Cooper Union, also known as The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, is a private college located in New York City, United States. The institution was founded in 1859 by industrialist Peter Cooper, who aimed to provide education to those who could not afford to attend traditional universities. Since then, Cooper Union has been a leading institution in the fields of art, architecture, and engineering.
Peter Cooper, who was a prominent figure in the industrial revolution and inventor of the first American steam locomotive, founded Cooper Union with the goal of offering free education to the working class. The institution opened its doors in 1859, offering courses in engineering, art, and architecture. It was the first college in the United States to offer full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students, and admitted women as students from its very inception.
Throughout its history, Cooper Union has had a significant impact on culture and society. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln g***e a speech at Cooper Union as he began his presidential campaign. This speech helped him secure the nomination, and ultimately p***ed the way for his election.
In 2009, Cooper Union celebrated its 150-year anniversary with a year-long exhibition entitled "The Structure of Things". The exhibition showcased the institution's contributions to the arts, architecture, and engineering over the years.
Cooper Union comprises three schools - the School of Art, the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, and the Albert Nerken School of Engineering. Despite the school's ***all size, its art and architecture programs are highly regarded across the country, and are consistently ranked as among the nation's best public and private universities.
The School of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in various areas of study such as graphic design, sculpture, and painting. Students receive individual studio space and are taught by professionals in their respective fields. The school is known for its rigorous program, which prepares students for careers as professional artists.
The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture is dedicated to providing students with an education that emphasizes both practical skills and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to think creatively about the built environment, and are trained to design and build innovative architecture that takes into account environmental sustainability, social justice, and public health. The Chanin School of Architecture is the only architecture program in the United States that allows students to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture degree in just three years.
The Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers degrees in various fields such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Students are trained in hands-on design and research projects that help them develop the technical knowledge necessary to become leaders in their fields.
The Great Hall at Cooper Union is a historic hall that has been used for political, cultural, and intellectual events since its inception in 1858. The hall has hosted several esteemed speakers, including Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Susan B. Anthony.
The Great Hall has also been used for contemporary events, including a speech by then-Senator Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. The hall has a seating capacity of 900 people, and is filled with history and purpose.
Cooper Union is a celebrated institution known for its commitment to providing free education to all who qualify regardless of financial means. Over the years, the institution has played a significant role in shaping American culture and society. Its schools of art, architecture, and engineering are at the forefront of their respective fields, and the Great Hall is legendary for hosting some of the most important cultural and political events in American history.
