In 1853 in Mount Carroll, Illinois, Shimer’s founders, Frances Wood Shimer and Cinderella Gregory, had a vision of education which was far ahead of its time. They admitted students on the basis of capability, rather than on the applicant’s previous educational background. Their mission was to develop in each student a well-rounded knowledge and personal competence.

Now in its 157th year,  Shimer College still carries out that mission.  An independent four-year liberal arts college, Shimer’s academic programs feature an interdisciplinary core curriculum originally designed by Robert M. Hutchins of the University of Chicago and grounded in the Great Books tradition.