Farewell frost!
October 30, 2024
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City Council honored Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro with a special congratulatory resolution honoring his tenure and work with the City for more than a decade. Schapiro, who has been Northwestern’s president since 2009, will conclude his tenure Aug. 31.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know you [and] the vision that you’ve had for the future of Northwestern,” Lightfoot said Wednesday. “I just want to say thank you on behalf of a grateful city for your partnership, for your guidance and counsel to me personally.”
As both an anchor institution in the heart of Chicago and a close neighbor to the north, Northwestern has had a close relationship with the city for more than a century. Three aldermen also spoke in praise of President Schapiro.
President Schapiro “has been an incredible community partner in the Streeterville neighborhood,” said Ald. Brendan Reilly, who represents the 42nd Ward. “I think it's telling that the heads of the neighborhood association in Streeterville are as sad to see you go as I am. Not all big institutions have that kind of positive working relationship that Northwestern enjoys in Streeterville, and I give you and your team all the credit for that.”
“You set the bar very high for all your [successors] going forward to have that kind of relationship with the surrounding community that's beneficial and mutually respectful,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd Ward. “That will be one of the big parts of your legacy that I’ll make sure, as long as I'm Alderman of Streeterville, that we preserve. Thank you, Morty. Outstanding job.”
