NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PARENT AND FAMILY QUARTERLY
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A LETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF STUDY ABROAD
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NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
NEW PROGRAMS FROM NU CAREER SERVICES WILDCATS AROUND THE WORLD
CAMPUS INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY
NU ATHLETICS
A NEW UNIVERSITY HOUSING APPLICATION PROCESS
NORTHWESTERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Student Resources NU ARTS
NU GOING GREEN OFF-CAMPUS AMBASSADORS
THE 2012 FAMILY WEEKEND PHOTO BOOTH
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IN THIS ISSUE
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NU DANCE MARATHON 2013
WILDCATS WIN THE 2013 GATOR BOWL
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A LETTER FROM The Office of New Student and Family Programs Hello Parent and Family Members, On behalf of the New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) staff and the Northwestern University community, I’d like to wish you a happy new year! At his point in time, your student(s) are well into the winter quarter and may be feeling a little overwhelmed by their workload and the snow that has finally arrived. (However, if you are on the East coast, we recognize that it could be much worse- and we hope you are all coping!!!) This issue of the Parent & Family Quarterly provides a lot of information about various campus offices and resources that are available to assist your student(s) in their journey, as well as some highlights from our busy fall quarter. If you are anything like my mom, you will pass some of this information onto your student- who may not even be aware of some of these opportunities. On March 6, I will celebrate my one-year anniversary as Director of NSFP. In the time I have been at Northwestern, I have come to fully appreciate the “unique” culture of this amazing world-class University, and the brilliant and talented people that make up the student body. Each day, I am not only impressed by the intelligence of our students, but by their maturity, professionalism, sense of humor, and their sincere interest in learning - not just what interests them, but what could interest them. As the mother of two small children, I often worry that I am not being the best parent for my children. Quite frequently, I ask my student leaders how they turned out so well. I quiz them about what their parents or family members did to help create such remarkable individuals. Some of them can give me a laundry list and some cannot pinpoint it – however, what is consistent is the amount of love and support you have provided them throughout their lifetime to help them get to the level they are at now. This I know is a key factor in their success and will continue to be as they grow, develop and prepare for life beyond Evanston. Please know, that as Student Affairs administrators who work with your students on a daily basis, we are here to provide support (and challenge) to enrich their education and help them develop into responsibly independent world citizens. In addition, we are here to support you. If you ever have questions, concerns, or are just not sure where to go for assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs and we would be more than happy to help in any way. Please enjoy the latest edition of the Parent and Family Quarterly, and we look forward to hearing from you and seeing you the next time you are on campus. Best Regards & Go ‘Cats!, Patti Hilkert Director of New Student and Family Programs
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Wildcat Welcome is looking for Peer Advisers
Pictured: the 2012 Wildcat Welcome Peer Advisors
Do you remember those students dressed in brightly colored t-shirts during Wildcat Welcome? They helped you move into the residence halls, communicated with your student throughout the summer and spent hours helping him/her transition to Northwestern. That was a Peer Adviser; they are the student leaders who support new students through their transition to Northwestern and create a welcoming atmosphere for both new students and family members. If your student is interested in helping shape the experience for the Class of 2017 and new transfer students, encourage them to apply online between February 4-18, 2013. Undergraduate students from all classes, schools, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Here’s what some 2012 Peer Advisors had to say about their experience: “The most rewarding experience I have had at Northwestern so far!” -2012 Peer Adviser “The group of 200 Peer Advisers is “a group of people that truly care.” -2012 Peer Adviser “I could not love Northwestern any more than after serving as a PA.” -2012 Peer Adviser Students can apply online February 4-18, 2013 at northwestern.edu/orientation
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2012 NU Family Weekend Photo Booth
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Wildcats Around the World
Plans are already under way for what will be the Third Annual International Parent and Family Orientation, to be held in Fall 2013. 2012 marked the second time the International Office presented this program, which was developed in response to increasing interest from parents of incoming international undergraduates accompanying their students on their move to Evanston. The 2012 program, held over five days preceding Wildcat Welcome, was presented in conjunction with the annual International Undergraduate Student Orientation, now in its fifth year. This program is specifically tailored to the unique experience of matriculating international students and “third culture kids� (students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but grew up overseas). The International Office, along with the invaluable and tireless efforts of our International Peer Advisers who are selected and trained in the winter and spring, guide international students and their families through their transition to student life at Northwestern. Since many parents are unable to stay throughout Wildcat Welcome, this program provides valuable resources and insights that will help them support their newly minted Wildcats throughout their careers at Northwestern. Over 100 parents and siblings of international undergraduates attended this event in 2012, participating in a variety of activities throughout the five day program, including campus tours, meals in the dining hall, shopping trips coordinated jointly by the International Office and NU Shuttle Service, an NU Men’s Varsity Soccer game, and welcome barbeque. Additionally, a program specifically for parents was presented at Norris University Center on September 17, 2012, which included information on academic advising, resources and opportunities at NU, and other information pertinent to our internationally residing parents. The International Office expects to see a significant increase in participation as this program continues to grow and develop and are excited to have the opportunity to further enrich the experience of all members of the Wildcat family.
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NU Athletics Women’s Lacrosse Five-time National Coach of the Year Kelly Amonte-Hiller has begun her 12th season at the helm of Northwestern Lacrosse. The top-ranked team looked every bit like the defending NCAA champions in its 2013 season-opener, cruising past No. 14 Massachusetts, 16-4 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Visit the Women’s Lacrosse website to find more stories and the 2013 season schedule. Last spring, the Wildcats finished the season with a 21-2 record and defeated Syracuse, 8-6, in the 2012 national title game at Stony Brook University on Long Island.
The 2012 NU Women’s Lacrosse team and NCAA champions.
Men’s Soccer
The Wildcats finished the regular season with 11 points (3-1-2), securing a share of the 2012 Big Ten Title alongside co-champion Penn State (3-1-2, 11 points).
Northwestern Men's Soccer Class of 2013 and head coach Tim Lenahan, pictured above.
Men’s & Women’s Basketball
Basketball season is officially underway! Both the Men’s and Women’s teams have started the 2013 seasons with solid plays and promising results. With a slew of games coming down the pipeline, visit the athletics website to find up-to-date results, news, and schedule. Women’s Basketball website Men’s Basketball website
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VICTORIOUS!! ‘Cats Win the 2013 Gator Bowl
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The Northwestern University football team jumped out to a fast 13-0 lead and never looked back during the 2013 TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl. The ‘Cats rode an NU-bowl-record four interceptions to a 34-20 victory over Mississippi State, and a 10-win season. NU's 10-3 record marks the first double-digit win season since the 1995 Big Ten Championship team, of which current head coach Pat Fitzgerald was a member. The Gator Bowl victory also gives Fitzgerald his 50th win as NU's head coach, making him Northwestern's all-time leader in victories. The game marked NU's 11th all-time bowl appearance, and fifth straight bowl game.
Complete bowl game information and merchandise can be found at NUsports.com.
Photos Courtesy of NU Athletics
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STUDENT Athletes by the numbers 332 out of 486 student athletes (68%) achieved GPAs of 3.00 and higher
148 achieved GPAs of 3.50 or higher 23 earned PERFECT 4.00 GPAs Top performers at 3.30 or better: Cross Country: 3.40 Women’s Swimming & Diving: 3.39 Lacrosse: 3.36 Field Hockey: 3.31 Women’s Soccer:3.30
Patrick Ward, was a finalist for the Academic Heisman with a 3.94
GPA in Me-
chanical Engineering, and
graduated two quarters early.
7th American Football Coaches Association Academic Achievement Award for 100% Football
17 out of 19 Teams achieved team GPAs above 3.0 , all teams above 2.92
Graduation Success Rate More than 90 Academic All-Big Ten awards during the 2012 Fall season for the second consecutive year.
TWO academic All Americans, both football #1 in Academic BCS for football
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A Letter from the Study Abroad Office Dear Northwestern Parents, The beginning of a new year iswhen one is inclined to reflect on the past and build anticipation for the future. The past year has certainly given the Study Abroad office much to reflect upon:
A new and more user-friendly study abroad website: (www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/); Our move one block north (629 Colfax Street) to a completely refurbished building with private offices for advisers; A new on-line study abroad application that’s more accessible to students and their advisers; and A new position: Associate Director for International Safety and Security, filled by Julie Friend, a national leader in the field.
Every year, about 33% of each graduating class studies abroad for credit and behind those numbers stands a whole team of Northwestern educators and administrators who make it possible. Our staff collaborates closely with faculty and colleagues in a wide spectrum of offices on campus, ranging from Student Affairs, Financial Aid, the Registrar, and Fellowships, to the Office of International Program Development and the Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies and The Center for Global Engagement.
However, there would be no study abroad if it were not also for Northwestern parents and family support. We’re indebted to every parent whose daughter or son has either studied abroad, is currently studying abroad, is in the process of applying for permission to study abroad, or who has even considered study abroad. Thank you very much!
Before I close, a couple of things I’d like to share:
First, a note on our new website: Please check out the special segment for families at http://www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/families/index.html, and please let us know if you have any suggestions for how we might improve these pages. (E.g.: Is there anything else you’d like to know about study abroad at Northwestern?) Our web pages are only as good as the feedback we get. You may contact us by email at studyabroad@northwestern.edu Finally, we’ve put a large banner over the entrance to our new office. It reads: Explore – Engage – Discover – Lead. We take these words seriously. Simply put, Northwestern University is committed to offering all of our undergraduates more opportunities around the globe because an informed international perspective is vitally important for future leaders, regardless of their profession. So, yes, “Go Cats!”…and “Go Abroad, Cats!” Sincerely,
Bill Anthony Director, Study Abroad Office
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Student Life NU Dance Marathon! March 8-10, 2013 It’s already a record breaking year for Northwestern University Dance Marathon 2013 (NUDM). With more than 1,400 students registering to dance, and an unprecedented amount of committee members, it’s safe to say that this year’s Dance Marathon will be spectacular. NUDM is the largest entirely student-run philanthropy in the country. The outstanding organization recently won a “Classy Award” for being the most influential college philanthropy, and has raised more than $1 million in each of the past two years. In what is widely considered the best “party” of the year, students will gather in a tent outside of Norris March 8-10 to dance for 30 hours straight. The energy is electric and contagious both during the event and all throughout the year, during which time there are weekly events supporting NUDM. This year’s fundraising efforts will benefit the Danny Did Foundation, a local non-profit founded by Mike and Marianna Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their 4-year-old son Danny. The foundation works to raise awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and provide medical devices to families in need. NUDM will also benefit the Evanston Community Foundation, a charity that gives grants to local non-profits. NUDM brings all parts of the Northwestern community together, whether it’s through “mini-DMs” at local high schools, the upcoming alumni gala, or the brand new multicultural dancer group. Always striving to carry proud the message of one Northwestern, we invite you learn more or donate at nudm.org.
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Campus Inclusion and Community Dr. Lesley-Ann Brown is the new Director of Campus Inclusion and Community (DCIC) at Northwestern University. The mission of the DCIC is to work collaboratively with the entire university community to create opportunities for dialogue, experiential learning, leadership development, multicultural education, social justice training, and advocacy aimed at fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students. The Inclusion Task force was formed in the Fall 2012 quarter to assist with the development and implementation of various programs and services that will be executed from the DCIC. This group of 22 dedicated student leaders representing every academic school reflects the richness and depth of diversity that exists within the Northwestern student body. The Inclusion Task Force is broken into four working groups: Dialogue, Education and Training, Marketing, and Operations. Below you will find some information about the accomplishments of the Inclusion Task Force Working Groups. To learn more about the DCIC please visit www.northwestern.edu/inclusion
On Monday, January 21, Northwestern kicked off a week of events in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The university was closed in recognition of the holiday, but students were encouraged to take part in a day of service. Northwestern students and Evanston middle-schoolers engaged in a variety of service projects throughout the Chicago area. A candlelight vigil was also held later in the evening featuring an address by Napoleon Harris; an NU alumnus, newly elected Illinois State Senator (15th District), former member of the NU football team and first-round draft pick in the NFL. Commemorations continued throughout the week, featuring the work of Terry Adkins on display at the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, as well as a panel discussion of “Immigration Through an Ethical Lens: The Challenges of Lawyers and Doctors of Working with Undocumented Immigrants.” Singer, actor, and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte (pictured, left) was a special guest of the university this week. On Saturday, January 26, the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art screened “Sing Your Song,” a documentary focusing on Belafonte’s life and work. On Monday, January 28, Belafonte delivered the keynote address at Pick-Staiger Hall for the university-wide observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Student Life Students Learn to Conserve with Green Cup Every February, students living on campus participate in Green Cup, an annual competition aimed at reducing electricity and water usage in residence halls and Greek
taking shorter showers, and utilizing power strips and clothes drying racks.
houses. Organized by Students for Ecological and
Residence halls realized a 4 percent reduction in both water and
Environmental Development (SEED), with support from
electricity usage and Greek houses averaged a 9 percent
the Office of Sustainability, Green Cup engages students
reduction - representing a savings of $5,195 of electricity and
in behavior change and teaches them the impact of their
$305 of water. Four winners will be announced at the end of
daily activities. Last year, students saved 363,261 gallons
February for residences with dining halls, residences without
of water and 73,375 kWh of electricity through simple
dining halls, fraternities, and sororities. Winners of this heated
actions like sharing fridges,
competition earn bragging rights, a prize, and the right to the Green Cup trophy for the year.
“Last year, students saved 363,261 gallons of water and 73,375 kWh of electricity — representing a savings of $5,195 of electricity and $305 of water.”
Off-Campus Life Off-Campus Life, housed within the Dean of Students Office, is excited to announce the new Off-Campus Ambassadors (OCA) position beginning January 2013. OCAs are undergraduate student staff members who provide community building and more localized attention (“eyes and ears”) to the issues and individuals in these Off-Campus communities. OCA’s will plan, market, coordinate, as well as facilitate events and programs focused on neighborhood relations, Evanston Landlord/Tenant Law, living/ learning skills and approved social events for Off-Campus students. OCA’s will help Off-Campus students stay connected with the NU Campus programs, educational resources and events. The new Ambassadors are Mike Morgan, a junior studying environmental sciences; Chloe Woodhouse, a junior studying Science in Human Culture and Anthropology; and Wilson Shirley, a sophomore from Lexington, Kentucky. If you would like to contact the Off-Campus Ambassador staff, send your correspondence to: OCAmbassadors@northwestern.edu
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Student Resources The Northwestern Alumni Association: A Resource for Students
The Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) strives to meet the needs of alumni — and future alumni — in meaningful
To nurture that Wildcat pride and reach our worldwide
ways. In fact, Northwestern students actually become part of
community of alumni and parents, the NAA sponsors young alumni
the alumni community from the moment they arrive on
chapters; regional, international, and affinity clubs; educational
campus. The NAA works to engage students through a broad
programs; and networking/career events in select cities. In recent
range of programming, including career exploration,
years, the NAA has expanded programs focusing on key areas in
leadership opportunities, and networking.
Northwestern’s strategic plan, as well as on the economy, career
Last year, participation in the Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) — a one day job-shadowing experience that pairs students with alumni across the nation — increased significantly as 225 alumni hosted a record 334 students.
services, life skills, and professional development. Alumni also stay connected to the University through multimedia opportunities on the NAA website (alumni.northwestern.edu) and through the NAA’s official presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Further, the Council of One Hundred — a nationwide mentoring group of distinguished alumnae that helps equip Northwestern women for success — conducted sessions
Parent Involvement
attended by more than 600 students and young alumnae.
Gifts to the Northwestern Parents’ Fund provide the
And, more than 1,000 students — 50 percent of graduating seniors — took part in an assortment of events during Senior Week, which is co-sponsored by the NAA.
University with valuable resources that can directly benefit students, such as financial aid packages, undergraduate research support, and student-requested upgrades in academic buildings to enhance the learning environment. We hope you will consider joining over 30 percent of Northwestern parents who generously donate to this Fund every year. You can make a contribution to the Parents’ Fund online at giving.northwestern.edu.
Student Resources
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University Career Services The University Career Services office isn’t just for help in resume writing and post-graduation career hunt. Internships, externships, and other job opportunities for students offer valuable experience that will augment their academic efforts. The UCS office is available to help connect students with internship opportunities, networking events, and more. The following are some programs that students may find helpful for the coming summer internship season. Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) www.northwestern.edu/sigp Unpaid summer internships can be a financial burden to many Northwestern families. Because of this, students sometimes have to turn down potential career-enhancing experiences to take a part-time job unrelated to their career. The SIGP program offers a stipend to students completing unpaid internships. Encourage your student(s) to seek funding and career development support through application to SIGP, administered by University Career Services. To see if your student(s) qualify to be a 2013 SIGP Fellow please visit our website. Application Deadline is April 15, 2013.
NEXT Program The Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) is a one-day, job-shadowing program that connects NU students and alum to offer an insider's view of daily activities in a variety of professions. Hundreds of externships will be available in a variety of fields, including health care, law, finance, consulting, journalism, advertising/public relations, education, and more! This is a jointly sponsored program by University Career Services and Northwestern Alumni Association. Student Registration for NEXT 2013 will open on January 22, 2013 and run through February 11, 2013. Visit www.alumni.northwestern.edu/next for additional information and to register for NEXT. University Career Services, 75th Anniversary University Career Services is celebrating our 75th anniversary on campus with a series of special events. We will begin Winter Quarter with a Library Exhibit (Main Library, 1st. floor, New Book Alcove) from January 15 th to February 28th. Included in the exhibit are photos, archival materials, career books, and other UCS artifacts. All serve as important reminders about how much careers, career preparation, and job search have changed over the generations! We are honoring “Generations of Personalized Service”.
New Undergraduate Housing Applications Important Update Is your student planning to live in on-campus housing this year? Northwestern has updated the undergraduate housing application procedures! New policies and procedures are in effect for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Residence halls will close for the end of the academic year at 12pm, noon on June 15, 2013. Please plan accordingly.
For detailed housing application guidelines and information, please visit : http://www.northwestern.edu/living/assignments/application/index.html
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Student Resources
Student life can get stressful and overwhelming! The good news is, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) center at Northwestern is here to help. The center offers stress management sessions, meditation groups, and more. Students can even drop in to sit in one of the “egg” chairs designed for relaxation. Below are just some of the sessions and workshops scheduled for Winter Quarter. Wellness and Performance Enhancement Workshops—Winter 2013 Workshops are free and available to students only. For a full list of events and registration, go to: https://go.dosa.northwestern.edu/caps_workshops/ Location: CAPS Life Skills Center; 3rd Floor Searle Hall; 633 Emerson St. EVANSTON CAPS STRESS MANAGEMENT CLINIC: Biofeedback: A Four-Part Workshop (Please note that registration is preferred.) Mondays, 1:00-2:00 pm Session I: January 14, 28, February 4, 11 Session II: February 18, 25, March 4, 11 Relaxation Techniques: A Four-Part Workshop Mondays, 2:00-3:00 pm Session I: January 14, 28, February 4, 11 Session II: February 18, 25, March 4, 11 Drop-In Meditation Group (registration not required) Mondays, 3:30-4:00 pm January 14 – March 11 (not offered January 21 - University Holiday) Stress Management 101: A Four-Part Workshop Fridays, 1:00-2:00 pm Session I: January 18, 25, February 1, 8 Session II: February 15, 22, March 1, 8 Introduction to Mindfulness: A Four-Part Workshop Fridays, 2:00-3:00 pm Session I: January 18, 25, February 1, 8 Session II: February 15, 22, March 1, 8 Drop-In Stress Management and Peak Performance Training CAPS Stress Management Resource Center, Rm. 3.234, Searle Hall (registration not required) Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00 pm; Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 pm; and Thursdays, 2:00-5:00 pm January 15 – March 21 Counseling and Psychological Services 847.491.2151 www.northwestern.edu/counseling
The CAPS website has a specific page for parents which can be found here: http://www.northwestern.edu/counseling/parents/index.html
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Northwestern
‘s the Arts
Northwestern students are known for their affinity for the arts, and they have the talent to back it up! The following are just a few highlights of winter and spring productions and spotlights. For more information, please visit: http://www.northwestern.edu/campus-life/arts/index.html
Winter 2012 Opera Performances of Northwestern Opera Theater’s Chicago-area premiere of “The Grapes of Wrath,” an opera based on John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel, take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Northwestern’s Winter 2013 production will feature a cast of approximately 60 students and include guest baritone Robert Orth, who will reprise the role of Uncle John he sang in the opera’s 2007 premiere. Orth is a leading vocalist with major opera companies in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra director Hal France, a specialist in contemporary American repertoire and a Northwestern University alumnus, is the music director. Set designer Collette Pollard, whose many credits include sets for Writers’ Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and the Goodman Theatre, is a Northwestern alumna.
Spring 2013 Opera Claudio Monteverdi’s Baroque opera “L’incoronazione di Poppea” (“The Coronation of Poppea”), with libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 24 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25. It will be sung in Italian with English supertitles. In “L’incoronazione di Poppea,” Poppea, the mistress of Emperor Nerone, is determined to ascend the throne -- whatever the costs. This story of love, deception, murder and betrayal is as relevant today as in Monteverdi’s time.
For more information, call the Pick-Staiger Concert Office at (847) 491-5441 or visit www.pickstaiger.org. To order tickets call the Pick-Staiger Ticket Office at (847) 4674000 or visit www.pickstaiger.org.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $6 for students and will go on sale in mid-February.
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NU Dolphin Show Presents 'My Fair Lady' The 71st Annual Dolphin Show recently staged its 2013 production of My Fair Lady to rave reviews at Cahn Auditorium, on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. Presented by Arts Alliance -- the oldest and largest student arts organization at Northwestern University -- The Dolphin Show is one of the country’s largest student–produced musicals. The Dolphin Show evolved from a 1940s swim team fundraiser to an annual professional-caliber musical production. Working on every aspect of the production, the students serve as onstage talent and behind-thescenes crew members, marketing managers and fundraisers. For more information visit www.nudolphinshow.org.
Northwestern Violinist a YouTube Smash Sophomore Jun Sung Ahn rocks YouTube with his covers of hits like 'Gangnam Style' - the global hit by Korean pop star, Psy. Having spent the last decade becoming a classically trained violinist, the 19-year old student records covers of popular songs featured on his YouTube channel.
Check out Ahn on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/JuNCurryAhn
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New Student and Family Programs 600 Haven St, Room J230 Evanston, IL 60208 Email: orientation@northwestern.edu Phone: 847-467-6100
Northwestern University Division of Student Affairs Our mission is to educate students, engage the community, and enrich the Northwestern experience. For more information: www.northwestern.edu/student affairs Office of Student Engagement seo@northwestern.edu