A Century of Learning and Leading
In 1926, the legendary U.S. Route 66 was established, A. A. Milne published his beloved children's book Winnie-the-Pooh, and Henry Ford implemented a pioneering 40-hour work week at his automobile factory.
It was also the year the Northwestern opened a standalone school of education, which later became the first School of Education and Social Policy in the nation.
Founded as a training ground for teachers and education workers, SESP is now an interdisciplinary hub where scholars and students study how people learn and how policy can expand opportunity.
In 1986, we added social policy to our name and mission to reflect a broader truth: Leaders need to understand both people and policy to address the challenges facing society. We were the first. Others followed our lead.
- View a special message from Dean Brayboy.
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Today, SESP is home to renowned experts in education, human development, learning sciences, social policy, higher education, and community-based research. As one of the top schools in the world—and rated the second best graduate school of education in the nation—SESP is a place of distinction and innovation.
This centennial belongs to all of us—including you! As the school we helped build is entering its second century, we want to celebrate. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, your presence, your stories, and your continued investment in this community are what will make SESP's next hundred years possible.
Centennial events will include an alumni lunch and dean's reception (Friday, Oct. 9) and two Loeschner Leadership Lectures (in fall and spring).
More details and events will be shared soon in email newsletters and on the Centennial website.