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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS AND QUICK LINKS
Find Your Class Party Information
Who Are You Because of NU? An Alumni Panel Discussion Led by President Morton Schapiro
Red, Blue, and Purple: Wildcats in Politics A Northwestern discussion on the current state of affairs
NU Live! Two engaging forums featured a small group of prominent alumni sharing first-person stories about moments that changed their lives and the world.
Downloadable PDF of Friday Event Schedule
Affinity Gatherings and NU Campus Alive! Dozens of residence halls, fraternities, sororities, clubs, organizations, and affinity groups hosted open houses throughout the weekend.
Family Activities Family-friendly events on campus, in Evanston, and around Chicagoland.
Getting Around and Game Day Details
Update: Reunion Block football tickets were emailed or mailed out by Northwestern Athletics during the week of October 10, based on the delivery method you selected on your registration.
A complete list of Reunion 2016 events can be found below.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Red, Blue and Purple: Wildcats in Politics
A Northwestern discussion on the current state of affairs
Deering Meadow Tent
5:30 p.m. Pre-Reception (By invitation only)
6:30 p.m. Presentation (Open to all alumni and guests)
7:45 p.m. Reception (Open to all alumni and guests)
University Archivist Kevin Leonard ’77, ’82 MA will share the unique ways Northwestern’s history and some of our nation’s major political leaders have intersected over the past century. Then, a panel of faculty and alumni will discuss the 2016 U.S. presidential race, their work in politics, and how Northwestern shaped their careers.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
Immerse yourself in a great day of programs and events on campus.
Engage in a panel discussion or presentation.
Explore campus―old and new.
Reconnect with friends and classmates.
All Friday events will be held in the Norris University Center unless otherwise noted.
Download a copy of the schedule here and stop by the Reunion Information desk for a final schedule of events and detailed program information, in the Norris 2nd floor lobby, open from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Additionally, get weekend information at your fingertips with the
Northwestern Reunion app! Download the app via the
App Store for iPhone or via
Google Play for Android.
Morning Class Gatherings
8–10 a.m.
Sessions just for specific classes or groups of alumni
Half Century Club Welcome Breakfast ($10)
8 a.m.
All alumni who graduated in 1966 or earlier are invited to start your weekend at a continental breakfast exclusively for Half Century Club members.
Class of 1956 Gathering
9 a.m.
Coffee and conversation with friends and classmates from the Class of '56.
Class of 1961 Gathering
Exploring Strokes with Dr. Richard Bernstein
9 a.m.
55th Reunion alumni are invited to attend an exclusive presentation by Dr. Richard A. Bernstein, M.D., Ph.D. on stroke symptoms, treatments and research advances. Dr. Bernstein serves as Medical Director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center. Dr. Bernstein’s research interests include acute stroke treatment and prevention. In 2008, Dr. Bernstein was elected to the American Neurological Association and was named to Best Doctors in America since 2007.
Class of 1966 Gathering
Academic Life at Northwestern – Then, Now and Future
9 a.m.
50th Reunion alumni are invited to join a riveting panel discussion on how Northwestern’s academic experience and student life has changed since the ’60s, featuring the following panelists:
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Daniel I. H. Linzer, Northwestern University Provost
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Rachel Davis Mersey, PhD, Associate Professor of Medill School of Journalism
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Susan Davis Heisler ’66, classmate and Reunion committee volunteer
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Tara Raizada, Northwestern student (anticipated ’17)
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Andrew Kittleson, Northwestern student (anticipated ’18)
Class of 1981 Gathering
9 a.m.
35th Reunion alumni are invited to a special breakfast gathering with the following favorite professors:
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Henry Binford, Associate Professor of History and Urban Affairs
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Martin Mueller, Professor Emeritus of English and Classics
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Abe Peck, Professor Emeritus-in-Service, Director of Business to Business Communications, and Senior Director of Media Management Center
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Irving Rein, Professor of Communication Studies
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David Van Zanten, Professor of Art and Art History
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Garry Wills, Professor Emeritus of History
Morning Breakout Sessions
Choose from an incredible roster of discussions, lectures, performances and tours. Each session lasts about one hour. Pre-registration isn’t necessary. A complete schedule will be published online in October and will be available for pick-up at Norris.
10 a.m. Breakout Sessions:
Lake Effect: The Evolution of Northwestern’s Campus
Picking a lakefront site in 1853 for the new Northwestern University is a tale woven with themes of fevered piety, cool speculation, and blind luck. Join University Archivist Kevin Leonard ’77, ’82 MA and Gordon Segal ’60, Trustee for a presentation on the physical evolution of the Northwestern campus.
The Intersection of Media and Technology:
How Innovation Lab led Northwestern to San Francisco
Owen R. Youngman, Knight Chair and Professor in Digital Media Strategy, will discuss Northwestern’s launch of a new innovation space in San Francisco. This collaborative effort between Northwestern Engineering and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications builds on work at Northwestern’s Knight Lab, where technologists and journalists have pioneered projects at the intersection of media and technology.
Campus Walking Tour*
Explore the Northwestern of today on a 45-minute walking tour. Tour departs from Louis Room Lobby in Norris University Center.
*Additional tours offered at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
11 a.m. Breakout Sessions:
NU Live! Witness to History
Narratives of major events in recent world history as told first-hand by alumni who were there. Learn more about the speakers here.
Block Museum Gallery Tour*
Join student docents for conversation focusing on three extraordinary exhibitions currently on display and the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art: Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera, Salaam Cinema! 50 Years of Iranian Movie Posters, and Keep the Shadow, Ere the Substance Fade: Mourning during the AIDS Crisis.
*Additional tour offered at 4 p.m.
Ryan Center Tour*
Take a guided tour and get an inside look at the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, which opened in 2015. The Ryan Center houses 10 classrooms, 99 practice rooms, and three state-of-the-art performances spaces, including the spectacular Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall.
*Additional tour offered at 4 p.m.
Plan for Your Future and Your Legacy
Learn how to plan for your retirement, your estate, and benefit Northwestern. An estate planning expert will provide information about tax planning strategies and income producing gifts.
Campus Walking Tour*
Explore the Northwestern of today on a 45-minute walking tour. Tour departs from Louis Room Lobby in Norris University Center.
*Additional tours offered at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Lunch Options
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Here are a few great ways to dine with us on campus.
NGN Homecoming Luncheon ($40, advance purchase required) SOLD OUT!
Noon
Participate in a Northwestern football tradition by lunching with Wildcats football players and Pat Fitzgerald ’97, Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach, at this event sponsored by the Northwestern Gridiron Network. Advance registration necessary; space is limited.
Lunch in the Residence Halls ($10 – pay at the door)
Noon
Alumni are invited to lunch in the residence halls. The Daily Meal has ranked Northwestern Dining as one of the top ten best college food experiences in the country. Foster-Walker, Hinman, and Allison are open to alumni, friends, and family. Allison features a kosher meal station.
School of Education and Social Policy Alumni Career Luncheon
Annenberg Hall, Room 123
All School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) alumni and their guests are invited to join current students for lunch in Annenberg Hall in an event hosted by SESP Student Affairs. Student hosts will lead small group discussions between alumni and current SESP students about career exploration and life after Northwestern. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Complete your registration online here.
Featured Afternoon Panel
Who are You Because of NU? An Alumni Panel Discussion Led by President Morton Schapiro
1:30 p.m.
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. Panelist information will be included on this page as the panelists are finalized.
To learn more about our panelists or to watch the simulcast of this discussion, follow this link.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Choose from an incredible roster of discussions, lectures, performances and tours. Each session lasts about one hour. Pre-registration isn’t necessary. A complete schedule will be published online in October and will be available for pick-up at Norris.
3 p.m. Breakout Sessions:
NU Live! Moments of Decision
Alumni discuss a choice, turning point, or event in their distinguished careers that had a profound impact on their work or themselves. Learn more about the speakers here.
Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra Dress Rehearsal
Observe a portion of the orchestra’s dress rehearsal for a behind-the-scenes look at the learning process as the conductor and musicians prepare for Friday night’s concert.
Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Tour and Reception
Join School of Communication staff for a tour of the recently renovated Wirtz Center, followed by a reception in the Louis Theater lobby. Tour will meet in front of the Block Museum.
Navigating the College Admissions Process
Learn about the college application process from staff of Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Admission. Visit ugadm.northwestern.edu for information on additional programming for prospective students.
Campus Walking Tour*
Explore the Northwestern of today on a 45-minute walking tour. Tour departs from Louis Room Lobby in Norris University Center.
*Additional tour offered at 4 p.m.
4 p.m. Breakout Sessions:
One Book One Northwestern
Participate in Northwestern’s community-wide reading program, One Book One Northwestern. Join Northwestern Engineering professor and One Book faculty chair Stephen H. Carr for a discussion of this year’s book, The Signal and the Noise, Nate Silver’s breezy, best-selling treatise on the uncertainty of prediction.
Dolphin Show Performance
America’s largest student-produced musical theater program presents a retrospective of show tunes from past Dolphin Show performances.
Kresge Centennial Hall Reception
Join Adrian Randolph, dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, for a sneak peek of the newly renovated Kresge Centennial Hall. See how this LEED silver–rated building has been transformed to feature smart classroom technology and natural light.
Prototype Purple Friday
Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center
Alumni and their families are invited to get hands-on creating and decorating gear to show their purple pride. Join the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering at this perfect pre-parade activity for parents and kids alike!
#sesplove
Annenberg Hall, Room 123
Drop in and talk with representatives from the School of Education and Social Policy to hear more about opportunities and events happening in the school, including the new undergraduate learning sciences major and ways alumni can connect and mentor current students.
Block Museum Gallery Tour
Join student docents for conversation focusing on three extraordinary exhibitions currently on display and the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art: Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera, Salaam Cinema! 50 Years of Iranian Movie Posters, and Keep the Shadow, Ere the Substance Fade: Mourning during the AIDS Crisis.
Ryan Center Tour
Take a guided tour and get an inside look at the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, which opened in 2015. The Ryan Center houses 10 classrooms, 99 practice rooms, and three state-of-the-art performances spaces, including the spectacular Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall.
Campus Walking Tour
Explore the Northwestern of today on a 45-minute walking tour. Tour departs from Louis Room Lobby in Norris University Center.
Homecoming Activities
5–6:45 p.m.
Join other NU alumni, current students and friends for our annual Homecoming celebration.
Student/Alumni Homecoming Reception
5 p.m.
Deering Meadow, Reunion Tent
Mingle with fellow alumni, friends, and students. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Homecoming Parade
6 p.m.
Sheridan Road, beginning at Lincoln Street and ending at Chicago Avenue
Support your fellow Wildcats at Northwestern's annual Homecoming parade, one of our longest traditions dating back to 1915! After cheering for your favorite floats and banners, attend the pep rally with fellow Wildcats and our Grand Marshal!
Homecoming Pep Rally
6:45 p.m.
Deering Meadow (Rain location: Cahn Auditorium)
Show your Northwestern spirit with Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald ’97, President Schapiro, Willie the Wildcat, the Northwestern Marching Band and the Wildcat Cheerleaders. Cheer on as our Grand Marshal crowns the 2016 Homecoming King and Queen.
Class Parties
Your chance to gather with your class and celebrate.
Class of 1956, 60th Reunion ($75, advance purchase required)
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Hilton Orrington, 9th Floor Promenade, Evanston
Class of 1961, 55th Reunion ($75, advance purchase required)
6:15–9:15 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, Evanston
Class of 1966, 50th Reunion ($75, advance purchase required)
6:30–10 p.m.
Evanston Golf Club, Skokie
Class of 1971, 45th Reunion ($60, advance purchase required)
7–10 p.m.
Guild Lounge, Scott Hall – Evanston campus
Class of 1976, 40th Reunion ($60 in advance, $70 at the door)
7:30–10:30 p.m.
Deering Library, Evanston campus
Class of 1981, 35th Reunion ($55 in advance, $65 at the door)
7:30–10:30 p.m.
Segal Visitors Center, Evanston campus
Class of 1986, 30th Reunion ($55 in advance, $65 at the door)
7:30–11 p.m.
The Garage, Evanston campus
Class of 1991, 25th Reunion ($55 in advance, $65 at the door)
8–11 p.m.
Deering Meadow, Reunion Tent – Evanston campus
Class of 1996, 20th Reunion ($50 in advance, $60 at the door)
8:30–11:30 p.m.
Tommy Nevin’s, Evanston
Class of 2001, 15th Reunion ($50 in advance, $60 at the door)
8:30–11:30 p.m.
Highline, Chicago
Class of 2006, 10th Reunion ($40 in advance, $50 at the door)
8:30–11:30 p.m.
ZED451, Chicago
Class of 2011, 5th Reunion ($35 in advance, $45 at the door)
8:30–11:30 p.m.
River Roast, Chicago
Classes of 2015 and 2016 Reunion ($25 in advance, $30 at the door)
8:30–11:30 p.m.
House of Blues, Chicago
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Reunion Saturday means two things: Wildcat Football and NU Campus Alive! These are great ways to fill your day on campus:
Tailgate Options
All-Class Reunion Tailgate (Adults: $35, children 2-12: $15, walk-ins welcome)
9 a.m.
Reunion Tent, northeast corner of Ryan Field
Enjoy game-day fare, beer, wine, and soft drinks before heading into Ryan Field for kickoff against Indiana.
(Tailgate held immediately east of the Sharon J. Drysdale softball stadium, just northeast of Ryan Field.)
Classes of 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006: Randy Walker Terrace Tailgate and Football ($75, advance purchase required)
9 a.m. Gate Opens
11 a.m. Kickoff
Tailgate and watch the game from Randy Walker Terrace. Enjoy traditional game day fare, beer and wine beginning two hours prior to game time and continuing through the end of half time. Ticket includes a bleacher seat on Randy Walker Terrace and access to Ryan Field. Space is limited for this special event and preregistration is required.
Guests registered for the Randy Walker Terrace Tailgate will enter the tailgate from Walker Way (located between Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena). Check-in begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, at our event table located just east of Gate V, where you will receive your tailgate wristband and football ticket. Tickets will not be distributed in advance for this event. Seating for the game is divided between bleachers on the terrace and section 102, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit this page for a map of the stadium, including the terrace location.
Please note that Ryan Field has a no re-entry policy. Guests will be permitted to come and go from the tailgate area on Walker Terrace as long as they remain within Ryan Field. Guests who choose to leave the stadium will not be allowed to re-enter.
Football Ticket Information
Wildcats Football vs. Indiana Hoosiers ($25, advance purchase required)
11 a.m. Kickoff
Ryan Field, Sections 101–103
Update: Reunion Block football tickets will be emailed or mailed out by Northwestern Athletics during the week of October 10, based on the delivery method you selected on your registration.
Cheer on the ’Cats as they take on the Indiana Hoosiers 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 31, you may choose to have tickets mailed to your home in September. If your order is received after August 31, you may be seated in a general reunion overflow section, rather than with your classmates.
August 31 is also the deadline for refunds on football tickets. For more information on football tickets, please visit the
Frequently Asked Questions page.
Northwestern has instituted a clear bag policy for game day. Approved bags must be either clear bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, one-gallon clear plastic bags, or small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”. For more information on what is allowed in the stadium on game day, visit the
Clear Bag Policy FAQ page.
Check the Getting Around and Game Day Details page for information on campus parking and shuttles to the stadium.
NU Campus Alive!
We’re opening our doors and rolling out the purple carpet for you! Dozens of residence halls, fraternities, sororities, clubs, organizations, and programs are hosting open houses from 3–5 p.m. Visit with the organizations, groups, and places that were part of your NU experience.
Check out the list and make plans to stop in! More events will be added throughout September and October. Pick up a complete list of events at the Reunion Information desk at Norris.
The Gathering Place a.k.a. Norris Bar ($10 per drink ticket – pay at the door)
3–6 p.m.
Norris University Center, ground floor
For one day only, the legendary Norris Bar will be reopened after the Homecoming game! Toast to the ’Cats and mingle with fellow alumni at this renowned gathering spot. Cost is $10 per drink ticket, purchased at the door. Up to 3 tickets per person. Complimentary pizza and light snacks will also be provided. Open to alumni and guests age 21 and over.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23
Wrap up your Reunion Weekend experience at a brunch or a tour on Sunday morning.
Half Century Club Farewell Brunch ($40, advance purchase required)
10 a.m.
Deering Library
Join alumni from the classes of 1956, 1961, and 1966 for brunch in beautiful Deering Library with special remarks from Sarah M. Pritchard, dean of Libraries and Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian. The Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections is home to many of the Libraries’ rarest materials. All Farewell Brunch attendees will have an exclusive sneak peek to some of these rare items and an opportunity to tour Deering Library.
Space is limited; advance registration is required.
Farewell Breakfast with Willie (Adults: $25, children 2-12: $12)
10 a.m.
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts
Gather on campus with friends, family, and fellow 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!
Brunch in the City ($25)
10 a.m.
Blackfinn – 65 W. Kinzie St., Chicago
Cap off a memorable Reunion Weekend by enjoying a farewell brunch in the heart of Chicago.
Bus Tour of Campus
12:30 p.m.
Departs from Norris Information Desk
Take in Northwestern’s architectural highlights from the comfort of a bus. This narrated tour will begin and end at Norris University Center.
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.
Event information is listed on the
2016 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
There is always something going on at Northwestern. Visit
artscircle.northwestern.edu for details on upcoming arts programming. For events happening throughout the Northwestern community, check out
planitpurple.northwestern.edu.