Redevelopment of Norris University Center’s East Lawn to begin this summer
April 5, 2024
It was another successful year for Northwestern University with exciting developments in research, teaching, facilities, athletics and campus life. Read our rundown of some of the biggest stories of the year.
New Kellogg building and other campus construction projects
The Kellogg School of Management celebrated the groundbreaking of its new “global hub” to be constructed on Northwestern’s lakefront. Full Story
Construction continued around campus on other projects including the new Music and Communication Building, the multi-use athletic facility and the Visitors Center. Full Story
Wildcat Welcome takes over Millennium Park
The Class of 2017 and new transfer students had a jam-packed Wildcat Welcome week, highlighted by the fifth annual “March Through the Arch,” posing for their class photo on Deering Meadow and the first-ever “Purple Pride” event -- an afternoon pilgrimage to Millennium Park for a festive introduction to Chicago. Full Coverage
Mikhail Baryshnikov addresses the Class of 2013
Mikhail Baryshnikov delivered a passionate and humorous speech to Northwestern graduates at the 155th commencement ceremony. Full CoverageNorthwestern enters the world of online education
Two new programs brought Northwestern education online this year. Professor Candy Lee offered a for-credit course on integrated marketing communications through Semester Online. Full Story
The University also partnered with Coursera to offer several massive open online courses (MOOCs) on a variety of subjects. Full Story
Students and alumni awarded for innovation
Innovative members of the Northwestern community were honored in various ways this year. Two business teams founded in NUvention entrepreneurship courses took first and second place at the Rice Business Plan Competition. Full Story
Fiction writer and alumna Karen Russell, at 32, became the youngest individual to be named a 2013 MacArthur “genius.” In 2011, The New York Times included Russell’s highly acclaimed, best-selling novel “Swamplandia!” on its 10 Best Books of the Year list. Full Story
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ESPN College GameDay broadcasts from Evanston campus
It was the most exciting Homecoming weekend in recent memory when ESPN’s College GameDay show brought hundreds of Northwestern fans to the lakefront for a live broadcast. Full StoryDance Marathon breaks another record
More than 1,000 students spent 30 hours dancing and raised a record-breaking $1,214,632. Primary beneficiary the Danny Did Foundation received $741,394.10, and secondary beneficiary the Evanston Community Foundation received $82,377.12. Full CoverageStudents design penguin bootie for Shedd Aquarium
Through a partnership with Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, first-year engineering students worked on a project to develop an orthopedic bootie to solve penguin foot problems. Full Story
Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools
The new four-year Northwestern Academy program will provide free support and college counseling to help CPS students prepare for and gain admittance to selective colleges and universities. Full Story
Northwestern nets two Marshall Scholars in a single year
Rhaina Cohen, a Northwestern undergraduate with a passion for gender equality and policy, and Chelsea Glenn, a summa cum laude 2013 Northwestern alumna with a passion for social change, were awarded Marshall Scholarships. Full Story
Other 2013 highlights
University News
Applications for admission set a new record, the Law School created a new degree, Northwestern was a leader in Fulbright recipients and the University made other major news this year.
Northwestern Applications Hit New High
New Law Degree for Science and Technology Professionals
Northwestern a Leader in Fulbright Recipients
Wildcat Fans Get Up for 'Mike & Mike' Show on Campus
Al Jazeera America Announces Plans
Research
With breakthroughs in Alzheimer's, diabetes and multiple sclerosis treatments, research funding topping a half billion dollars for the fourth consecutive year, a study on marital satisfaction and more, it was a groundbreaking year in Northwestern research.
Promising New Alzheimer's 'Drug' Halts Memory Loss
Big Multiple Sclerosis Breakthrough
Research Funding Tops a Half Billion Dollars for Fourth Year
No More Blackouts: Preventive Care for the Power Grid
21 Minutes to Marital Satisfaction
Treasure Trove of Death-Related Oddities
16th-Century Work Brought to Life for 21st Century Readers
New Guidelines for Heart Health
Interspecies Transplant Works in First Step for New Diabetes Therapy
Honors
Members of the Northwestern community received numerous accolades in 2013, as "Entrepreneur of the Year," in The Wall Street Journal's "Startup of the Year" competition, by winning a Packard Fellowship and more.
Company Makes 'WSJ Startup of the Year' Final Five
Nanotechnology Pioneer Named 'Entrepreneur of the Year'Chemist Ranked Among Top Local Inventors
Four Greats to Receive Honorary Degrees
