Schedule

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences presents its 37th annual Leopold Lecture, featuring Admiral (ret) Lisa M. Franchetti ’85, U.S. Navy 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. The Leopold Lecture series, established in 1990 by former students to honor eminent diplomatic historian Richard W. Leopold, has brought distinguished speakers to Northwestern’s campus for over three decades. Reconnect with a Weinberg College tradition rooted in Leopold’s legacy of dedicated teaching and mentorship that shaped generations of graduates. This event is free to attend, but tickets are required. Learn more about the Leopold Lecture and secure your tickets today.

With a completely rebuilt and reimagined Ryan Field capturing national attention this season, all eyes are on the Wildcats. Northwestern Libraries and University Historian Kevin Leonard ’77, ’82 MS present a speaker series highlighting the past, present, and future of Northwestern Football.

Join Pat Ryan Jr. ’97 JD, MBA for an exciting presentation on the origins and development of the largest college stadium project ever. Home to the next generation of Wildcats football, this $875 million initiative will transform game-day experiences and establish the new Ryan Field as a community asset.

This program is supported by the Leonard Lecture and Exhibit Series Fund, which was made possible through the generosity of the Brown and Anderson families. Space is limited; register here.

CIERA presents the 2026 Annual Public Lecture, “The Search for Signs of Life Beyond Earth,” featuring Professor Sara Seager, North Star Distinguished Professor, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto. Register here.

Hosted by the NU Black Alumni Association (NUBAA), Black ’Cats Connect will link alumni and students on a personal and professional level. Email nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu with any questions. Learn more and register.

Come to the Homecoming and Reunion check-in to pick up your official Homecoming and Reunion Weekend name badge along with this year’s exclusive giveaways.

Get reacquainted with campus by taking a tour, led by fellow Reunion alumni and current students! See how campus has changed and what has stayed the same. Pedestrian tours are offered on fully accessible routes and are open to all, including those using mobility aids.

We’re inviting alumni of all ages for a casual buffet-style lunch to kick off your day on campus. $30; pre-registration is recommended

Grab a scoop and celebrate 175 years of Northwestern! Join students, faculty, staff and alumni on Cohen Lawn for an all-campus ice cream social marking this milestone in Northwestern’s history. President Chiang will offer brief remarks before joining the community for an informal afternoon of conversation and celebration.

Enjoy lunch in the dining commons of either Allison Hall or Elder Hall. The dining commons offer daily specials, plus a made-to-order grill, deli sandwiches, a salad bar, and a soup station. Kosher and halal options available. Please note that only debit and credit card payments will be accepted. $19, pay at the door.

Attend this special event with the 2026 Northwestern Alumni Medalists as they discuss how the University shaped their lives and careers. This event will be livestreamed.

Weinberg College presents a special live edition of its signature series, Conversations with the Dean, featuring Adrian Randolph, dean of Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and Joel Mokyr, Robert H. Strotz Professor of Arts and Sciences, professor of Economics and History,  and recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Join us to learn about Mokyr’s 50-year history at Northwestern, his research on economic growth and progress, and his tremendous year. Discover more about Professor Mokyr and the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

This event will be livestreamed.

Alumni and students are invited to enjoy light snacks on the second floor of Norris University Center while meeting current Northwestern student groups and learning more about how they engage on campus.

Get reacquainted with campus by taking a tour, led by fellow Reunion alumni and current students! See how campus has changed and what has stayed the same. Pedestrian tours are offered on fully accessible routes and are open to all, including those using mobility aids.

Join fellow Wildcats in celebrating the traditions and connections that make Northwestern special. Alumni are invited to sign the Rock, enjoy a complimentary snack from a local vendor, and have your moment captured by a professional photographer.
Weather permitting for outdoor event
Snacks offered while supplies last

Join us before your class Reunion party! Engage with NU-A5 members and board leadership, get updates on upcoming programming and our community’s impact, and learn how to make a difference in your alumni community. Free and open to all alumni, students, and friends. Registration link coming soon.

Join us for a free event where alumni, students, and friends can reconnect and celebrate NUBAA’s shared legacy. Email nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu with any questions. Learn more and register.

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

*Pre-registration is recommended.

Join your fellow NUMBALUMS to celebrate and reminisce about the good old days! $40 per person. Learn more and register.

Get ready for the ultimate Homecoming and Reunion Weekend celebration at the N Zone—the official Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) tailgate. Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with Purple Pride! 

Advance tickets include food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail; $60 adults, $30 guests ages 18 and under.

A Homecoming football game ticket is required for tailgate entry.

Planning to connect with an affinity group or alumni club? Details about additional tailgate opportunities will be available soon.

LANU is excited to welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate Homecoming with the Latine comunidad. Vamos a comer y bailar as we cheer on the ’Cats. We hope to see you all there!

Free to alumni; suggested donation appreciated for guests. Registration link coming soon.

Join NUBAA for a lively tailgate complete with food, music, and fellowship leading up to the game. $10 per person. Additional details, including time and location, TBA. Email nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu with any questions. Learn more and register.

Cheer on our Northwestern Wildcats as they take on take on the Ball State Cardinals at the new Ryan Field. Get tickets.

Please contact newryanfield@northwestern.edu or +1 888-467-8775 if you have questions regarding Homecoming football game tickets. 

Get reacquainted with campus by taking a tour, led by fellow Reunion alumni and current students! See how campus has changed and what has stayed the same. Pedestrian tours are offered on fully accessible routes and are open to all, including those using mobility aids.

Enjoy lunch in the dining commons of either Allison Hall or Elder Hall. The dining commons offer daily specials, plus a made-to-order grill, deli sandwiches, a salad bar, and a soup station. Kosher and halal options available. Please note that only debit and credit card payments will be accepted. $19, pay at the door.

Join us for this concert showcasing several of Northwestern's top musical student ensembles. This event will be livestreamed.

Join NUBAA to close out Saturday in style. A can’t-miss event with great vibes, and great company. Additional details TBA. Email nubaa@alum.northwestern.edu with any questions. Learn more and register.

Members of the Half Century Club (alumni who graduated in 1976 or earlier) are invited to a special brunch to celebrate this milestone. $40; pre-registration is recommended. (Sponsored by the Henry and Emma Rogers Society)

Join fellow Wildcats in celebrating the traditions and connections that make Northwestern special. Alumni are invited to sign the Rock, enjoy a complimentary snack from a local vendor, and have your moment captured by a professional photographer.
Weather permitting for outdoor event
Snacks offered while supplies last

Take in architectural highlights of Northwestern’s campus from the comfort of a bus.