Leadership Symposium

A Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) tradition since 1964, the annual Northwestern Leadership Symposium provides complimentary programming to help volunteers motivate and grow their communities.

Featuring sessions led by industry-leading faculty and experienced NAA volunteers, there are ample opportunities for alumni to share their knowledge with each other, build and deepen their networks, and discover tools to enhance and strengthen their volunteer and leadership experience. Insights shared during the program can be applied in their professional and personal lives as well.

The NAA is excited to bring together our valued volunteers, who play a vital role in working with us to develop inspiring programs, spark deeper relationships with one another, and ensure all alumni feel welcome in our community.

This fall, the Northwestern Leadership Symposium occurs immediately following Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2026 and will be held in person on the Evanston campus. Select sessions will be recorded and shared on the website after the event. Registration will open this summer. Stay tuned for more details.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis to those who would otherwise be unable to attend the Leadership Symposium. If financial support would make participation possible, please contact Lindsay Vahl Dean, assistant vice president for Alumni Engagement and executive director of the Northwestern Alumni Association, to arrange a confidential conversation. If you are interested, conversations must be scheduled no later than mid-September 2026.

Email volunteer@northwestern.edu with questions.