This is an overview of activities and events that took place during Reunion Weekend 2015. For your convenience, a printable PDF version of the schedule is also available for download.
For information on affinity events that took place during Reunion Weekend 2015, please visit our 2015 Affinity Gatherings page.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
University Library presents: Northwestern Women in Leadership
Deering Meadow Tent
7 PM Reception
7:30 PM Presentation
In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Alumnae of Northwestern, the University Library will present a panel discussion featuring accomplished alumnae sharing stories of success and inspiration. For a century, The Alumnae of Northwestern has promoted and supported the university’s commitment to excellence by contributing millions of dollars to undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, summer internships, STEM scholarships, faculty grants, campus renovations, and other special projects. Since 1968, The Alumnae has also offered low-cost, noncredit courses to the public, which are taught by faculty from nearly every university department.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
All Friday events were held in Norris University Center unless otherwise noted.
8 AM–5 PM
Reunion Headquarters
Start your weekend at Norris. Meet fellow alumni and pick up your weekend guide. Reunion staff will be on hand to answer any questions regarding the weekend’s events.
8 AM–5 PM
NU Loyal Hospitality Room
Chat with fellow alumni and enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack in our hospitality room sponsored by NU Loyal, a giving society that recognizes alumni who give every year. For your convenience, a limited number of computer stations will be available. Take this opportunity to learn more about Our Northwestern, the University’s online community, from Northwestern Alumni Association staff.
9 AM and 11 AM
Campus Walking Tours
Explore how Northwestern has transformed over the years. These 45-minute tours depart from Reunion Headquarters in Norris.
9–10:45 AM
Class of 1960: Life’s Continuing Journey
This is a special gathering for the Class of 1960 featuring an in memoriam tribute followed by a panel discussion on some varied and interesting paths alumni have traveled since graduation. Event includes a continental breakfast.
9–10:45 AM
Class of 1965: Life is a Journey
This is a special gathering for the Class of 1965 featuring an in memoriam tribute followed by a panel discussion on some varied and interesting paths alumni have traveled since graduation. Event includes a continental breakfast.
10–10:45 AM
Navigating the College Admissions Process
Parents of pre-college students are invited to learn about the college application process from employees of Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Admission. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions' website for information on additional programming for prospective students.
11–11:45 AM
Dolphin Show Performance
Attend a revue of America’s largest student-produced musical theater program. A student troupe presents a retrospective of show tunes from past Dolphin Show performances.
11–11:45 AM
What Will Be Your Legacy? Planning Your Transition to Retirement
Melanie Rummel ’75, an estate planning and probate attorney with more than 35 years of experience, will share an update on the status of the estate tax, estate planning tools, state residency considerations, and other topics to consider as you move through life. Hosted by the Office of Gift Planning, this presentation will also touch on ways to preserve one’s estate for future generations.
Noon–1:30 PM
NGN Homecoming Luncheon ($40)
Participate in a Northwestern Reunion tradition by lunching with Pat Fitzgerald ’97, the Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach, and Wildcats football players at this event sponsored by the Northwestern Gridiron Network. Enjoy a special presentation on the “We Will” Campaign. Advance registration necessary; space is limited.
Noon–1:30 PM
Homecoming Barbeque ($20)
Enjoy great food and gorgeous lakefront views with friends and family at the Homecoming barbeque lunch on Norris University Center’s East Lawn.
Noon–1:30 PM
Networking in the 21st Century ($12)
Join David. J.P. Fisher ’98, author of Networking in the 21st Century: Why Your Network Sucks and What to Do About It, as he explains why networking and strong professional relationships are the new keys to job security. A box lunch will be provided. Space is limited; preregistration is required.
1:45–3 PM
President’s Panel
Who Are You Because of NU? — An Alumni Panel Discussion Led by President Morton Schapiro
Don’t miss this annual favorite, featuring several accomplished alumni discussing how Northwestern shaped their lives and prepared them for success in a range of fields.
- Dennis H. Chookaszian ’65
McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science/Chemical Engineering
Dennis H. Chookaszian is the former chairman and CEO of CNA Insurance Companies. In his 26 years at CNA, Dennis served in numerous other executive capacities, including chief financial officer, president, and chief operating officer. Prior to joining CNA, he was a management consultant with Deloitte for eight years. He also served as chairman and CEO of mPower, an internet startup providing financial advice for management of 401(k) plans. In 2007, the Boy Scouts of America recognized Dennis with the Silver Buffalo Award for being a distinguished Eagle Scout, corporate leader, and dedicated volunteer. Dennis and his wife, Karen, established the Chookaszian Prize in Risk Management at Kellogg and the Chookaszian Family Program in Computer Science at McCormick. Currently, Dennis serves as a director on the boards of five public companies and a number of private companies. He also teaches a course on corporate governance at four universities in the United States, China, and India. He is a member of the Northwestern Board of Trustees and the McCormick Advisory Council.
- Sheinelle Jones ’00
Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications/Journalism
Sheinelle Jones is the news anchor of NBC News’ Weekend TODAY and a midweek correspondent for TODAY. Since joining the show in October 2014, she has covered a variety of human interest stories from the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama to a profile of Ryan Ferguson, a young man who spent 10 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, to backstage interviews at New York Fashion Week. Sheinelle also contributes to the TODAY Parenting Team, where she shares about her life as a multitasking mom and interacts with viewers around the country. Prior to joining TODAY, Sheinelle served as cohost of FOX’s Emmy Award- winning morning show Good Day Philadelphia.
- Doug Stotland ’90
Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences/English
During his five years at Facebook, Doug has built several teams from marketing science to global pricing to the ad sales team for the Asia Pacific region. In his latest role, Doug is building the global sales operations team for Facebook’s advertising technology. Doug joined Facebook in 2010 after five years at Microsoft, where he was director of product management for adCenter and was in charge of advertising operations for the Asia Pacific region, based out of Hong Kong. Prior to Microsoft, Doug worked at three different technology startups in San Francisco, Seattle, and Evanston with his work ranging from writing and designing software to marketing, sales, and operations.
- Michael Wilbon ’80
Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications/Journalism
Michael Wilbon is one of the nation’s most respected sports journalists, distinguishing himself over the last 30 years in print and broadcast journalism, primarily for the Washington Post and ESPN, respectively. His columns and commentary have helped shape the daily discussion around sports for the last 25 years. He has been cohost of ESPN’s Emmy Award-winning show Pardon The Interruption since it first aired in 2001. Wilbon was honored that same year by the Society of Professional Journalists as the top sports columnist in America, by the National Association of Journalists in 2009 with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named to the inaugural class of Medill's Hall of Achievement. In September he was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame. Wilbon is a trustee of the University and a member of Medill’s Board of Advisors.
3:30–5 PM
Deans’ Showcase (concurrent sessions)
Undergraduate schools and the University Library will host open houses where alumni can mingle and hear remarks from the deans.
- Bienen School of Music
3:30 – 5 PM
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 1st Floor
Join Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery and Bienen School alumni and friends in the recently dedicated Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts. Light refreshments will be served in the Jean Gimbel Lane Reception Room with stunning views of the lake and Chicago skyline, and attendees will have an opportunity to see the new 400-seat Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall.
- School of Communication
3:30 – 5 PM
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 5th Floor
Come tour the new Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts and make a stop on the fifth floor for a reception with School of Communication Dean Barbara O’Keefe and faculty members. If weather permits, you can view the campus, lakefront, and Chicago skyline from the patio. Enjoy light refreshments as well as a short film showcasing all the school's new Evanston and Chicago facilities.
- McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
3:30 – 5 PM
Ford Engineering Design Center – 2133 Sheridan Road
Join Dean Ottino, faculty, students, and other alumni for a reception and Prototype Purple! Prototype Purple will be a time where guests and their families are invited to get hands-on creating, designing, and decorating apparel and props to show off their purple pride during Reunion Weekend.
- Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
3:30 – 5 PM
McCormick Foundation Center
Join Dean Brad Hamm, Medill faculty and fellow alumni for cocktails and conversation. Learn about exciting new programs at Medill and reconnect with friends and classmates.
- School of Education and Social Policy
3:30 – 5 PM
Annenberg Hall G02
Join Dean Peterson for a reception in the Kothari Learning Studio. This event will feature “Digital Postcards,” short testimonials from students across the School of Education and Social Policy.
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
3:30 – 5 PM
Wildcat Room, Norris University Center
The Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences welcomes its alumni back to campus! The College is hosting a faculty/alumni mixer Friday, October 16th from 3:30pm-5:00pm in Norris Center’s Wildcat Room. Stop by for drinks, a quick bite to eat, and the opportunity to speak with some of our beloved faculty and meet the new Dean of Weinberg College, Adrian Randolph. Faculty members expected to be in attendance include Robert M. Coen, Professor Emeritus, Economics; Kenneth R. Seeskin, Professor, Philosophy; Irwin A. Weil, Professor Emeritus, Slavic Languages and Literature; and Mark P. Witte, Professor of Instruction, Economics. We hope to see you there!
- University Libraries and Archives
Deering Library Open House
3:30 – 5 PM
Deering Library
Explore the classic architecture and special collections of the cherished Deering Library. Refreshments will be served in the lobby, and staff will be on hand to greet guests and answer questions.
- Library Conservation Lab Tour
4 – 5 PM
Meet in the Deering Library lobby
Visit the Northwestern Libraries’ Preservation Department and explore the newly updated Conservation Lab for a tour. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
- Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art
3:30 – 5 PM
Block Museum
Visit Northwestern’s own Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art for a guided visit of the exhibition of contemporary artist, Geof Oppenheimer: Big Boss and the Ecstasy of Pressures and an exhibition of recent gifts of photography to the Block. Also join us in the Eloise W. Martin Study Center on the second floor for an intimate look at a curated selection of photographs and prints in the Block permanent collection. This is a special opportunity to discuss contemporary art, interact with student docents, and learn why the Block Museum is becoming an important interdisciplinary center on campus.
5–6:30 PM
Student/Alumni Homecoming Reception
Deering Meadow, Reunion Tent
Gather with fellow alumni and friends, and mingle with students from an array of student groups at the Student/Alumni Homecoming Reception. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
6 PM
Homecoming Parade
Sheridan Road
Cheer on the Homecoming grand marshal, members of student organizations, and alumni as they march along Sheridan Road from Lincoln Street to the Arch.
6:45 PM
Homecoming Pep Rally
Deering Meadow (Rain location: Cahn Auditorium)
Show your Northwestern purple pride with Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald ’97, Willie the Wildcat, the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band, and the WildPride Spirit Squad. Watch as this year’s Homecoming king and queen are crowned.
Class Parties (times and prices vary)
6:30 PM
Class of 1955, 60th Reunion ($65, advance purchase required)
Hilton Orrington, 9th Floor Promenade, Evanston
Class of 1960, 55th Reunion ($70, advance purchase required)
Hilton Garden Inn, Evanston
The Class of 1965's 50th Reunion Party was held on Saturday evening. Please scroll down to the Saturday event section for further information.
Class of 1970, 45th Reunion ($70, advance purchase required)
Hilton Orrington, Heritage Room, Evanston
7:30 PM
Class of 1975, 40th Reunion ($50)
Music and Communication Building, Evanston campus
Class of 1980, 35th Reunion ($50)
Segal Visitors Center, Evanston campus
Class of 1985, 30th Reunion ($55)
Hilton Orrington, Grand Ballroom, Evanston
Class of 1990, 25th Reunion ($50)
Deering Meadow, Reunion Tent, Evanston campus
8 PM
Class of 1995, 20th Reunion ($50)
27 Live, Evanston
Class of 2005, 10th Reunion ($40)
River Roast, Chicago
Class of 2014, 1st Reunion ($25)
John Barleycorn, Chicago (Wrigleyville)
Class of 2015 Reunion ($25)
John Barleycorn, Chicago (Wrigleyville)
8:30 PM
Class of 2000, 15th Reunion ($50)
ZED451, Chicago
Class of 2010, 5th Reunion ($35)
House of Blues, Chicago
Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013 Young Alumni Reunion Party ($35)
Jake Melnick’s, Chicago
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
9 – 11 AM
All-Class Reunion Tailgate ($35, advance purchase required)
Reunion Tent, northeast corner of Ryan Field
Enjoy game-day fare, beer, wine, and soft drinks before heading into Ryan Field for kickoff against Iowa.
(Tailgate held immediately east of the Sharon J. Drysdale softball stadium, just northeast of Ryan Field.)
11 AM
Wildcats Football vs. Iowa ($55, advance purchase required)
Ryan Field
Cheer on the ’Cats as they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the annual Homecoming game. When you purchase tickets, you can choose to print them at home or have them held at Ryan Field’s Will Call window for pickup on game day. If you live in the mainland US and order tickets before August 28, you may choose to have tickets mailed to your home in September. If your order is received after August 28, you may be seated in a general reunion overflow section, rather than with your classmates. August 28 is also the deadline for refunds on football tickets. For more information on football tickets, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
6:30 PM
Class of 1965 50th Reunion Party ($70, advance purchase required)
Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
10 AM–Noon
Farewell Breakfast with Willie ($20)
Get together with friends, family, and alumni one last time before heading home. Take a picture with Willie the Wildcat as a remembrance of this fun-filled weekend. The breakfast will include plenty of kid-friendly food, so bring your family and enjoy!
10:30 AM–12:30
Class of 1960 Brunch
Cap off a memorable 55th Reunion weekend by enjoying a farewell brunch at the Wilmette home of classmate Bill White. Address and directions sent to registered attendees via email in early October.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Class of 1965 Brunch ($40, advance purchase required)
Location TBD
Join your fellow 50th Reunion alumni and friends for a hearty brunch on campus at a venue to be determined. Additional information will be sent to registered attendees via email in early October. Preregistration is required.
Noon
One Book One Northwestern Discussion
Don’t miss this special opportunity for alumni to participate in the University’s community reading program. Thomas King’s provocative and unflinching book The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America is the One Book One Northwestern selection for the 2015-16 academic year. Join Medill professor and former dean Loren Ghiglione, the faculty chair of the 2015-16 One Book One Northwestern program, for a lively discussion of the disastrous relationship between European settlers and Native Americans.
1 PM
Bus Tour of Campus
The tour begins and ends at Norris. To join the tour, gather at the first-floor information desk at Norris.
ONGOING EVENTS
Reunion Weekend Affinity Events
Gather throughout the weekend with fellow alumni and friends from your sorority, fraternity, dormitory, school, department, or student group. Anticipated event sponsors include: Greek organizations, Fiedler Hillel at Northwestern, Sheil Catholic Center, NU Muslim Alumni, NU Black Alumni Association, NU Marching and Band Alumni, NU Gay and Lesbian Alumni, and the N Club.
Event information is listed on the 2015 Affinity Gatherings page.
Religious Services
Visit the Division of Student Affairs' Religious Life page for a list of services throughout the weekend.
Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Norris Aquatics Center
Alumni and guests will have free access to these facilities over Reunion Weekend, with reunion nametags serving as admission passes.
Office of Undergraduate Admission Information Sessions and Campus Tours
Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for information on information sessions and campus tours for prospective students and their families. Preregistration is required.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Visit PlanIt Purple, the online calendar for events happening across the entire University. Additional events listed below are also open to alumni and guests.
October 16 – 25
Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT
Ethel M. Barber Theater
7:30PM Thursday/Friday/Saturday
2 PM Sunday
Based on the Green Day albums American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown, Johnny, Tunny and Will want to escape their suburban hometown and search for meaning and freedom in the city. They know they want something else – they’re just not sure what that is. Fear, war, and drugs soon prove easier choices than freedom, eroding their friendship and dreams, and forcing the three to face a new fast-paced reality. With a crazed rock pulse, Bailiwick Chicago Artistic Director and Northwestern alumna Lili-Anne Brown directs an intense look into the hearts of young Americans craving purpose in a cynical world.
Tickets will be available for $30 beginning on September 22, and can be purchased through the box office of the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts at 847-491-7282.