Willamette, founded in 1842, is a church-affiliated university offering a collaborative learning environment and many opportunities for co-curricular development. The university aims to prepare thinkers, creators, and leaders for meaningful work in the public and private sectors, as well as admission to the finest graduate and professional schools. The college''s tradition of service and its location adjacent to the state capitol facilitate internships, collaborative research, and other special projects that span a wide spectrum of academic interests. Its 72-acre campus is located in the center of Salem, 45 miles south of Portland.