Norris University Center Celebrates 40th Anniversary

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Nostalgic 1970s-era photos of Northwestern University students at leisure participating in an “all nighter” pie-eating contest or playing table tennis, pinball machines and Foosball table games are all part of an exhibition that will launch Norris University Center’s yearlong 40th anniversary celebration.

The three-week October exhibition at the University’s Dittmar Memorial Gallery and a series of “Throw-Back Weeks” highlighting the pop culture of the past four decades are just a few of the events planned for Norris Center’s yearlong festivities.

Since September 1972, Norris Center has served as the community center for Northwestern University’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests, by providing services and programs designed for their benefit. It’s also the place where Northwestern students go to meet, eat, study and chill out. For information on Norris’ mission and history, visit www.norris.northwestern.edu/about/mission/. 

The following Norris Center anniversary events are free.

• The celebration begins Oct. 8 to 28 with the “Norris University Center 40th Anniversary Exhibit” at the Dittmar Gallery, located on the first floor of Norris Center at 1999 Campus Drive. The exhibition will highlight photos, furniture, games and memories of the students who have made Norris the center of the Evanston campus for 40 years. It is presented with the “Cuts and Grinds Project” -- a Northwestern student archival blog and a photo gallery. An opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, is free and open to the public. For information, call the Dittmar Gallery at (847) 491-2348 or Norris University Center at (847) 491-2300, email dittmargallery@northwestern.edu or visit www.northwestern.edu.

• The first “Throw-Back Week” begins at noon Tuesday, Oct. 9, on Norris’ ground floor. The event will feature music, free candy, prizes and fun. It is open to the public.

• An Alumni Ice Cream Social for alumni and the Northwestern University community only, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, will take place at the Dittmar Gallery.

• The Official Big 40th Happy Birthday Celebration will take place Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Norris.

For more information on these and upcoming Norris 40th Anniversary events, visit the Norris University Center website at www.norris.northwestern.edu/.