George Williams College is built upon a strong tradition of preparing students for lives of service. Small class sizes, individual attention from expert faculty and hands-on learning define the GWC experience.
Location: Williams Bay, Wis., near Lake Geneva. Approximately two hours from downtown Chicago and one hour from Milwaukee or Madison, Wis.
Type of College: GWC is a four-year, accredited, independent, liberal arts, co-educational college. GWC is a partner institution of Aurora University (Aurora, Illinois). GWC offers residential, commuter, full-time and part-time programs.
Size of campus: 133 wooded acres
Housing: Three residence halls with spacious rooms
Academic Year: Two semesters, late August to mid-December and mid-January to early May
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate majors: Elementary education, social work, parks and recreation and sustainability and environmental management
Scholarship and Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages are available.
History: In 1886, three men gathered around a campfire on the shores of Lake Geneva to celebrate the founding of a summer training institute that would prepare leaders of the developing YMCA movement. The Lake Geneva campus thrived and grew as YMCA leaders from across the nation gathered for reflection and learning.
Four years later, George Williams College was founded in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago as an institution of higher learning for students entering the “helping professions.” Students at the urban campus came to Lake Geneva to experience “College Camp” and advance their learning in a setting that fostered reflection and reverence. In 1965, the Hyde Park programs were moved to Downers Grove, Ill., where the tradition of educating leaders in the social work and recreation fields continued.
In 1992, several of GWC’s signature academic programs found new homes at Aurora University. In 2000, Aurora University and George Williams College, recognizing a mutual commitment to the transformative power of education, merged. Today, GWC operates as a partner institution with Aurora University and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools through AU.
