University of Dubuque

the 'German Theological College and Seminary', the initial predecessor to the University of Dubuque, in 1852. Van Vliet, who was pastor of the German Presbyterian Church (now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Dubuque), wanted to train ministers to serve the influx of immigrants to the upper midwest. Van Vliet believed the large number of immigrants—particularly German farmers and miners—would need ministers of the gospel for the communities they were establishing. He began by training two young men, conducting classes in his home. Although Van Vliet was Dutch, until 1896 all classes were conducted in German.
Initially the school was Van Vliet's independent endeavor. In 1864, the Presbytery of Dubuque assumed control of the institution, and it became known as 'The German Theological School of The North West'. In 1870 the Presbyterian Church of the United States took control of the school. In 1871, following the death of Van Vliet, Jacob Conzett was selected to lead the school. In 1872 the school moved …