Skip to main content

Things to do at NU: April 3 to 9

Our picks this week take you around the globe and into space
A red nebula over a background of stars
This week the principal investigator for the James Webb Space Telescope’s near-infrared camera will deliver the public Heilborn Lecture on campus. Above, an image of the star-forming region NGC 604 taken by the telescope. Photo by NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI

It’s been a gray start to the week, but we have some great events to keep your spirits high until it warms up early next week (and be sure not to miss out on Monday’s solar eclipse!).

See art honoring journalist James Foley

Conflict journalist and Medill alum James Foley’s reporting in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria gave Americans a window into the realities of war. On the 10th anniversary of Foley’s death at the hands of militants of the Islamic State group, conceptual artist Bradley McCallum honors the journalist’s legacy and work in the exhibition “Inescapable Truths.”

The opening reception for “Inescapable Truths” is at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, on Level 4, University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston. The exhibition will be on view at University Library until June 14 and at the Dittmar Memorial Gallery, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, until May 7.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema at The Block

Renowned Chicagoland film festival Asian Pop-Up Cinema welcomes some of the most well-known filmmakers and stars of contemporary Asian film to the Windy City each year. Now, the festival comes to campus, with four film screenings and conversations with two of the filmmakers.

The festival kicks off with Lee Won-Hoi’s “My Favorite Love Story” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Tickets are free with RSVP, with seats on a first-come, first-served basis. See The Block’s event page for more information about the screenings.

Delve into the history of Israel and Palestine

Since this fall, intense attention has turned to Israel and Palestine. Many on campus who are following events find themselves with basic questions about actors, geography, contested narratives and more. The Israel and Palestine joint speaker series will offer Northwestern community members knowledge on vital history from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

The series begins with a session on “Late Ottoman Palestine” at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the Guild Lounge in Scott Hall, 601 University Place, Evanston. See the full series lineup and register here.

Spring Into Spring: An Evening of Reflection on Growth

Welcome the changing of the seasons with Religious and Spiritual Life Student Collective’s “Spring Into Spring,” an evening of reflection on growth, change and the quarter ahead. People of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds are welcome at the event, which will feature intentional conversation, music and spring-themed brunch foods.

“Spring Into Spring” is at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. RSVP here.

Learn about the building of the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is the most complicated telescope ever to be launched into space, and the feat of careful engineering has already exceeded expectations. Marcia J. Rieke, the principal investigator for the telescope’s near-infrared camera, takes you behind the scenes of the telescope’s development and results in this year’s public Heilborn Lecture.

Rieke will speak at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 5, in the Ryan Family Auditorium (L165), Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston.