For more than 50 years, A Day With Northwestern in Evanston has drawn more than 300 alumni, students, parents, and friends for a full day of presentations and lectures on timely topics from prominent Northwestern faculty and alumni. Attendees may personalize their class schedule with different lectures that spark their interest—on the arts, science, journalism, medicine, and more—to continue their lifelong learning with fellow alumni and friends.
Featured Sessions
Empowering Change: Northwestern Prison Education Program
Making New Musicals at Northwestern: A Lecture and Performance
A Day With Northwestern includes opening and closing keynotes, plus topics for three different sessions. Participants can select one lecture per session.
Opening Keynote Panel
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Empowering Change: Northwestern Prison Education Program
Discussion:
- Jennifer Lackey, Wayne and Elizabeth Jones Professor of Philosophy, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
- James Soto ’23, Northwestern Prison Education Program, Cohort 1
Morning Sessions
10:30–11:30 a.m.
How to Reinvent Who You Are, Unlock Your Hidden Greatness, and Transform Your Impact on the World
Andrew Sykes, Adjunct Professor of Executive Education, Kellogg School of ManagementMeasuring Biological Age in Humans: Navigating the Journey to Health-Span Extension
Douglas Vaughan, Director of the Potocsnak Longevity Institute, Irving S. Cutter Professor of Medicine Emeritus, Feinberg School of MedicineChange at the Speed of News
Mackenzie Warren ’00, Director of Local News Accelerator, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing CommunicationsAshir Badami ’07 MS, Senior Lecturer, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
Afternoon Sessions
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northwestern: How Women Are Making an Impact
Hayes Ferguson, Director and Clinical Professor, Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, McCormick School of EngineeringSonia Kim (’22 P), Executive Director, Querrey InQbation Lab
Hear Me Out: The Science of Listening in a Noisy World
Bharath Chandrasekaran, Ralph and Jean Sundin Endowed Professor; Department Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of CommunicationSecuring the World with AI-Some Adventures
V.S. Subrahmanian, Walter P. Murphy Professor of Computer Science, McCormick School of Engineering; Faculty Fellow at the Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global AffairsLate Afternoon Sessions
1:45–2:45 p.m.
The Sacred Twist: Building a Brand with Intention and Purpose
Kim Oster-Holstein ’90 MS, Co-Founder, Chief Alchemy Officer, Twisted AlchemyHow to Succeed in Television (While Really Trying)
Rebecca Windsor ’98, Television Executive and ProducerSabrina Eisenstadt ’00, Television Executive and Producer
Revolutionizing Robot Dexterity
Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity Engineering Research Center (HAND ERC) Panelists:J. Edward Colgate, Walter P. Murphy Professor of Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering; HAND ERC Director
Kevin Lynch, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering; HAND ERC Research Director
Brenna Argall, Professor of Computer Science and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering; Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine; HAND ERC Intelligent Dexterity Thrust Lead
Closing Keynote Discussion
3–4 p.m.
Making New Musicals at Northwestern: A Lecture and Performance
Masi Asare, Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies, School of CommunicationWhen
Saturday, April 26, 20258:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location
Norris University Center
Northwestern University
1999 Campus Drive
Evanston
(Map)
Schedule
| Check-in and Breakfast | 8:30–9:15 a.m. |
| Opening Keynote Panel | 9:15–10:15 a.m. |
| Break | 10:15–10:30 a.m. |
| Morning Sessions | 10:30–11:30 a.m. |
| Lunch | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. An assortment of complimentary boxed lunches will be available. |
| Afternoon Sessions | 12:30–1:30 p.m. |
| Break | 1:30–1:45 p.m. |
| Late Afternoon Sessions | 1:45–2:45 p.m. |
| Break | 2:45–3 p.m. |
| Closing Keynote Discussion | 3–4 p.m. |
Price
| Current Northwestern students (graduate and undergraduate) | $10 |
| Recent alumni (undergraduate years 2014–24) | $40 |
| Alumni and friends | $65 |
Parking
Campus parking restrictions are waived on Saturday. Free parking is available in the South Campus Parking Garage, located at 1847 Campus Drive, or the adjacent Lakeside Parking Structure.
Accessibility
Handicapped parking spaces are located in the Locy Hall parking lot, located at 1850 Campus Drive across from the South Campus Parking Garage. Guests can also be dropped off on Arts Circle Drive and enter Norris using the accessible south ground entrance.