‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
The Wirtz Center will be bustling this weekend as “In the Time of the Butterflies” has its second weekend of shows, and “Enough is Enough” and “The Beyond: The Vision of Georgia O'Keeffe” take the stage. Here’s what else to put on your calendar this week. As always, all are welcome!
In great companies
Watch six outstanding teams of student entrepreneurs deliver pitches at the public showcase of VentureCat, Northwestern’s annual student startup competition. Vote for the recipient of the audience favorite prize and learn who will take home the $100,000 grand prize.
The event is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, in White Auditorium, Kellogg Global Hub, 2211 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Biosecurity in the age of AI
The Northwestern Network for Collaborative Intelligence hosts a Distinguished Panel event on AI and biosecurity. Biosafety experts will explore how AI and laboratory robotics are increasingly used in biomedical research involving biohazardous materials and what this means for biosafety and biosecurity oversight.
The panel is at noon on Thursday, May 28, in Daniel Hale Williams Auditorium, McGaw Pavilion, 240 E. Huron St., Chicago. Register here to attend in person or virtually.
Tech talk
See “A Chip Odyssey,” which explores the rise of Taiwan’s high‑tech and semiconductor industries and their role in today’s global, AI‑driven economy. Through interviews with leaders who shaped Taiwan’s technology ecosystem, the film examines the economic, political and technological forces behind one of the world’s most influential industries. A Q&A with producer Ben Tsiang and Medill’s Craig Duff will follow.
The screening is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, in the forum, McCormick Foundation Center, 1870 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Love from the libretto
In Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La Rondine,” Magda, a courtesan and mistress of the wealthy Rambaldo, enjoys the material comforts of high society but dreams of true love. When young Ruggero arrives, they quickly fall in love and run away together. But soon, Magda finds that the reality of romance does not live up to her dreams, and she knows that she cannot keep the truth of her past from Ruggero forever.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, as well as 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, in Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Buy tickets.
Stroll through history
Take a literal walk through some of Northwestern’s rich feminist history during this campus tour with doctoral candidate Hannah Simmons, the Women’s Center’s managing director of public history. Simmons will also share prerecorded interviews with faculty and archival audio of changemakers.
The tour begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the Weber Arch, at the corner of Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Register here.
Set sail
Students are invited to spend an afternoon on the lakefront at the Northwestern University Sailing Center’s open house. The event includes facility tours, equipment demonstrations, giveaways and first-come, first-served complimentary kayak and paddleboard rentals.
The open house is from 3–7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the Sailing Center, 1823 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.
