Loyola University Chicago (often referred to as Loyola or LUC) is a private Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1870 by the Jesuits, today Loyola is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation and a major contributor to Chicago's economic and cultural capital. Loyola's professional schools have educated generations of local business and civic leaders, and distinguished programs in medicine, nursing, and health sciences are anchored by the nationally-recognized Loyola University Medical Center.