La Salle University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a private, independent, co-educational institution of higher learning, managed by the Christian Brothers – a teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church. As a catholic university, its main aim is to enhance intellectual and spiritual values of students through effective teaching and quality education. It has been ranked among the nation’s leading regional universities in the Northern U.S. by the U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle University is named in honor of Jean-Baptiste de la Salle – a French priest. The university widens its academic activities through its three schools – the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, and the School of Nursing. The School of Arts and Sciences – the largest academic unit on campus – provides undergraduate and graduate programs in several areas of study such as American Studies, Art History, Information Technology, Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology. With international accreditation of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the School of Business Administration offers part-time and full-time programs in the Master of Business Administration program. The School of Nursing imparts undergraduate programs in Nursing and Nutrition, and graduate programs in MS-Speech Language Pathology. Located six miles from the Center City of Philadelphia, the 100-acre main campus is on the estate of Charles Wilson Peale – a revolutionary war soldier and artist famous for his paintings. There are 54 buildings including two apartment complexes, 11 dormitories, and 75 townhouses on campus. A fitness center, a 4,000-seat basketball arena, a football/soccer stadium, swimming pool, and an all-weather track are some of the recreational facilities. Opening its doors in 1976, the La Salle University Art Museum has a diverse display of paintings, drawings, and sculptures in the western tradition. The Connelly Library at the university holds special collections including materials related to Imaginative Representations of the Vietnam War and contemporary film promotional items. La Salle University also has campuses offering degree programs in Bucks and Montgomery counties.