Join the Northwestern community throughout the year as we celebrate 175 years of learning, discovery and community through a series of events across our campuses.
Additional signature events will be added to this page throughout the 175th year.
The Northwestern Libraries exhibit, Break Right Through That Line, will turn Deering Library into a sideline seat for 150 years of Northwestern Football. Visit the exhibit located in Riggs Gallery, or attend the speaker series, which will explore the sport’s past, present and future.
Sept. 18, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Deering Library
Join former Northwestern Football head coach Gary Barnett for a "sideline chat” about the watershed 1995 season when he made good on his promise to “take the Purple to Pasadena,” facilitated by sportscaster Dave Eanet ’77, who called plays for WGN that year. Barnett will relive the memorable events of his tenure and highlight some of the items on display that help tell the story behind the tooth-and-claw “Cardiac ’Cats” era.
Oct. 8, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Deering Library
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.
Nov. 6, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Deering Library
University Historian Kevin Leonard has worked with Wildcat athletes, coaches, and administrators for four decades to capture the colorful history of Northwestern Football. Along with special guests who experienced that history first-hand, Leonard will share the highlights that have been preserved by University Archives.
October 8-10, 2026
Chicago Campus
The SPS Symposium is an annual academic conference hosted on the Chicago Campus featuring academic presentations and discussion sessions presented by SPS guest speakers, faculty and students. Symposium embodies Northwestern's belief that education and professional growth extend beyond the classroom. Convening students, faculty, and alumni from across the world, Symposium sustains the intellectual and professional communities that form the backbone of lifelong learning. Through collaborative discussions, shared inquiry, and meaningful connection, it honors Northwestern's commitment to developing not just skilled practitioners, but engaged citizens invested in their fields and each other.
Four events throughout the 2026-27 academic year (October, January, March and July)
Hosted both online and on the Chicago Campus
For nearly 175 years, Northwestern has connected rigorous inquiry with the practical challenges of the world around it. The Thought Leadership Series is made up of four online and in-person events—featuring lectures, panel discussions, and conversations around compelling topics—that connect Northwestern's enduring commitment to rigorous inquiry with the practical challenges professionals face. The series brings together practitioners, scholars, students and working professionals to explore ideas that shape their fields, honoring Northwestern's legacy while demonstrating its ongoing relevance.
Come celebrate 175 years of Northwestern—and the people who make it what it is today.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Cohen Lawn
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.
1:30–2:45 p.m.
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, Galvin Recital Hall
Join the 2026 Northwestern Alumni Medalists for a panel discussion about the people, experiences and opportunities that shaped their lives and careers. Hear these distinguished alumni reflect on their Northwestern journeys and the lasting impact of the University on where they are today.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, Galvin Recital Hall
Join Weinberg College Dean Adrian Randolph in his conversation with 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. Mokyr will reflect on his 50 years at Northwestern, his research on economic progress and an extraordinary year.
What does journalism mean for democracy as we mark the 250th anniversary of the US and the 175th anniversary of Northwestern?
6–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Foundation Center Forum
Join four recent Medill Pulitzer Prize winners for a conversation about press freedom, journalism and the role of a free press in a democracy. Featuring alumni Robert Samuels (BSJ06), Susie Neilsen (BSJ15), Megan Fan Munce (BSJ22, MSJ22) and Alissa Zhu (BSJ15), the panel is co-sponsored by Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications and Northwestern Institute for Policy Research.
Explore events and opportunities marking other notable anniversaries this year.
The Chicago campus in Streeterville has been home to professional programs in law, business and medicine since 1926. A century later, the campus extends that legacy as a hub for education, research and collaboration for the University and the city.
Founded in 1926, SESP evolved into an interdisciplinary hub where scholars and students study how people learn and how policy can expand opportunity. Explore SESP's centennial celebration, including campus events throughout the year.