The Daily Northwestern — August 1st, 2024

Holly and John Madigan Newsroom Phone | 847.491.3222

Letter from the Editor:

You think you fell out of a coconut tree?

A wise woman once said, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.”

When I arrived at Northwestern, I had no intentions of serving as editor in chief of The Daily Northwestern. As I’m sure many of you did, I spent my time in high school chasing every leadership position, joining every club, competing for every award. In college, I vowed to do things differently: Rather than obsessing over burnishing my resumes for future applications, I would prioritize doing things that brought me joy and fulfillment.

But the more time I spent covering Evanston City Council meetings, student performances and local businesses, the more I realized that The Daily’s newsroom was that place. What I also realized is that, as much as I was ready for college to be a new chapter in my life, there’s no such thing as a true “fresh start.” I arrived in Evanston freshman year shaped by all of my previous experiences and perspectives, for better or worse.

When you come to campus this fall, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of other students, all shaped by their own identities and histories. And, over your four years here, you’ll have endless

opportunities to learn new things about one another and about yourselves.

So take your time. Allow yourself to settle in — the transition to college can be a challenging one, as exciting as it may feel. You may not (in fact, you probably won’t) meet your best friends during the first week of school, and that’s okay. You might not figure out what you want to study until sophomore or junior year. And — take it from me — you don’t have to jump head-over-heels into student organizations during your first quarter to get involved or seek leadership positions.

Despite whatever plans or aspirations you may have, you have no way of knowing today how your journey at Northwestern will play out. It may be exactly as you planned or it may be something entirely different.

But regardless of what path you choose to pursue (or what path Northwestern chooses for you), this place will leave a mark on you, and you will leave a mark on it. One of the beauties of being a student reporter is that you not only get to meet countless fascinating people you might not have otherwise crossed paths with, but you also get a unique insight into the history of this community.

Each week, as we hustle to put out the next

edition of The Daily in Norris University Center, we sit among hundreds of years of archival material about Northwestern and Evanston. In those pages, you’ll find the good and the bad: stories of student protests, profiles and reviews of former student performers who would go on to win Tonys and Emmys, and articles on Northwestern Football’s many wins and many, many losses. While it can be easy to get caught up in the speed of the news cycle or the pressure of deadlines, the archives serve as a constant reminder that we truly do exist in the context of all which has come before us. Not only does each of you bring your own unique stories and perspectives, but when you join this community, you also become a part of a larger story. So when you arrive on campus this fall, remember: As much as we might do our best to focus on “What can be, unburdened by what has been,” your time here will be shaped by the context in which you live, and each one of you will have a hand in shaping it for those that walk in your footsteps.

Jacob Wendler Editor in Chief jacobwendler2025@u.northwestern.edu

Ad Office | 847.491.7206 spc-compshop@northwestern.edu

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Year in Review: NU’s top stories from 2023-24

By SHANNON TYLER and LUCAS KIM daily senior staffers @shannonmtyler / @luckaskim_15

Content warning: is story continues mention of hazing and sexual abuse.

e 2023-24 academic year was a period of change for Northwestern. Students saw major successes from athletic programs, campus construction and an on-campus encampment that lasted almost a week.

While these are just some of the most notable events of the 2023-24 academic year that shaped the NU community, we’re giving you a rundown to help understand the current state of the University.

1. WILDCATS DOMINATE ATHLETIC STAGES IN RECORD FASHION

In the 2023-24 season, the ’Cats secured a record seven Big Ten titles over their 19 varsity programs. Both the lacrosse and eld hockey squads made national championship appearances, as men’s basketball earned its second consecutive March Madness appearance behind graduate student guard Boo Buie and coach Chris Collins. And a er a tumultuous o season, NU football turned heads by going 8-5 en route to a 14-7 victory over Utah in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl last December.

e dominant performance comes as the team and NU athletics continue to feel the a ere ects of the hazing scandal that roiled the University in July 2023. Dozens of athletes are suing the University for the e ects of the alleged hazing, as is former head coach Pat Fitzgerald who was terminated a er e Daily reported on the hazing. Former A orney General Lore a Lynch was tasked with conducting an independent review of NU athletics, which revealed “largely positive” ndings amid an array of policy recommendations

to improve communication, accountability and anit-hazing measures.

2. NU TO CONDUCT CONSTRUCTION

AROUND

CAMPUS

is year, the University demolished the iconic Ryan Field stadium a er making plans to build a new $900 million football eld. With construction set to nish in time for the 2026 season, the football team will play in a temporary new stadium on the Lake ll.

e construction is not the only project the University announced. In the upcoming year, it will also complete internal renovations on Deering Library, rendering it closed. Perhaps more exciting for NU students, it will also construct an addendum to Norris University Center complete with an outdoor performing area and on-campus pub.

3. PRO-PALESTINIAN ENCAMPMENT LEADS TO CONCESSIONS BY NU

House Commi ee on Education and the Workforce in the a ermath of his decision. During a heated hearing, Schill doubled down on his commitment to ghting antisemitism on campus while also defending his decision to peacefully deescalate the pro-Palestinian activism.

Israel’s military action in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian o cials. Israel’s ground and air o ensive follows the militant group Hamas’ Oct. 7 a ack on Israel which killed about 1,200 Israelis, according to Israeli o cials.

4. GRADUATE WORKERS REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY

NUGW ratified a three-year contract with the University which achieved medical benefits, childcare and caregiving, commuter subsidies, and retirement benefits as well as a base stipend increase.

The contract, which came after about nine months of drawn-out negotiations, raises the base stipend for graduate workers from $36,960 to $41,000 starting in June and to $45,000 in September, with 3% yearly increases over the next two years.

NU students and faculty participated in an encampment on Deering Meadow in support of Palestine, demanding the University disclose its investments and divest from Israel. e protest was one of the rst such encampments in Chicagoland. e encampment, peaking at over 1,000 participants, lasted ve days at which point organizers reached an agreement with the University. e agreement — in which the University agreed to disclose its investments, develop a physical space for MENA students on campus and create grants for ve Palestinian students — caused scrutiny from both sides arguing either too many or not enough concessions were made.

Before the University agreed to the graduate workers’ demands, the union launched a pledge to go on strike. According to organizers, more than 1,000 graduate workers signed the pledge within 48 hours of its launch.

University President Michael Schill was called

to testify in May before the

and vision health insurance coverage, visa and travel support for international workers, and a $1,000 ratification bonus.

Over 2,300 graduate workers — 94% of NUGW’s card-carrying members — voted in the election. They voted overwhelmingly for the contract, which was ratified with 73% of votes.

5. 2023 COHORT BECOMES FIRST GRADUATES OF PRISON EDUCATION PROGRAM

e 2023 graduating class, made up of 16 men incarcerated at the Stateville Correctional Center, was the rst cohort to be conferred a bachelor’s degree from a top 10 university through the Northwestern Prison Education Program, founded in 2018. e program provides incarcerated adults the opportunity to receive a college education while serving their prison sentence. As of late 2023, there were around 100 students enrolled in NPEP across the Stateville Correctional Center for men and the Logan Correctional Center for women.

The contract also includes full dental

NU faculty instruct NPEP students in everything from literature to engineering, while undergraduate and graduate students volunteer to help with courses. e 16 graduating students each received a social science bachelor’s degree, an interdisciplinary major focused on the nature, politics and social structures of humankind.

shannontyler2025@u.northwestern.edu

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Five big stories from Evanston’s past year

By WILLIAM TONG daily senior staffer @william2tong

ough its population sits at just over 75,000, Evanston has many politically and civically active residents and o cials who frequently make local, state and national headlines.

From a monthslong ght over a multi-million dollar football stadium to a federal lawsuit over the nation’s rst reparations program, here are ve big Evanston stories from this last school year.

1. RYAN FIELD

A er months of contentious debate over NU’s plan to rebuild its almost century-old football stadium, city council approved the project in November. e University also gained city permission to host regular publicfacing concerts at Ryan Field, which drew frustration from many residents living nearby who said they are concerned about the resulting noise, tra c and environmental disruptions.

In an e ort to woo city leaders to its side, NU agreed to provide Evanston a $150 million community bene ts package over the next 15 years. e city will receive some of the money as direct donations from NU — which will contribute to business development and nancial aid, among other initiatives.

Evanston will receive other parts of the community bene ts money in taxes associated with Ryan Field commerce, according to a November memorandum of agreement between the city and University. NU does not pay property taxes, per an 1878 U.S. Supreme Court case.

Within days of the 5-4-1 city council vote that approved concerts at Ryan Field, a community group called the Most Livable City Association and 13 stadium neighbors sued Evanston for the decision, alleging a breach of state and local laws. e case is ongoing, though a Cook County Court judge struck down several arguments about whether the vote was valid in April.

2. BESSIE RHODES AND 5TH WARD SCHOOL

Balancing the goal of reopening a school in Evanston’s 5th Ward and changing enrollment distributions, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 leaders voted to

close the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies a er the 2025-2026 school year.

e 5th Ward hasn’t had a neighborhood school since 1979, when the old Foster School closed down. Former students and community leaders have continuously demanded the Ward have access to a walkable, local school. e school board announced a redistricting plan for a new K-8 5th Ward School in March 2022. In homage to its predecessor, the new 5th Ward School will be named Foster School.

e initial project was $25 million over budget, the school board announced in October 2022. It decided the new Foster School — which many Bessie Rhodes a endees will end up going to — would house only K-5 students.

Many parents of Bessie Rhodes students said that adjustment frustrated them. Bessie Rhodes houses the Two-Way Immersion program, a curriculum that educates K-8 students in both English and Spanish.

District leaders planned for the earlier K-8 5th Ward School to accommodate many of the Bessie Rhodes students. e revised K-5 option — and resulting uncertainty a er board members voted to close Bessie Rhodes — le some parents and students in tears.

Board President Sergio Hernandez said the district will try to provide dual immersions across multiple locations.

3. REPARATIONS ROADBLOCKS

Evanston is the rst city in the U.S. to implement a reparations program for Black Americans, passed in 2019. City leaders said they hoped the program would address historic inequities due to redlining in Evanston before 1969.

Originally, the reparations program o ered Black residents who lived in Evanston from 1919 to 1969 and their descendants up to $25,000 in grants for down payments, mortgages or housing renovations. e program expanded to o er that same amount in cash a er some residents eligible for the original grants asked for more exible payments.

Six non-Black descendants of Evanston residents sued the city for its allegedly unconstitutional reparations program in May. Michael Bekesha, one of the a orneys for Judicial Watch, a nationwide conservative group aiding the plainti s in the suit, said one of their goals is to give other governments across the U.S. “some pause” about implementing reparations for Black people.

Despite the lawsuit and other early hiccups in its rollout, the reparations program has garnered support from much of Evanston’s residents. More than 60% of each racial group surveyed said the program is “good public policy,” a NU-led public opinion study from October showed. White people in Evanston had the highest rate of support, at about 70%.

e litigation is ongoing, and Evanston led a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on July 22.

4. GAZA CEASEFIRE CALLS

Like in municipalities across the U.S., pro-Palestinian protesters have advocated for a peace in Gaza and divestment from Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas a ack, both on and o campus.

In November, hundreds of protesters from Evanston and the surrounding area gathered in Fountain Square on a Saturday a ernoon to call for their elected o cials to support an immediate cease re in Gaza. ey also marched to NU President Michael Schill’s residence to protest the University’s nancial ties with weapons contractors and Israel.

An Evanston Cease re movement also sprouted up in the months a er. Members o en speak at City Council meetings urging Evanston’s alderpeople to support a cease re resolution, like the one Chicago passed in January.

ough Evanston’s Equity and Empowerment Commission oated a dra cease re resolution in November, commissioners withdrew the motion a er pushback from several Evanston residents who said city politicians should not comment on international issues.

Since then, Evanston Cease re supporters circulated another cease re resolution dra that they said more adequately addressed detractors’ concerns by more explicitly condemning the Oct. 7 a ack and calling for hostages to be returned.

Several community and faith leaders have voiced support for a resolution, though city council has not formally considered

a motion to pass one.

5. ELECTIONS TO COME

ough primary season has passed and November elections in Evanston consistently favor Democrats, local campaigns are right around the corner. Several city council seats and the mayor’s o ce are up for grabs in Illinois’ April 2025 elections.

School board elections for District 65 and Evanston Township High School District 202 will also take place in April. While no city candidates have o cially announced their runs yet, the mayor’s race hasn’t been completely silent.

Current mayor Daniel Biss’ campaign commi ee has consistently received donations throughout the year. Another local political group, Be er than Biss, formed in the wake of city council’s Ryan Field vote to oppose the incumbent. Its leaders said Biss, who cast the tie-breaking vote for Rebuild Ryan Field approval, is not looking out for the best interest of Evanston residents. Be er than Biss hasn’t announced who it’s backing in the 2025 mayoral race.

As in past years, low voter turnout persisted in Evanston and Cook County during the primaries, which local civic groups want to change. Less than 18% of Evanston residents cast a ballot in March’s primary, down from about 29% in the last presidential election year.

williamtong2026@u.northwestern.edu

A survival guide for Wildcat Welcome

By DAVID SAMSON daily senior staffer @dpsamson_

Welcome to the start of college! If you were expecting to be eased in, I apologize in advance. The combination of acclimating to your new home, meeting new people and participating in activities from dawn to dusk can feel overwhelming. Wildcat Welcome is an incredible part of your college career, but it’s not subtle.

Below I will outline several major events and themes you should expect to encounter within your first week, and while it’s great to plan ahead, the best way to survive Wildcat Welcome is by simply having an open mind and putting yourself out there.

International Wildcat Welcome

International Wildcat Welcome is a short program for international students to help them acclimate to living in the U.S. It will provide information about immigration, bank accounts, medical insurance and U.S. phone numbers. International students will move in on Sept. 15, and programming will run Sept. 16 and 17.

New Student Move-in Day & First Night Northwestern

Those who don’t move in on Sept. 15th will move in on Sept. 17th. You will register for a movein time, and will have until late afternoon to set up your room. Your Resident Advisor will most likely hold a floor meeting to go over general rules and introduce themselves and then some Residential Colleges will have light additional programming.

In the evening, there will be a night of fun activities spread throughout campus called First Night Northwestern. In the past there have been food trucks, a roller rink, karaoke and photo booths. It’s a great way to start meeting people and familiarize yourself with different areas on campus before the main programming of Wildcat Welcome begins.

March Through the Arch & Kiss ‘n’ Bye

The next morning, you will symbolically

become part of the NU family. March Through the Arch is one of Northwestern’s longest standing traditions where all new first-year and transfer students walk through the iconic Weber Arch as family, friends, upperclassmen, faculty and staff cheer. It’s a little bit crazy, but there’s something really special about making your way into campus alongside these people you’ve just met — all sporting the purple NU class t-shirts of course.

March Through the Arch concludes at Deering Meadow for Kiss ‘n’ Bye, where students get one final chance to say goodbye to their family and friends before a long day of programming. It’s bittersweet but exciting. As the beginning of the next chapter of your life, the possibilities are endless.

PA Groups & Academic Advising

You will meet your Peer Advisor Group the

morning of March Through the Arch, and you will march together. Your Peer Advisor(s), an older student or group of students who will help you and your group transition, will reach out to you sometime in the late summer.

PA Groups work differently depending on your home school. You might have a class with the other students and/or PA, or you might only see them for Wildcat Welcome. You will spend a lot of time with them in different activities and discussions for the first week, such as the True Northwestern Dialogues, which I’ll talk about later.

Your PA and academic advisor, who you will meet with during the week, will be able to give insight into classes you should take Fall Quarter.

You will register for classes toward the end of the week and your PA will walk you through that process. Some academic departments might also hold informational sessions during

the week to help you plan your schedule. True Northwestern Dialogues True Northwestern Dialogues are ways to self-reflect, transition into the NU community and start healthy, productive conversations about difficult topics. You should have completed some pre-TND requirements as part of Purple Prep, and the TNDs for Wildcat Welcome will seek to build off that foundation. TNDs on campus will be a combination of large-group sessions and small-group discussions with your PA group — sometimes combined with another group. Some topics that will be discussed include campus safety, hazing prevention, alcohol use and sexual assault, and while these conversations can be difficult and are still a work in progress, they are extremely important to creating a safe NU environment for everyone.

Meeting New People

This last point isn’t a scheduled event, but meeting new people and making new friends is an integral and exciting part of Wildcat Welcome. That said, I know it can often be the most intimidating part of moving to a new place. Let me tell you a story from my Wildcat Welcome. One night, a friend and I went to North Beach. We had met a mutual friend along the way who brought three people with her. The first friend, I clicked with right away, and after a long night I made sure she got home safe before heading home. We’ve never seen each other again. The second was and is still an acquaintance. We’ll wave when we see each other, but that’s it. The third and I barely spoke that night, but afterwards she quickly became one of my closest friends at Northwestern. She means the world to me, and I don’t know where I’d be without her.

All this to say, you never know how people are going to come into your life — especially during Wildcat Welcome — so give everyone a chance and have fun, because you never know where this crazy week will take you.

davidsamson2026@u.northwestern.edu

Shannon Tyler/The Daily Northwestern

Campus getaway destinations

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

Whether you’re planning your next Instagram photoshoot or looking for a new study environment, Northwestern’s campus o ers a range of scenic spots and beautiful views that can ll your many needs.

From lake overlooks and hidden gardens to state-of-the-art glass buildings, the entirety of campus is there for students to explore and call home. Here are just a few of the many picturesque spots on campus that not everyone may know about:

Alice Millar Chapel

Home to student concerts, religious gatherings, weddings and much more, Alice Millar Chapel is situated on Sheridan Road directly across from e Arch. With stunning stained glass windows from oor to ceiling, the chapel is an ideal spot for relaxation, meditation and prayer.

Erickson-Koch Memorial Garden

Located in a quiet nook next to Main Library’s south entrance, the Erickson-Koch Memorial Garden is easy to miss. But its greenery, owers and park benches make it a great, secluded area to read a book or take a study break.

Deering Library

One of NU’s most recognizable buildings, Deering Library served as NU’s main library until 1970. Deering’s iconic Gothic architecture, both on its exterior and interior, make it a popular place for events and graduation photoshoots.

Shakespeare Garden

Another hidden garden on campus, the Shakespeare Garden is located just north of GarreEvangelical eological Seminary and east of the Ford Center. With a stone memorial dedicated to William Shakespeare, the garden’s many ower beds and sundial mirror the beauty of the poet’s famed writing.

Kellogg Global Hub

By far the most modern inclusion on this list, the Kellogg Global Hub and its unique curved design is an architect’s — and student’s — dream. Its threestory open-design atrium is home to a plethora of useful study spots while its glass facade serves as an ideal backdrop for professional headshots.

The Lakefill

Perhaps the most de ning symbol of NU, the Lake ll is undoubtedly the University’s most captivating natural beauty. You can go on runs, have picnics, take a nap in a hammock, enjoy a bon re, watch the sunrise and engage in so many more activities — all with an exquisite view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

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By MISHA OBEROI and ANAVI PRAKASH daily senior staffers

Be it a campus theater show in Shanley Pavilion or a concert in downtown Chicago — there are countless adventures for you, the Class of 2028, to experience at Northwestern and in the Chicago area in the next four years.

For us, two former freshman year roommates, making a college bucket list together was the perfect way of ensuring we checked o every experience that seemed exciting to us. Safe to say, we have seen both the good and the bad Chicagoland has to o er.

1. ENJOY A BEACH DAY

One of Northwestern’s biggest claims to fame is that it is the college with the most beaches — two! Students residing on the south side of campus can enjoy Clark Street Beach, while their counterparts on the north side have access to Lincoln Street Beach. Grab your friends, a bo le of sunscreen, a beach blanket and take advantage of this on warm days!

2. DO A NORRIS MINI COURSE

Take a recreational course in activities like wheel throwing and crocheting at Norris University Center. Open to the greater Evanston community as well, these courses can help you pick up new skills and make friends.

3. TRY ALL THE DINING HALLS ON CAMPUS

Try all of NU’s dining halls — three on South Campus and two on North Campus — to nd your favorite and participate in the everlasting debate about which dining hall is the best.

4. GO TO THE EVANSTON FARMERS’ MARKET

e perfect place to get fresh fruit, a bouquet of owers or a Saturday morning snack. Make sure to visit before it closes in November.

5. PLAY BOB’S PIZZA TRIVIA

In Evanston, Tuesday evenings are for Bob’s. Get a table early, enjoy a slice of pizza and test your trivia skills. Make sure to check ahead of time for that week’s theme.

6. SING YOUR HEART OUT AT KARAOKE

Doing karaoke together is one of the best ways to have fun with friends. If not in your dorm, there are several karaoke places to explore in Evanston and Chicago, like Tomo Japanese Street Food on Sherman Ave. or Trader Todd’s in Lake View, respectively.

7. VISIT THE BAHA’I HOUSE OF WORSHIP

A 20 minute train ride away, the Baha’i House of Worship o ers gorgeous scenery and a spiritual haven for anyone and everyone.

8. GO THRIFTING IN ANDERSONVILLE

Andersonville, a charming Chicago neighborhood with Swedish heritage, is worth visiting for its blocks and blocks of thri stores and variety of restaurants.

9. GO TO A CUBS (OR ANY SPORT) GAME

Experience (and join in on) the spirit and loyalty of Chicago sports fans at one of the city’s nine major league sports teams’ games.

10. VISIT THE CHRISTKINDLMARKET

A great way to close Fall quarter and get in the Christmas spirit, visit this German market for some apple cider and vendors from around the world.

Lucas Kim/The Daily Northwestern

What to pack for your trip

By EMILY KIM daily senior staffer @heyyitsemoly

Starting college is exciting. It’s filled with new experiences and opportunities, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when moving into a dorm for the first time.

As a rising senior who has lived in a dorm for two years, I am here to share some packing tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible and your dorm room a functional and cozy space. I hope this will save you from last-minute trips to the store when you get here.

LAUNDRY

Each dorm will have its laundry room, but the trek to and from can be difficult, especially if you are in a dorm without an elevator. A laundry hamper that works as a backpack with straps will make carrying laundry up and down the stairs easier.

For cleaning convenience, I recommended Tide Pods because they are small and easy to carry around. Also, if you prefer to air-dry your clothes, it is worth investing in a collapsible drying rack.

BATHROOM

Another rite of passage for many college students is using communal showers. Make sure to pack a pair of shower shoes and a shower caddy to hold your toiletries in. A hanging shower caddy is particularly useful for the hooks next to your shower.

SNACKS

While every dorm is near a dining hall, they are not always open. A mini-fridge for late-night snacking or a quick meal might be a lifesaver for a night of studying and/or hanging out. Stocking up on some of your favorite snacks is not a bad idea.

STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION

Storage! Living in a small space requires a form of organization. Command hooks, overthe-door hooks, a shoe rack and extension cords can help maximize your living space. These simple supplies can make a big difference.

TWIN XL MATTRESS TOPPER

A Twin XL mattress will become your sanctuary from good night’s sleep to midday naps, and making it as comfortable as possible is key to getting enough sleep in college. One way to do that is investing in a mattress topper to make your dorm bunk feel like a 5-star hotel quality bed.

DECORATIONS

Now that we have all the essentials, let’s talk about personalizing your room. Personal touches can make your dorm feel more like home. Bring photos of family, friends and pets, and consider making a collage by your desk or wall. These memories can bring warmth to your new space.

MAINTAINING YOUR SPACE

It is important to keep your area clean to create a comfortable living space. Dorm rooms are small and tend to accumulate dust quickly. A mini-vacuum purchase can help make cleaning easier. Just as an added note, you do not need to bring trash or recycling bins as they will be provided for you.

emilykim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Lillian Ali

Everything you need to know about Evanston

By SHANNON TYLER daily senior staffer @shannonmtyler

Welcome to Evanston, your new home away from home! e rst suburb north of Chicago on Lake Michigan with a population of just over 75,000 people, Evanston is a vibrant community that houses Northwestern’s main campus and the town you will become very familiar with during your time as a Wildcat.

BRIEF HISTORY OF EVANSTON

The actual city of Evanston was established

after NU. In 1855, the doors of the Old College opened and welcomed its first 10 students. While the founders of the University submitted plans for a city and name in 1854, it was not officially incorporated until 1863.

Before Evanston and NU, Indigenous nations inhabited the land. The land was home to the Potawatomi, Odawa and Ojibwe Tribes, also known as the Council of the Three Fires. It served as an important crossroads and meeting place for a number of other Indigenous tribal nations, including the Ho-Chunk and Menominee nations. The Potawatomi — the last Indigenous tribe to inhabit the land — were forcibly removed by the U.S. government with

the 1833 Treaty of Chicago.

In its over 150 years of existence, Evanston has been in the national spotlight on several occasions, including the Temperance Movement. Evanston’s Frances Willard — the namesake of Willard Hall — was the second president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Movement.

Evanston also became home to one of the nation’s earliest suburban Black communities. Many Black people came to Evanston in the mid-1800s and many more moved during the 1930s, establishing a community that is still integral to the city today. Those residents faced discrimination and redlining policies that

continue to affect people today. Evanston is now one of the leading cities to focus efforts to attempt reparations for Black residents with its Restorative Housing Program.

TOWN-GOWN RELATIONS

The relationship between Evanston and NU is — and has always been — a complex one.

The controversy is rooted in a taxation issue. As a nonprofit, the University is exempt from paying taxes to the city. NU has received criticism for not contributing more resources to the city.

NU also owns many valuable residential buildings in the city which it uses for office space. Because of this, some residents believe the University has prevented the city from collecting a large amount of potential revenue.

To remedy these conflicts, NU has given back to the city in areas like environmental improvements and racial inequality solutions. From 2015 to 2020, NU donated $1 million to the city in those areas.

But with the rebuild of Ryan Field, towngown issues reignited. Plans to rebuild the field passed in November following months of residents protesting with concerns over noise and traffic levels.

THE MANY DISTRICTS

There are a few business districts to check out in Evanston, and each one has a unique sensibility.

Downtown Evanston is the closest area to campus. Just a 10 minute walk from Weber Arch and hosting a variety of different restaurants and businesses, Downtown is a fan-favorite with NU students. Downtown is home to a variety of different restaurants, places to grab a drink like Bob’s Pizza and Mas Salud, as well as shops like Crossroads and Bookends and Beginnings.

Downtown also hosts a variety of events throughout the warm months like Downtown Summer Sounds and the Evanston Farmers Market.

The Main-Dempster Mile is about a mile south of campus and is home to Trader Joe’s and many other local restaurants and trinket shops.

Central Street is in northern Evanston and has many nice restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops.

ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE

This city has a large working-class and Evanston businesses are constantly opening and changing. There is a plethora of entertainment in the city from festivals to movies to concerts that can keep you occupied on your days off. Catch a concert at Space, a concert venue in South Evanston. Go watch a movie at AMC Evanston 12 located downtown or, right next door, you can visit the newly opened trampoline park Sky Zone.

A popular weekly occasion for many of-age students is Tuesday night trivia at Bob’s Pizza. Make sure to go early to grab a table, they fill up quickly!

SIGHTS TO SEE

Getting off campus and exploring Evanston is a great way to spend an afternoon, as the city has many beautiful sights to see. Just north of campus, you can find the Grosse Point Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. With beautiful views of Lake Michigan and a garden to check out, this spot is perfect for spending a sunny afternoon.

Just further up Sheridan Road is the Bahá’í House of Worship, which is the only Bahá’í temple in North America and one of the largest and oldest surviving Bahá’í temple in the world. The beautiful and large building is a sight to see as it stands for unity and invites prayer from any religion.

shannontyler2025@u.northwestern.edu

How to explore, study, live and eat in Chicago

By SHREYA SRINIVASAN daily senior staffer @shreyasrin

Notoriously dubbed “ e Second City” in 1952 by writer and New Yorker A.J. Leibling, who cheekily compared the city to its east coast counterpart, Chicago is anything but.

Just two-and-a-half miles south of Northwestern’s Evanston Campus, the city of Chicago and its 77 neighborhoods mark their territory, each o ering its own distinctive culture, residents and spunk.

MORE THAN THE LOOP

e nancial district and downtown of Chicago, more commonly known as “ e Loop” (aptly named for the circular path that the elevated trains take around the area), hosts some of the city’s most prestigious stores, restaurants and businesses. But, its surrounding neighborhoods are also worthy of equal admiration. e closest neighborhood to Evanston and Chicago’s northern-most community Rogers Park is known

for its diversity and eclectic vibe. Visit Devon Avenue, where Li le India is located as well as a strong Jewish community, or travel east to Loyola University Chicago. Many students also venture to the North Side’s Andersonville, a small area in the Edgewater neighborhood, for its unique thri ing scene.

e city is o en referred to by its “sides” — broadly the South Side, West Side and North Side. Due to proximity, students may not venture too far past the North Side and Loop. Still, in the South Side, enjoy Chinatown or visit any of its signature home-style eateries like Old Fashioned Donuts or 5 Loaves Eatery. On the West Side, a end a concert at alia Hall or visit the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Speaking of the West Side, Pilsen is a vibrant neighborhood rich in Latine culture, the largest minority group in Chicago, and hosts a diverse selection of restaurants, murals, festivals and nightlife.

BEST STUDY SPOTS

Instead of Mudd Library, try Harold Washington Library Center, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system, featuring nine expansive oors with

Getting around town

By ANAVI PRAKASH

daily senior staffer

@anavi_52

When students come to Northwestern, they also have the opportunity to explore places in the cities of Evanston and Chicago. To discover their new favorite spots, students have a plethora of public transportation options from buses to trains and bikes to get them there.

NORTHWESTERN SHUTTLES

e Campus loop starts by Norris University Center and goes past Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. en, the shu le loops back to the NU buildings on Orrington Avenue. e bus runs daily on the hour and half hour.

e Evanston loop also starts by Norris and goes through North Campus. It passes the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center before going to downtown Evanston. e shu le loops back around to the Sheridan/Foster bus stop. e bus runs daily starting at 6:00 p.m. and ends a er midnight.

e intercampus shu le runs daily from 6:35 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. going from Evanston to Chicago, and 6:40 a.m. to 10:25 p.m. from Chicago to Evanston. In Evanston, the route starts at Ryan Field and has stops at Sheridan/Noyes and Sheridan/Foster. In Chicago, the route ends at the Ward Building of the Feinberg School of Medicine.

THE “L”

e Chicago Transit Authority’s train system throughout Chicagoland is a ectionately called the “L” as most lines run above ground on elevated tracks. NU students are most familiar with the CTA’s Purple Line. It serves three stops closest to the University — Davis, Foster and Noyes stations, each about a 10 minute walk from campus. Going Howard-bound takes passengers to the Howard CTA Station, which is a transfer point for the Purple, Red and Yellow Lines. To get to the Loop in downtown Chicago, transfer to the Red Line.

On weekdays, between 5:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:15 to 6:25 p.m., riders can skip transferring to the Red Line and ride on the Purple Line Express. A one-way ride on the ‘L’ costs $2.50.

BUSES

e bus closest to campus is 201 Central/Ridge. Riding on the 201 line is free with an NU Ventra card. University students, faculty and sta can apply and receive a card by lling out a form on the NU website. For other buses, the fare is $2.25.

e Pulse Dempster bus is one of the most commonly used buses by students because it travels from the Davis station to O’Hare International Airport. A ride costs $2 and is the cheapest option for students ying out of O’Hare. e Pace 250 bus also goes to O’Hare, but takes slightly longer.

anaviprakash2027@u.northwestern.edu

multiple areas to concentrate.

Also downtown, try the Drawing Room’s chic and quiet lounge in the Chicago Athletic Association, overlooking Millennium Park. Closer to campus, the Chicago chain cafe Dollop Co ee Co. operates in Andersonville and o ers a diner experience.

Arts and entertainment

For galleries, visit the Chicago Arts District in Pilsen or the Hyde Park Art Center on the South Side. Every second Friday of the month at CAD, 30+ galleries open to the public. Also visit River North’s Ken Saunders Gallery or e Project Room.

For public and street art, head to Daley Plaza in e Loop for an outdoor Picasso sculpture or walk the streets of Pilsen, which are covered in murals.

Additionally, two of Chicago’s museums are free for NU undergrads: e Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago.

You can absorb Chicago’s famous theater and comedy scene by visiting downtown Chicago’s eatre District. e Second City, a legendary improv-based comedy troupe that derived its name from Leibling’s commentary, has produced some of the country’s most talented stars, functions out of Old Town and has nightly shows, albeit a bit expensive.

When the weather is warm, look out for the many farmers markets in Chicago, most notably the Green City Market in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square Farmers Market and the Daley Plaza City Market.

A er dark, West Loop and Fulton Market boasts a Restaurant Row, a perfect spot for dinner.

A unique alternative for nightlife is a ending Adler at Night, a late night session of the Adler Planetarium, located near the South Side.

CIVIC PARTICIPATION

is city has a large working-class and diverse background, and thus Chicago is also a city with a history of civic engagement. And while it’s exciting to visit what Chicago has to o er, some students may want to increase their community involvement with the city.

NU’s Center for Civic Engagement hosts the summer program Engage Chicago, which allows students to a end classes on Chicago’s urban issues and social change while interning at a local organization.

Many students volunteer at Centro Romero, a nonpro t serving refugee and immigrant populations located in Uptown.

However you choose to engage with the city, make sure it’s in a mindful manner.

Overall, one of my best classes I’ve taken at NU was focused on giving Chicago a voice as a living, breathing city and was centered on this one famous quote by author Nelson Algren showcasing Chicago’s unique grit:

“Like loving a woman with a broken nose, you may well nd lovelier lovelies, but never a lovely so real.” shreyasrinivasan2026@u.northwestern.edu

Hidden gems Local staples

By CHIARA KIM daily senior staffer @chiara im

If you are looking for a reprieve from studying or campus life, Evanston has countless small businesses to satisfy any craving. Tasty restaurants, boutique shopping and other local a ractions lie just steps from campus.

D&D Finer Foods

If I could recommend one menu item to try in Evanston, it would be the Classico, a huge caprese sandwich on focaccia loaded with zesty pesto, creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. It is one of the many sandwiches o ered at D&Ds, a grocery store and deli with a breakfast sandwich and fast food restaurant a ached. (825 Noyes St.)

Bookends and Beginnings

Colorful shelves and friendly employees make this local bookstore cozy and inviting. A great place to nd a speci c book or to simply look around, Bookends and Beginnings o ers latest publications, used books and other fun stationery and gi s like cards and journals. (1620 Orrington Ave.)

Ovo Frito

e best place to order one sweet and one savory dish and split with a friend. is classic brunch spot distinguishes itself with its egg-oriented decor and unique menu items. From the Mi Tierra Omelet, which is smothered in salsa verde and salsa roja, to wildberry pancakes topped with orange bu er, Ovo Frito’s menu o ers avor-packed meals you didn’t know you needed. (1936 Maple Ave.)

Tomate Fresh Kitchen

One of the best quick bites you will nd in Evanston lies a few steps away from campus on Noyes. Tomate burritos are well worth the walk, whether it’s on your way to a football game or for a study break during nals. ey use locally sourced vegetables and have a variety of di erent meat options. (914 Noyes St.)

10Q Chicken

e great food, quick service and reasonable prices draw students and residents alike to 10Q. e fusion mission of the restaurant shows in their delicious menu items. From chicken sandwiches to wings to bowls, 10Q o ers something for everyone. (816 Church St.)

Plant Shop Evanston

is green- lled shop stands out on Sherman Avenue, marked by a brick wall painted with the words “Plant Shop Evanston.” Light pours in through the windows into the nursery, which sells everything from tiny succulents to houseplants. (1549 Sherman Ave.)

Bennison’s Bakery

e best place for a sweet treat in Evanston is just a short walk away from campus. Opened in 1938, Bennison’s Bakery is a European style bakery that o ers everything from cakes to breads to croissants to tarts. Recently voted Best “Sweet Treat” in Evanston by e Daily, their sweet delicacies are the perfect addition to a gathering or a pick-me-up while studying. (1000 Davis St.)

Trattoria Demi

is cozy Italian restaurant o ers indulgent pastas, fresh salads and traditional appetizers. e small, quaint environment is complete with oil paintings on the walls and cha er from diners. My personal favorite dish, the Rigatoni Primavera, is full of broccoli, parmesan and garlic, but the restaurant has many more traditional o erings. (1571 Sherman Ave. Ste. 1)

Coffee Lab & Roasters

Co ee Lab is the classic o -campus study spot for North campus students. e co ee shop o ers fresh and locally roasted co ee beans, along with specialty drinks like ube la es. ey also o ers food items including pastries with Southeast Asian avors, along with traditional Filipino and Korean pastries. (910 Noyes St.)

chiarakim2025@u.northwestern.edu

By AMANDA KANGSADJAJA the daily northwestern

Most of us only have four years to explore the city of Evanston, but trust me, these restaurants aren’t ones you want to wait until your last year to visit.

Hewn

Hewn is located north of campus on Central street. This inconspicuous bakery was actually named one of the best bakeries in the country in 2020 and one of the best in the state by Food & Wine Magazine.

They sell whole loaves of bread and baguettes baked daily. Baguettes are first come first serve, and are out of the oven at around 10 a.m., because they will sell out. Hewn also makes fantastic pastries like the Mini Monkey Bread, Morning Bun and Chocolate Croissant.

It is a bit of a trek north from campus, but it’s well worth the trip. You can also take the CTA Purple Line up to Central Station. A box of pastries can last you a few days (if you don’t inevitably end up eating the whole thing in one sitting).

Hoosier Mama Pie Company

No, not “who’s your mama,” but Hoosier Mama.

They make all their pies by hand daily and constantly rotate their pie menu, so there’s always something new to try. Like Hewn, these are all first come first serve so get there early if you want the best selection.

From campus, take the Purple Line down to Main Station. Walking into Hoosier Mama is a truly delightful experience from the aromas to the sunlight pouring through the glass windows illuminating the freshly baked pies in all their glory.

They have classic pies like apple, banana cream and chocolate cream that are to die for.

Then they also have a savory selection of pies, quiches, biscuit sandwiches, soups and hand pies. Their Chicken Pot Pie and quiche varieties

have never failed me either. You won’t regret going sooner rather than later.

Siam Splendour

Tucked away in the corner of Emerson and Ridge is Siam Splendour, an a ordable ai restaurant cooking up all sorts of avorful ai dishes. Though the restaurant is modest, with only a handful of tables and staff, the flavors certainly pack a punch. They serve classics like Pad Thai, fried rice, Panang curry and Tom Yum, but their menu also includes more traditional items like papaya salad, fish curries and Pad Kraprao (sauteed basil and ground meat).

So if you’re looking for some local Thai flavors, Siam is the place to go. It’s definitely a spot you’ll keep coming back to throughout the years.

Sea Ranch Sushi

Sea Ranch Sushi on Dempster Street has probably the freshest sushi around and they absolutely do not skimp out on the filling. While they sell plenty of rolls and fresh fish, they also have noodles and rice bowls. The best part is that it doubles as a mini Asian grocery store. They have the essentials from seasonings and sauces, instant noodles, snacks, desserts and frozen foods.

My whole freshman year, I thought I could only get Asian groceries at Tai Nam Market in Argyle or at the H Mart in Niles. But turns out, I could go to Sea Ranch this entire time. It’s definitely not as sizable as those other stores, but like I said it’s stocked with the necessities.

amandakangsa@u.northwestern.edu

Northwebster: Translating Northwestern’s dialect

By JAY DUGAR daily senior staffer @dugar_jay

Welcome to Northwestern! When you arrive on campus in a few weeks, you will be joining a community of scholars, athletes, celebrities and more, that’s been around for almost 200 years — and as such, there’s some lingo you might hear get tossed around that you may not be familiar with. e Daily has compiled a reference list of important acronyms, short forms and new names, among others, to help you navigate your rst few months on campus. Good luck!

PEOPLE AND THINGS

ASLA: An acronym for Academic Support and Learning Advancement. is resource encompasses sta counselors and peers as well as online resources, tips and mentoring.

ASG: Short for Associated Student Government. ASG represents the undergraduate student body. ASG is composed of an executive board, the Senate and 10 commi ees that work on projects.

CAESAR: e platform used to sign up for classes, view and request academic transcripts and pay tuition.

CANVAS: Your personal assistant for knowing what’s going on in your classes. When you register for classes on CAESAR, you get added to a Canvas page for each class, which will house assignments, assessments, announcements and other course materials.

CAPS: An acronym for Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS o ers free online resources and workshops to help students navigate mental well-being in college.

CTECS: e “Rate My Professors” exclusive to NU. An acronym for Course and Teacher Evaluation Council, this tool comes in handy when guring out which classes — and with which professors — to take when registration comes along.

DINING DOLLARS: e open access meal plan comes with $125 dining dollars each quarter, which is basically currency on your Wildcard to be used at any of the retail restaurants and stores on campus.

DISTRO: Short for distribution requirements. While this term usually refers to the 12 requirements students of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences have to ll, every school at NU has some form of degree requirements.

EDUROAM: NU’s primary wireless network. Students, sta and faculty can connect most of their devices to it using their NetID credentials. Devices like printers, TVs and gaming systems must be registered and connected to a separate network.

FGLI: Pronounced “ gly” and short for First-Generation and/or Low-Income. e term typically refers to a subset of students who are the rst members of their family to a end college or identify as low-income.

THE “L”: e term people use to refer to the elevated Chicago Transit Authority trains connecting Chicago and adjacent suburbs. To get to downtown Chicago from Evanston, you can take the Purple Line from one of several stops near campus and transfer to the Red Line at Howard Station.

MEAL EXCHANGES: e open access meal plan comes with ve of thes per week. Meal exchanges allow you to get certain items at select retail restaurants on campus without spending dining dollars. ese come in handy when you’re looking for a late-night bite or an alternative to dining hall food.

NETID (AND STUDENT ID): is is a combination of three le ers and four numbers, whereas the student ID is a seven-digit number. Your NetID is used for most things, such as accessing campus computers and logging into NU platforms, while your student ID is typically used for administrative purposes.

PAPER.NU: e scheduling so ware to help you plan your schedule each quarter. It’s useful for visualizing what your schedule might look like while avoiding potential time con icts.

SAFE RIDE: An NU carshare service for students, advertised as a free and safe alternative to walking alone in the dark. Students can request a Safe Ride through the app between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. seven days a week.

SESP: An acronym for the School of Education and Social Policy. As one of the smallest undergraduate schools, SESP hosts seven programs and concentrations.

WILDCARD: Refers to your NU ID card. It’s used to get into your residential hall, certain buildings, dining halls and more. It’s probably the most vital item to carry with you.

WILLIE: Willie the Wildcat, a ectionately referred to as Willie, is our mascot. You’ll probably see him in the stands or on the eld at football and basketball games.

PLACES

DEERING: Short for Deering Library, it has the reputation of resembling Hogwarts. Deering is temporarily closed for renovations until September 2025.

THE GARAGE: Located within the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, it serves as a hub for student entrepreneurs. e Garage hosts several programs and resources to help students get their ideas o the ground as well as a space to work on projects.

THE LAKEFILL: e strip of land adjacent to Lake Michigan and the Lagoon in front of the Kellogg Global Hub. It’s great for walking, running and biking, and in the spring you’ll see the Lake ll lled with hammocks.

LINCOLN: From time to time, you might hear an upperclassman refer to one of the North Campus dorms as “Lincoln.” ough originally termed a er the street on which it’s located, as of June 2022 it’s been renamed Schapiro Hall in honor of former University President Morton Schapiro.

MAIN: Slang for University Library, it’s the largest library on campus. Separated into multiple, connected towers, Main holds a variety of book and newspaper collections.

MUDD: Short for Mudd Science and Engineering Library. It’s located on North Campus next to the Technological Institute and has several oors of study rooms and spaces for students to occupy 24/7.

NORBUCKS: Slang for the Starbucks located on the ground oor of Norris University Center. You can use your dining dollars here.

NORRIS: Short for Norris University Center, it’s the home of student group o ces, conference rooms and retail restaurants.

PLEX: Slang for the Foster-Walker Complex residence hall. ere’s also a dining hall, convenience store and package center here.

SARGE: Slang for Sargent Hall, which also has a dining hall. Some say the omelets at Sargent are the best on campus.

SHERIDAN: Refers to the main road running through NU’s campus. It gets really crowded during class transitions, especially with rogue cyclists and skateboarders.

SPAC: Slang referring to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. As the primary recreational facility on campus, it houses weight rooms, tennis courts, an indoor track, basketball courts and a swimming pool.

TECH: Short for the Technological Institute. is building is located on North Campus and is the location for most of the STEM classes you’ll take at NU.

TRADITIONS AND ODDITIES

DILLO DAY: Short for Armadillo Day, this studentorganized music festival invites several musical acts to the Lake ll toward the end of Spring Quarter.

MARRIAGE PACT: A new annual tradition, students ll out a questionnaire about their preferences and opinions to get matched with a student deemed compatible based on the survey’s algorithm.

NUDM: An abbreviation for NU Dance Marathon. is student-run event occurs in Winter Quarter and has students up and dancing for 30 straight hours to raise money for charity.

PRIMAL SCREAM; An NU tradition. At precisely 9 p.m. the Sunday of Finals Week, students will let out a cathartic scream.

READING WEEK: Week 10 of the quarter, also known as the week before nals. Typically, only Weinberg students have this break to study — or procrastinate — before nals.

THE ROCK: Located next to University Hall, this rock frequently gets painted a er student groups guard it for 24 hours. There’s even a webcam livestreaming activity at e Rock.

jaydugar2025@u.northwestern.edu

By The Daily Northwestern

Fact or fiction: NU’s myths and legends

By ISAIAH STEINBERG daily senior staffer @isaiahstei27

If you visited Northwestern before applying, chances are a student tour guide claimed that Main Library is sinking, ghosts haunt the Technological Institute and University Hall or Frank Lloyd Wright likened Deering Library to a pig on its back.

What do these three popular campus tales have in common? ey’re untrue, according to University Historian Kevin Leonard.

Leonard, however, said these myths and legends have something else in common: ey help new students acclimate to an unfamiliar environment and keep alumni engaged long past graduation.

“Traditions are very important to a college as a way of uniting a disparate student body and faculty,” Leonard said.

Campus myths are o en sensational and colorful, yet believable, according to Leonard. He said these stories persist for decades because they make an intimidating se ing more approachable for new students.

Citing former Communication Prof. Dwight Conquergood’s “Legend of the Sinking Library,” Leonard

said legends may originate from young college students challenging the authority and expertise of older generations and long standing institutions.

“When you come in you’re probably a li le bit nervous before you go to your rst classes,” Leonard said. “Before you get your feet on the ground, you need to chip away at the authority of the older people to get se led and make yourself feel comfortable.”

e sinking library myth most likely originated in 1972, according to e Daily’s archives. e story goes that, during the library’s 1970 construction, architects failed to consider the weight of the books, causing Main Library to sink into the Lake ll by

about one to three inches each year. is story is an example of students “humanizing a somewhat faceless, bureaucratic, large institution and cu ing it down to size,” Leonard said. In another popular myth, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright reportedly insulted Deering Library during a visit to NU, comparing its appearance to “a pig on its back.” Not true, according to Leonard. In fact, Wright did o en visit NU, but this famous quote is actually a ributed to former English Prof. Lawrence Wright, Leonard said. roughout the 20th century, NU students also speculated about underground steam tunnels, the ghosts of former students in University Hall and Tech, a mysterious stained glass window in Alice Millar

Chapel and students found living in the libraries. Based on his experiences touring other universities with his children, Leonard said the myths propagated by tour guides everywhere are similar to those at NU — meant to elicit a laugh and help prospective students feel comfortable on campus.

“My job has sent me in the direction of usually encountering these stories with people and denying their veracity,” Leonard said.

Another prominent myth is the existence of secret underground tunnels intended to transport students between buildings in the winter. While some students have discovered these tunnels and even illicitly traveled through them, the tunnels are actually intended to transport steam to heat campus buildings — which reportedly makes the tunnels sti ingly hot and unsafe to travel through.

Regardless of their accuracy, Leonard said myths and legends play an important role for new students and will likely persist for decades to come.

“It’s a way of adjusting to a new situation for students who may be away from home for the rst time, or maybe in a much larger environment academically than they’ve been used to — maybe a more challenging environment,” Leonard said.

isaiahsteinberg2027@u.northwestern.edu

‘24 grads take new directions postgrad

By SAMANTHA POWERS daily senior staffer @sqpowers04

As Northwestern’s Class of 2028 steps onto campus to begin their college experience, the Class of 2024 is moving on.

ese former Wildcats may have traded Norris for home-cooked meals and Henry Crown Sports Pavillion for local gym subscriptions, but their passions remain the same. Many have found creative ways to channel those passions in their new pursuits.

Gavin Dorsey (Medill ’24) is a freelance sports reporter currently covering baseball for the Associated Press. A longtime sports fan, Dorsey said covering Major League Baseball is surreal.

“It’s pre y crazy to grow up watching all of these

athletes on TV and watching these sports, then suddenly nd yourself in a clubhouse or in the dugout or on the eld,” Dorsey said.

He covered sports for four years at Northwestern with Inside NU and WNUR Sports, which allowed him to experience the Women’s College World Series, March Madness, the NCAA women’s lacrosse tournament and more, from a front-row seat.

Kevin Kaspar (McCormick ’24) is an incoming associate consultant at Bain in San Francisco. He studied manufacturing and design engineering, and did “every program he could get his hands on” at e Garage.

As founder of InfernoGuard, an award-winning wild re detection startup, Kaspar said many of the skills he learned in entrepreneurship are transferable to his new job.

His biggest advice for incoming freshmen is to take

an “entrepreneurial approach” to ge ing started with your passions — whatever they may be.

“Don’t be afraid to take the rst step, even if the rst step feels daunting,” Kaspar said. “Once you get started, it’s much easier to kind of identify the next step in the process.”

While the transition to post-grad life can be di cult, these students say NU prepared them well for their e orts to nd their own place in the world.

Dalia Segal-Miller (SESP ’24) is the political and policy manager for the Jewish Democratic Council of America. She focuses on electoral endorsements, campaign tracking and legislative advocacy in Washington. She originally got involved with the JDCA through her SESP practicum, an internship she did as part of her graduation requirement. A er graduating early last December, she started as an associate and recently got promoted to a managerial position.

Segal-Miller said her classes helped her learn skills like critical thinking and e ective communication, and her involvement with clubs like College Democrats and Associated Student Government helped prepare her for involvement in policy work.

She said the transition to post-grad life is bi ersweet, but it’s also a chance to “have this new world open up.” Her biggest advice to incoming freshmen is to avoid boxing themselves in.

“ ere’s not one way to do college,” Segal-Miller said. “ ere’s not one list that’ll get you to where you want to be. It’s really a make-your-own-adventure experience where you should be seeking out opportunities that you’re passionate about and enjoying your time and doing what you love. Because ultimately, that’s how you’ll get to a place that you’re meant to be.” samanthapowers2026@u.northwestern.edu

A tour of Northwestern’s dining scene

By MAYA WONG daily senior staffer @mayaw0ng

Just like a prolonged trip abroad — moving to college means that students will have to adjust their diets to a new environment. Mass-produced dining hall food is quite di erent from home-cooked meals. But from quick- red pizzas and omele e bars to holiday-based cultural dishes and madeto-order burgers, Northwestern Dining provides a range of foods that may entice anyone.

Let’s take a tour through the food options on Northwestern’s campus.

What is the first-year meal plan?

All freshmen and transfer students are required to purchase the Open Access meal plan, which includes unlimited meal swipes, five meal exchanges per week, and $125 dining dollars per quarter as well as three guest meal swipes per quarter.

Have dietary restrictions?

Do not fret! Northwestern’s dining halls serve vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal foods. ere are also Pure Eats sections, which dish up foods that are separately prepared and avoid gluten and the top nine most common allergies: peanuts, tree nuts, sh, shell sh, wheat, soy, eggs, dairy and sesame.

A journey through dining halls

Meal swipes can be used at all ve of Northwestern’s dining halls: Allison, Foster-Walker (Plex) East, Plex West, Sargent and Elder. ese bu etstyle eateries serve breakfast, lunch and dinner options on rotation daily. Generally, breakfast starts at 7 a.m, lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Allison, Sargent and Plex East close at 8 p.m. while Plex West and Elder accommodate for later eaters, closing at 10 p.m. from Monday through ursday. Because meal swipes are unlimited, dining halls tend to serve as students’ main source of meals and snacks. Students can also take their meals on the go with OZZI containers.

Located in the heart of South Campus

residencies at Allison Hall, Allison Dining Commons is the usual midday stop for students with classes down south. In addition to an extensive salad bar — Allison has Pure Eats, pizza, deli, made-to-order omele e (during breakfast) and

and its oat milk so serve machine. Students o en walk between the two dining halls, lling up foods from each on the same plate.

Sargent Dining Commons (Sarge) tends to be a hub for students studying on North Campus.

dessert stations, among others. It also has a kosher section that serves during select lunch and dinner hours on weekdays.

Traveling up the map of Northwestern, Plex East and Plex West are located in Foster-Walker Complex. Both are smaller in size and food o erings compared to the other dining halls. While Plex West has your typical o erings, Plex East serves only Pure Eats food. Plex East is known for its made-to-order noodle stir fry on select weekdays

Located in Sargent Hall right by the Technological Institute (Tech), many argue that Sarge has the best dessert of all the dining halls. It has a Pure Eats, pizza, salad bar and all-day wa e area.

Elder Dining Commons is furthest north on campus, in the bo om oor of Elder Hall. Serving up more international foods, Elder has a made-toorder station that occasionally serves crepes and tortas, among other dishes. Elder also serves kosher and Pure Eats food.

Exploring meal exchange options

In addition to the dining halls, students can use their ve weekly meal exchanges at select restaurants across campus.

Norris University Center o ers tacos and quesadillas at Buen Dia, pizzas and salads at MOD Pizza, build-your-own sandwiches at Wildcat Deli, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches at 847 Burger, and protein shakes and acaí bowls at Shake Smart. Most of these locations are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. All except for MOD Pizza are closed on weekends.

ere are also late-night options that accommodate night owls. Closing at 2 a.m., Lisa’s Cafe in Slivka Hall serves quesadillas, nachos, tacos and burritos, while 847 Late Night at Fran’s in Willard Hall has chicken tenders and burgers. ese are popular spots for a er long nights of studying or partying.

Budgeting dining dollars

Dining dollars are essentially money that students use to buy additional foods, usually snacks or drinks. ey can be tracked using the GET app, where remaining meal exchanges and guest meal swipes can also be viewed.

Dining dollars can be spent all over campus: there are acaí bowls and protein shakes at Protein Bar (Henry Crown Sports Pavilion); poke bowls at Tech Express (Tech); Korean dishes and boba at Chicken & Boba (Norris); various grab-and-go snacks at the Market at Norris, Lisa’s Cafe and the entrance of Plex West; and co ee and pastries at Cafe Coralie (Pancoe), Vega Cafe (Kresge Hall), Café Bergson (University Library) and Starbucks (Norris, hence the nickname “Norbucks”). Wherever you choose to eat on campus, it surely will fuel you as you take ight in your journey at Northwestern.

mayawong2027@u.northwestern.edu

A non-comprehensive guide to student activism

By EMILY KIM daily senior staffer @heyyitsemoly

Northwestern University is home to an array of activist groups dedicated to addressing issues and making changes on campus and beyond. ese groups work for a range of causes, from advocating for labor rights and mental health to ghting for climate change and divestment from militarism.

ese activist groups on campus bring awareness to important ma ers through their e orts.

FOSSIL FREE NORTHWESTERN

Part of a larger international movement, which is made up of colleges, cities, religious institutions and more, Fossil Free NU is commi ed to combating climate change through socially responsible investing.

Fossil Free NU views environmental justice as interconnected to other forms of activism and works towards integrating it into its work.

NU GRADUATE WORKERS

NUGW is an antiracist, feminist labor union ghting for be er working and living conditions for all graduate workers. ey are dedicated to building a diverse and democratic union that centers on the needs of historically underrepresented graduate students.

reform Counseling and Psychological Services since Spring 2021.

In early March 2022, North by Northwestern reported that Reform CAPS ended its relationship with administrators due to a breakdown in communication.

Today, Reform CAPS is working on updating its list of demands for CAPS, including creating a statement of acknowledgment of student experiences from a request asking CAPS to release. e organization is also working on expanding the campus chapter of Project Lets to bring more student-led mental health services to NU.

STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE

signatures by the next evening.

STUDENTS ORGANIZING FOR LABOR RIGHTS

SOLR is a coalition of unpaid undergraduate and graduate students at Northwestern aiming to build solidarity with campus workers through campaigns, actions, mutual aid and direct communication with a vision toward collective liberation.

When Northwestern switched its food service providers from Sodexo and Aramark to Compass Group in the Spring of 2018, SOLR was founded. SOLR formed a petition and met with admins to ensure a smooth transition for the workers.

Fossil Free NU calls on Northwestern to divest its investments from coal and move towards divestment from all fossil fuels.

NUGW hosts events and works to support graduate workers, such as collecting and distributing KN-95 masks to graduate workers to provide them with greater protection from COVID-19.

Recently, Over 100 NUGW members marched from e Arch to the Rebecca Crown Center as part of a “March for Fair Funding” protest on May 30. e demonstration followed a er some rising sixth- and seventh-year graduate workers said that the university administration would curtail Advanced Student Quarter funding, an internal fellowship o ered by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences departments.

REFORM CAPS

Reform CAPS is a student organization seeking to

SJP is commi ed to raising awareness for violence commi ed against Palestinian people by Israeli forces. SJP is relatively new to campus, established during the 2021-22 academic year.

On October 25, 2023, more than 150 students participated in a walkout — organized by NU’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine to demand the University divest from organizations supporting Israel and protect members of the NU community advocating for Palestinian rights.

On April 22, 2024, a resolution circulated by SJP, Educators for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace demanded the University protect the civil liberties of pro-Palestine speech and cut ties with Israeli institutions. e resolution garnered more than 940

SOLR is currently working with Conference Assistants — undergraduate student workers working over the summer at Residential Services — who say they have received delayed payments, been overworked and silenced on safety concerns.

WILDCATS FOR ISRAEL

Wildcats for Israel is an organization that strives to engage conversation about Israel through educational and cultural events. e organization invites speakers and organizations to speak on Israeli history and culture. It is a non-partisan organization welcoming participants of various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds.

emilykim2025@u.northwestern.edu

A Wildcat’s guide to voting

By NINETH KANIESKI KOSO the daily northwestern

With the 2024 presidential election quickly approaching, it is more important than ever to ensure you have a plan for voting in November. Voting gives you the power to a ect decisions that impact both your life and the lives of those around you.

All U.S. citizens who will be at least 18 years old on Election Day are eligible to vote in federal elections. You have to be a resident of your state, in some cases for at least 30 days before Election Day, and meet all your state’s requirements.

e rst step to voting is to determine if you are registered to vote. Registration does not typically expire but you will need to update your registration if your name, address or signature has changed. You can determine if you are registered on the NUVotes website.

NUVotes is a non-partisan program run by the Center for Civic Engagement which provides easy and accessible information about voter registration for all 50 states. Its goal is to help students register and vote for themselves.

NU students can vote in Illinois using your dorm’s address or from your home state, both of which are completely up to you. Students have the legal right to register and vote from their campus address or home state address. If you are not registered to vote, you can register on NUVotes website.

Some things to consider when making this decision include where you feel more connected to your community, how you prefer to vote and where your vote will make the greatest impact.

If you choose to register from your dorm, you must use the street address and not your dorm’s name and include your room number in the apartment eld.

To complete your registration, you will need to print, sign and mail the PDF with a copy of your ID. If you need any help with the process of registering including printing and mailing, NUVotes provides help.

If you want to change your voter registration, simply re-register to vote using your new address. On the registration form, list your previous registration address but you may be temporarily registered in both places until you are removed from your previous voter registration.

A er you register to vote, if you are unable to vote in person you will need to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. In certain states, this process can be done entirely online, but most states require a form that will need to be printed, completed, signed and mailed to get an absentee ballot.

Many states have varying requirements for absentee voting so it is important to look at what your state requires to see if you are eligible to vote by mail. Request your absentee ballot at least 30 days before the election so you can submit your request well in advance of your state’s deadline.

ninethkanieskikoso2027@u.northwestern.edu

A guide on navigating work-study jobs

By SHREYA SRINIVASAN daily senior staffer @shreyasrin

For students thinking about earning some extra money during the school year, there are numerous opportunities available. Federal work-study, a program to assist students who show financial need obtain part-time jobs, can help with that. Created by the Department of Education, the program is available to all students, except international students, if work-study is offered as part of your financial aid package. At Northwestern, many on-campus part-time jobs show preference for work-study eligible students, but any student can apply to these jobs.

This program functions similarly to a “regular” job but is subsidized by the federal government by 75% of the student’s wage, meaning employers may have more opportunities available for students than normal.

Some of the most appealing benefits about the program are that FWS wages are paid directly to the student, do not need to be repaid and won’t impact your existing financial aid. This differs from other categories on a student’s financial aid, such as federal loans, external scholarships or regular wages.

Similarly, FWS students can also choose when, or if, they want to start working, as the program is

not binding. Students can apply any time within the academic year.

Many part-time on-campus jobs that employ FWS students include laboratory aides, mail and package center workers, Norris University Center aides, library student workers, research assistants and more. The Student Job Board found online posts frequently about open positions both on and off-campus.

Jobs posted on the Student Job Board tend to have more specialized opportunities, including research assistants, graders, lab aides or other internships. Other jobs, such as ones in the campus libraries, Norris, Bienen School of Music, Residential Services, Athletic centers or Student Affairs, are listed on their respective websites.

Note that these are part-time positions, meaning that students aren’t able to exceed working 20-hours per week. However, most students work about 6-10 hours per week, as employers are required to schedule around your class or lab schedule and then consider availability.

The only caveat is that the number of hours a work-study student is able to work is dependent on their financial aid status, meaning students aren’t able to earn more than their allotted workstudy dollar amount per quarter through the program.

Don’t worry, students are still able to earn money through regular temporary student wages if you exceed your earning limit. Students can

also appeal to increase their earning limit, which is contingent on their remaining financial need.

To apply for jobs, students may need to bring identification cards listed on the student job board, follow the directions under each post. For other opportunities, jobs are listed on their respective websites, with their own applications.

There are some off-campus jobs that also are

federal work-study eligible, but it’s best to contact the work-study office first. All jobs pay at least the Evanston minimum wage, which is $14.05/hour, but will increase to $15/hour on Jan. 1, 2025, in accordance with newly passed state law.

shreyasrinivasan2026@u.northwestern.edu

KELLOGG BEHAVIORAL LAB

Illustration by Paloma Leone-Getten

Setting the stage to understand theatre at Northwestern

By JAMIE KIM daily senior staffer @suhkim16865

Northwestern offers a vibrant theatre scene that boasts a variety of student groups. Students have the opportunity to be involved in student-run theatre boards as well as performances hosted by the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. The following nine theatre boards form the Student Theatre Coalition at NU. In addition to producing well-known shows, many groups perform new student-written works.

Arts Alliance

Arts Alliance, founded in 1974, is the oldest student-run arts group at NU and is guided by principles centered on art being “easy to relate to” and accessible to a wide audience. Arts Alliance shows from the past school year have included “Once on This Island” and “Sweeney Todd.”

Jewish Theatre Ensemble

Jewish Theatre Ensemble centers Jewish themes and values in its shows to create theatre that is “specifically Jewish and universally human.” JTE recently produced “RENT.”

Lovers & Madmen

Lovers & Madmen produces shows that are classics or inspired by the classics. The group recently produced “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”

Purple Crayon Players

Purple Crayon Players create theatre for young audiences. They recently performed an adaptation of “The Little Prince.”

Sit & Spin Productions

Sit & Spin Productions expands the definition of theatre and centers works that are unconventional and risk-taking. Recent productions include “John Proctor is the Villain.”

Spectrum Theatre Company

Spectrum Theatre Company is dedicated to exploring socially and politically relevant issues in their productions. Spectrum recently produced “How to Defend Yourself.”

Vertigo Productions

Vertigo Productions produces new work written by students. They hold two mainstage shows and a reading series throughout the school year.

Vibrant Colors Collective

Vibrant Colors Collective is a multicultural theatre board that centers stories from marginalized communities. They recently produced “Shikhandi: The Story of the In-Betweens.”

WAVE Productions

Wave Productions produces works that resonate with the campus community and through which

students can educate and empower themselves. Wave Productions recently produced “Birthday Candles.”

In addition to the StuCo groups, there are many other shows and organizations to explore.

The Dolphin Show

The Dolphin Show is the country’s largest student-produced musical. This past year’s performance was “Kinky Boots.”

The Waa-Mu Show

The Waa-Mu Show is an original work that is student-written, produced, and performed. This past year’s show, “Taken Away: A Musical Trilogy,” was composed of three shorter musicals exploring lost love, Greek mythology, and the relationship between humans and nature. The board has produced many theatrical superstars within its cast, including Zach Braff, Jason Moore and Gregg Edelman.

EighthDay Theatre

EighthDay Theatre explores Chinese works and stories by performing plays, original work, and adaptations of movies. EighthDay recently performed an adaptation of “The Insanity,” a movie in which seven characters are trapped in an asylum.

Seesaw Theatre

Seesaw Theatre creates original, inclusive, multisensory theatre for autistic and otherwise disabled individuals. Seesaw recently performed “Pond!,” a devised show.

Freshman Musical

Each year, the Freshman Musical is entirely directed, produced, and performed by the freshman class. This past year’s musical was “Carrie.”

Griffin’s Tale Children’s Theatre Repertory Company

Griffin’s Tale adapts stories and poems written by children. Griffin’s Tale travels to schools in the Chicago area to perform for the authors and their classmates.

The Panini Players

The Panini Players perform in the “commedia dell’arte” genre, a popular form of physical theatre in Italy from the 16th to 18th centuries that involved improvisations with stock characters.

TBD

TBD performs short plays that are inspired by neo-futurism. One of the principles of neo-futurism is that performers always play themselves in the space and time they find themselves in. TBD most recently performed a show titled “Job, Boy, Secret Third Thing…”

Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire centers on playback theatre, in which audience members tell a story from their lives and ensemble members perform the story.

jamiekim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Get your groove on with NU’s dance groups

By MARY RANDOLPH daily senior staffer @marywrandolph

Like to dance? Want to watch other people dance? Have we got good news for you. With 17 different dance groups, a flash mob on campus is always just around the corner — learn more about the many ways to engage with the dance community at NU.

Ahana Dance Project

With a name derived from the Sanskrit word for the first rays of sun at dawn, Ahana Dance Project focuses on new beginnings and helping dancers grow. The non-competitive South Asian fusion dance team encourages collaboration on ideas and choreography and aims to spread a love for South Asian culture.

B. Burlesque

Focused on promoting body and sex positivity, B. Burlesque teaches burlesque dance to students of color through Fall Quarter workshops and building a showcase during Winter or Spring Quarter. Dance workshops are led by professional Chicagobased burlesque performers.

Ballet Folklórico Mexicano: Ritmo de Mis Ancestros

This 12-year-old dance group aims to preserve Mexican culture through the performance of folklórico dance.

Ballroom, Latin, and Swing Team

BLAST is a ballroom dancing community opened to dancers of all experience levels. Its competition season spans from fall to early spring, and the showcase season, which dancers can audition for, spans from winter to spring. BLAST’s classes, workshops, and social dance outings range from swing and salsa to waltz and tango.

Boomshaka

Boomshaka combines drum, dance and rhythm in completely student-created pieces. Alongside showcases each quarter, Boomshaka partners with Refresh Dance Crew and Fusion Dance Company for ReFusionShaka, a dance performance show each fall.

Dale Duro Latin Dance Company

Dale Duro, Northwestern’s Latin dance team, brings together members of all backgrounds for free workshops, Latine community events, and a spring showcase that features a variety of styles, including salsa, merengue and reggaeton.

Deeva

Since 2001, Deeva has combined various dance styles such as Indian classical, Bollywood, folk, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop. The all-female competitive dance team performs several showcases throughout the year.

Fusion Dance Company

Fusion combines several dance styles to create performances for the 40 members of this collegiate dance company. Fusion has several showcases, including ReFusionShaka, and participates in competitions.

Graffiti Dancers

Graffiti, which turned 50 this year, blends contemporary, jazz, ballet and hip-hop in its completely student-run shows. The group aims to push boundaries with versatile, creative and unique dances.

K-Dance

K-Dance creates a community around K-Pop dance and offers students two levels of membership. Its casual level includes workshops, bonding events and some performances, while its auditioned level offers opportunities for quarterly performances and music videos.

Northwestern Bhangra Dance Team

This competitive dance team performs bhangra, a traditional folk dance originating in the Indian state of Punjab, around campus, Chicagoland and the nation.

NU Raas

Raas, a co-ed Raas and Garba team, competes in several national competitions each year and shares

the high-energy folk dance, which originates from the Indian state of Gujarat, with the NU community at showcases.

Polerize

Polerize, one of the first collegiate pole dance groups in the country, creates a safe community for body movement and pole dancing through workshops and showcases.

Refresh Dance Crew

With choreography classes, open dance workshops, and opportunities to audition for showcases each quarter, Refresh Dance Crew focuses on fostering a love of dance in beginner dancers. The group’s styles range from popping and breaking to modern hip hop.

Steam Heat Dance Company

Steam Heat performs musical theater dance on campus and across Chicago, with a spring showcase each year. The company also blends jazz, tap, hiphop and contemporary styles.

TONIK Tap

From soccer balls to a cappella tunes to eggs, TONIK utilizes peculiar tunes to tap dance across Chicago, with two annual showcases on campus.

Typhoon Dance Troupe

Typhoon highlights a range of dances and styles from East and Southeast Asia through weekly workshops and performances like Celebrasia, a Chinese New Year celebration at NU. maryrandolph2026@u.northwestern.edu

Northwestern’s comedy groups and how to get involved

By CAROLINE KILLILEA the daily northwestern @c_killilea

Though Northwestern lacks an official comedy major, the school is a popular destination for those looking to enter the comedy scene. Many of today’s famous comedians got their start during their time as NU students, from Stephen Colbert (Communication ’86) and Seth Meyers (Communication ’96) to Kathryn Hahn (Communication ’95).

Northwestern was named the third-best college in the nation for those studying comedy by College Magazine in 2019. The School of Communications offers a Comedy Arts Module that includes classes like Topics in Improv and Advanced Media Writing.

Many students choose to get involved in NU’s dynamic comedy scene. Here is a list of the different comedy groups on campus, each offering a different way for students to craft their comedic genius.

One of the most selective comedy groups on campus, Mee-Ow delivers short-form comedy shows that combine sketch comedy, improv and live music. It is the longest running student improv comedy show in the country, and boasts a long list of famous alums, including Julia-Louis Dreyfus (Communication ’83) and Ana Gasteyer (Communication ’89).

Northwestern Sketch Television

Northwestern Sketch Television produces a variety of sketches throughout the year. Students write and direct two live shows on campus annually and screen all of their sketches at the yearly premiere. The group also films sketches for social media and organizes comedy speaker events.

The Blackout

The Blackout is Northwestern’s late-night comedy show. It uses “Saturday Night Live”-esque sketches

to capture the experience of Northwestern students in a satirical light. Over 100 students are part of The Blackout, and they write, direct and produce one live show each quarter. The Blackout also won a College Emmy Award in 2019 for the “Quarter Update,” a short-form parody segment.

The Bix

The Bix is the only musical improv group on campus, with students taking to the stage each quarter to perform improvised musical scenes and full musicals driven by audience suggestions.

Sit & Stand-Up

Northwestern’s longest-running stand-up show Sit & Stand-Up throws several shows each year. It is an offshoot of the theater group Sit & Spin Productions.

Out Da Box

Out Da Box is Northwestern’s multicultural improv and sketch comedy group. The group aims

to create a space for marginalized identities and students of color in the comedy scene. Its spring show often works to push social and political boundaries.

The Titanic Players

Specializing in long-form comedy, The Titanic Players is known for being one of NU’s more selective comedy groups. The group performs monthly and is supported by One Group Mind, a developing improvisers guild. They also perform regularly at One Group Mind’s venue in Chicago, The Comedy Clubhouse.

The Set-Up

The Set-Up aims to create a space for all students to partake in stand-up comedy. It does not require auditions and hosts weekly workshops that provide feedback to its members. The group hosts biweekly shows and a rehearsed showcase at the end of every quarter.

carolinekillilea2027@u.northwestern.edu

Putting pen to paper: Student publications at Northwestern

By DAVID SAMSON daily senior staffer @dpsamson_

The Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications consistently ranks among the nations’ best journalism schools. Countless media professionals developed their reporting, writing and video foundations within Fisk Hall and the McCormick Foundation Center.

However, it’s not just the classes that set Medill apart. Northwestern boasts over two dozen journalism clubs, societies and publications for students of all academic disciplines to explore. Many of these groups will be at the NU Organization Fair in the Fall or can be contacted through social media or email.

The Northwestern and surrounding communities provide a variety of storytelling opportunities for aspiring journalists, so here are some ways to get involved:

Print Publications

If you are interested in print journalism, including but not limited to newspaper, magazine, arts & entertainment and breaking news, congratulations, you’re here!

The Daily Northwestern is NU’s largest student publication, publishing online five nights a week and printing a physical newspaper, distributed around campus for free two days a week. With desks covering campus, city, a&e, sports, opinion and a host of multimedia disciplines, The Daily has something for anyone, from prospective journalists to engineering students to classical musicians. The Daily holds information sessions every quarter and can be reached at joinus@dailynorthwestern.com.

North by Northwestern focuses on magazinestyle reporting through a wide range of content desks. Known for their features and in-depth reporting, NBN also produces news & politics, sports, creative writing and opinion content — with many students electing to write for several desks. NBN publishes stories to their website several times per week and prints a magazine every quarter. NBN is open to students of all backgrounds and can be reached at editor@northbynorthwestern.com.

Other popular print publications tend to be more specialized. Inside NU focuses on sports journalism, providing lots of opportunities for students to obtain press passes for games and postgame press conferences with players and coaches. STITCH produces fashion, culture and lifestyle content through features and multimedia mediums. Spoon University reviews food, and provides

recipe and restaurant recommendations. Northwestern Business Review works with business and technology journalism, and In Our Nature emphasizes the environment and sustainability.

Multimedia Publications

Northwestern News Network is NU’s premier student-run news channel. The Emmy awardwinning publication offers students ample opportunities to get involved both on and off camera, learning everything from writing to producing a full broadcast. NNN airs a wide range of shows throughout the week, including the Northwestern News Report, NNX and Politicat. NNN is open to all students and can be reached at northwesternnewsnetwork@gmail.com.

NNN SportsNight is the sports division of the Northwestern News Network. SportsNight is a weekly 30-minute broadcast show that highlights NU sports and provides students opportunities to practice writing, shooting, editing and being on-air within sports journalism.

WNUR is a student-run, non-commercial radio station broadcasting on 89.3 FM to nearly three million people around the Chicago area. There are several ways for students to get involved with WNUR, including through WNUR News, WNUR Sports and Rock Show — which broadcasts music.

WNUR can be reached through their website.

Identity-Based Publications

Northwestern also has chapters of several national multicultural and identity-based societies, including Asian American Student Journalists, Association for Women in Sports Media, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Queer Media Association. Many of these chapters attend national conventions that foster networking and equity in college and professional media.

Some identity-based publications also produce content related to their respective communities and their interests. BlackBoard is NU’s Black student magazine and a satellite of NU’s chapter of NABJ. NU AZN focuses on Asian American storytelling around Northwestern and Chicago through their print magazine. HerCampus tailors their content to uplifting college women, featuring entertainment, news and lifestyle pieces published weekly. These are just some of Northwestern’s many student-run publications that encourage exploration and excellence in reporting. More information can be found at organization fairs, on social media and around campus.

davidsamson2026@u.northwestern.edu

Pitch Perfect: A guide to the NU A Cappella scene

By DAVID SAMSON daily senior staffer @dpsamson_

If you’ve ever taken a Northwestern campus tour, you probably heard that Pitch Perfect was based on Northwestern’s a cappella scene. And though I doubt director Jason Moore (Communication ’93), who produced Pitch Perfect, met anyone named Fat Amy, sang David Guetta in the shower with Anna Kendrick or “tossed his cookies” at Lincoln Center, clearly his time at NU made a lasting impression. So if you’ve ever dreamed of being the next Barden Bella or Treblemaker, here’s a breakdown of NU’s a cappella groups:

Asterik

Asterik is NU’s only all-male a cappella group, and as evidenced by the missing “s” in their name — courtesy of a founder’s typo — they don’t take themselves too seriously. They perform a themed show every quarter and enjoy collaborating with other groups on campus.

Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar is NU’s co-ed South Asian group, blending South Asian music with other popular Western styles.

Extreme Measures

Extreme Measures is a co-ed group that frequently performs on campus and around Chicago. They focus on local performances and recording and releasing music to streaming platforms. Last summer they released three songs on their EP “DENIM.”

Freshman Fifteen

From their green bowling shirts to the fact that they are neither freshman nor 15 strong, Freshman Fifteen is one of the most recognizable groups on campus. Freshman Fifteen was originally an all-male group, but has been open to all students since 2021.

Purple Haze

Purple Haze is a co-ed group that competes biennially at International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella , winning awards for Best Soloist and Best Choreography in 2023. They perform on campus quarterly and tour annually — most recently to Costa Rica. They also release music to streaming services, debuting “Sapphire” last year.

ShireiNU

ShireiNU is NU’s Jewish a cappella group, performing on-campus quarterly and also for offcampus events. They explore a variety of genres, including Hebrew pop. Anyone is welcome to audition for ShireiNU, regardless of religion.

Significant Others

Significant Others is NU’s only group exclusively for female and nonbinary singers — the closest NU comes to the Barden Bellas.

Soul4Real

Soul4Real is the only Black student a cappella group at NU, performing music from historically Black genres like hip-hop, soul and R&B. Soul4Real holds concerts on-campus and

performed at the White House in 2014.

THUNK

Performing on-campus and around Chicago since 1993, THUNK is NU’s oldest a cappella group. THUNK travels to Cape Town, South Africa biennially for music education volunteering.

Treblemakers

Sharing a name with the Treblemakers from Pitch Perfect, the Treblemakers at NU are a co-ed East Asian-interest a cappella group that competes at ICCA. They also have quarterly concerts and are known to perform in several languages, including English, Mandarin and Japanese.

Undertones

Undertones is a co-ed group that competes at ICCA, recently winning the Great Lakes Quarterfinal, Best Soloist and Best Choreography in 2022 and 2024, respectively. They perform both onand off-campus and tour annually — performing at the White House in 2016.

X-Factors

The X-Factors are a

co-ed group known for their pink outfits and individuality. X-Factors perform several times throughout the year, release music and run workshops at high schools when they tour.

Look out for audition information about NU’s 12 a cappella groups in the Fall. The organization fair, groups’ social media and the Northwestern A Cappella Community Alliance are great resources to learn more about the groups and their audition processes.

davidsamson2026@u.northwestern.edu

Mee-Ow

Discover your community through clubs

By CHIARA KIM

daily senior staffer @chiara im

Have you ever wanted to go on the reality show Survivor? Do you dream of wandering into the wilderness on the weekends? Want to find your community on campus? Survivor Northwestern, Northwestern University Outdoors Club and the countless other organizations at Northwestern may be the perfect fit for you.

Getting Involved

Joining an organization depends on each club’s requirements, but here are a few general guidelines to getting involved.

The Org Fair: This event occurs during the first few days of each quarter. Clubs have booths, posters and attractions to help you get to know them better. Be prepared though, there are a lot of organizations and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Approach any tables you find interesting – likely, a recruitment chair or member of the club will give you more information about the club and how to join. Organizations will typically ask you to join their listserv or follow their social media so they can send you more information. Org fairs also happen at the beginning of Winter and Spring Quarter if you want to get involved later in the year.

Websites, Social Media and Wildcat Connection: Most clubs have Instagram or a website that gives more information about their organizations and how to get involved. If not, you can always check Wildcat Connection online to find more information and, often, a contact to reach out to about joining.

Open Meetings and Info Sessions: Clubs will typically advertise these meetings on flyers, Instagram or through their listserv. Open meetings are an opportunity to see the club in action, meet people and see whether it is the org for you. Info sessions are more formal and typically involve a recruitment chair or other members of the club providing insight into the organization and joining it.

Interviews, Auditions and Questionnaires: Many clubs do not require any application to join (see information on barrier-free clubs below). However, some A&E groups require auditions, many of the consulting and finance clubs have an extensive application process, and more. Ultimately, these applications are up to each club, so the competitiveness and process varies. Just keep in mind that even if you do not get into one club, there is always another that can take its place!

Activities Assistance Fund offers a supplemental grant for financial support to allow students to participate. The application for this grant is typically open Weeks 2-9 of each quarter. Each organization often does its own fundraising as well, whether through profit-shares, bake sales or Catalyzer, Northwestern’s crowdfunding platform through Alumni Relations and Development. This specific fundraising method creates an impact that benefits the broader NU community. Barrier-free organizations do not

Word of mouth: Keep an eye (and ear) out for what your friends or classmates think of different clubs. While some require a difficult process to get involved, most clubs are welcoming and would be glad to have you!

Barrier-Free Clubs, Dues, Financial Assistance and More

Some clubs require dues because they lack sufficient University funding for travel, competitions and more. However, the Student

require extraneous barriers to membership like applications, auditions, questionnaires, fees, etc. If this is something you are interested in, look out for the barrier-free stickers marking certain organizations at the Org Fair, or ask organizations about their application process.

Clubs

Unique

There is something for everyone at Northwestern. Here are just a few of the unique clubs you can look into:

A&O Productions A&O Productions hosts concerts, speakers and movie nights. Last year, they brought Dayglow to their Blowout concert, hosted a free screening of Challengers at the AMC Evanston, and brought comedian and host of Chicken Shop Date Amelia Dimoldenberg to campus.

Survivor Northwestern : Complete with teams, challenges and a filmed production, Survivor Northwestern works to replicate the real thing. You can join on the production side, helping film and plan challenges, or you can play.

Northwestern University Outdoors Club: From kayaking to backpacking to camping, this club is perfect for students wanting to get away from campus and out into nature.

Northwestern Political Union: Their mission is to engage Northwestern in thoughtful discussions about politics. It is a bipartisan group that hosts weekly debates on Mondays along with other events, both of which are open to all members of the NU community.

Club Sports: From rowing, which meets five days a week, to triathlon, which offers different sessions throughout the week, club sports offer the opportunity to build community with other students and compete against other schools. Club sports are a great way to stay active while engaging in social events as well.

Clubs are a great way to find your community at Northwestern. Beyond typical programming, they often offer community events, philanthropy opportunities and other ways to engage with the NU and Evanston community. Find your club and find a home at NU! chiarakim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Travel advice from an international student

By AMANDA KANGSADJAJA

the daily norhtwestern

Going to college is a daunting experience for any student, however, it can be especially challenging for international students who have the added obstacles of navigating a new country and cultures, visa restrictions and being away from home for extended periods of time.

Communication senior Annika Anandsongkit, who is from Thailand, recalled her experience as an incoming freshman.

“I didn’t really know too much about what international students had to go through coming to a university abroad,” she said.

MAKING $$

The F-1 visa comes with many rules that Anandsongkit had to quickly familiarize herself with. This ranged from small obligations like needing a travel signature on your I-20 to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad to more significant ones like figuring out work authorization.

For employment, international students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. Later, when students begin looking for off campus internships, they can apply for Curricular Practical Training.

Both before and after graduating, international students can then apply for Optional Practical Training — a yearlong work authorization — and if applicable, a 24-month STEM OPT extension for students who graduated from a STEM program.

Other obligations include filing taxes — even if they did not earn any income, international students still need to file taxes — and maintaining a full-time course load (at least three credits per quarter).

At Northwestern, the Office of International Students and Scholar Services (OISS) is an international student’s best bet on receiving help on all things international. The office is where you’ll get your travel signatures, receive help with obtaining a social security number, and meet with advisors.

But Anandsongkit said she was also able to learn a lot from other international students and mentors, acknowledging that “learning about those things through other people who’ve experienced it is the best way.”

“Finding a job here is like 10 times harder for us,” she said. “Having someone who knows the process and has firsthand gone through it will be really helpful to have.”

FEELING HOMESICK

It can also be extremely hard to live across the world from family in a completely different environment from where you grew up. However, you definitely won’t be alone during your time here.

“Your friends are the ones who are supporting you at this phase in your life,” Anandsongkit said. “I’ve found great friends here and also other international students too.”

Weinberg senior Sara Kurniawan, originally from Singapore, recalled the homesickness that hit her hard during her sophomore year.

“I feel like in the first year, everything was very novel and it was very exciting,” she said. “But in the second year, especially when you feel like you’re in the middle of your college time and you still have a long way to go, I felt like that was the hardest part.”

Kurniawan tries to go home as often as possible but when she’s on campus, being around fellow international students facing the same thing has really helped, she said.

According to her, another remedy is eating food from home. Remember to ask mom and dad for those recipes!

Kurniawan also recommends joining cultural groups on campus to connect with other international communities. If a cultural club representing your background does not exist yet, Kurniawan still recommends joining another group.

“I’m not Vietnamese, but the VSA (Vietnamese Student Association) crew is so fun, and I would go to their events as well,” she said. “They’re actually so active and wonderful. Just join one and have that be a group that you can rely on because they’re going to be more than inviting.”

FINAL ADVICE

Read up on the F-1 visa regulations and don’t be afraid to reach out when you get on campus. The OISS and the rest of the Northwestern community will be a great resource.

Most importantly, you won’t be alone on this journey.

In addition to the new life and network you’ll build on campus, Anandsongkit suggested keeping in contact with family and relying on them for support.

“It’s so scary coming in first, of course, it’s scary and exciting at the same time,” she said. “But you adjust. It gets easier as time goes on for sure.”

amandakangsa@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Lillian Ali

Top classes to enrich your NU journey

By TAYLOR HANCOCK and SAMANTHA POWERS daily senior staffers @taylorhancock23 / @sqpowers04

Registering for classes during Wildcat Welcome just days before sitting in a lecture epitomizes the quarter system. Here’s the ultimate guide to the classics and hidden gems you should definitely take before you graduate.

WEINBERG

SOCIOL 316: Economic Sociology

Learning about the economy requires a breadth of knowledge and patience. Due to the collective fear of economics classes, NU students are frequently deterred from delving into the subject academically. Prof. Miri Eliyahu teaches the class as a seminar discussing “economic social issues such as financialization, debt and recent changes in the economy.” As an additional plus for Medill students, this class can be used for the Economics/Business Understanding Foundational Discipline.

LING 223: Language and Gender

Taught by Prof. Gregory Ward, this course dives into the role that gender plays in daily language. It explores everything from gendered speech patterns to the “reclamation of epithets like ‘slut.’” Students say they often go into the class with low expectations, yet leave with a much clearer and aware understanding of gender stereotypes in language.

CTECs say: “Great class. You learn so much about how we use language everyday in ways that intertwine with gender. Super interesting class discussions too, even with such a large class – people freely contributed ideas and we always had a fun time.”

HISTORY 262: Pirates, Guns and Empires

If you’re looking for a unique way to dip your toe into history classes at NU, this class is the way to do it. There are no prerequisites, and first-years are encouraged to take the class. History Prof. Scott Sowerby will take you through the lineage of pirates from the 16th to 19th centuries, highlighting the

connections between piracy and empires. This class will give you a crash course in historical interpretation and argumentation while exploring topics like gender, race, class and imperialism. For the best experience, take this class with friends and form a study group — there’s some memorization involved, but we can’t think of a more exciting way to expose yourself to the world of historical scholarship.

POLI SCI 220: American Government and Politics

For all the political science majors, this is a classic for gateway requirements. In this crash course on the U.S. Government, students will learn the intricacies of American institutions, political participation and the interplay between citizens and political actors. Prof. Matt Pryor gives students “extensive” study guides in preparation for exams and students describe him to be a “very passionate” and “amazing” professor.

CTECs say: “This was a great class! The coverage on various aspects of American Government & Politics was interesting, offering valuable insights into the workings of our political system.”

ENGLISH 368: Studies in Literature and Film

After taking this class, you’ll never look at movies the same way again. Nick Davis, a favorite among English students, film nerds and ex-theatre kids alike, takes his students on a deep dive of films from around the world. The workload is decently intense, but it barely feels like homework when you’re holed up in your dorm under a warm blanket, discovering your new favorite film. Through movies, you’ll explore themes like race, class, hauntings, forbidden love, finding a home away from home and growing up. This course spans continents, languages and decades, but you’ll come away from it with a core set of skills that will serve you throughout your life.

MEDILL

JOUR 302: MEDIA HISTORY — Watergate’s Legacy: The Press and the Presidency

Year after year, this class is a hot commodity

among journalism students. Prof. Jon Marshall teaches this media history course which “allows students to understand the current turmoil in political reporting,” through original research of the Watergate scandal. Highlights include guest lectures from Bob Woodward himself and high praise for Prof. Marshall’s teaching style, described as “wonderful,” “understanding” and “goofy.”

CTECs say: “TAKE THIS CLASS. Professor Marshall is amazing, and this class directly changed me as a journalist for the better.”

BIENEN

MUS THRY 251: Intro to Music Cognition

Prof. Richard Ashley teaches this course, which combines psychology and music theory, enabling students to understand how music can be studied from a psychological perspective. Students credit Prof. Ashley for keeping the class interesting.

CTECs say: “Great course for anyone who is interested in the subject. Some of the readings can be challenging, but all definitely interesting, and discussion time during class is fantastic for increasing understanding.”

COMMUNICATION

RTVF 358: Topics in Improv — Intro to Improv

With only two requirements: good energy and being present, this class is great for those with little to no improv experience. This is a must-take course that promises fun, growth and creativity. Students rave about the enjoyable, low-stress environment with minimal workload. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just looking for a fun way to enhance your performance skills, this class is for you. This course is a favorite, reported by many as “the best class they’ve ever taken at Northwestern.”

MCCORMICK

ENTREP 331: Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing

Part of the Farley Center minor in entrepreneurship, this course offers insights into sales and

marketing strategies essential for startup success. Led by Prof. Ed Acuna, who is known for his caring demeanor and practical approach, this course covers a wide array of topics including branding, lead generation, social media and more. Students say they appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and guest lectures. CTECs say: “I really loved this class and would recommend it to anyone interested in sales, marketing, startups, or business strategizing.”

DSGN 300: Designing your Life

NU’s Segal Design Institute is one of its claims to fame. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and sleek architecture, the Ford Engineering Design Center is a favorite study spot for students of all majors looking for a calm, work-friendly environment off the beaten path. Even better than stopping by to study, though, is actually getting to take a class there. Designing Your Life is the perfect way for students to get acquainted with design concepts through an accessible lens. Inspired by a popular class at Stanford, the NU version brings together a host of different learning techniques to help guide students toward approaching their life plans with the same precision and optimization that they would a design project. Juniors and seniors of all majors are welcome to explore the design world with this fun elective.

SESP

SOC_POL 312: Social Policymaking and Implementation

Led by Prof. Quinn Mulroy, this class dives into how policies address pressing social issues like inequality and discrimination. Students explore policy creation, learn to draft policy briefs and analyze real-world outcomes. Despite longer sessions, students say Mulroy’s engaging teaching style and supportive approach make the course rewarding. This is an ideal class for students passionate about social change and policy advocacy.

taylorhancock2027@u.northwestern.edu samanthapowers2026@u.northwestern.edu

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Need a caffeine boost?

By FEMI HORRALL the daily northwestern

To get morning doses of caffeine, study sessions, or both, coffee shops are essential to many college students’ routines, and Evanston has plenty of options! To help you find your favorites, here are some of the most popular coffee shops you can find around campus.

Starbucks

Worried about spending too much money on coffee? The Norris University Center Starbucks (often called “Norbucks”) has you covered. There, you can use your dining dollars to buy your favorite drinks. You can also try out the Starbucks on Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston, though you won’t be able to use your dining dollars there.

Café Coralie

Like at Norbucks, you can also use your dining dollars at Café Coralie. Located on North campus in the Pancoe-NorthShore University Health System Life Sciences Pavilion, it’s an outpost of Patisserie Coralie on Davis Street in Downtown Evanston. In addition to drinks, the menu also consists of several French foods like quiches and croissants.

Café Bergson

This is the final place on this list where you can buy coffee with dining dollars. If you’re studying in Main Library and want to get a treat without leaving the building, you can head to the cozy Café Bergson on the second floor. Café Bergson is where Reprise Roasters’ Northwestern location is housed.

Colectivo Coffee

A downtown Evanston hotspot, Colectivo is a coffee chain that exclusively lives in the Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas. According to shift leader Mackenzie Ridenour, the shop is usually the least crowded between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. You may want to try out the Iced Cold Brew Oat-Chata, which she said is a popular choice.

Peet’s Coffee

This is another chain that you may recognize, and it’s located on Chicago Avenue in downtown Evanston. One advantage of going here is that it gives Northwestern students a discount. Medium drinks at Peet’s cost between around $3 and $6, but with your Wildcard, you can get $1 off of any drink.

Cupitol

In 2019, Cupitol was featured in USA Today 10 Best as one of the top breakfast spots in Chicago. You can find one of the three existing locations on Grove Street in Evanston. Henry Simpson, an employee, says that popular drinks include iced lattes, drip coffee and berry smoothies.

Philz Coffee

Philz is yet another chain, though you’ll only find it in the Chicago area and California. The Evanston location is on Davis Street. It specializes in pour over brews, so you won’t find any espresso here. It serves some interesting drinks like the Iced Mint Mojito and the Iced Gingersnap.

Coffee Lab

Coffee Lab, like Café Coralie, is another great option for those on North campus and far from downtown Evanston. You can find it on Noyes Street. Its coffee beans are locally roasted, and it also sells a multitude of Asian-influenced pastries such as butter mochi cakes. One of Coffee Lab’s best-selling items is its signature Ube Latte.

Newport Coffee House

On Davis Street, Newport sports a bright white color scheme and a sleek, minimalist atmosphere. They incorporate Swedish culture into several of their products, like their Swedish Knot (also called kanelbulle). Employee Alan Dosky recommends trying the Lotta Latte, which is named after one of the owners.

femihorrall2027@u.northwestern.edu

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Sexual health resources

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

Navigating college life can be challenging — finding your way around campus, managing meals and taking responsibility for your health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a majority of college students are sexually active, often engaging in behaviors that can affect their long-term health. College students aged 18 to 24 face a significant burden of STIs in the U.S.

Despite high levels of sexual activity, many students do not consistently use condoms, particularly with casual partners, and few undergo regular STI testing. It’s crucial to prioritize your sexual health by taking proactive measures.

Fortunately, the Daily has compiled a list of resources available to help you stay healthy and informed.

Northwestern University Health Services

Students eligible for Northwestern Medicine Student Health Services have access to a comprehensive array of healthcare options.

At Searle Hall, students can schedule appointments for sexual and reproductive health services, including routine exams, diagnosis and treatment, contraceptive counseling, pregnancy testing, and referrals. Students can access emergency contraception through Searle, though they will be charged for all prescriptions and lab tests.

Additionally, STI testing is free for students with university health insurance and costs $20 to $90 for those with external insurance. Appointments can be scheduled online, ensuring confidentiality with medical records accessible only to Health Services staff.

Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE)

CARE supports students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence or stalking, including friends and partners of survivors. They provide a confidential space for students to process experiences and explore options with appointments available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 24-hour emergency services.

In addition to emotional support, CARE connects students with legal and medical advocacy, free counseling, and support groups on and off campus. They emphasize social justice and a survivor-centered approach, promoting autonomy and self-determination.

Sexual Health and Assault Peer Educators (SHAPE)

SHAPE, affiliated with CARE, is a peer education group dedicated to sexual health and assault awareness. Their mission includes increasing comfort discussing sexuality, promoting healthy behaviors and addressing harmful attitudes through peer-led presentations, workshops and collaborations with campus organizations. SHAPE fosters dialogue and educates students about sexual health and violence prevention while offering individual support and resources.

Masculinity, Allyship, Reflection and Solidarity (MARS)

Another affiliate of CARE, MARS is a peer education group focused on transforming attitudes toward masculinity and combating rape culture. Operating within predominantly masculine spaces, MARS provides a platform for individuals to engage in selfreflection and dialogue. Through these discussions, the organization promotes healthy masculinity while challenging restrictive societal norms that perpetuate violence and oppression.

Sex Week

Each May, NU College Feminists hosts an annual Sex Week in collaboration with SHAPE and CARE. The event includes workshops, panels and a popular sex toy giveaway. It focuses on fostering a positive attitude towards sexuality, promoting safe practices, and educating participants on consent, sexual health and reproductive rights.

The initiative strives to empower students through open dialogue, challenging societal taboos around sexuality, and offering resources to support informed decision-making. This year, highlights of the week included a “Hot and Sexy Chicken” discussion on safe sex, pleasure and personal preferences, aimed at normalizing conversations about sex on campus.

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

Exploring health and wellness options at Northwestern

As you begin your college journey, the shadow of freshman flu and a range of common ailments — such as strep throat and persistent colds — loom over every newcomer and seasoned undergraduate alike. While adopting healthy habits can act as a preventative defense, it’s important to remember that immunity is never guaranteed.

At Northwestern, success and wellbeing go beyond lecture halls and libraries; they permeate every aspect of student life. The Daily has curated a collection of tips and resources to help you stay happy and healthy all year long.

Cultivating wellness on campus

NU promotes eight dimensions of wellness to support students on campus. By encouraging regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and effective stress management, the goal is to ensure students’ happiness and optimal performance. Cultivating these habits early prepares students to navigate busy course loads, prevent illness, and support personal development throughout college and beyond.

As you adjust to college life, it’s crucial to grasp your own nutritional requirements, influenced by factors such as age, sex, size and activity levels. Dining halls provide a range of dietary options — halal, kosher, gluten-free, vegan and others — to cater to diverse preferences and restrictions. Customized dining plans, crafted in collaboration with registered campus dietitian Madeline McDonough, guarantee that every student receives meals personalized to their specific needs.

Physical wellness is equally prioritized with accessible fitness resources. NU boasts two oncampus gyms: Blomquist Recreation Center on South Campus and Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (SPAC) on North Campus.

SPAC offers students a wide array of workout options including group classes, six indoor tennis courts, three basketball courts, a dedicated spin room and a spacious 7000 square foot fitness room on the first floor, providing ample opportunities for you to integrate new exercises into your routines.

NU-SHIP

Ensuring you have the right health coverage is crucial as you prepare for the academic year ahead. For many students, enrolling in a university-provided health insurance plan is a necessary step. International students, regardless of their home country’s coverage, are required to participate.

Students enrolled in NU-SHIP will be charged $5,571 for coverage for the academic year. For those opting in, prompt confirmation secures coverage from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Students can request financial assistance from the Undergraduate Financial Aid office to help cover the insurance premium.

During the open enrollment period from July 1 to October 1, students with existing comparable health insurance can explore options to waive the university’s plan through a streamlined process.

Missing the waiver deadline results in automatic enrollment. Late registrants must submit a Coverage Selection Form within 10 days of registration to avoid automatic enrollment.

Accessing medical care

Students can access a range of medical services through the Student Health Service. Appointments can be conveniently scheduled via the MyNM Patient Portal, offering both virtual and in-person options. Services cater to various health needs, including sexual and reproductive health, sports medicine, and general medical care.

For urgent medical concerns after regular business hours, students can utilize the after hours nurse call line. Additionally, immediate care centers, like the one at 1630 Sherman Ave., are open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing accessible care for physical illnesses and injuries.

The Student Health Service features an onsite laboratory capable of performing pointof-care tests such as influenza, COVID-19 and strep throat screenings. A pharmacy located in the main lobby accepts most major prescription plans and offers a wide range of over-thecounter health products.

Radiology services for general diagnostic X-rays are also available on-site. While the service does not provide travel health services, it offers local support resources for students traveling outside the U.S.

Accessing mental health care

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers essential support tailored for you as an undergraduate navigating college life. You can access diverse mental health services that cater to your individual needs, including group therapy for community support and personalized counseling sessions.

CAPS employs a short-term treatment model for individual therapy while also helping students like you who may require longterm therapy or specialized care by providing referrals.

Booking appointments at CAPS is convenient and accommodates your busy schedule with options for same-day and online bookings. During your initial assessment, you’ll complete questionnaires and discuss your concerns with therapists to ensure you receive personalized care that meets your specific needs.

At CAPS, confidentiality is strictly upheld to respect your privacy unless there’s an immediate risk of harm. In times of crisis, CAPS offers critical support, with on-call clinicians available after hours to provide timely intervention and aid.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

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A STEM club crash course A guide to research at NU

By NINETH KANIESKI KOSO

daily northwestern

From storing carbon dioxide in concrete to growing brain tumors, there are many opportunities for students to research in all disciplines at Northwestern. Here are some steps to consider if you would like to get involved in undergraduate research.

Look at professor/laboratory websites

On professors’ department profiles, there are often links to their lab’s website. These websites have information about what the lab researches, its members and published papers. Look through these to see if their research interests you.

If you are interested in researching in the medical field, look at professors at the Feinberg School of Medicine. There are many opportunities for students looking to research in the medical field on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses.

Email the professor

If you find a lab that interests you, email the professor in charge of the lab. Ask to meet in person and speak about their research. Make sure to let them know that you are interested in possibly working in their lab. Some labs may not currently have space for you, or you might decide that lab is not right for you. But it’s still always good to network with faculty who interest you, so continue reaching out to labs until you find the right fit.

Office of Undergraduate Research

If reaching out to a professor scares you, set up an appointment with the Office of Undergraduate Research. OUR has many advisors that can provide resources to students to develop research interests, find a lab and faculty to work with, read scholarly articles and network with researchers. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with an advisor through their website.

OUR offers workshops to help with the different stages in finding a faculty or lab mentor. “Finding a Faculty Mentor” and “Finding a Lab Mentor” workshops will provide students with specific information on how to find faculty and labs and how to reach out. “Finding a Faculty Mentor” workshops help students in any research field while “Finding a Lab Mentor” workshops are geared for only lab-based fields. OUR also offers “Finding a Lab Support Group” to help you find other students interested in research. These groups can allow you to connect with other students in the same boat as you and build community through the process of joining a lab.

Undergraduate Research Assistant Program

If you have no experience with research, consider applying for the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program. URAP is geared towards students who do not yet have enough experience to work on their own research projects. URAP gives students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member as a Research Assistant. This position is paid $16/hr.

Faculty apply for the URAP grant in two different ways: pre-selected students and open job search. If a faculty member has found a student they would like to work with, they can apply with the student through the pre-selected students grant. If they do not have a student picked out, they will apply for the grant and then participate in an open job search later on in the process.

Students who are interested in the grant and did not apply with a faculty member as a preselected student can apply to as many of the jobs as they would like during the open job search in late October. For more information visit the URAP website.

It Is never too late to look for research at Northwestern. Though the quarters are short, research never stops. Professors and laboratories will be working throughout the year and always need help, so feel free to reach out when the time is right for you.

ninethkanieskikoso2027@u.northwestern.edu

By NINETH KANIESKI KOSO the daily northwestern

Clubs are a great way to explore, apply what you learn in classes and meet upperclassmen. Here are some innovative STEM clubs that are available to everyone that you can join:

Concrete Canoe

Concrete Canoe presents its members with a unique challenge: Build a canoe out of concrete light enough to float on water.

Each year a new concrete canoe is constructed. The group focuses on two elements — the concrete mix and the mold of the canoe — in order to achieve their objective. They use the canoe to compete at a three-day symposium hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers in the spring.

Engineers Without Borders

Northwestern’s student chapter of Engineers without Borders supports community-driven development programs by working with local partners to design and implement sustainable engineering projects all across the world.

The club is split into three teams — the technical team, the local team and the outreach team. The technical team is currently working on a water distribution system in Paja Colorada, Ecuador, to give the community access to water from a local water treatment plant. The local team is busy creating whelping boxes, boxes for dog birthing, that are lightweight and easy to deconstruct for the Evanston Animal Shelter. The outreach team focuses on doing local philanthropy and fundraising events.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a national organization that fights to cure blood cancer through funding research efforts, advocating for legislation and providing financial assistance to blood cancer survivors.

The Northwestern chapter primarily aims to support the national organization’s goals through fundraising campaigns. LLS at NU also spreads awareness about blood cancer through a series of

monthly panel discussions with healthcare professionals and by partnering with local organizations.

NU Robotics Club

NU Robotics Club students from a variety of majors who are interested in robotics.

Some projects they are working on include a robotic lacrosse goalie that uses computer vision to track and block the ball, a speed drone that beats the world record speed of 180 mph, an autonomous drone similar to a delivery drone and an AI-driven foosball table that students can play against.

NU Robotics also competes each year with autonomous robots that must navigate a maze as fast as possible without any external control, combat robots that fight at robobrawls and an underwater remote operated vehicle that can perform a myriad of tasks.

NUSTARS

NUSTARS is an organization dedicated to aerospace engineering, rocketry and experimental space technology. NUSTARS focuses on the NASA Student Launch and the NASA BIG Idea Challenge.

NASA Student Launch is a nine-month competition where students design, build, test and launch high-powered rockets. For the NASA BIG Idea Challenge, NUSTARS is designing metallic expandable technology for Artemis Lunar Structures for their forum in November.

NUSolar

NUSolar is an organization that designs, builds and races a solar powered electric vehicle. Their mission is to enhance education for students by providing hands-on experience in design, project management and manufacturing.

NUSolar is split into mechanical, electrical, software and business teams. The mechanical team designs the frame, suspension, aeroshell and compostities. The electrical team focuses on the battery box, motors and motor controllers. The software team programs the driver display. The business team works on financial management and getting sponsorships.

ninethkanieskikoso2027@u.northwestern.edu

Who to watch: Northwestern star athletes

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Northwestern experienced nearly unparalleled success across the national landscape in 2023-24. The Wildcats made two NCAA title game appearances in field hockey and lacrosse for the second consecutive year, and the University’s respective programs proved formidable contenders in Big Ten play.

One of just seven schools to secure a bowl win in football and a March Madness victory in men’s basketball, NU produced its fair share of shining moments.

Several ’Cats wrote storybook final chapters in Evanston, with Izzy Scane and Boo Buie shattering scoring records during their last seasons in purple and white.

Now, a new crop of superstars will step into the fold, where they’ll look to elevate NU to new heights in 2024-25. Here are four ’Cats that pack must-watch potential this year:

Sammy White: Lacrosse

While much focus — and signi cant defensive a ention — will shi toward Tewaaraton Award nalist Madison Taylor ahead of her junior campaign, NU will go as far as White can lead it. e senior defender was primed for a standout junior season, but injuries sidelined her for more

than a month. Still, she played a key role in her team’s return to Championship on Sunday. White possessed exceptional takeaway skills and is one of the most experienced defenders on coach Kelly Amonte Hiller’s squad. A transition threat on the clear, White has also logged a ack and mid eld minutes during her career.

e Maryland native told e Daily that she wanted to push for a Tewaaraton top- ve nod ahead of the 2024 season. With a healthy o season, White may very well soar into the conversation as the nation’s premier defender this year. Expect White to step up as a vocal leader on and o the eld as she will be essential to her team’s push for a third consecutive Big Ten title.

Fritz Volmar: Men’s Soccer

A 6-foot le back who recently received a U20 U.S. National Team callup, Volmar proved his prowess among the nation’s premier freshmen last fall.

Across the pitch from right back Bryant Mayer, Volmar will form one half of a young, but exceptionally talented sophomore outside back corps.

Volmar, a technically sound defender capable of both manning buildup play and threatening in the a acking third, could certainly make a jump from the conference’s All-Freshman Team to a potential all-conference nod.

e St. Louis SC academy product made 16 starts last season and pitched in a goal and an assist. He quickly became one of the rst names on coach Russell Payne’s team sheet, going the full 90 on nine occasions.

With signi cant talent entering the conference in UCLA and Washington, contributors like Volmar — TopDrawerSoccer’s No. 7 Freshman in 2024 — will be essential pieces to a potential conference title push.

Olivia Bent-Cole: Field Hockey

One of the nation’s fastest forwards, the sophomore was a fundamental piece to coach Tracey Fuchs’ third consecutive run to the national championship game.

Entering Evanston with much hype as the

nation’s No. 1 recruit, BentCole more than ful lled her lo y expectations. By season’s end, the then-freshman had already emerged as one of the team’s leaders.

e Philadelphia native tallied 10 goals and ve assists last season, starting in all 23 games for the ’Cats. She scored the game-winning-goal in NU’s Big Ten championship victory over Maryland last November.

Bent-Cole had her work cut out for her in the o season, returning to the U.S. national team for July’s Junior Pan American Championship.

Now, she’ll return to a group that once again boasts national title aspirations.

A.J. Henning: Football

Dynamic in the passing game as well as on kick returns, the graduate student wide receiver is electrifying with the ball in his hands. As a transfer from Michigan, Henning logged 845 all-purpose yards in 2023, helping the ’Cats secure a Las Vegas Bowl win last December. With wide receiver Cam Johnson departing the program for graduation, Henning will likely step into an elevated role this fall. After coach David Braun brought in Zach Lujan as his offensive coordinator, Henning’s potential impact expanded even further.

Expect a significant uptick from Henning’s 39 catches in 2023 as the pass catcher will form an experienced receiving tandem alongside graduate student receiver Bryce Kirtz. The schedule ahead appears especially difficult, but stars like Henning will need to step up for NU to push for a second straight bowl bid. jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

FALL

NU stares down a new Big Ten FOOTBALL

By JAKE EPSTEIN

senior staffer

After compiling an improbable 8-5 record and a Las Vegas Bowl victory over Utah in 2023, Northwestern will enter the first full season of the David Braun era this August. In

a change-packed college football landscape, the Wildcats will play all but two home games at a temporary Martin Stadium facility on the lakefront.

With construction underway at Ryan Field, NU will shift game day operations to its oncampus site for the next two seasons. The move — just a hop, skip and a jump from Lake Michigan — presents an open canvas for a program entering a daunting realigned Big Ten.

The ’Cats will encounter an enhanced strength of schedule this year, as Braun’s squad will take on powerhouses like Washington, Ohio State and Michigan during conference play. Still, the opportunities for a second consecutive bowl bid are certainly present.

During the offseason, Braun brought in a flurry of coaching hires to shape former coach Pat Fitzgerald’s staff into his own. Newly minted offensive coordinator Zach Lujan will take over the team’s scheme, and he’ll have a new signal caller under center.

Graduate student quarterback Mike Wright is the team’s presumptive starter. Wright previously played at Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, where he showcased top-end speed at the quarterback position.

Wright has returning playmakers in graduate student wide receivers Bryce Kirtz and A.J. Henning at his disposal, as well as graduate student running back Cam Porter. Expect junior running back Joseph Himon II to take on an elevated role.

Defensively, key cogs such as graduate student linebacker Xander Mueller, graduate student safety Coco Azema and junior safety Devin Turner return to the fold, handing defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle talent and experience to build on.

While a late-season push like 2023 appears unlikely, NU will look to generate early nonconference momentum befores it barrels into Big Ten play.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

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Angeli Mittal/The Daily Northwestern

Team eyes NCAA title after ‘23 heartbreak

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer

@lucaskim_15

For the second year in a row, a mere goal separated Northwestern from a national championship victory, with perennial powerhouse UNC coming out on top both times.

A er securing their rst-ever national title in 2021, the Wildcats su ered two consecutive championship

heartbreaks and are now poised to shoot for their fourth straight NCAA tournament nal appearance. Luckily for two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year Tracey Fuchs, NU will return the core of last season’s squad that also earned the program’s rst Big Ten championship since 2014.

e ’Cats will return two First Team All-Americans, Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Annabel Skubisz and NFHCA West Region Player of the Year Lauren Wadas — both of whom are set to exhaust their h year of eligibility. Second Team All-American sophomore

forward Olivia Bent-Cole will take charge on o ense a er breaking out as a freshman with 10 goals and ve assists.

Additionally, Second Team All-Big Ten selections Greta Hinke and Ilse Tromp will once again help anchor NU’s defense.

Perhaps more importantly, however, Fuchs will enjoy the arrival of two Olympians: redshirt senior mid elder Maddie Zimmer and transfer redshirt sophomore forward Ashley Sessa, both of whom missed last season while training with the U.S. national team for

the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Zimmer was instrumental in the ’Cats’ 2021 and 2022 NCAA Tournament runs, earning First Team All-American honors in both seasons. Sessa, a transfer from UNC, earned a national championship and Second Team All-ACC honors in her lone season with the Tar Heels in 2022.

e Olympians, plus a strong group of six incoming freshmen, will look to lead NU to new heights in 2024. lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

‘Cats aim to return to NCAA championship

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

A er narrowly missing an automatic bid to its second consecutive NCAA championship last season, Northwestern will aim to stay competitive in the tough Big Ten landscape in 2024 with many of its key runners returning.

e Wildcats started o their 2023 season strong — ranking 29th in the coaches poll a er a third place nish in the Badger Classic in Madison, Wisconsin during week one.

In 2022, the ’Cats had a solidi ed group of ve scorers right out of the gate, but 2023 saw a more uid rotation as coach Jill Miller’s group navigated the regular season.

Prior to the Big Ten Championships, many of NU’s ve scorers had competed in just three meets all season, with only one being a 6k, the distance of

the conference championship race.

e ’Cats placed sixth in the Big Ten and third in the Midwest Regional the following week, where junior Ava Earl earned an automatic individual bid to the NCAA championship meet in Charlo esville, Virginia by nishing eighth overall.

In Virginia, Earl nished 64th out of 254 runners with a time of 20:24, improving her personal record by 16 seconds. She crossed the line just 22 seconds shy of a top-40 nish, which would have made her the second runner in program history to earn All-American

honors.

Earl will return for her senior season this fall and is poised to make another a empt for national honors. Rising talents like freshman Anna Delgado , who earned a rst-place nish at the Flyer Flames Challenge, and the return of junior Anna Hightower — who missed the 2023 season due to injury but played a pivotal role in the team’s 2022 success — will also aim to bolster the team’s prospects this season.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

NU entering year with new coach, roster

By PALOMA LEONE-GETTEN

senior

Northwestern is heading into the 2024 season

a er an o season of turnover.

e 2023 Wildcats nished the season .500 (9-11 Big Ten ) but haven’t earned a winning conference record for 36 years, or quali ed for the NCAA tournament since 2010. is period

concluded former head coach Shane Davis’s eightyear tenure. Davis mutually parted ways with NU following the season.

Tim Nollan was selected to be the new head coach in February. Nollan proved his ability to transform a program at Grand Canyon University, where, in eight seasons, he took the Lopes from the bo om of the conference to ve straight winning seasons, capped o with a trip to the NCAA tournament.

Only one of three assistant coaches is returning to the ’Cats, adding to the program-wide changes.

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NU has also seen signi cant player turnover with the graduation of AVCA All-North Region outside hi er Julia Sangiacomo and the transfer of three 2023 starters. To ll their vacancies, Nollan picked up middle blocker Sophia Summers and outside hi ers Lily Wagner, Buse Hazan and Rachel Johnson from the transfer portal, alongside signing rst-year outside hi er Ava Pra . Se er Alexa Rousseau, a xture in the starting lineup since her rst year, will use her h year of eligibility running plays for the ’Cats. Sophomore

Gigi Navarrete is a likely choice to ll the libero role a er playing in every set of her rst year at NU. Other key returners include junior outside hi er Kathryn Randorf and junior middle blocker Kennedy Hill. With a new head coach, a transformed starting lineup and more volleyball powerhouses joining the already dominant Big Ten, things are up in the air for NU.

palomaleone-ge en2026@u.northwestern.edu

NU looks to overcome key departures

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

Following a record 2022 season in which Northwestern secured 16 victories and advanced to the program’s thirdever Sweet Sixteen, coach Michael Moynihan’s squad failed to carry the momentum into 2023.

Though the Wildcats enjoyed an overall record of 9-5-4 (3-5-2 Big Ten), their total of 11 points in conference play placed them tied for ninth in the Big Ten — well below their preseason poll ranking of second.

A 2-1 loss to Rutgers in NU’s last regular season game officially ended its playoff chances as the team narrowly missed out on Big Ten tournament contention.

Looking forward to this fall, the ’Cats’ main focus will be replacing the offensive firepower

of midfielder Meg Boade and forward Ella Hase, both of whom will be transferring out after productive four-year careers with NU.

Boade made her second consecutive AllBig Ten First Team after finishing with a program-record 14 assists while Hase was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team with a team-high 10 goals last season.

Along with the departure of graduate students Danika Austin and Aurea del Carmen, the ’Cats will to regroup behind the leadership of several Graduate student Josie Aulicino and junior Caterina Regazzoni will need to continue to control the midfield and generate scoring opportunities as senior defender Emma Phillips looks to sustain All-Big Ten level play while maintaining her set piece dominance. NU should also aim to develop its young core led by Big Ten All-Freshman selection Megan Norkett, along with a solid group of seven incoming freshmen.

and company’s

not be

of four new teams to the conference. Soccer powerhouse and 2022 national champion UCLA will immediately compete for the conference title while USC also boasts a historic program.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Wildcats seek first NCAA bid since 2014

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

After two seasons spent toiling in the Big Ten table’s bottom half, coach Russell Payne spearheaded Northwestern into a regular season title race in 2023. Although the move came up short on the final match day, the Wildcats showcased their immense potential.

Now, the pieces are in place for NU to manufacture another year-to-year leap, but it’ll be far from easy. If the ’Cats are to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014, the team must find its identity early in the season and build upon it.

NU’s 2023 strike partnership of Ugo Achara Jr. and

Justin Weiss will no longer line up at Martin Stadium, but Payne brought in graduate student forward Thaddaeus Dewing from Air Force to bolster his offense. Dewing scored 19 goals during his career in the Mountain West conference.

Key midfield pieces like senior Collin McCamy and juniors Jason Gajadhar and Jayvin Van Deventer will play pivotal roles in link up play, while Maryland transfer Joe Suchecki adds significant height in the middle of the park.

The team’s back line — one of its strongest units last season — remains a key source of strength. Sophomore outside backs Fritz Volmar and Bryant Mayer will look to make a pivotal second-year jump, while junior center back Nigel Prince proved his prowess among the conference’s top defenders last season.

As for Prince’s center back pairing, graduate student

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

Moynihan

journey back to postseason play will

easy, however, with the addition

defender Reese Mayer has a final year of eligibility should he elect to use it, while Louisville transfer Bryce LeBel may also push for playing time.

The goalkeeper position appears to be an open competition following Jackson Weyman’s graduation, but

Payne has a plethora of capable keepers at the ready. With the season fast approaching, optimism remains high alongside Lake Michigan.

Daily file photo by Henry Frieman

Daily file photo by Jorge Melendez

WINTER

‘Cats hope to keep momentum without Buie

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

22-12

record. 12 conference victories. Wins over No. 1 Purdue and No. 10 Illinois. Second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Winningest two-year stretch in program history.

Northwestern’s 2023-24 team went down in history as one that beat the odds with coach Chris Collins and company overcoming low expectations and a flurry of injuries to make it back to the Round of 32, where they fell to the eventual national champions, UConn.

Now, with the massive departures of all-time leading scorer Boo Buie as well as starter Ryan Langborg, the Wildcats must modify their rotations and schemes around a retooled roster that still includes many familiar faces.

Looking to lead the charge this year is 6-foot-6 senior guard Brooks Barnhizer, who broke out last season averaging 14.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while being named to the Third Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten AllDefensive Team.

Barnhizer will be supported by a duo of fifthyears with guard Ty Berry and center Matthew

Nicholson, both of whom suffered consequential season-ending injuries that severely hampered NU’s success last postseason. Berry’s sharpshooting (43.3% from three) and Nicholson’s defensive presence (1.4 blocks per game) will be key if the Wildcats intend to make their third-straight March Madness appearance this coming year.

Also returning is junior forward Nick Martinelli, who was instrumental in NU’s late-season playoff push, filling in for the injured Berry and scoring in double digits in seven of the last nine regular season games.

To help round up his rotation, Collins brought in two graduate transfers: guard Jalen Leach from Fairfield and center Keenen Fitzmorris from Stony Brook.

Leach will assume major ball-handling and scoring responsibilities after averaging 16.2 points on 48.8% shooting last season, while the 7-foot Fitzmorris will likely slot in as backup center behind Nicholson.

Despite the loss of Buie and Langborg, Collins seems to have refurbished a roster poised for yet another competitive performance in the Big Ten and, if healthy, another trip to the NCAA Tournament.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Daily file photo by Angeli Mittal

Daily file photo by Henry Frieman

New-look Wildcats work on bouncing back

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

After achieving four straight winning seasons, Northwestern has since posted consecutive 9-21 records — the worst two-season stretch in coach Joe McKeown’s 16-year tenure with the team.

With a demanding Big Ten schedule this winter featuring road visits to conference newcomers UCLA and USC in — both of which tied for second place in the PAC-12 last season — the Wildcats have a difficult journey ahead of them.

However, McKeown’s incoming group of four freshmen and three transfers will look to turn some heads.

Joining junior Caroline Lau, senior Melannie Daley and sophomore Casey Harter in the backcourt will be graduate student transfer Kyla Jones and freshman Xamiya Walton. While Jones is fresh off a First Team All-Ivy season at Brown averaging 17.1 points per game, Walton enters as NU’s highest-ranked recruit coming in at 55th in the nation, according to ESPN HoopGurlz. McKeown also brought in an array of forwards to join leading scorer Caileigh Walsh and fill the vacancy

6-foot-2 respectively. Freshman forward Tayla Thomas rounds out a renewed frontcourt that was outrebounded by nearly five boards per game last season. With a revamped roster and a combination

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of new faces and key returners, the ’Cats will regroup for a bid to make it back to the conference’s best.

left by Paige Mott, who graduated in June. This new group includes junior transfer Grace Sullivan and graduate student transfer Taylor Williams, standing at 6-foot-4 and

photo by Henry Frieman

Wildcats look to overcome rough season

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

On the heels of a 2023-2024 season that featured just one win, Northwestern wrestling will turn towards its young roster to regain competitive status in the Big Ten after losing it this year in a 1-9 season. The National Wrestling Coaches Association’s postseason poll

underscored the Wildcats’ struggle to keep pace with their conference rivals, as five other Big Ten teams ranked in the national top 10.

Despite the season’s difficulties, NU showed growth in its final matches. The team closed out its regular season at home with a significant victory over Indiana, along with closely contested losses to Binghamton and Illinois.

Key highlights included standout performances by redshirt senior Troy Fisher and freshman Massey Odiotti, who scored upsets against Binghamton, and a strong rebound

effort led by freshman Dedrick Navarro and Fisher against Indiana. However, Coach Matt Storniolo’s squad narrowly missed back-to-back wins to close the season, losing to Illinois on tie-breaking criteria.

At the Big Ten Tournament, NU secured three NCAA championship bids, sending redshirt senior Trevor Chumbley, redshirt sophomore Evan Bates and redshirt junior Maxx Mayfield to Kansas City for the national tournament.

Chumbley and Bates secured automatic bids

with eighth-place finishes in their respective weight classes, while Mayfield clinched his spot with a decisive 5-3 victory in the 165-pound class after initially falling to 11th place in the conference bracket.

The ‘Cats will now look to transform a tumultuous season into a springboard for a comeback 2024-2025 campaign — poised to reclaim their status as potential contenders in the Big Ten.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

Northwestern fencers aim for new heights

By JERRY WU daily senior staffer @jerrwu

Northwestern once again consolidated its position as one of the nation’s top fencing powerhouses during the 2023-24 season, finishing with a 75% win rate.

The Wildcats entered their eighth season under coach Zach Moss, who has since helped rejuvenate the team as a Midwestern juggernaut. NU finished with a 36-12 record, landing it a fifth spot in the women’s NCAA fencing rankings.

Unlike in previous years, the team also added another achievement to its impressive resume: a conference title at the CCFC Championships.

Four ’Cats also qualified for the NCAA

Fencing Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

Some of the team’s standout performances came from sophomore Karina Vasile, who finished 21st at her first national championship.

Both junior Megumi Oishi and junior Karen Wang returned to the national stage for the second consecutive season after strong finishes to the season.

NU also saw as much if not more success off the strip; 23 team members garnered United States Fencing Coaches Association All-Academic distinction, leading Central Collegiate Fencing Conference women’s programs in total selections. After this year, the team bids farewell to five members but invites six new exciting talents to carry on the program’s legacy.

jerrywu2027@u.northwestern.edu

Teams find footing under new leadership

By SHANNON TYLER daily senior staffer

@shannonmtyler

Before NU, Stratton-Mills spent the last six years at Arizona State University where she coached 11 Sun Devil women to All-American honors.

The team also added two new assistant coaches, Joe Bonk and Eddie Larios, this season.

Under new leadership with Rachel StrattonMills as director of the swimming and diving program, the men’s and women’s teams worked to find their footing in the 2023-2024 season. At the 2024 Big Ten Championships, the women placed seventh, a step down from last year’s sixth place, and the men placed sixth, a step up for them.

Standout swimmer graduate student Ayla Spitz set new highs for the team, breaking the women’s 500 Yard Freestyle record with a time of 4:38.00 and 200 Backstroke record with a time of 1:51.37.

Spitz represented the ’Cats in Athens, Georgia in March for the NCAA Championship. She raced in the 200 Backstroke, 500 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle. Graduate student Markie Hopkins represented the diving team competing in

the 3-meter diving championship. Former and current Wildcats are also competing on the world stage with three NU swimmers and one diver competing in the Olympics this summer including Ayla Spitz and David Gerchik swimming for Israel, Jaye Patrick diving for Latvia and Sophie Angus swimming for Canada.

shannontyler2025@u.northwestern.edu

SPRING

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Dominant Wildcats lean on new faces

By CHARLIE SPUNGIN

daily senior staffer

@CharlieSpungin

Coach Claire Pollard has only missed the NCAA tournament once since 1999, the year that she became the head coach for Northwestern.

Missing the 2023 NCAA tournament two seasons ago was an unusual blip in the program’s history, where the team was normally chalked into the NCAA tournament. This past season marked the Wildcats’ return to playing postseason tennis in May.

NU finished third in the Big Ten with a 19-8 overall record last season. The team reached the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, where it lost to Ohio State. Subsequently, the team flew to Malibu to face Arizona State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Sun Devils won in a tense 4-3 match.

The top three members of the ’Cats’ singles

lineup — No. 1 Maria Shusharina, No. 2 Justine Leong and No. 3 Christina Hand — are all departing the program due to graduation. Leong and Hand served as the top doubles team for NU, while Shusharina — a unanimous All-Big Ten Team selection — paired with fellow graduating player and No. 6 in the singles lineup Britany Lau at the No. 3 doubles slot.

Rising senior Sydney Pratt spent most of the season at the No. 4 singles spot, and she could be the leader for the team this year. In doubles, she paired with rising sophomore Neena Feldman, who is expected to become a mainstay in the singles lineup this year.

Rising senior and No. 5 Kiley Rabjohns will likely move higher in the lineup as well. A strong recruiting class consisting of Mika Dagan Fruchtman, Erica Jessel and Maia Loureiro will look to help the ’Cats reach yet another NCAA tournament.

charliespungin2027@u.northwestern.edu

NU continues rebuild campaign after ‘23

By CHARLIE SPUNGIN daily senior staffer @CharlieSpungin

Northwestern nished its 2022-23 season with a 21-10 record, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament. e team fell to No. 5 Kentucky in a close 4-3 ba le.

e top four players in the singles lineup in that nal match departed from the program, se ing the Wildcats on a path of rebuild. e No. 5 and No. 6 players for NU that year, Presley ieneman and Gleb Blehker, entered last season as the top two players for their senior seasons.

e two could not lead the ’Cats to the same level of play from the year prior. NU nished the season with a 10-19 record, nishing seventh in the Big Ten. Entering this coming season now, both ieneman and Blehker have graduated, leaving no player from the lineup against Kentucky still on the current roster.

Rising senior Saiprakash Goli is the favorite to assume the No. 1 slot, as he occupied the No. 3 slot

for nearly the entirety of last season. Also a rising senior, Felix Nordby — who was the team’s No. 4 last season — will be important for the team’s success in the coming season.

Rising sophomore Greyson Casey paired with ieneman at the top of the team’s doubles lineup and played most of the season at the No. 5 slot. He could prove to be an integral part of the team’s rebuild.

Rising senior Max Bengtsson, rising junior Chad Miller and rising sophomore Nick Herdoiza remain important pieces for next season’s roster.

charliespungin2027@u.northwestern.edu

‘Cats reload after national title defeat

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer

@jakeepste1n

When the clock struck triple zeros at WakeMed Soccer Park in May’s national title defeat to Boston College, Northwestern reached a dominant era’s conclusion. The NCAA Division I career goals record holder Izzy Scane and a flurry of transcendent seniors and graduate students walked off the collegiate field one last time.

Now, coach Kelly Amonte Hiller must manufacture a rapid resurgence for the Wildcats to capture their third consecutive Big Ten title and compete for the national crown in 2025.

The NU attack will look far different this spring, as five of the team’s top six scorers — Scane, Erin Coykendall, Dylan Amonte, Lindsey Frank and Mary Schumar — have graduated.

The offense will go as far as junior attacker Madison Taylor takes it, and the Tewaaraton Award finalist will now draw every team’s No. 1 defender. Penn graduate transfer Niki Miles

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packs a pivotal scoring presence, and she’ll link up with her sister, High Point transfer and senior attacker Jordan Miles.

The ’Cats return senior midfielder Samantha Smith, who has commanded the draw in her past two seasons. While Niki Miles may join the draw rotation alongside sophomore defender Madison Smith, expect senior midfielder Emerson Bohlig to take on an elevated role as a potential two-way-middie.

Apart from the younger Smith sister and senior defender Sammy White, Amonte Hiller’s defense presents more questions than answers

at this juncture. With Carleigh Mahoney and Kendall Halpern out of the fold, players like junior defender Kathryn Welch may need to make a major leap into the starting lineup. Between the pipes, junior goalkeeper Francesca Argentieri will likely be the Day 1 starter. Argentieri redshirted this past season. Although NU lost significant production to graduation in 2024, plenty of seasoned talent remains — and several first-years may be primed to burst onto the scene.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

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LACROSSE

WOMEN’S GOLF

Wildcats seek first NCAA title

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

Northwestern’s 2023-24 performance took consistency to a whole new level.

For the second year in a row, Northwestern earned multiple tournament wins and an NCAA Championship appearance, as well as Big Ten Coach of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and several all-conference honors.

The Wildcats, who peaked at No. 7 in the nation, earned consecutive victories at the PING/ASU Invitational and Silverado Showdown to cap off their impressive regular season. They followed that up with a third place finish at the Big Ten Championship and an 11th place result at the NCAA Championship — their highest since 2018.

This fall, six-time Big Ten Coach of the Year Emily Fletcher will look to replace the production of graduating seniors Jennifer Cai and Jieni Li, both of whom made the All-Big Ten First Team during their time at NU.

Leading the squad will once again be rising senior star Lauryn Nguyen, who recently became first ’Cat to earn WGCA and Golfweek All-American honors in the same season since 2020-21. Nguyen also collected an individual tournament win last season en route to earning an All-Big Ten First Team distinction for the second straight year.

Also poised to play a major role for NU is reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and AllBig Ten Second Team selection Ashley Yun. The rising sophomore led the ’Cats in the NCAA Championship, tying for 19th overall, and became the third NU player to earn freshman of the year honors in the last three years.

Juniors Dianna Lee and Jiayi Wang will look to make their mark after showing signs of promise over the past two seasons as the ’Cats welcome three incoming freshmen, all eager to fill in vacancies in the starting rotation.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

MEN’S GOLF

‘Cats launch Big Ten defense

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

Northwestern enjoyed a wildly successful 2023-24 campaign headlined by its first Big Ten Championship win since 2006. Sophomore Daniel Svärd’s also picked up his second consecutive conference title, making him only the third Wildcat to win multiple Big Ten individual championships.

NU’s postseason play was preceded by a strong regular season that included seven topfive results in 10 tournaments and runner-up finishes at the Cal Poly Invitational and Fighting Irish Classic.

The ’Cats also put up strong individual play as All-Big Ten First Team selections Svärd and Ethan Tseng both earned tournament victories while All-Big Ten Second Team selections Cameron Adam and James Imai both claimed top-10 finishes at the Big Ten Championship. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, 2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year David Inglis returns the majority of his squad with rising juniors Svärd and Tseng looking to lead the pack along with Adam, who is entering his final year with the program.

To help replace the production of the graduated Imai, Inglis brought in freshman Mark Gazi from Ireland, who will compete with sophomores Niall Shiels-Donegan and Archie Finnie for the last two spots in NU’s rotation. With a disappointing 12th place finish at the NCAA Regionals last season leaving much to be desired, Inglis and company hope to qualify for the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2018.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Team builds on last season’s progress

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

With first-year head coach Ben Greenspan at the helm for the 2024 season, Northwestern sought to revive its dormant program after losing 21 players to graduation and the transfer portal amid concerns about the team’s culture of bullying.

As yearlong Big Ten bottom-dwellers, the Wildcats

added eight more wins this year than they had in 2023.

While the ‘Cats struggled to connect hits at the plate, their biggest challenge emerged on the mound with a daunting 6.93 team ERA. Finding consistency in the rotation will be crucial for Greenspan’s group, particularly after graduating two pitchers who accounted for half of last season’s starts.

Offensively, NU retains many of its starters, including leaders like infielder Owen McElfatrick and catcher Bennett Markinson who have anchored the team through its nearly complete turnover since their

SOFTBALL

former coach’s indefinite suspension in 2023. Sophomore slugger Jackson Freeman is poised to play a pivotal role in the ‘Cats’ ongoing path toward success. In his first year, Freeman batted cleanup and tied McElfatrick with a team-high 11 home runs. With the first season of the Greenspan-era behind them, the ‘Cats will aim to capitalize on their progress from 2024 as they strive for their second winning season in this century.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

NU poised to make postseason run

By AUDREY PACHUTA daily senior staffer @audreypachuta

In a season destined for dropoff after losing five key players the previous season, Northwestern secured its sixth consecutive NCAA tournament berth in 2024.

Now, with the departure of Big Ten Pitcher of the Year graduate student Ashley Miller, the Wildcats will look to their young core to maintain their status as a perennial postseason contender.

With Miller in the circle this year, the ‘Cats collected

new hardware — adding another Big Ten regular season title to their trophy case after losing just three games to conference opponents all season.

Coach Kate Drohan’s squad will return seven batters in its starting lineup, but will need to fill the three and four spots after losing Hannah Cady and Angela Zedak.

NU also lost two pitchers from its rotation and will now rely more heavily on sophomore pitchers Riley Grudzielanek and Renae Cunningham.

After sustaining an injury and redshirting her senior season, Lauren Boyd will likely reclaim her stake as one of NU’s potential starters.

Boyd saw her career-best season in 2023 where she boasted a 2.24 ERA in 26 appearances. The ‘Cats offense will hinge on their dynamic junior trio. Kansas Robinson and Kelsey Nader were standout sophomores, boasting batting averages well above .350. Meanwhile, Bridget Donahey made significant strides from her freshman year, racking up 30 hits and launching eight home runs in 2024. Next season, Donahey looks poised to step into the heart of the lineup, while Robinson and Nader maintain their roles at the top of the order.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

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