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COVID Survivors Get New Lungs p. 13 … Northwestern’s Miracle “I’m a person of faith, and the Bible
Maker p. 26 … Teaching All of America’s Past p. 40 … Robot gives me a glimpse into what is
Quarterback Hits the Field p. 46 … A New Podcast Standard p. 64 beyond my science.” p. 9
WINTER 202 1
KATHRYN HAHN
Gets Messy
Screen star finds creative freedom in complexity.
p. 34
MOMENT
Skyline Swim
Chemistry professor
William Dichtel
planned to swim
the English Channel
in June 2020, but
the pandemic
interrupted those
plans. Instead,
he completed the
Chicago Skyline
Swim, which runs
the length of
the city in Lake
Michigan. Finishing
the overnight swim
in a record 12 hours,
27 minutes and
50 seconds, he
swam 26.2 miles
from Juneway
Beach in Rogers
Park to Calumet
Beach in Calumet
Park. Dichtel,
the Robert L.
Letsinger Professor
of Chemistry,
is co-founder
of Cyclopure, a
company that
uses innovative
technologies
to remove
micropollutants
from water.
PHOTO: SHANE COLLINS
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
MOMENT
Firefly Procession
With in-person
theater shut
down due to
the pandemic,
members of the
Northwestern arts
community brought
safe, outdoor
performances
to Chicago-area
communities
last summer and
fall. The Art of
Spontaneous
Spectacle, organized
in part by associate
professor of
theater Jessica
Thebus ’91 MA,
’97 PhD, produced
socially distanced
participatory
processions along
Chicago’s lakefront
with props, life-size
puppets and music.
A crowd of roughly
75 people of all ages
participated in the
“Firefly Procession”
at Loyola Beach on
Chicago’s North
Side in September.
PHOTO: JUSTIN BARBIN ’11
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
4 5
Contents
WINTER 2021
Vol. 23 Issue 2
FRONT
34 1 Moment
6 Talk Back
Free to Play
After a number of parts
VOICES
in “big-swing comedies,”
9 Gerald Gabrielse
Kathryn Hahn ’95 moved
Balancing science
to more substantial roles and faith in uncertain
that cemented her place as times
a sought-after star. It’s clear 11 Olivia Pura
now that she’s in love with Bioscientist finds
her work: the deep dives into silver linings in a
character, the exploration and pandemic graduation
messiness each role brings,
the dedication to her fellow NEWS
actors — and the creative 16 Student Life
magic that results. The show must go on
for theater groups
By Clare Milliken
21 Innovation
COVID-era bus design
26
13
wins international
competition
Hope After COVID “WE WILL” UPDATE
Northwestern Medicine
22 Social Justice
surgeons perform double- Donor gifts advance
lung transplants, giving diversity, equity and
new life to seven COVID-19 Stretching the inclusion
survivors. Imagination
John Rogers founded ALUMNI
a whole new field 46 Five Questions
of bioelectronics to Sports tech innovators
improve human health. create a smart
quarterback
50 Class Notes
67 In Memoriam
72 The Other Cover
John Rogers tests
40
his latest technology
— on himself
HAHN: BRIAN HIGBEE; WINCHESTER: ANYA WINCHESTER
← “We have a responsibility
to situate all of our work
in a historical context so
we can realize that history
isn’t this thing of the past,
ROGERS: JIM PRISCHING
but it’s something that we 47 18
experience now.” Star Baker Big Cities Still Matter
—Evanston Township High School history teacher Corey Alex Willis ’17 MS earned Innovation depends on the rate of human interaction. Kellogg
Winchester ’10, ’20 MA, left, with his brother, Jason Deas, fourth place on The Great professor Hyejin Youn identifies a key population threshold that
who graduated from high school in 2020 American Baking Show. allows large metro areas to become innovation hubs.
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 Cover: Photograph by Michael Friberg WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
6 FROM THE EDITOR/ TALK BACK TALK BACK 7
Talk Back “Shep Shanley
are featured on page 10 Glad to see that ever moved on campus. He
magazine and to add diverse [“Profs Discuss Racial Northwestern is at the greeted us when we arrived
perspectives from across the Justice,” Voices, fall 2020]; and forefront of innovation in the and welcomed us as adults, is indeed a
University community while
continuing to tell stories
Attica Locke gets a glowing
article [“The Write Path,”
midst of the global pandemic.
Josh Zulli
free to declare ourselves on
our own terms. At Willard,
legend who
that endear and enlighten. DOCTOR BECOMES way it works for me, and fall 2020]. So it is possible Santa Clara, Calif. he maintained a custom of has made an
In short, we want to
bring you the best stories
PATIENT now I work at a higher
education institution where
for talented Black people to
get excellent jobs and speak
inviting groups of newly
arrived freshmen to his
enormous
about the University and Ryan, from what I remember, anti-Blackness prevails openly about American life. If home for Sunday brunch, impact on the
its people. And we want to
bring those stories to you
you always had a positive
outlook in our college days.
throughout campus. It’s
frightening to think that
anti-Blackness is still a policy
anywhere, it is under strong
an experience many alumni
recall vividly to this day. Shep
minds and lives
in the format that works So while I am thankful you we’re clinging to white attack. would often join us for lunch of thousands of
A NEW CHAPTER
best for you. In addition to
producing three print issues
are still alive and with us, I’m
not completely surprised you
supremacist structures.
Caitlin Klask ’13 MS
Ross’ suggestion to
abolish schools may be only
in the Willard cafeteria and
regularly led the French-
Northwestern
FOR NORTHWESTERN per year, we will continue to were one of the fortunate Seattle a provocative idea, but she speaking table. He was the students.”
MAGAZINE make our digital magazine ones to beat COVID-19. presents no alternative. She undisputed guest of honor
a place to see and hear more All the best to you in your Several ideas in kihana has every right to be enraged and guiding presence at all
— Kenneth J.
ello and Happy from the people who make adventures ahead. Cheers! miraya ross’ faculty about discrimination and our events and parties — Schaefle
H New Year! Have Northwestern great. [In response to the profile opinion strike me as highly the murder of Black people. entirely with, but not of,
those words ever And while we’re talking of Ryan Padgett, “Doctor problematic. She charges However, as hard as it may the flock.
sounded so sweet? about people who make Becomes Patient,” “The that “students may learn that be for African Americans, we At Willard, Shep created I must be Shep’s mistake.
Welcome to 2021. It’s Northwestern great, I would Stories of Our Lives,” brutally enslaved Africans all need to speak calmly, refer and curated a culture of Or maybe he was on
time for a fresh start! like to recognize former fall 2020.] (enslaved in the first place by to major studies of slavery A NORTHWESTERN respect, consideration and vacation the day my
I want to take this executive editor Stephanie Jim Miller ’93 other Africans, it should be and injustice, and recognize LEGEND curiosity. Supporting an application was reviewed.
opportunity to introduce Russell for her three Wilmington, Del. mentioned) were ‘workers’ current remedial efforts as agenda that centered around Whatever, Northwestern
myself. My name is Sean decades of outstanding who came to the U.S. in the we work to fix our society. As duly noted in the title “A a joyous embrace of life, admitted me. And it has
Hargadon, and I am the service to the University Ryan Padgett was a star context of immigration.” Robert W. Thurston ’71 Legend Retires” [Close-up, he led by example with been a privilege to know
new editor in chief of and her leadership of, first, student in my neurobiology Maybe some moron said Oxford, Ohio fall 2020], Shep Shanley graciousness, warmth and Shep and a singular
Northwestern Magazine. Northwestern Perspective and behavior class. I moved or wrote that, but such is indeed a legend who wisdom. Through Willard, pleasure to have enjoyed his
Though I am new to and, for the last 20 years, the final exam so he could nonsense is certainly not in has made an enormous he provided a context that wonderful personality over
the position, I am certainly Northwestern Magazine. attend an NFL tryout, but he significant works on slavery INVENTION: AN IMPROVED impact on the minds and informed us of who we the subsequent decades. An
not new to the magazine Stephanie loved sharing did not reciprocate with Rose published since Kenneth SWAB lives of thousands of had become as adults and added bonus, I also got to
or the University. Since stories about the University Bowl tickets. So I waited in Stampp’s Peculiar Institution Northwestern students. showed a wonderful example know his delightful father,
2003 I have been part of and its people and bringing line at 6 a.m. in Evanston’s (1956). I majored in history The creation of a new nasal To congratulate Shep and of what adulthood could be. Lyn. The apple, as my mother
the team that has brought humanity to this institution. cold December, got tickets at Northwestern and never swab [“An Improved Swab,” recognize his extraordinary And to a very large number often said, doesn’t fall far
you Northwestern as a It’s been an honor to work for myself and my son and heard such an idea there. Innovation, fall 2020] is 50 years at Northwestern, of us, Shep has become a from the tree. And Shep and
print publication and, with her, and we wish her followed Ryan and the team Her idea of anti- great news. I recently had 70 Northwestern and Willard lifelong friend. his father have been and had
increasingly, via our digital all the best in retirement. to Pasadena, where we saw a Blackness, I take it, relates to take a COVID-19 test and Residential College alumni There will come a time been metaphorical trees on
magazine and email In closing, I hope that great game! to anti-Semitism. There are was astounded at how far worked in secret to organize — soon, we all hope — the Northwestern campus
newsletter. you and your loved ones Ryan, glad you recovered. certainly parallels between back the swab had to go. So a surprise tribute in the when students will again for generations: welcoming,
At its heart, an alumni are safe and healthy. I look J.P. Rosenfeld the two. But Professor unpleasant. form of video messages, be allowed to fully join graceful and stately.
magazine should continue forward to connecting Professor of psychology ross must know that Nazi photographs and written one another in the thriving Holy God, I’ll bet I wrote
your relationship with with you via email at Glencoe, Ill. anti-Semitism meant the messages that express river that is university something really awful and
the university, while also letters@northwestern.edu, destruction of the Jews. A what their time at Willard life. Those tasked with totally sappy like that on my
educating, entertaining across social media handful of lunatics, no more, and Northwestern means relighting the fires in the application essay! And they
and building community. @NorthwesternU and, IT’S TIME TO ABOLISH proposes that end for the to them. This inspired 36 temples of society and still let me in! Like I said, I
Our team strives to bring yes, via good, old-fashioned SCHOOLS American Black population. video testimonials (featuring leading the social reopening must be Shep’s mistake. I’m
you outstanding content letters mailed to 1603 Meanwhile, Northwestern individuals and groups), would do well to consider happy that he made one.
in a sophisticated design, Orrington Ave., Suite 200, Thank you for publishing and every other major hundreds of photographs Shep’s contributions to Kevin Leonard ’77, ’82 MA
addressing key national Evanston IL 60201. kihana miraya ross’ opinion university and many other and a huge volume of Northwestern and Willard University archivist
and global topics across all I hope that you enjoy piece “It’s Time to Abolish groups and organizations written messages, all filled Residential College and the Evanston
disciplines. Our goal is to this issue of Northwestern Schools” [Voices, fall 2020] are now deeply engaged in with joyous reflection and remarkable community that
create a magazine anyone Magazine. — and thank you to kihana anti-anti-Blackness. Anti- an outpouring of respect, stands united as his legacy. It brings tears to my eyes to
would enjoy reading. for writing it! I’ve witnessed Blackness does exist in this gratitude and appreciation. Kenneth J. Schaefle ’90 think that Shep is retiring.
My vision is to welcome Sincerely, firsthand that our education country; yet Ross teaches at The alumni testimonials New York City As an Alumni Admission
new voices into the Sean Hargadon system does not work for Northwestern; four other, are highly consistent on Council member for more
Black students the same apparently Black, professors many points: Shep knew Editor’s note: More than 70 than 25 years and a director
us from our applications alumni co-signed this letter. for most of that time, I know
We want to hear from you: letters@northwestern.edu @NorthwesternU /NorthwesternU @NorthwesternU and interviews, before we the AAC would not have been
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
8 TALK BACK VOICES 9
Northwestern the same without Shep. He that is infinitely larger than we are and
Magazine was and will always be family acknowledge our small place as temporary
VICE PRESIDENT, OFFICE OF to all of his AAC directors. I caretakers of planet Earth. Verification of
GLOBAL MARKETING AND
COMMUNICATIONS know I am a better person for what is true is intrinsic to the scientific
Jeri Ward ’01 MEM, MBA having had him as a mentor. process. My Christian faith also requires
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, Shep, I wish you a truthfulness. I must honestly acknowledge
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
wonderful retirement my place in God’s universe, that I am
Andy Madorsky ’86 MS
and thank you for making FACULTY OPINION suspending a single electron for months unable to live up to God’s standards, that
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Northwestern such a warm using batteries and magnets — to test I need forgiveness, and that I must accept
Science
Sean Hargadon
ART DIRECTOR
and special place. the most stringent prediction of the the redemption offered by Jesus Christ.
Michelle Frankenstein Standard Model. We also use lasers to A troubling feature of our strange
and Faith
Christina Senese
ASSISTANT ALUMNI Hoffman ’83 produce molecules within which we times is that oft-repeated false statements
NEWS EDITOR Leawood, Kan. probe for lumpiness in the electron are increasingly accepted as alternatives
Lena Elmeligy ’18
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE
I worked with Shep at
in Strange charge that would indicate new physics
beyond the standard description.
to reality-based findings. False statements
about the COVID-19 threat, the number
Times
PRODUCTION
Martin Wilson ’10 MS Northwestern for a relatively I’m a person of faith, and the Bible of deaths, the efficacy of face masks, the
PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR brief time. I did not smoke, gives me a glimpse into what is beyond need and role for testing, bogus therapies,
Anne Egger but he always invited me my science, introducing me to a God who and the timeline for creating and injecting
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS outside while he got his is intensely proud of the reality he wills safe vaccines continue to result in much
A
Mohamed Abdelfattah, nicotine fix. I always said yes. By Gerald Gabrielse into being. I believe that there is delight in needless death. False claims that our
Lindsay Beller, Deborah
Cassell ’00 MS, Nancy Liskar,
We had many lovely, heaven as my students and I peel back the greenhouse gases are not substantial
Roseann Mark, Clare Milliken, thoughtful, endearing great mystery of modern layers of God’s “onion.” This motivates me contributions to climate change keep us
Jeff Strayer conversations, and I learned physics is that the and frees me to do curiosity-driven science from preserving the fragile atmosphere
DESIGN CONTRIBUTORS so much. fundamental mathematical well before I perceive how the insights to and minimizing weather extremes of the
Sarina Benoit, Heather That first May, this description of physical be gained will profit a modern society. planet in our temporary care. The clear
Cosgrove, Henry McGill,
Mark Meyer
Southern girl was standing reality (the Standard Model My God — a God worth having — correlation between gun availability and
EDITORIAL INTERNS
there, freezing in her coat in of particle physics) accurately predicts the is far beyond description using the homicides, both of which are enormously
Lainey Dow ’23, Sophia Lo ’22, the wind. The poor daffodils results of all laboratory measurements language of human experience and the higher in the U.S. than in other developed
Jacob Munoz ’21, Fred Tippett were barely up and looked as and yet is unable to explain basic methods of science. There can be no countries, is denied. Reality-based truth
’22, Emma Yarger ’23 though they wanted to dive Emergency and Essential has done some great work, features of our universe — for example, contradiction between what science is ignored as new “rights” to infect or to
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD back under the bits of snow Needs funds have provided but I think many of these how a universe made of matter survived reveals about the physical reality that carry battlefield weapons are promoted.
Krishnan Anantharaman ’91,
chair; David Beard ’81; Emily
still scattered on the ground. such resources. ideas assume an outsized annihilation after the Big Bang. such a God sustains, and the peek beyond I feel special pain that evangelical
Chow ’12; Alex Freund ’17, I looked at Shep and said, I don’t think it had view of the tech capability on It has been my privilege to work with that reality that God provides in the Bible. Christians quoted by the news media often
’20 JD; Alex Garcia ’89; “This is a poor excuse for a special name at the the staffs of local news sites. 50 Harvard and Northwestern doctoral Physicists and Christians seem like espouse “alternative facts.” Identifying with
Adrienne Samuels Gibbs ’99;
May.” Shep looked at me with time, but in the late We’ve been successful at students investigating this mystery. We natural allies to me. Awed by the vast and this group is now hard for me. How can
Ryan Haggerty ’07, ’16 MS;
Jerry Lai ’04; Robert Leighton his memorable, wry look and 1970s Northwestern also Mission Local in publishing measure an electron’s magnetism — by intricate universe, both celebrate a reality those who proclaim the value of life be in
’82; Mike McGee ’10; Cate said, “Well, no one moves to maintained such a fund. As first-rate content. But if I denial about COVID-19 deaths or campaign
Plys ’84; Gita Pullapilly Paris for the weather.” Now I remember it, I applied for knew what I know now, I for open access to assault weapons? How
’00 MS; Christina Rosales ’11;
Joshua Rosenblat ’17; William
that I live in the Northwest, and received an immediate would never have started a can those who realize that we live on God’s
Weinbaum ’82, ’83 MS; Steph I use that line all the time. $25 “loan” to help make it local site without a strong Earth deny what the greenhouse gases we
Yiu ’08; Cat Zakrzewski ’15 And smile thinking of Shep. through the weekend at a tech person on board as could limit are doing to the atmosphere
Every time. time when I was literally an equal partner. All of provided for our protection? Is it right or
© 2021 Northwestern University.
Northwestern Magazine is published Dear friend, stay well and broke. More broadly, thanks the experimenting around effective to obtain short-term political
in fall, winter and spring. All enjoy your next adventure. to financial assistance from engagement really requires power to enforce moral standards if the
Rights Reserved. Produced by the
Office of Global Marketing and Kimberly Crouch Northwestern, I graduated that — even much of the cost is empowering those who egregiously
Communications, 1603 Orrington Portland, Ore. from Medill in 1979, innovative storytelling deceive and violate these standards?
Ave., Suite 200, E vanston, IL 60201.
Telephone: 847-491-5000 embarking on a 32-year needs some tech expertise. To this scientist and person of faith, it
Website: alummag.nu foreign service career that My first piece of advice to seems urgent to reverse the acceptance
Views expressed in Northwestern GRATITUDE FOR included service as U.S. anyone interested in starting of “alternative facts” that propagate so
Magazine do not necessarily reflect
the opinions of the editors or the FINANCIAL SUPPORT ambassador to Mongolia. a local site would be: Don’t rapidly in our strange times. Scientists,
University. Jonathan Addleton ’79 do it without a full-time tech people of faith and Northwestern alumni
ADDRESS CHANGES For personal reasons, I Macon, Ga. person. need to speak up. Silence is complicity.
Mail to: appreciated the short article Lydia Chavez
Alumni News Editor
Northwestern Magazine in the fall 2020 issue on a San Francisco Gerald Gabrielse, a member of the
special fund set aside to help LOCAL NEWS INITIATIVE National Academy of Sciences and the
SHANE COLLINS
1603 Orrington Ave., Suite 200
DOUG CHAYKA
Evanston, IL 60201
meet emergency financial Read more letters from our American Academy of Arts and Sciences,
Email: address-change needs [“Showing Support,” The Local News Initiative readers on our website at is a Board of Trustees Professor in Physics
@northwestern.edu
“We Will” Update]. It noted [“Fighting for Local News — magazine.northwestern.edu and director of Northwestern’s Center for
Web: magazine.northwestern.edu that since 2017, Student and Democracy,” fall 2020] /talk-back. ↑ Gerald Gabrielse Fundamental Physics.
/change-your-address
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
10 VOICES VOICES 11
SOUND OFF systemic racism. It’s like telling a SOCIAL FEEDS By Olivia Pura ’20 Bioscientist Program provided a
friend that they’ve hurt you, only to be perfect outlet for my curiosity. The
Understanding dismissed and told to get over it. From
that relational perspective, it would be
The Northwestern
community remembered the
Miss Illinois
USA 2020 and a
program prepares a select group
of first-year undergraduates —
Incivility really hard to be civil if two parties can’t
come together and acknowledge the basic
life of Supreme Court Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’98 H,
first-year doctoral
student at the
University of
primarily first-generation, low-
income and underrepresented
who died Sept. 18. Ginsburg
What has led to the current record of hurt and pain. That’s what’s
delivered the Northwestern
Chicago students — for research and grant
divisiveness within the United happening among Americans.” writing through mentor-mentee
Commencement address matching and seminar courses.
States, and how has that in June 1998 and visited My first research project
impacted civility and the Laurel Harbridge-Yong, Northwestern Pritzker School entailed swabbing sinks and toilets
of Law in 2009.
ability to compromise? associate professor of in hospitals and analyzing any
political science and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria
a faculty fellow at the that were present. These are the
Institute for Policy bacteria responsible for many
Research hospital-borne infections. Believe
Jamie Druckman ’93, Payson S. it or not, I fell in love — with the
Wild Professor of Political “Even from members research process! The swabbing
Science and associate director of of Congress we see that if part? Not so much.
the Institute for Policy Research you’re not on my team, you’re Junior year I began more
anti-American. The same is true among advanced research with Professor
“Starting in the 1970s and the public. A person’s political party has Tom Meade. My project investigated
’80s and increasingly into become increasingly aligned with their cobalt complexes as inhibitors of
the 21st century, we’ve other social identities. This helps make “Rest in power cellular pathways. In particular, I
seen an ideological party allegiance an increasingly salient RBG. Thank you for looked at pathways that cause basal
sorting. We’ve also social identity, leading to in-group cell carcinoma (skin cancer) and
everything you have
DRUCKMAN: PATRICIA REESE; HARBRIDGE-YONG: JIM ZIV; BONILL A: STEVE DREY; GINSBURG: STEVE ANZ ALDI ’10 MS
seen demographic favoritism and the desire to maintain medulloblastoma (brain cancer).
sorting, so racial psychological distance from the out- done and for being I credit Professor Meade with
minorities, lower- group. This focus on partisanship as a a true inspiration to MY NORTHWESTERN DIRECTION
shaping much of my academic
us all.”
Silver Linings from a
income individuals social identity makes it easy to demonize journey; his enthusiasm for his
and less religious the other side and live in a bubble among work and dedication to his students
Pandemic Graduation
people have sorted into people who think like you do.” @shreyarajappa inspired me to pursue a career in
the Democratic Party, whereas more academia. Earning my PhD will be
N
religious people, rural people and one more milestone on my journey.
“RBG was the Commencement
wealthier people have sorted into the Tabitha Bonilla, assistant professor of I reached another type of
speaker at my PhD graduation
Republican Party. On top of that, we’ve human development and social policy o lecture, seminar or from the effects of caffeine on the milestone on Nov. 9, when I
seen the return of partisan media and of political science and a faculty
from @NorthwesternU. I
Norris Mini Course body to the relationship between I credit placed in the top 10 at Miss USA.
was fortunate to get to shake
accentuating these partisan differences fellow at the Institute for hands with her onstage. I could have prepared sleep and chronic disease — in a Professor I’ve dreamed of competing in the
and creating distinct information Policy Research still remember her wonderful me for the upheaval way that’s understandable, practical Meade with pageant since I was a young girl.
worlds. So people are generating these speech about feminism.” of graduating in the and fun. I’m never at a loss for I’m often asked how anyone can
shaping
perceptions of the other side — actually “As presidential Class of 2020. In a matter of weeks, words. And now to have a purpose balance the vastly different spheres
in a fairly inaccurate fashion — as being candidates take
@AmeetRKini
my future — a meticulously and for those words — and have fun
much of my of pageantry and academics. Rather
so different from themselves because positions with beautifully arranged house of while I’m at it — is so rewarding. academic than try to balance them, I find the
what they’re seeing is not the modal more explicit
“RIP #notoriousrbg. cards — was blown apart. I’m a I’ve also found time for journey; overlap between them. Pageantry
member of the other side but rather the promises, voters planner who loves organization reflection. I’m focusing on the his enthu- gives women an incredible
extreme, so the other side looks totally react much more You’ve taught me and consistency, so this change was present and looking forward platform to advocate for causes.
incomprehensible.” strongly to those so much, most incredibly disheartening at first. to the future. This fall, I began
siasm for Mine is gender equality in STEM
policy positions. I importantly, how Over time, however, I’ve begun to a biochemistry and molecular his work fields. As Miss Illinois USA, I’ve
can’t say that the promises
to use my voice to appreciate the chaos as I learn to biophysics doctoral program at and dedi worked with the Illinois House of
Mikala Stokes, third- themselves are what’s causing the play the new hand I’ve been dealt. the University of Chicago, and cation Representatives, Girl Scouts and
year doctoral student incivility, but I do think promises fight for others, One silver lining: I’ve found my ultimate goal is to become a other organizations to make “my”
in history reinforce it. Voter responses to candidates even when I am space for creativity. After months professor. As a first-generation
to his mission “ours.”
who promise are polarized. My research afraid of being of brainstorming, trading emails Polish American and first- students So, while my house of cards may
“I think the current demonstrates that elected officials are
silenced or viewed and watching YouTube tutorials, generation college student, I have inspired have been left a mess, the pandemic
age of incivility is making more promises than they used to, my classmate Drew Zbihley ’20 and immense gratitude for receiving an me to afforded me much-needed time to
a reflection of the meaning their policy positions are more as too emotional I launched our podcast, Science education that may one day allow re-evaluate the deck. Now I’m ready
country’s persistent committed. There is a lack of room for for being a woman.” in Society, in August. It features me to provide education for others.
pursue a to rebuild the house even stronger
inability to acknowledge these candidates to compromise because interviews with experts who break My love for research has its career in — with microphone, lab coat and
the legacy of white supremacy and they’re trying to mobilize voter bases.” @erin.elizabeth25 down the science in everyday life — roots at Northwestern. The NU academia.” pageant sash in hand.
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 Illustration by Bruce Morser WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
12 VOICES CAMPUS NEWS / STUDENT LIFE / SPORTS 13
WHAT INSPIRES ME
The Dance of History
A former journalist digs deep into her Latin Theater Designing a
groups adjust bus for the
American roots to understand the past and to virtual COVID era
reframe the present. stage p 16 p 21
Medellín during the rise and consolidation
Lina Britto, associate professor of history of the Medellín cartel. That is always in
the back of my mind, prompting me to ask
“I worked as a journalist for many years questions and to understand that very
in my 20s, because I wanted to tell stories complex society that I witnessed as a child.
about the social life around me. When I “I’m always in a dialectical conversation
migrated to the U.S., I continued doing print between past and present, seeing how the
and online journalism in Spanish. I had just past is reflected in the present, but also
lived through the rise of the ‘pink tide’ in how the present reframes and rewrites the ↑ Lina Britto
Bolivia and was writing stories about what past. That dance between past and present
was happening in Latin America, where is a source of fascination, curiosity and
social movements were producing deep and inspiration for me.” nation building, and Cold War terror.
radical structural changes. I realized that Her latest book, Marijuana Boom: The
journalism was not enough for the kind of Lina Britto teaches courses that examine Rise and Fall of Colombia’s First Drug
stories that I wanted to write. Latin American and Caribbean history Paradise (2020), explores how and why MEDICINE
“Obviously, my own country, Colombia, with a focus on the drug trade and the the country became one of the world’s
is a huge source of inspiration. I grew up in war on drugs, the impact of music on premier sources of illegal drugs.
Hope
After
IN THE NEWS “The decision by a
Kentucky grand jury
lives with no
consequences.” Inger
“Encephalopathy,
which is characterized
the Margaret Walker
Alexander Professor of COVID
History not to charge any of
the officers in the
Burnett-Zeigler,
associate professor
by altered mental
function ranging
Human Development
and Social Policy, in Northwestern
in the death of 26-year-old
Breonna Taylor has left
of psychology, in the
Chicago Tribune
from mild confusion
to coma, is the most
USA Today surgeons perform the
first known double-
Making many Black women,
including myself,
severe neurologic
manifestation of
“We dodged a
meltdown of our
lung transplants on
traumatized. We are COVID-19.” Igor systems in this election COVID-19 survivors.
From racial justice worried about our Koralnik, professor because the pandemic
to the effects of own safety and of neurology, in created an early Last summer, Northwestern
the coronavirus, well-being. We USA Today sense of urgency and Medicine surgeons performed
Northwestern faculty are outraged motivated enormous lifesaving double-lung
members shared their we live in “We were making efforts to make the transplants on two patients
opinions on the issues a society slow and steady election a success, whose lungs were severely
L AURA BROWN © 2020, NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE
of the moment. where we
can be
progress until [the
pandemic]. It’s likely
despite profound
challenges. But unless
F
damaged by COVID-19,
offering a potential path to
robbed we will have wiped out we think affirmatively recovery from the devastating
of our a lot of the progress about what we need effects of the virus.
that we’ve made over to do next time, we’re “We are one of the first
RALPH ALSWANG PHOTOGRAPHY
the last decade in unlikely to be so health systems to successfully
childhood obesity.” lucky again.” perform a lung transplant
Diane Whitmore Michael Kang, on a patient recovering from
Schanzenbach, the William G. and COVID-19,” says Ankit Bharat,
left, director of Virginia K. Karnes chief of thoracic surgery
the Institute Research Professor at and surgical director of the
for Policy Northwestern Pritzker Northwestern Medicine Lung
→ Diane Whitmore Research School of Law, in
Schanzenbach and NBC News
WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
14 NEWS NEWS 15
later, she became the first GLOBAL REACH
known COVID-19 patient in
the United States to receive a
double-lung transplant. Staying Safe, Wildcats
The second patient, Brian
Kuhns, an Illinois man in his
60s, spent 100 days on ECMO.
Make a Difference Worldwide
He received the majority
MAKE A MASK
of his treatment at another
Pakistan
health system before being
transferred to Northwestern. In April, Northwestern University
in Qatar junior Adan Ali helped
“Prior to his arrival at
launch the student-led Mask
Northwestern Memorial, the Banao campaign, which shares
patient developed an invasive information about making
infection that required a major masks at home and promotes
chest surgery. This was going FOCUS ON mask usage and awareness.
BHARAT: TERESA CRAWFORD PHOTO; ARGENTINA: JEFFREY DAVIS/GET T Y IMAGES; GHANA: DRAZEN/GET T Y IMAGES
Ankit Bharat Ali and his colleagues also
to make the double-lung CHILDREN’S
RIGHTS work with factories to produce
transplant substantially more and distribute cloth masks to
difficult,” says Northwestern Argentina
Pakistani communities, including
Medicine thoracic surgeon Last fall Weinberg people living in poverty. The
Transplant Program and and lungs. While her body and Feinberg associate College of Arts and multinational team has seen
Sciences sophomore REPORTING FROM BAGHDAD Pakistani attitudes toward
associate professor of surgery cleared the virus, her lungs professor of surgery and
Kelly Bates interned Iraq masks grow more positive.
and medicine at the Feinberg were damaged beyond repair. medicine Samuel Kim, who with Fundación
School of Medicine. “We want “For many days, she was assisted in the double-lung por Nuestros Amina Ismail ’05 MS was named
other transplant centers to the sickest person in the transplant alongside Bharat. Niños through Reuters’ Reporter of the Year in
know that while the transplant COVID ICU — and possibly the “His lung damage was among the virtual Global March 2020, along with Angus SUSTAINABLE ART
Engagement Studies Berwick, a correspondent in Vietnam
procedure in these patients is entire hospital,” explains Beth the worst I’ve ever seen. When
Institute. The Salta, Venezuela. She won the award
quite technically challenging, Malsin ’19 GME, a pulmonary we opened the chest cavity Argentina–based for her reporting on Egyptian
Through the virtual Global
it can be done safely, and and critical care specialist there was a lot of evidence Engagement Studies Institute,
program advocates president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s
sophomore journalism major
it offers the terminally ill at Northwestern Memorial of infection; everything we for children’s authoritarian rule. Ismail joined
Quan Pham has worked with
COVID-19 patients another Hospital and an instructor of touched or dissected started rights, with a Reuters in 2016 and is currently
Vun Art, a Hanoi-based social
focus on violence a senior correspondent based
option for survival.” medicine at Feinberg. “There bleeding, and one misstep enterprise that trains people with
prevention, health in Baghdad, where her coverage
The first patient, 28-year- were so many times our team could have led to catastrophic and education. centers on human rights and
disabilities to make sustainable
old Mayra Ramirez, spent six had to react quickly to help consequences.” clothing and accessories,
Bates, whose family politics. Prior to joining Reuters,
featuring traditional Vietnamese
weeks in the COVID ICU on a her oxygenation and support Typically, a double-lung is from Argentina, Ismail worked at the New York
motifs and recycled materials.
ventilator and extracorporeal her other organs to make sure transplant takes six to seven appreciates the Times as a reporter.
Pham has worked on projects to
membrane oxygenation they were healthy enough to hours, but this surgery opportunity to
expand Vun Art’s market into the
immerse herself in
(ECMO), a life support machine support a transplant if and took about 10 hours due to Argentine culture
U.S. and develop a tour of Vun
that does the work of the heart when the opportunity came. lung necrosis and severe Art’s facilities. Pham, a Hanoi
while making a
native, plans to work in Asia in
One of the most exciting inflammation. positive impact in a
the future.
“His lung times was when the first
coronavirus test came back
Bharat’s team is optimistic
that both patients will make
“country that gave so
much to me and my
HALTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Ghana
damage was negative and we had the first a full recovery. The surgeons
family.”
Sophomore Bengi Rwabuhemba is
among the sign she may have cleared the
virus to become eligible for a
are now offering guidance to
other transplant centers. By
passionate about advocacy for children’s and
women’s rights. Through the virtual Global
worst I’ve lifesaving transplant.” mid-November, Northwestern Engagement Studies Institute, Rwabuhemba
is working with the Center for Initiatives
ever seen.” The lung transplant
team listed Ramirez for the
surgeons had performed
double-lung transplants on
Against Human Trafficking in Tamale, Ghana.
The organization aims to empower women
— Samuel Kim transplant, and 48 hours seven COVID-19 survivors. and children while educating the public about
child labor and child marriages.
The ● Northwestern
research funding
● The Department of Energy’s Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago’s western
� Ibusci odis eturit
fuga. Ga. Fugiasit
● Northwestern has again been ranked among
the nation’s top 10 universities. The University
● Northwestern researchers have been awarded
12 Rapid Response Research (RAPID) grants
Ticker reached $886 million
for fiscal year 2020.
suburbs will lead one of five national centers
aimed at advancements in quantum information
as es enteniendi
voluptae ever et spit
ranked No. 9 in U.S. News & World Report’s
Report’s
“2021 Best Colleges” report. Northwestern also
by the National Science Foundation — more
than any other top-10 university. The grants will
This marks an 11% science,, and Northwestern is a major player in
science velt plab 00% nonseq ranked in the top 20 in each of the five graduate be used to further COVID-19 pandemic research
increase over last the initiative. Seventeen Northwestern faculty uam si dolo volupta education categories. It is one of only four top-10 efforts and projects, which include a wearable
year’s total. members are affiliated with the new center. tiania et serchic tet. U.S. universities to achieve that feat. symptom sensor and a self-sanitizing face mask.
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 Illustrations by Alexander Mostov WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN
16 NEWS NEWS 17
’CAT TALES
ESTATE OF EDWARD STEICHEN / ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIET Y (ARS) NEW YORK. EDWARD STEICHEN, AMELIA EARHART, VANIT Y FAIR, 1931. GEL ATIN SILVER PRINT, MARY AND LEIGH BLOCK MUSEUM OF ART
Bringing
Stories
to Life
For three decades,
the student-run
Griffin’s Tale theater
group has performed
original plays, raps,
songs and poetry
written by students
in 20 Chicago-area
elementary schools.
Due to the
pandemic, Griffin’s
Tale canceled its
performances — and
30th anniversary
Bienen School of Music faculty members Hans Thomalla and Alan Pierson worked on the September premiere of the opera Dark Spring. Composed celebration plans —
by Thomalla and conducted by Pierson, the production in Mannheim, Germany, featured socially distanced performers and smaller audiences. last spring. But now
the group is ready
to go virtual. Junior
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT production of The Trojan designers sent actors Kandace Mack, one
Women using StreamYard, a costumes and props. While of the directors,
The Show Must Go On live streaming service.
“One of the hardest parts
about switching to a virtual
the actors had to adjust to
singing by themselves, being
their own crew and managing
envisions “Sesame
Street meets SNL.”
The group will adapt
hen student members record themselves format is that you don’t have microphones and lighting, stories written by
W performance groups
returned to campus
performing dance moves
at home, then compiled the
the audience with you,” says
sophomore Arella Flur, the
their efforts were a success.
“There’s this whole
children into skits and
create a video that
in the fall, social distancing videos to create coordinated show’s producer. “StreamYard mentality right now that schools can stream.
and crowd safety guidelines online performances. allows comments to feed into theater is dying,” says Flur. Griffin’s Tale had Students line up for COVID-19 testing at the Jacobs Center on the Evanston campus.
forced them to adjust their art Lovers & Madmen, a the actors’ streams, so they “But theater has always been been interested in
to a new, virtual reality. For Northwestern Student Theatre can all see the audience giving a form that has adapted. We’re expanding its program
example, Refresh Dance Crew, Coalition organization them love during the show.” still doing what theater has and now can involve
which performs to hip-hop centered around classical Flur’s 25-person team always done by telling stories more schools in
STUDENT LIFE
and pop songs, had its performances, put on its rehearsed remotely, and and building communities.” Chicago and beyond.
Virtual or not,
Mack says, the
Welcome to the Class of 2024
DARK SPRING: HANS JÖRG MICHEL; CAMPUS: SHANE COLLINS
mission remains the
same. “The focus
Incoming students hail from 60 countries around the world.
PHOTOGRAPHY is on highlighting
creativity.”
his past September, students bring extraordinary perspectives to our
Northwestern’s Block Museum of Art acquired 41 silver gelatin
and platinum prints by American artist Edward Steichen from T more than 1,900 first-
year students began
qualities, talents and accolades
to Northwestern. They come
community,” says Liz
Kinsley ’15 PhD, director of
collectors Richard and Jackie Hollander. Expanding the Block’s their journeys as members of from 60 countries and speak undergraduate admission. “But
holdings of vintage Steichen prints, the gift is the third to the Northwestern’s Class of 2024, more than 60 languages. as diverse as they are, they
together with more than 190 Thirteen percent are the also bring a shared spirit of
museum from the Hollander family, who donated 49 Steichen prints transfer students. On the final first in their families to go collaboration and compassion
in 2013 and 44 in 2017. The latest donation includes portraits of day of a fully remote Wildcat to college. More than 20% of that drives their ideas and
historical figures such as Carl Sandburg, Amelia Earhart (shown Welcome, the class was incoming students received actions. They approach the
at left) and Thomas Mann; examples of Steichen’s commercial cheered by President Morton federal Pell Grants. And nearly world around them with
Schapiro, who delivered his 95% ranked among the top equal parts critical thought
advertising images; fashion studies for Vogue and Vanity Fair; and traditional convocation in an 10% in their high school class. and deep optimism, and I’m
early photographic experiments. Steichen (1879–1973) is regarded entirely online format. “This class contributes excited to see where they go
as one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. By any standard, these new a remarkable range of and what they do together.”
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN18 DISCOVERY 19
WELLNESS
Make Time for
Mental Health
Amid a global pandemic
and socially distanced
holidays, winter will be
even more challenging this
SOCIAL SCIENCE year, say Northwestern
Medicine psychiatrists.
Big Cities Still Matter Aderonke Pederson,
Feinberg School of
Medicine instructor of
Kellogg professor identifies key population psychiatry and behavioral
threshold that allows large metro areas to sciences, and Inger
become innovation hubs. Burnett-Zeigler, associate
professor of psychiatry and
behavioral sciences, offer
f you’re currently innovative, cognitive tips to protect your mental
I living in a big city,
please stick around.
labor economies when the
population reaches a certain
health this winter.
The alluring trend of sweet spot — around Get outside and
moving to a more affordable 1.2 million people. Along with
1 stay active. Even if
locale to work remotely as population size, she found it’s cold, take advantage
COVID-19 upends our lives those cities are also capable of the sunlight, Burnett-
will likely not hold up in the of attracting and retaining Zeigler says. Find ways
long run. And that’s because certain industries that tend to be active and connect
places like Chicago, Los to grow much faster than the with others.
Angeles, New York and other rate of population growth.
large metropolitan areas have Some of these “superlinear Enlist your social
the traits that make them industries” include the arts,
2 circle. “Ask your
hubs for a strong, innovative entertainment, professional family and friends to form
economy. services, science and accountability groups,
Hyejin Youn, assistant information technology. where you have a clear
professor of management and “What we observed is sense of how you will
organizations at the Kellogg not a blip in history,” Youn check in on each other,”
School of Management, and says. “These two factors says Pederson. A buddy
her collaborators analyzed [population size and the system could be helpful
industrial employment and ability to attract cognitive as well.
population changes in 350 industries] go hand in hand pushed forward by increases might slow down as we and are home to 86% of the Areas in the United
U.S. cities between 1998 and
2013. The survey included
more than 100 million
and depend on one another.”
According to Youn, human
interactions are known to
in population size.
Youn thinks the largest
cities will likely survive after
continue to work from home.
“Remote work is efficient
only if communication
90%
Cities’ share of
population, according to
recent data from the Bureau
of Economic Analysis and the
States that have typically
relied on manufacturing
but now face challenges
3
Be patient with
yourself and
others. “Everyone is
workers. drive the creation of ideas. COVID-19 despite fleeting processes are well established U.S. economic output Census Bureau. due to outsourcing and under a great deal of
She observed a transition In other words, innovation trends of workers flocking and most tasks are well Youn’s study may have globalization may consider a stress,” Pederson says,
86%
from economies based depends on the rate of away from major urban defined with little room implications for policymakers, policy of “upskilling,” where adding that changes in
on manual labor to more human interaction, which is centers. But she warns that for ambiguity,” says Youn. especially mayors who they make their workforce sleep, appetite, anxiety
innovation may take a hit. “If you’re presenting a new are trying to transform employable in more and energy levels are
Since innovation, in idea to your company, you Cities’ share of the their cities’ economies. For advanced industries. expected.
many ways, is driven by will need multiple ways of U.S. population example, cities losing more “The caveat here is this
The largest cities will likely strong communication, communicating it, and it will people than they gain must transformation may be more Take time to
1.2M
4
survive after COVID-19 despite serendipitous interactions
and people being largely
probably not be understood
the first time. This is very hard
look at population size as a
strategic priority, according
dependent on national rather
than city policy,” Youn said.
recharge.
“Identify what feeds you
trends of workers flocking away together in the same physical to do online compared with The population threshold to Youn. “They wouldn’t be “The federal government emotionally,” Pederson
from major urban centers. But space for quick decision-
making, Youn warns that
face-to-face interactions.”
Cities account for 90%
that signals a city’s
potential to develop a
losing only economically
but also squandering a lot of
needs to think about the
industrial composition of
says. “Make a list of
activities you enjoy and
innovation may take a hit. new ideas and breakthroughs of the U.S. economic output more innovative economy possible innovative power.” the country as a whole.” add them to your routine.”
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 Illustration by Dante Terzigni WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN20 INNOVATION 21
OPEN AND SHUT
The bus door opens upward,
altering the way passengers hop
on and off the bus. The design,
inspired by vertical cabinet
hinge mechanisms, combines
all ingresses and egresses into
a single large door that runs the
length of the bus. This allows
riders to flow in and out freely
without crossing paths.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DNA Testing at Home
Student-run Acorn Genetics creates a genetic
analysis tool that maintains a user’s privacy.
na Cornell wanted genetic data without the user’s
A to learn about her
genetic background
DNA ever leaving the home.
Here’s how it works: First,
but shied away from trying a users take a cheek swab, Acorn Genetics team members, from left, Jakub Wolsza, Ana
commercially available DNA which they run through Cornell and Mark Ogarek.
test kit because of privacy the kit’s DNA extractor and
concerns. She couldn’t find then place in GenomeLock’s
a test that could be taken polymerase chain reaction
and analyzed at home. So machine — a thermal cycler for a certain disease and sciences professor Michael
the McCormick School of that uses enzymes to amplify recommendations for action Marasco. The company
Engineering junior set out to the segment of DNA being moving forward. currently consists of four SAFELY SEATED
build one. analyzed. “We’re finding out core members: Cornell,
Every seat has a see-through
DNA testing services allow The sample is then inserted that people have genetic sophomores Jakub Wolsza barrier. The team also adjusted
more people to learn about into a handheld genetic predispositions to certain and Mark Ogarek and junior the floor plan and alternated
their genealogy, genetic sequencer, which analyzes the diseases,” Cornell says, “but Kate Conner. seating direction to provide a
makeup and associated health data and produces results. if they adjust their lifestyle in Acorn Genetics serves cocoon of private space. “If I’m
facing forward, the person next HANDLE WITH CARE
risks, and other information. Users can order enzymes a certain way, they can cause as an early steppingstone
to me would be facing the other
However, privacy concerns from Cornell’s startup, epigenetic changes that could to Cornell’s goal of making way,” Ryan Teo says. “We would FABRIC UPGRADES Much like the automatic plastic
loom large, as genetic testing GenomeLock-maker Acorn strongly decrease the chance health care more accessible toilet seat covers at O’Hare
be next to each other, so we’re The seats are covered in an International Airport, the bus
companies often make money Genetics. They can use those of getting that disease.” and transparent. For her work, all close, but we would not be in affordable, copper-infused handles have a stainless steel
by sharing their user’s genetic enzymes to test for certain GenomeLock is the she earned a Propel Program contact with each other.” fabric that is known to reduce tube covered by a disposable
information with third parties. diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. first product from Acorn grant, awarded to female pathogens. plastic wrap. Each time the bus
To address this issue, After the DNA sequencer Genetics, which was entrepreneurs at The Garage, stops, the handle will make
Cornell led the creation of finishes, the analytics can be formed in the Principles Northwestern’s student a slow, 360-degree rotation,
INVENTION allowing the entire surface of
GenomeLock, a DNA testing viewed on a computer. Users of Entrepreneurship entrepreneurship incubator.
the tube to be sterilized by a
kit that turns a simple cheek learn about any abnormalities course taught by industrial She was also was named to 254-nanometer UV light strip.
swab into usable, private found, if they are at risk engineering and management Chicago Inno’s “25 Under 25.”
Futurebus
A new public transportation design concept who studies product design, engineering
LEADERSHIP aims to once again give passengers the and anthropology as part of the McCormick
confidence to ride the bus. The Futurebus, Integrated Engineering Studies program. “The
X-Factor, The Garage’s revolutionary new student program designed for the COVID-19 era by an dandelion opens its petals widely, allowing its
developed in partnership with psychology professor Jennifer international team that includes Northwestern seeds to be dispersed freely. We wanted to give
Tackett, helps Northwestern student founders enhance senior Ryan Teo, reduces contact between passengers that same freedom of movement to
their capacity for transformational leadership. Students get passengers and uses antimicrobial fabric minimize contact.” The design won the top prize
personalized feedback on their leadership strengths and and self-sanitizing handles. “We got our in the FourC Challenge, a 24-hour international
weaknesses and learn strategies to promote leadership growth inspiration from the dandelion flower,” says competition sponsored by the Shanghai Jiao
through clinically proven assessments and check-in meetings. Teo, an international student from Singapore Tong University School of Design.
NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2021 Illustration by Brown Bird Design WINTER 2021 NORTHWESTERN22 “We Will” Update 23
← Campus Inclusion and
Community programs like Summer
Academic Workshop help students
of all backgrounds to thrive.
environment by addressing scholarships that also support barrier for young, deserving for Excellence in Computer
issues surrounding personal diversity, equity and inclusion students of color, which Science Education to
awareness of social identities, at Northwestern. is why we created these recruit a diverse group of
power, privilege, oppression The Karr Scholars Program opportunities,” Adam Karr says. high school students for a
and social justice. The program provides endowed support for An anonymous gift to two-week summer program
hosts workshops for residential undergraduates who have an Northwestern Engineering emphasizing the creative
communities, athletic teams, interest in teaching in schools supports diversity, equity and and career possibilities of
student organizations and located in marginalized inclusion in its computer computer science. It also funds
others. Pretlow’s gift helped communities. science department. The a laptop loaner program for
increase student engagement The Karr Achievement gift has enabled the school students in the department
through the training of Scholarship provides endowed to partner with Chicago who may not have the
20 facilitators, who ran support for undergraduate community organizations resources to replace their
40 workshops in 2019–20. students, with a preference and the University’s Center machine if it breaks down.
Pretlow also supported for those who have The program has purchased
the third annual Justice and demonstrated leadership in two new computers that allow
Allyship Retreat, during the Black community. for the custom installation of
which students met in small The Karrs also were lead
“My personal software and non-standard
groups to discuss the types donors toward a Promise priorities and operating systems these
of oppression individuals of Scholarship, which provides vision for impact students require — and
different identities face, what endowed support for inspired students and faculty
they envision for a socially undergraduates — with a
at Northwestern to donate four used laptops
just world and other topics. preference for those who have are firmly for refurbishment.
One attendee described the shown a commitment to the centered in
retreat as giving them a Black community.
“newfound energy and sense “Speaking from experience,
diversity, equity
SOCIAL JUSTICE
says Sutton, who graduated of action and urgency toward knowledge of and access to and inclusion.” ↓ Architectural rendering of the
back of the Black House, which
from the McCormick School spreading compassion and resources can be a critical — Paula Pretlow is currently under reconstruction
of Engineering. “The understanding.”
Donor Gifts Advance Diversity, camaraderie and meetings at
the Black House with other
“My personal priorities
and vision for impact at
Equity and Inclusion Black students provided
meaningful social interaction
and intellectual stimulation.”
Northwestern are firmly
centered in diversity, equity
and inclusion,” Pretlow says.
Initiatives seek to diversify the Northwestern community, propel One of those students was “My investment in Social
research and education, and enrich the student experience. Cates, who worked at the Justice Education was a
Black House while earning perfect match. The program
her degree from the School continues to grow — now
T
he national conversation led by Multicultural Student will enhance and care for of Communication. serving more than 3,400
surrounding diversity, Affairs and Campus Inclusion the space. The Black House Another area of Campus students per year — and has
equity and inclusion is and Community, which strive has received support from Inclusion and Community, become a national model.”
ongoing. Northwestern has to make Northwestern a place Alma Cates ’78 and Michael Social Justice Education, Financial aid for students
responded by committing where students are safe and Sutton ’75, alumni who felt its creates co-curricular is a priority at Northwestern.
to advancing racial and feel a sense of belonging. impact firsthand. The couple opportunities that foster It is further supported by
social justice and making the Structural, technological also made a gift toward self-exploration, facilitate alumni and friends, whose
University a more equitable and aesthetic improvements programming related to the conversations and support generosity makes it possible
and inclusive place for all — include dedicated areas for Black student experience. actions that create social for students with financial
and generous donors are large gatherings, quiet spaces “The support and counsel change. A gift from University need to attend the University
bolstering these efforts. for studying and updated I received from the Black Trustee Paula Pretlow ’77, and helps ensure that the
The renovation of the Black offices on the upper floors. House administration ’78 MBA is supporting social undergraduate community
House — a space dedicated to Construction began in inspired me to work hard justice initiatives that advance more accurately reflects the
serving Black students within summer 2019 and is expected and strengthened my equity at Northwestern. world at large.
the Northwestern community to be completed this spring. resolve to complete my The Peer Inclusion University Trustee Adam
as a result of the 1968 Bursar’s While the University funded degree under sometimes Educators program helps Karr ’93 and Tonia Karr have
Office Takeover — is being the renovation, donor gifts very trying circumstances,” foster an inclusive learning made gifts to endow three
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