WILDCAT
family FOCUS MARCH 2015
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CONTENTS DANCE MARATHON
THE MCCORMICK OFFICE PAGE 4-5 OF PERSONAL NORTHWESTERN CAREER DEVELOPMENT PAGE 10 ADVANCEMENT PAGE 6-7 NU AGING CLASS BRINGS STUDENTS, SENIORS NORRIS UNIVERSITY TOGETHER CENTER PAGE 8
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OFF-CAMPUS LIFE
NU HILLEL
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
OFFICE OF UNDERGRAD. RESEARCH
CONTACT US
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NSFP NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS 2
DEPARTMENT FOCUS Dear Wildcat Parents and Families, I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Student Involvement here at Northwestern. Research informs us that involvement increases several factors at the university including academic success, time management skills, and positive relationships with peers as well as faculty/staff advisors. Student activities breathe life and culture into the mission and values of our institution, engaging students in hundreds of opportunities for learning and affinity while complementing and advancing the academic mission. Most importantly, I believe student involvement helps your student find a “home away from home” within the campus environment. In this role, I oversee Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Community Service, Student Leadership Programs, Registered Student Organizations, and Major Campus Programs and Events. Most of these activities occur outside of the academic classroom, as we help facilitate life skills for your student. Our goal is to develop the whole person, so our students graduate from Northwestern with far more education than a grade point average. The Northwestern strategic plan’s three pillars of connection, engagement, and integration provide an ideal framework for intellectual, spiritual, and social growth for each student. We empower students to find multiple ways to apply a comprehensive and integrative skill set, explore cultural differences, and pursue a productive and purposeful life at the university and beyond. We encourage dynamic and courageous leadership that inspires positive social change. Sororities and fraternities are a great example of this; these values-based organizations are centered on lifelong friendship, leadership, service/philanthropy, and scholarship. My purpose as a lifelong learner and educator is fostering holistic development and values clarification in student involvement, providing a range of learning laboratories through which students continue self-discovery and engage meaningfully with others. Our team hopes that your student interacts with our Student Involvement Suite (located on the third floor of Norris) and connects their passion with one of the over 480 student organizations throughout their time at Northwestern. Simply put, we encourage participation and engagement in life outside of the classroom. If your student has questions about involvement or cannot find an organization that meets their needs, have them swing by or call us at 847.491.2350. Go ‘Cats! Brent Turner Executive Director, Student Involvement 3
NUDM RAISES OVER $1 MILLION During the weekend of March 6, more than 1000 students participated in the 41st Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Evanston Community Foundation (ECF). For the fifth consecutive year, NUDM raised over $1 million for the beneficiaries.
blood tests. Playrooms allow kids to play and simply be kids again. Additionally, the Evanston Community Foundation aims to empower local organizations to help Evanston thrive as a vibrant, inclusive community. Largely through NUDM, ECF funds dozens of grants for local charities to improve the Evanston community. The 30-hour Dance Marathon culminated a year of fundraising and building awareness with more than 1000 dancers and 400 committee members making NUDM the largest student group on campus. This year saw the return of a favorite tradition, the Norris RunAround, as well as the continuation others such as Sunrise and the Final Total Reveal.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a leading global charity that aims to improve the life and health of critically and chronically ill children and families around the world. NUDM will fund the construction of multiple Starlight Sites – Treatment Rooms and Playrooms – in pediatric hospitals throughout Chicago and the Midwest. Treatment Rooms are kid-friendly rooms where children undergo procedures such as spinal taps, MRI’s, and
Right after 6:00 AM, when students had been awake for nearly 12 hours, the Sunrise 4
unity and family that is found under the tent. Energy was the strongest it had been all 30 hours, and emotions ran high throughout the block. Jacquie Hart, the CEO of Starlight, gave a moving keynote speech to remind students that their work is going to change the lives of thousands of children across the Midwest. At 12:34 AM, the Executive Board went up on stage and dancers hugged their friends while awaiting the Final Total Reveal. As “I Lived” played in the background, the Finance Committee slowly revealed the final total of $1,130,979 of cash and in-kind donations. Students hugged, cried, and celebrated with each other as a check for $ 92,943.29 was presented to ECF, and a check for $836,489.57 was given to Starlight – the second largest donation made to a beneficiary in NUDM’s history.
was projected onto the screens inside the tent, while yellow balloons dropped from the rafters and students sang and danced to “Here Comes the Sun,” “Piano Man,” and “Seasons of Love.” For many, this is their favorite moment of NUDM. Dancers were then led outside of the tent for the Norris Runaround – a chance to get some fresh air and stretch out the legs while running around the tent and back to the changing rooms. This has not happened since 2012 and the seniors were very excited to see it return. As Block 10 of NUDM 2015 approached, dancers, committee members, and families from Starlight all put on the Block 10 shirts, turning the crowd into a sea of purple and white. For these last few hours, everyone was given the same shirt to symbolize the 5
NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT SPRING AT NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT
CAREER FAIRS NU STARTUP CAREER FAIR
Spring 2015 brings a host of career events and programs designed to help your student explore industries, network with employers and alumni, and learn more about their own career interests. We hope to see your student at NCA this quarter!
The second annual Northwestern Startup Career Fair is Wednesday, April 1 from 12-4 p.m. at Norris. In addition to NCA, the event is sponsored by EPIC, Farley Center, Kellogg CMC, Kellogg High Tech Club, Kellogg eclub, Kellogg Initiatives and McCormick. The fair is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in internship and full-time opportunities within a startup. See details on the Startup Career Fair website.
UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP GRANT PROGRAM ACCEPTED THROUGH APRIL 7
HIRE BIG 10 PLUS VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR
There’s still time for your student to apply to the Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP). SIGP provides a $3000 stipend to undergraduate students participating in unpaid internships this summer and offers career development support from NCA. Learn more on the SIGP website.
Your student is invited to learn more about and apply for internships and full-time opportunities via chat sessions with employers who may not attend campus events on Tuesday, April 7 & Wednesday, April 8. For student registration, please visit the Virtual Career Fair website. 6
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING & WORKSHOPS
CONSULTING BOOT CAMP The application process for NCA’s second annual Consulting Boot Camp (CBC) held in May and June will begin in mid-April. Students will gain practical advice and practice with seniors and young alumni who have successfully navigated the consulting interview process. Stay tuned for more details on Northwestern’s career website.
NAVIGATING THE NONPROFIT, GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION JOB SEARCH NCA advisers and counselors will be on hand to provide resume reviews, interviewing skills, and search strategies for students applying to opportunities in the nonprofit, government and education sectors on Tuesday, April 7 in Norris, time TDB.
FIRST YEAR FOCUS PROGRAMMING
CAREERS IN FINANCE: EXPLORATION ROUNDTABLES
ALTERNATIVES TO AN INTERNSHIP
Northwestern students will have the opportunity to rotate through small groups with alumni and other corporate partners who will focus on five different areas of finance on Tuesday, April 28. Registration will be firstcome, first-served. Stay tuned for more details on Northwestern’s career website.
First-year students who are interested in engaging in career-related activities over the summer that are outside of “traditional” internships will learn about strategies, programs and resources to help them further career development and prepare for sophomore year. Tuesday, April 14 from 5-6 p.m. at 620 Lincoln St.
FALL 2015 CAREER TREKS NCA invites undergraduate students to join career treks this fall to NYC, Washington DC, LA and other great cities! Students will gain an insider’s perspective on what it is like to work at some of the top employers in Marketing, Media, Film & Television, Finance, and Government, Law & Policy while connecting with Northwestern alumni and industry professionals. The application (due Monday, May 4) and more information will be available on NCA’s website.
ASSESSMENT BOOT CAMP This workshop will provide first year students with their own unique Strong Interest Inventory career assessment results and help them use those results to identify majors, careers, and on-campus involvement. Thursday, April 16 from 5-6 p.m. at 620 Lincoln St.
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NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER
OFF-CAMPUS LIFE
NEW EXHIBIT COMING TO NORRIS’ DITTMAR GALLERY
As your student might be
“Focusing on three border zones – the Israel-Palestine border, the US-Mexico border, and the former Berlin wall – Surface Tension, by Terri Warpinski, explores the multiple and conflicted perspectives that complicate these places. Surface Tension incorporates various methods of digital photography and juxtaposes diptychs, triptychs, and sequential configurations of singular images in order to explore the complex past, present, and futures of these divided landscapes. Opening Reception: Thursday, Apr. 2; 4:30PM to 6:00PM Exhibit: Thursday, Apr. 2 to Friday, May 8 Visit the Dittmar website for more information.
WORK-STUDY JOBS AVAILABLE THIS SPRING AT NORRIS The Norris Center has a number of work-study job openings this spring quarter. Jobs are available at Technical Services, the Cashier’s Office, Student Affairs Marketing, ARTica Studios, and many more areas! Have your student apply online today to get a job this spring!
SAFETY moving off-campus soon or is thinking about moving off-campus during his/ her college career, the OffCampus Life office has some information, resources and tips related to safety. When moving in, make sure there are functioning smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, door locks, window clasps, and proper bike
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WHEN THE CLASSROOM COMES TO YOU Students who live in one of Northwestern’s 11 residential colleges and 2 residential communities can take real classes with their neighbors right where they live. Offered by faculty affiliated with these buildings, “RC seminars” enhance the residential experience because class discussions often occur over dinner and collaborative projects can be completed without leaving home. In these credit-bearing courses, faculty tend to experiment with innovative topics 8
storage areas. Also consider apartment renter’s insurance. Some family homeowner’s insurance policies may cover their student’s apartment/ residence while at college but if this is not possible, contact different providers to select the best and most affordable option. For more information about living off-campus and safety, please visit our website. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email offcampuslife@northwestern. edu or call 847-467-3160. and teaching methods. For example, Ben Gorvine (Psychology) is offering “The Economics and Politics of Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment” for Ayers College of Commerce & Industry this spring. One highlight of winter quarter was “The Chemistry of Cooking,” which was offered by Owen Priest (Chemistry) in Allison Residential Community. Students learned about the chemistry behind cooking foods with gluten, proteins, and more. The “final exam” was a cook-off in which students prepared dishes for guests and invited judges (including other faculty) and explained the chemical processes relevant to their recipes. Priest’s course was featured in Spoon University.
Photos from The Chemistry of Cooking “final exam” cook-off 9
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CALL FOR ORIGINAL UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE PRESENTATIONS Has your student created or discovered something this year? Encourage them to apply to present their original work at the Undergraduate Research and Arts Exposition. The “Expo” is a day-long celebration of undergraduate research projects and creative works from students in all schools and majors. It includes poster presentations, oral panel presentations, and an evening variety show called the Creative Arts Festival. The application is easy (just your student’s contact information and a paragraph about the project they did). Encourage them to use this opportunity to share their work with a wide audience and learn how to communicate well with those outside of their field. The Expo is a super fun event with food, prizes, swag and more! If your student is a freshman, suggest they attend the Expo events as a networking opportunity. They can talk to students who have done
research projects and ask questions. Maybe they’ll learn about a lab or faculty member who loves to work with undergraduates! The deadline to apply to present a poster, paper, or creative piece is April 19th. The Expo events take place in Norris University Center and Struble Theatre on June 1st. Learn more about what the Office of Undergraduate Research has to offer your undergraduate.
THE MCCORMICK OFFICE OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MINDFULNESS IN ENGINEERING
The McCormick Office of Personal Development’s Student Board hosted a Mindfulness and Meditation session with Dean Joe Holtgreive on Tuesday, February 24. Dean Holtgreive introduced students to the concept of mindfulness: “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally” – Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness has been shown to improve one’s concentration, stress tolerance, and overall wellbeing while actually changing the structure of the brain. In 10
a rigorous environment like McCormick, students stand to gain a lot from learning how to cultivate mindfulness. Students who regularly practice mindfulness report better focus on the task at hand along with lowered levels of anxiety, which can help in all realms of college life. Dean Holtgreive gave a presentation on the benefits of taking mindful breaks then led students in a practical meditation exercise. Students from a variety of engineering majors attended and found that the session provided them with a new, useful technique they could continue to practice. This mindfulness session was just one of the activities the McCormick Office of Personal Development (MOPD) offers. MOPD provides a number of resources and opportunities for students’ personal growth. By creating an environment that encourages students to explore available opportunities and engage in new experiences, MOPD helps transform McCormick students into whole-brain engineers. MOPD hosts a number of events throughout the year as well as two academic courses, with goals of cultivating the five core competencies of awareness, optimization, fidelity, resiliency, and self-reliance in engineering students. To find out more about MOPD, visit the McCormick website.
Students from a variety of engineering majors attended the “Mindfulness in Engineering” session.
NU AGING CLASS BRINGS STUDENTS, SENIORS TOGETHER
By Bob Seidenberg, Pioneer Press Contact the reporter no means one-way exchange.
The following article originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune. Students in Northwestern University Professor Regina Logan’s Adulthood and Aging class spend a good deal of the 10-week course going over studies and learning prevailing theories about the aging process.
Leila Green, a sophomore, expressed how impressed she was, hearing about how the older adults work for organizations “and how they made a difference.” Jasmine Docal, a sophomore, said the conversation at her table allowed her to hear “the type of legacy” the women wanted to leave.
The class looks at various psycho-social developmental stages and issues from age 18 through young adult, mid-life and then old age, Another student, Cameron Queiro, a linebacker on the football team, said the many activities she said. Mather residents at his table were involved Still, as interesting as it is to read the empirical with had him thinking about what he’s doing. research, Logan said, it can be even more interesting “to talk to the people on whom the “I kind of thought about getting involved in research is based. So the students can apply different activities because they’re doing a lot the theoretical to the real.” more than I am,” he said. About two dozen students got a chance to apply those skills in an intergenerational exchange with residents of The Mather, a senior living residence of Mather LifeWays at 450 Davis St., on Wednesday, March 4. For about an hour, the groups held a lively and by
The conversations touched upon the poignant, such as when freshman Suzanne Chen asked Mather resident Evelyn Krent her memories of first grade. Krent, whose family had come to New York, 11
fleeing Europe right before the Holocaust, recalled how she and fellow Jewish refugees were initially kept separate from classmates.
to fit the class, said connections made at the intergenerational session often carry beyond. Very frequently, at least once a quarter she said, a student stays in touch with someone she met at the exchange.
“I didn’t think it was anything. It was just the way it was,” she said.
The adult members, in turn, commiserated In another respect, “it’s nice because even with senior Richard Chin, as he talked about though the university is only about a mile or his quest for a school so away, the students social worker job and don’t always get to “it’s nice because even though the the lack of mobility in meet people who live the job market. in the community ... university is only about a mile or so and the people who away, the students don’t always get to Older workers staying live here may not meet people who live in the community on the job is a “a always be coming good thing. It’s just a ... and the people who live here may not down to the university. problem for me,” he always be coming down to the university. I think it’s kind of a said. win-win,” she said. I think it’s kind of a win-win” Northwestern student As a final project for Haley Hart said the course, students are required to conduct conversation was moving along at her table, an interview with someone 70 years or older, and then hit a short lull. Then one of the she said, and then write an analysis of their adults suggested, “Let’s talk about sex, and we findings based on the models and theories did,” she said to appreciative laughter from they’ve read in class, she said. classmates. “So this is a good opportunity for them to get Mather residents were also pumped up. their feet wet, see what it’s going to be like,” “I’ve been at Mather [barely] 24 hours,’’ said one she said. new resident. “If this is any indication of the bseidenberg@pioneerlocal.com activities going on here, I sure landed in the right place,” she said. Twitter: @evanstonscribe Logan, whose upbeat supportive style seemed
Copyright © 2015, Chicago Tribune
NU HILLEL
Natasha Lyonne spoke to over 400 students and community members at Hillel’s Annual Speaker Event. With Rabbi Aaron Potek as moderator, Natasha discussed her acting career and her Jewish identity, and she offered advice for students aspiring to break into the acting world.
WINTER QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS! As winter quarter has come to a close, NU Hillel is thrilled to share some of these amazing highlights from the past few months!
Challah For Hunger continued its annual partnership with Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM). This year, Challah For Hunger provided 1,200 individual challahs
On February 28, Orange is the New Black star 12
Orange is the New Black star Natasha Lyonne at Hillel’s Annual Speaker Event
ShireiNU A Cappella in Washington, DC.
to help feed more than 1000 dancers and March!
national anthem before the Chicago Bulls game versus the Indiana Pacers. Congratulations, ShireiNU!
ShireiNU A Cappella (pictured above) won
LOOKING AHEAD!
volunteers who participated in NUDM this
2nd place at the 2015 Kol HaOlam National
NU Hillel looks forward to celebrating Passover on campus this month! For more information on Seders, meals during Passover, and volunteer opportunities, email kadihouse@u.northwestern.edu.
Jewish Collegiate A Capella championship in Washington, DC! ShireiNU followed up that experience with a performance at the United Center on March 18, where they sang the 13
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CONTACT US
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL READY TO DANCE Northwestern University earned an at-large bid to the 2015 NCAA Division Women’s Basketball Championship. The Wildcats (23-8, 12-6 Big Ten) received the No. 7 seed in the Oklahoma City Region and opened tournament play March 20 against 10th-seeded Arkansas (17-13, 6-10 SEC) in Waco, Texas. The ‘Cats made their seventh all-time appearance in school history and their first since 1997. That season, Northwestern suffered a 61-46 opening-round loss to a George Washington squad that was led by current Wildcats head coach Joe McKeown. This year’s NU squad went undefeated during the month of February, winning all eight of its contests. The Wildcats tied for fourth place in the Big Ten during the regular season and have won nine of their last 11 contests. Both losses came to undefeated conference champion Maryland. Northwestern is led by first-team All-Big Ten selection Nia Coffey. The sophomore forward paces the team with averages of 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest. The Wildcats sport a balanced scoring attack overall as six different players are averaging at least 8.7 points per game.
NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS 600 Haven St., J100 Evanston, IL 60208 family@northwestern.edu (847) 467-3988 15
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