before college move-in. At that time, our talented Co-Founders and their team will use their key access to drop off those boxes before students arrive on campus. In addition to shipping boxes from their home, Students can order items from online retailers and have those dropped off before the start of the school year too. This new program was launched last summer at many of our other schools, and the students and parents who used the service for the first time raved about the convenience of the program and the efficiency with which it was executed. 

The DePaul campus is run by our amazing Campus Co-founders and Marketing Manager, for a tailored and personalized experience. We are excited to provide the high level of storage service that our families across the country have come to expect. If you're eager to learn about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com or call us today!

To get up to date details about Storage Scholars at DePaul, visit them on Instagram.

Sources:

https://edurank.org/uni/depaul-university/alumni/#:~:text=John%20C.&text=John%20Christopher%20Reilly%20is%20an,The%20River%20Wild%20(1994).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DePaul_University

https://www.collegemagazine.com/21-things-chicago-youre-21/

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