History of Robert Morris University Illinois in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2026

Robert Morris University Illinois, established in 1965 and tracing its roots back to the 1913 Moser School, was a private university based in Chicago. Known as Robert Morris College until 2009, it provided associate and bachelor's degrees and held regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. In 2020, it merged with Roosevelt University, leading to the creation of the Robert Morris Experiential College within Roosevelt's structure.

1913: Moser School of Business Founding

In 1913, the Moser School of Business, which Robert Morris University traces its history to, was founded.

1913: Moser School Founded

In 1913, the Moser School, the oldest ancestor of what would become Robert Morris University Illinois, was founded.

1965: Robert Morris College Founded

In 1965, Robert Morris College was founded as a private university.

1965: Robert Morris College Founded in Carthage, Illinois

In 1965, Robert Morris College was founded in Carthage, Illinois, as a two-year college after purchasing the former campus of Carthage College.

1975: Expansion to Chicago via Moser School Merger

In 1975, Robert Morris College expanded to Chicago by acquiring and merging with the Moser School.

July 1988: Springfield, Illinois Campus Opening

In July 1988, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Springfield, Illinois.

July 1989: Carthage Campus Closure

In July 1989, Robert Morris College closed its Carthage campus.

1991: Orland Park Campus Opening

In 1991, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Orland Park.

1995: Joined CCAC

Around 1995, Robert Morris University athletic teams competed in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).

1997: Naperville Campus Opening

In 1997, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Naperville.

1999: Bensenville Campus Opening

In 1999, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Bensenville.

2000: Peoria Campus Opening

In 2000, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Peoria.

2001: Orland Park Campus Move to Aurora

In 2001, the Orland Park campus moved to Aurora and became the DuPage Campus.

2003: Waukegan Campus Opening

In 2003, Robert Morris College opened the Waukegan campus as the Lake County Campus.

2005: Graduate School Establishment

In 2005, the Graduate School was established at Robert Morris College.

2008: Graduate School as Separate Campus

In 2008, the Graduate School became a separate campus in Schaumburg.

2009: Name Change to Robert Morris University Illinois

In 2009, Robert Morris College changed its name to Robert Morris University Illinois.

2009: Elgin Campus Opening

In 2009, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Elgin.

2011: Arlington Heights Campus Opening

In 2011, Robert Morris College opened a campus in Arlington Heights.

2014: Gaming Scholarships Offered

In 2014, Robert Morris University became the first university to offer gaming scholarships for a varsity esports team, competing in "League of Legends", "Hearthstone", and "Dota 2" competitions.

2019: End of CCAC competition

In 2019–20, Robert Morris University athletic teams last competed in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).

March 2020: Merger with Roosevelt University

In March 2020, Robert Morris University Illinois merged with Roosevelt University to become one of its colleges.

2020: Roosevelt University Adds Football and Ice Hockey

After the merger in 2020, Roosevelt University added football and ice hockey beginning in the 2020–21 season after acquiring Robert Morris's teams in those sports.