Jane Addams Institute of Higher Education takes its name from a historic leader in education, primarily for the marginalized and under-served, Jane Addams. Her contributions included the creation of a number of distinguished and innovative educational programs. Jane Addams gained national and international renown for her leadership and for her advancing the causes of social reform and equity for people of all ethnic backgrounds. The programs she created included university courses, art classes and sports leagues, making these available for people of all cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
Jane Addams was also a leader in the cause of women’s rights, including the right of women to vote. Her tireless efforts in Illinois led to the first child labor law and the first law recognizing an eight-hour workday for women. Academically, she was valedictorian and President of her graduating class at Rockford University. In her valedictory address she proclaimed, “We stand today united in a belief in beauty, genius and courage, and that these can transform the world.” Her course of lectures at the University of Wisconsin were published in her book, Newer Ideals of Peace.
Jane Addams contributions to the cause of peace included accepting the chairmanship of the Women’s Peace Party in America and speaking for peace at the commemoration of the Peace Palace at The Hague. Her leadership was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation who sponsored her as a lecturer for the cause of peace. Later, she accepted the presidency for the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, presiding over six of its international conferences.
Jane Addams devoted much of her life to the causes of peace, freedom and justice. At one point, then FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover proclaimed Addams to be “the most dangerous woman in America,” for her work as an agent of change and for her leadership in peace efforts. Her contributions were recognized for what they really were in 1931 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, only the second woman in history to achieve this. Jane Addams Institute is proud to associate itself with the innovation, character, and global accomplishments of Jane Addams.