Hello Wildcat Parents & Family Members, Happy President’s Day! Yes, it is still freezing here but the sun seems to be shining more and it is staying lighter out later so we are very hopeful that spring is on its way—regardless of what that darn groundhog says! The forecast actually calls for a heat wave this week—it may get as warm at 40 degrees! (If you weren’t aware, Chicagoans are eternally optimistic– if you’ve heard of the Chicago Cubs, you know we have no choice.) As you’ll see from this newsletter, our students and staff have not let the current weather slow them down. A major indicator that spring is on it’s way is the arrival of one of NU’s most beloved traditions, Dance Marathon (DM) which will start on March 7; the DM student executive board and its members have been working tirelessly to raise money for this enormous philanthropy and to make sure all of the event plans are in place. DM and much more are detailed in this issue of The Wildcat Family Focus. Soon after DM, our students will be preparing for finals, which begin March 17 and then it’s on to a much deserved Spring Break! Best Regards & As Always, Go ‘Cats! Patricia F. Hilkert Director of New Student and Family Programs Northwestern University
New Student and Family Programs 600 Haven St. J230 Evanston, IL 60208 family@northwestern.edu 847-467-6100
TEDX NORTHWESTERNU 2014 Want an antidote to the obesity problem? Ever wonder why Pluto was ousted from the solar system? Learn more when Northwestern University thought leaders from across campus and beyond gather April 12 for TEDx NorthwesternU 2014. Speakers will explore big ideas like putting mothers in the mix with doctors and dietitians to combat childhood obesity. Or how Pluto's demotion from planet status reflects people's everyday connection to science. This is the first-ever inclusive TEDx event at Northwestern to feature students, faculty and alumni on one stage for a full day of talks. TEDx NorthwesternU 2014 will focus on "crossing paths" -- or how our increasingly complex world is driven by new collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking. The TED organization brings together innovative thinkers and leaders from around the world. And its TEDx program enables individuals or groups like Northwestern to organize independent events in their own communities. TEDx NorthwesternU 2014 will be held Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the McCormick Tribune Center Forum, 1870 Campus Drive, Evanston. It will be streamed live in Fisk Hall 217 with a reception at the end of the event. From nearly 100 submissions, the TEDx executive committee and advisory board selected 12 speakers who will present in three sessions. Nikita Ramanujam, a junior in the School of Education and Social Policy and co-director of TEDx NorthwesternU 2014, led the speaker selection process. For more information on TEDx NorthwesternU 2014: Video of each speaker will be available after the event at TED Corporate, individual and community sponsorships are available. To sponsor or volunteer, contact Michele Weldon or Nikita Ramanujam For more information including list of speakers and topics, go to TEDx NorthwesternU 2014 Follow on Facebook and Twitter
Excerpted from 2/5/2014 Northwestern News article by Stephen Anzaldi
STUDY ABROAD GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT STUDIES INSTITUTE EXPANDS OPTIONS
Northwestern University students have new study abroad options now that the Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) has expanded its offerings to fall quarter. The GESI program, offered each summer since 2007, is now recruiting participants for its first fall study abroad. Offered through the Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies, GESI prepares undergraduates with the knowledge, tools and experiences to take on global challenges. The GESI program will take students to India, Uganda and the Dominican Republic during fall quarter 2014 (Sept. 15 through Dec. 12). During their time abroad, GESI students live in homestays and gain professional experience while interning with community-based organizations in the developing world. They address issues such as public health, education, women's empowerment and the environment through social entrepreneurship and community development. Open to students of all years and majors, GESI is a unique, credit-bearing program that combines rigorous academic coursework through intensive pre -trip training and a reflection summit with hands-on fieldwork. GESI participants implement a community development project while working in small, interdisciplinary teams. All students receive academic training in theories and tools of community development as well as team dynamics and leadership.
ALTERNATIVE STUDENT BREAKS
Alternative Student Breaks (ASB) seeks to educate Northwestern University students about specific social issues by immersing them in service-learning activities in a wide array of communities across the country. A student-run, student -driven organization, ASB strives to encourage lifelong social action by involving, educating, and heightening students’ social awareness during their time at Northwestern. ASB trips take place during the week prior to Wildcat Welcome and during winter and spring breaks. Since its inception at Northwestern in 1994, thousands of Wildcats have taken advantage of Alternative Student Breaks trips, speakers, and events. This spring break, ASB participants will be going all over the U.S., including places like Minnesota, New York City, New Orleans, and Arizona. Some students will even be heading to Costa Rica! Participants at twelve different sites and cities will be learning about a number of issues, ranging from homelessness to sea turtle conservation to immigration reform to sustainable farming. It's sure to be an AmazingSpringBreak!
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY A GLIMPSE INTO THE CLIMATE CHANGE CONVERSATION AT NORTHWESTERN Through the wind, snow, and the freezing as well as sweltering temperatures in the Chicagoland area, climate change is a topic of conversation at NU. Soon after the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences’ Two Degrees and You: An NU Approach to Climate Change installation opened at the University Library, Assistant Professor, Yarrow Axford’s article, “No, Global Warming Isn't Suddenly a Myth Because It's Really Cold Out,” was published in the U.S. News & World Report.
The Two Degrees and You installation promotes NU’s approach to climate change through science, innovative engineering, student initiatives, and strategic imperatives to reduce greenhouse gases and develop clean energy. The exhibit will run through March 21. Axford’s article highlights her frustrations with Donald Trump’s recent tweet, questioning climate change due to the cold weather. She asserts that although it is a common misperception to assume that global warming is a hoax when it is frigidly cold outside, climate change is not based on a season or even a year’s weather fluctuations, but rather decades of research.
NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER
WORK AT NORRIS! Is your student looking for a work-study job? We still have opportunities at the Norris Center. The flexible hours, leadership opportunities, and convenience of working close to home make Norris the ideal place to work! Eligible students can apply here. Above, current student workers are pictured. Current Open Jobs: Administration Assistant, Cashier's Office Attendant, Facilities Assistant, SOFO Attendant, & Student Affairs Marketing Graphic Designer.
COMING THIS SPRING: DUNKIN DONUTS Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to the ground floor of Norris this spring. Dunkin’ Donuts will provide additional options for meals, snacks, and drinks to the Northwestern community. The menu will feature the many familiar Dunkin’ items including a variety of coffee, donuts, and hot breakfast sandwiches. View the official announcement video here.
NORRIS CENTER BOOKSTORE & TECH CENTER
This quarter you can save up to 85% on the software your student needs at the Norris Bookstore. The Norris Tech Center, located within the bookstore, also offers education discounts on Apple computers as well as offers full-service support, service, and repairs. Click here for more info on the services offered at the Tech Center. By the way, the Norris Bookstore accepts Barnes & Noble gift cards for all merchandise, books, and Apple products!
NU HILLEL
MEGA-SHABBAT On Friday, January 31, more than 400 students, faculty, and staff from every part of the Northwestern community braved the polar vortex to join new and old friends at the Abel and Judy Friedman NU Mega-Shabbat. Click here to learn more about this campus-wide event. NU Mega-Shabbat is just one example of the myriad ways in which Jewish life has grown and flourished on campus in recent years. We are thrilled that this year's Mega-Shabbat launched Hillel's celebration of our 80th anniversary of enriching Jewish life at Northwestern. Stay tuned for further details about NU Hillel @ 80 as we continue to build on our success in the coming weeks and months.
NU HILLEL @ 80 NU Hillel is thrilled to invite you to a special reception on the North Shore for parents, alumni, and friends of NU Hillel at the home of NU alumni Jason and Lisa Howard on Tuesday, March 11. This year, Fiedler Hillel is marking its 80th anniversary at NU, so the theme will be "Celebrating 80 Years of Enriching Jewish Life at Northwestern." We are thrilled that the event will feature NU President Morton Schapiro and a performance by members of ShireiNU, NU's premier Jewish a cappella group. Please e-mail becky.panter@u.northwestern.edu to RSVP or to request more information. We hope to see you there!
MEDILL SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM A new year at Medill means more published student works, more prominent speakers and more engaging events. For a moment, however, it’s worth looking back on what was accomplished in the month of December. As 2013 came to a close, Medill professor Doug Foster wrote a piece for The Atlantic, students working for Medill Watchdog had their investigative series aired on local television, and the Northwestern community was invited to watch President Morton Schapiro’s favorite sports film with him, as Medill looks to launch its new Medill Sports program. Professors as Journalists: Professor Doug Foster wrote a piece for The Atlantic titled, “’Now I Can Die in Peace: Nelson Mandela’s Long Return Home” after the former South African President’s death. Read the article here. Medill Watchdog Medill Watchdog, a program that “investigates systematic problems in public institutions and strives to hold officials accountable for these failings,” allows student interns to works alongside professionals and produce top-notch investigative reporting. Medill Watchdog partnered with WGN Investigates on the series, “Judging the Judges,” which aired the first week of the month. The series investigates the judicial elections in Cook County and the failings of said elections. Learn more: http://medillwatchdog.org Fun at Medill After winter break, students were invited to guess President Morton Schapiro’s favorite sports film by tweeting their guess using the hashtag “#MovieWithMorty.” Schapiro joined students to watch “A League of Their Own” on Jan 13. The event was sponsored by Medill Sports Immersion Program, which offers a variety of opportunities to Medill students interested in sports journalism. Follow Medill Sports on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MedillSports
NU SPORTS MEDICINE The Northwestern University Health Service is proud to offer a newly remodeled sports and orthopedic medicine clinic. The clinic is led by the Director of Intercollegiate Sports Medicine and head team physician, Dr. Michael Milligan. He has a team of 3 full-time fellowship trained primary care sports medicine physicians and 3 certified athletic trainers. Our sports medicine team cares for the Northwestern University varsity athletic programs and now is available to provide the same excellent care for the general student body. Our new team is here to provide care for any student seeking evaluation and/or treatment of sports related injuries and other general orthopedic concerns including: Recent injuries Old/chronic injuries Strains and sprains Concussion evaluation and management Non-operative fracture care (x-rays, splinting, casting) Physical therapy referrals Injections, aspirations Referrals are no longer needed and students are encouraged to make appointments via web-booking, telephone, or in person. We are excited to have this group as part of our medical team so that we can continue to provide excellent and comprehensive care to the students of this university.
From left to right (Dr. Kristin Abbott, Dr. Ryan Cole, Dr. Rajat Jain, Dr. Michael Milligan, Marcus Washington, Natalie Kramer, Jennifer Shenberger)
NORTHWESTERN NEWS CAMPUS KITCHENS & NUCUISINE HELP END HUNGER Since 2001, NUCuisine, the Northwestern Dining program has been partnering with the local chapter of the non-profit group, The Campus Kitchens Project, The Campus Kitchens at Northwestern University (CKNU). Campus Kitchens is an organization that partners with high schools, colleges and universities to recover food from local dining halls. The unused food is then turned into meals that help feed the less fortunate in the local community. Last year, NUCuisine contributed roughly 80% of the total food collected by CKNU, donating nearly 25,000 pounds of food to help feed people throughout the Evanston and Chicago land area. For all your Northwestern Dining information, Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nucuisine.com.
NU SPORTS NEWS Men’s Basketball upsets No. 14 Wisconsin. Read more about their victory at http://www.nusports.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012914aac.html. Women’s Lacrosse to host game at Wrigley Field. Northwestern Athletics and the Chicago Cubs announced Nov. 4 that the Wildcats' seven-time NCAA champion women's lacrosse program will face Southern California at iconic Wrigley Field on Saturday, April 26, 2014. The game -- part of the event and reciprocal marketing partnership announced by Northwestern and the Chicago Cubs earlier this year -- will be played in primetime at 7 p.m. CT and be televised by the Big Ten Network. The matchup pits ultra-successful Northwestern head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller against one of her most successful former players and assistant coaches, 2006 Northwestern alum, USC head coach and current captain of the U.S. Senior National Team Lindsey Munday. Last spring, Northwestern and USC met in the first -ever lacrosse game at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and in 2014 will share the honor of introducing America's fastest growing sport to Wrigley Field. Read more at http://www.nusports.com/sports/w-lacros/specrel/110413aaa.html or check out the Women’s Lacrosse team season video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azpa8K8TkBI
RESIDENTIAL LIFE RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC INITIATIVES The Office of Residential Academic Initiatives provides diverse and interesting Chicago excursion opportunities to promote studentfaculty engagement. During Winter Quarter, the trips include a trek to The United Center to watch Chicago Bulls’ team strategy, a celebration of Lunar New Year at a restaurant in Chinatown, theater trips to Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier (The Merry Wives of Windsor ) and Apollo Theater (Million Dollar Quartet) as well as a NU Danceworks’ concert Hot Buttons. These events score high satisfaction feedback from surphoto by Nancy Anderson veyed attendees. The trips help provide students with experiences they may not have otherwise. The networking opportunities with affiliated students and faculty are also appreciated. In this photo, a faculty-student group gather during intermission to a recent trip to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Standing left to right: Alex Duner; Cailin Whisler; Arpan Doshi. Seated left to right: Alessandra Visconti (WCAS French & Italian); Maria Peeples; Luke Zhang.
BEST ROOM PHOTO CONTEST Northwestern University Residential Services is currently putting on a Best Room Photo Contest for all students living on campus! Winners will receive a $75 Downtown Evanston gift card. There will be one winning room for each category--which includes Best School Spirit, Best Theme, Best Decorated, and Best Creativity. Winners will be determined by the number of “Likes” each room receives on Facebook. To cast your vote and to stay informed of what is happening in the residence halls, be sure to ”Like” Northwestern University Residential Services on Facebook. For contest details visit www.bit.ly/NU-BestRoom!
UNIVERSITY SERVICES DOUBLEMAP SHUTTLE TRACKER University Services has launched a beta version of a new bus tracking application for Northwestern University shuttle riders. The system, called DoubleMap, delivers real-time information via GPS tracking. DoubleMap shows the location of the shuttles on each route and provides estimated wait times for shuttle stops. The beta version is live and available for use immediately at northwestern.doublemap.com. DoubleMap also offers free apps for Android and iPhone as well as a mobile version of the web app for use on other mobile devices. Please note: GPS trackers are installed in the 11 buses that are regularly assigned to NU’s shuttle system. Free Enterprise Systems (the motorcoach company that owns and operates the buses on NU’s behalf) must occasionally swap in different buses from their fleet, due to mechanical issues or other delays. Additionally, special coach buses are often used for the Frostbite shuttles. In these instances, some shuttles will not appear in DoubleMap. Free Enterprise Systems will install additional trackers in the coming weeks to help improve DoubleMap’s accuracy. How to access DoubleMap: Visit northwestern.doublemap.com Download the iPhone app from Apple’s App Store Download the Android app from Google Play For mobile users without an Android or iPhone, visit northwestern.doublemap.com. A version of the web application designed specifically for a mobile browser will load. The app displays only the routes currently in service. For complete shuttle routes and schedules, visit shuttle.northwestern.edu. How to provide feedback: In the coming weeks, University Services will make ongoing improvements to DoubleMap. We invite riders to submit feedback through any of these channels: Phone: 312-503-8129 Email: shuttle@northwestern.edu Twitter: @NU_SHUTTLES Comment Card: Available on buses and online
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MUSEUM Northwestern University is excited to announce its new partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, made possible by a generous donation from Shirley Welsh Ryan (WCAS61), the wife of Chicago businessman Patrick G. Ryan (EB59, H09) and a member of the museum's Board of Trustees. Through this partnership, undergraduate students are granted free admission to the museum, including all special exhibitions, lectures, and programs. These dynamic learning opportunities are aimed to serve a broad spectrum of audiences and designed to enhance perception and spur creativity. Students should bring their WildCard to secure free admission.
NORTHWESTERN NIGHT AT THE AIC On January 23rd, Northwestern held its first museum night at the Art Institute. 250 guests—undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni– attended, making it one of the strongest university gatherings the AIC has ever had. The event featured free transportation and dinner for undergraduate students and museum tours.
photo byJordan Harrison, The Daily Northwestern
DANCE MARATHON ABOUT “DM� Now in its 40th year, Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) is one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the nation. Since it was founded in 1975, Northwestern students have raised more than $14 million for more than 30 different beneficiaries. In 1975, Dance Marathon, the philanthropic child of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Associated Student Government, was born on the Northwestern University campus. It was called the "Dance to Give Them a Chance" marathon then, and it benefited the American Epilepsy Foundation and the National Association for Retarded Citizens. Fifteen couples made it through the fifty-two hour marathon, raising $9,100 at Blomquist Memorial Gymnasium. Today, Dance Marathon is one of the world's largest collegiate philanthropies!
DM TODAY Dance Marathon is a forty-year tradition that exemplifies true selflessness. NUDM is not a single thirty-hour event, but is actually months of hard work and devotion unifying a campus and a community. In its fortieth year, we are unbelievably excited to Join the Team in the fight against Duechenne Muscular Dystrophy. We have worked with so many unbelievable organizations, but it is in this year that we can truly invest ourselves in making a tangible change. It is Joseph, along with the other heroes that allow us to wake up each morning and know that each step we take will make the next day a little bit better.
SUPPORT DANCE MARATHON DM kicks of on March 7th and is proud to support Evanston Community Foundation and Team Joseph. If you wish to donate to DM, learn more about the beneficiaries, or find more details, visit http://fundraise.nudm.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS View PlanIt Purple for upcoming events and details at NU!
FEBRUARY 14TH—MARCH 2ND CABARET, THURSDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS Northwestern’s Theater and Interpretation Center present Cabaret. For ticket information and theater times, visit http:// www.communication.northwestern.edu/tic/performances/cabaret/.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 1-2 PM MSA INC: SPEAKER SERIES The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs hosts the winter quarter installment of their speaker series, MSA INC “Ring, Ring, Ring: Contemporary R&B and Mobile Technologies” featuring Dr. Alexander Weheliye. A scholar of Black literature, critical theory, social technologies, and popular culture, Dr. Weheliye’s talk will focus on how technology is influencing and shaping contemporary R&B music. A buffet lunch will be provided. Find more information at http:// planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/450984.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 7:15-9:30 PM NU MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. INDIANA Welsh-Ryan Arena. NU students can attend free with their WildCard. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.nusports.com/.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 6-7 PM CENTER FOR THE WRITING ARTS “CONVERSATION” CWA Writer in Resident, Alex Kotlowitz, holds this annual event with a special guest to discuss the art of storytelling. Join for the conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates, Senior Editor of "The Atlantic," with Q&A and book signing to follow. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http:// www.northwestern.edu/writing-arts/.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH DANCE MARATHON KICKS OFF!