Robotic touch sensors are not just skin deep
May 2, 2025
This week, see the second weekend of “Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women,” celebrate a new mural by a local artist and escape to worlds of magic and epic space battles with the music of John Williams. Here are some highlights to add to your calendar this week — as always, all are welcome!
Teaching and tech
Attend the TEACHx conference, which showcases innovative approaches to teaching and learning with technology. This annual event brings together instructors, students, learning designers and technology specialists to make connections, begin collaborations and learn from their peers.
Sessions are on Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22, at Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register and see the schedule here.
’Round the maypole
Celebrate the arrival of spring and new beginnings through the German holiday of Maifest. Come by to learn about Maifest traditions, make flower bouquets and enjoy German treats, courtesy of McCormick Global Initiatives and the German Undergraduate Advisory Board.
The celebration begins at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, in room L440, Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston.
Ride the waves
The Northwestern Center for Water hosts the Student Water Jamboree, an event dedicated to exploring how student research and interests intersect with water, both directly and indirectly. Lightning talks and discussion will be followed by food and water activities at the Northwestern Sailing Center.
The jamboree is at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, location to be announced. RSVP here by noon on Wednesday, May 21.
Lunch and learn
Cameroonian journalist Haman Mana discusses his book “Biya's Regime: Chronicles of the Shipwreck of the Cameroonian Nation,” an account of the country’s descent into authoritarianism. Mana, a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, will be in conversation with Richard Joseph, professor emeritus of political science.
The talk is at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at 720 University Place, Evanston. Register here.
BYOLightsaber
Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band join forces for a program of the music of John Williams, including selections from the “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movies.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
When tides change
Based on true events, “As it is in Heaven” explores a generational shift: As the young women of the Shakers of Pleasant Hill claim new spiritual gifts, the community’s elders must judge whether these gifts are real or rebellious. Set during America’s surge of Utopian communities, the play wrestles with belief and doubt in a swiftly changing world.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, in the Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here.
A new Evanston landmark
Admire the work of local artist Juan A. Cano at the unveiling of the new Bookman’s Alley mural, sponsored by Northwestern Student Philanthropy Council, Northwestern Rotoract, the Buffett Institute and Bookman’s Alley. There will be free tacos and churros for the first 200 attendees and live music from Northwestern student performers.
The event is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at Bookman’s Alley, 1712 Sherman Ave., Evanston. Register here.
