Northwestern University Alumni

Opening Lecture: “150 Years of Women at Northwestern: A look through the Archives”

Deering Library

A century and a half ago, women took their place alongside men in Northwestern classrooms. Join assistant University archivist Dana Lamparello as she recounts the history and impact of women at Northwestern.

CIERA Eleventh Annual Public Lecture: “Cartography of the Cosmos: Mapping the Unseen”

Cahn Auditorium

Join Dr. Priyamvada Natarajan, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Yale University, for a presentation on how cosmic mapping encodes radical new scientific ideas. Dr. Natarajan will trace the history of acceptance of new astronomical ideas and talk about the current status of several transformative and deeply contested ones. View the calendar listing for further details.

Welcome Breakfast and Class-Specific Gatherings

Norris University Center

Complimentary continental breakfast is available for all Reunion alumni and guests. Check your class page to confirm if your class is organizing a private breakfast gathering.

NU Live!

McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center

Accomplished alumni—including an Emmy award-winning journalist, a federal public defender, an award-winning educator, a medical director for a major sports team, and a president emeritus of a university—share moments that have shaped their lives in this TED-style event. Learn more about this event and who's speaking here.

Ryan Fieldhouse Open House

Ryan Fieldhouse

Visit Ryan Fieldhouse & Walter Athletics Center, two of the beautiful new lakefront athletics facilities. Enter through Ryan Fieldhouse lobby and head up the stairs to the dramatic Slotnick Family Atrium and admire the panoramic lake views. Then, step foot on Wilson Field, the versatile indoor practice field, situated within the incredible 96,000 square foot facility. Walk past the Football Hall of Honor where the 2018 Holiday Bowl and Big Ten West Division Trophies are on display. Finally, exit through the lobby of the Walter Athletics center, where you can explore the more than 100-year story of Northwestern Athletics using two 14-foot interactive touch screens. Last admission at 11:30 am.

Campus Walking Tour

Start at Norris University Center

Take a walk through campus with a knowledgeable guide.

NGN Homecoming Luncheon ($40)

Louis Room, Norris University Center

This event is sold out, but a waitlist is available. Please contact the Reunion Office at 877-240-6512 to be added.

Take part in a Northwestern football tradition by lunching with Wildcats football players and Pat Fitzgerald ’97, Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach, sponsored by the Northwestern Gridiron Network.

Lunch with a Professor ($20)

Deering Meadow Tent

We’re inviting favorite professors―current and emeritus faculty―to join us at this informal buffet lunch. Enjoy chatting with someone who was one of your favorites or who is doing great work with students today. View a list of attending faculty here.

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 a luncheon in Annenberg Hall 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.

Lunch in a Residence Hall (Pay at the door)

Allison Hall

The Allison Hall dining room, one of the largest on campus, features a made-to-order grill, deli, and salad and soup station and offers daily specials. Kosher options are available.

Drop-off Kids Camp: Arcade and Art Projects

Norris Arcade

Kids ages 5–12 can play and interact with Northwestern students while doing a Wildcat-themed craft and playing in the old-fashioned arcade at Norris.

Visit our Family Activities page for a list of family-friendly events and activity suggestions.

President’s Alumni Medalist Panel: My Northwestern Direction

McCormick Auditorium, Norris University Center

Don’t miss this annual audience favorite featuring distinguished alumni. Visit the alumni medalist page for panelist information.

Northwestern Admissions Information Session

Segal Visitors Center

Parents and prospective students get a glimpse of current student life at Northwestern while learning more about the University, the application process, and financial aid from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Campus Walking Tour

Start at Norris University Center

Take a walk through campus with a knowledgeable guide.

Academics and Arts in the Afternoon

Various locations

Take part in engaging events hosted by undergraduate schools and campus organizations.

• 3:30–5:30 PM

  McCormick School of Engineering: Prototype Purple

  Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center

  Alumni and their families are invited to create and decorate gear to show their Purple Pride. Join the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering for this fun and interactive activity for parents and kids alike.

• 3:30–5:30 PM

  Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications: Dean’s Reception

  McCormick Foundation Center Forum

  Connect with alumni and faculty and hear from Dean Charles Whitaker about recent developments at Medill.

• 4–5:30 PM

  School of Communication: American Music Theatre Project Student Showcase and Reception

  The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Clara, Lu ‘n’ Em Theater (Room 201)

  Alumni and their families are invited to enjoy the talents of our incredible students as they perform highlights from the School of Communication’s American Music Theatre Project. The performance will be followed by an informal mix and mingle reception.

• 3:30–5 PM

  Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences: Department of History Reunion

  Harris Hall, Leopold Room (Room 108)

  Alumni and their families are invited to mingle with history scholars and teachers. Hear the latest from favorite faculty members and connect with the department.

• 3:30–4:10 PM

  Bienen School of Music: Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal

  Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

  Drop in to hear the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Victor Yampolsky, in rehearsal for their October 26 and 27 performances. Please note that this is a working rehearsal.

• 3–6 PM

  Daily Northwestern Open House

  Norris University Center, Third Floor

  Alumni are invited to meet the current staff of the Daily Northwestern and enjoy the student newspaper atmosphere.

• 3:30–4:30 PM

  Kellogg Global Hub Tour

  Kellogg Global Hub

  Take a guided walk through the Kellogg School of Management’s new flagship facility.

• 3:30–4:30 PM

  The Block Museum Open House

  Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art

  Alumni are invited to attend an open house with light refreshments at The Block Museum of Art. The open house will showcase the Sotheby’s Prize-winning exhibition Pop América. Bringing together Latin American expressions of Pop Art, the exhibition features nearly 100 artworks by artists working throughout the Americas from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. Block curator Corinne Granof and student docents will be on hand to answer questions.

• 3–4 PM

  A&O Board 50th Anniversary Homecoming Open House

  Norris University Center, Northwestern Room (2nd floor)

  Alumni are invited to meet the current students working on A&O productions this year, mingle with past A&O organizers, and celebrate 50 years of events including concerts, speakers, and films.

• 3:30–4:30 PM

  Startup 101: How to Start a Tech Business Whether You’re in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s+

  The Garage

  Come to hear Chris Erickson ’04, co-founder and COO of ApartmentList.com, and Jill Slattery ’04, Chief Content Officer of Livingly Media, share their experiences and life lessons learned building and scaling tech companies. RSVP to ann.barrett@northwestern.edu.

• 3:30–4:30 PM

  Residence Hall Tour

  Allison Hall

  Learn about living on campus and tour the recently renovated spaces in Allison Hall, Willard Hall, and Shepard Hall. The tour begins at the main entrance to Allison Hall—1820 Chicago Avenue.

• 4 PM

  On the Same Terms: An archival exhibition
  A walking tour with Janet Olson, Curator

  Deering Library

  A century and a half ago, Northwestern Trustees voted to admit women to the University “upon the same terms and conditions” as men. But that decision in 1869 was far from the end of the work required to make equal classmates of the women on campus. This archival exhibition examines the twisting and tenuous road Northwestern traveled on its way to educating college-age women in an era when the concept was still controversial, the implementation virtually untested, and the long-term results unpredictable.
  
  This event is free and open to all Reunion attendees. Gather in Deering Library lobby; tour begins at 4:05 PM.

• 4:30–5:30 PM

  Residential Services Alumni Reception

  Shepard Hall, Engagement Center Room B25

  Join your friends in Residential Services as you sample a variety of regional wines and reminisce about your time at Northwestern. This event is for all alumni who were Resident/Community Assistants, RHA or RCB Executive Members, or Residential Services Student Staff members during their time as a student at Northwestern.

• 4:30 PM

  CANCELLED: Sustainability Tour

  Start at Norris University Center

  This event has been cancelled.

  Join the staff of sustainNU, Northwestern’s sustainability program, for a tour of environmentally friendly campus features.

Wildcat Warm-up and Pep Rally

Deering Meadow

Gather with alumni and students to cheer on the ’Cats as they prepare to take on Iowa.

Class Parties

Times, locations, and prices vary

Visit your class page for details on your class party―the most popular event of Reunion Weekend!

Stargazing

Dearborn Observatory

Tour Dearborn Observatory and explore the Milky Way galaxy through its historic 18.5’ refracting telescope.

All-Class After-Party ($10)

Deering Meadow Tent

This event is sold out, but a waitlist is available. Please contact the Reunion Office at 877-240-6512 to be added.

Continue the celebration after your class party by meeting up with classmates for dancing and festivities on Deering Meadow.

Wildcat Alley

Ryan Field, northeast side

This free game-day fan fest before every home football game includes kid-friendly games, entertainers, music, and more.

Randy Walker Terrace Buffet and Bar ($40 per adult; $10 per child)

Randy Walker Terrace

This event is sold out, but a waitlist is available. Please contact the Reunion Office at 877-240-6512 to be added.

Join classmates for game-day fare, beer, and festive cocktails on an open-air patio with sweeping views of Ryan Field.

A football ticket (purchased separately) is required to enter the stadium. View our Game-Day Information page for details.

Homecoming Football Game (ticket prices vary by seat selection)

Ryan Field

The option to purchase your football tickets through the Reunion Office is now closed. Please visit NUSports.com for ticket purchase options.

FOOTBALL TICKET INFORMATION:
Choose from two football ticket options for the Homecoming game:

• Purchase seats with fellow alumni in the Reunion Class Ticket Block during your Reunion registration ($55)
• Purchase your own seats today on NUSports.com (ticket price varies by seat location)

Visit our Game-Day Information page for information about shuttles, stadium policies, refunds, and other important tips.

Northwestern Campus Alive!

Various locations

Clubs, organizations, programs, fraternities, sororities, and residence halls are hosting open houses after the game and throughout the weekend. View a list of confirmed events here.

Post-Game Gathering

Norris University Center

Join alumni after the game at Norris for light refreshments and a toast to the ’Cats.

Breakfast with Willie ($25 per adult; $10 per child)

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

This event is sold out, but a waitlist is available. Please contact the Reunion Office at 877-240-6512 to be added.

Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, spectacular views, and photos with Willie the Wildcat.

Half Century Club Brunch ($30)

Deering Library

Members of the Half Century Club (alumni who graduated in 1969 or earlier) are invited to a special brunch in the Library’s beautiful Eloise W. Martin Reading Room.

Bus Tour of Campus

Ethel M. Barber Theater

See campus architectural highlights from the comfort of a bus. The tour begins and ends outside the Ethel M. Barber Theater on Arts Circle Drive.