On August 28, 2007, Judson College graduated to Judson University.The Christian institution celebrated with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for a crowd of more than 200 people from the campus and surrounding communities. Among the ceremony participants were the university's president, Dr. Jerry B. Cain, Elgin's Mayor, Ed Schock, and the state of Illinois' Lieutenant Governor, Pat Quinn, as well as a host of political dignitaries, university trustees, alumni and students.

Dr. Jerry Cain explained that the name "university" clarifies who Judson is at the international level, as the term "college" refers to the preparatory school one attends before going to "university" in many European and Asian countries.
Judson's first order of business as a university was to sign the Illinois Sustainable Universities Compact, making its dedication to the cause for environmental stewardship official. Proof of Judson's ongoing commitment to the cause stood just a few feet from where the compact was signed the Harm A. Weber Academic Center, an 88,000 square foot learning facility that is expected to be one of the most energy efficient buildings in North America.

Following the brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests toured the new facility and were able to see students enjoying the abundance of open space, natural light and fresh air.

"At Judson University, we're doing our part and we're educating the next generation to do theirs," said Cain. "It's all part of our global mission."