Valparaiso University is a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana, less than an hour's drive southeast of Gary, in the state's northwestern reaches. It is commonly referred to as simply “Valpo.” Valparaiso University was chartered by the Methodists in 1859, as Valparaiso Male and Female College. It was one of the first co-educational, four-year institutions in the United States. Although forced to close in 1871, by the reverses of the Civil War, the college reopened in 1873, as the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute. The institution was renamed Valparaiso College in 1900, and attained university status in 1906. Valparaiso has been a Lutheran institution since 1925. Valpo’s 310-acre campus consists of 60 academic and residential buildings. The university delivers more than 70 academic programs in the arts and sciences, business administration, psychology, sports administration, engineering, and nursing through its five colleges. Non-degree education programs and certificate courses also are offered. It enrolls nearly 3,750 students each year, and has a faculty-student ratio of 1:13. The Valparaiso University School of Law is a support facility that is designed to provide academic degrees, special programs, and research in a personal manner. The programs are delivered in close harmony with clinics, externships, and legal research and writing programs. The Christopher Center Library houses about 350,000 book titles and substantial collections of videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs. It provides access to thousands of audio recordings in various formats and equipment. In addition to academic facilities, the university offers opportunities in social, cultural, and sports-oriented activities. More than 100 co-curricular organizations, a center for the performing arts, and a chapel are located on the university campus. The chapel, one of the largest collegiate chapels in the world, is the site for university convocations and other events. It offers a wide variety of activities for learning, service, and personal growth. Valparaiso University Center, a 275-seat art center, is home to the Brauer Museum, and a wide range of programs in art, music, and theater. Plays, concerts and public presentations are scheduled at the center.