The Alumnae of Northwestern
University
Since
1916 the Alumnae of Northwestern University, a volunteer board, has served
the University and the community through innovative projects and services.
The purpose of the Alumnae board is to share Northwestern’s resources
with alumni and the community at large while supporting the University’s
commitment to excellence in education.
Alumnae projects like the Continuing
Education Program and Waa-Mu patronships involve thousands of alumni
and local residents annually. Through such activities the board has raised
several million dollars for graduate fellowships and other special University
needs.
Since 1968 the Alumnae board has offered intellectually stimulating noncredit
courses to the public at modest cost. Outstanding faculty from nearly
every Northwestern department have taught these daytime classes, and more
than 1700 people from the greater Chicago metropolitan area attend each
year. In addition, the board sells nearly 900 choice patron seats to the
popular Waa Mu Show as another way to support its projects.
Funds raised by these programs provide fellowships for graduate women,
called Alumnae Scholars, an undergraduate scholarship, and major grants
and smaller gifts to University schools and departments. Recent gifts
have included a pledge for Norris University Center renovation and a grant
toward reconstruction of the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art.
In celebration of Northwestern’s Sesquicentennial, the Alumnae board
endowed a perpetual Alumnae of Northwestern University Teaching Professorship
to honor a faculty member for excellence in teaching and in developing
innovative new curricula. Funds for the endowment have come from Alumnae
projects and designated gifts from board members, alumni, and friends.
Another endowment, the Alumnae Grant for Academic Enrichment, brings
distinguished scholars or artists to the campus each year. The board also
honors outstanding alumnae who have achieved national recognition in their
fields with the Alumnae of Northwestern University Award
The Alumnae Senior Award, honoring an undergraduate woman for her volunteer
service, is the most recent addition to these awards.
| 
