Robotic touch sensors are not just skin deep
May 2, 2025
EVANSTON - Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro was honored by the Evanston City Council last night (Feb. 27), receiving a ceremonial “key to the city” from Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl.
Mayor Tisdahl called President Schapiro “awesome” and cited the contributions that the University has made to the city in recent years and the partnerships with the city and school districts.
“But it’s not just what you do, it’s how you do it,” Mayor Tisdahl said. She noted Northwestern’s program that provides training in the skilled trades to six men and women per year and has had a 100 percent employment rate for the participants, many of them who have been hired at Northwestern. “You understand Evanston and what we are trying to do. We embrace diversity, and we want to provide hope and opportunity to all. You are helping to make it real.”
“People always ask about someone, ‘Do they get Evanston?’” Mayor Tisdahl said to President Schapiro. “But nobody asks that about you, because you do understand us, and we know it. So, for that, we are pleased to present you the key to the city.”
After receiving a plaque with the key to the city, President Schapiro said, “Northwestern University is blessed to be in one of the great cities in the world. It’s one of the reasons we’re able to be the university we are. We all understand our obligation to keep this city as strong as it is, and what it might be.”
President Schapiro continued, “I also want to thank you not just for the beautiful, diverse, wonderful, challenging city that is Evanston, but also how I’ve been welcomed with my wife, Mimi, and our kids into this beautiful city. I’ve never lived anywhere where I’ve felt more at home than the city of Evanston. This is a wonderful honor, and I really appreciate it, so thank you.”
President Schapiro was honored along with two longtime leaders in Evanston: Bernice Weissbourd, the founder of Family Focus, which provides support for families in early childhood development; and Bishop Carlis L. Moody Sr., the founder of the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Evanston.
