As urban tree shade shrinks, mortality rises
August 5, 2026
This month, take a trip through 250 years of medical revolutions, dive into the intersection of cities and art, and more. Here’s what to put on your calendar this week.
Healthier, longer
The Human Healthspan Seminar Series kicks off with a talk by Dr. Douglas E. Vaughan, director of the Potocsnak Longevity Institute. He will present “Measuring Biological Age in Humans: Navigating the Journey to Healthspan Extension.”
The seminar is at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Baldwin Auditorium, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. Register here.
Rock the block
All members of the Northwestern and Evanston communities are invited to this year’s ’Kits, ’Cats & Kids Block Party. The free event features inflatables, refreshments, performances and more. Free refreshments from C&W Market will be available while supplies last, and local restaurants will also have food available for purchase.
The block party runs from 4:30–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Evanston Township High School’s Lazier Field, 2285 Church St., Evanston. Learn more.
Staff showcase
Enjoy a free community concert featuring performances by staff of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Bring a blanket and enjoy the lakefront, as well as ice cream and giveaways.
The concert is from 3:30–5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Kahn Pavilion, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. More info.
Eye to the sky
Tour Northwestern’s historic Dearborn Observatory and look through its telescope during its weekly public viewing hours. The first hour is by reservation only, but the second is open to walk-ins.
Public viewing hours begin each Friday at 9 p.m. at Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston. Sign up for the reserved tour waitlist or walk in starting at 10 p.m. More info.
Crafting connections
Chicago CAPS hosts Connect & Craft, a gathering space designed to bring Chicago graduate and professional students together to build community. Each meeting involves a different crafting activity, as well as snacks and connection.
The event is at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, the Women’s Center, room 1400, Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Register here.
A revolutionary exhibition
Join the Galter Library’s curator for a tour of “Revolutions in Medicine: 250 Years of Medical Progress.” In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the exhibit highlights four breakthroughs that sparked their own revolutions and transformed medicine.
The tour is at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Galter Health Sciences Library, Ward Building, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Register here.
The future of global health
Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Northwestern host the three-day SU/NU Global Health Knowledge Hub Conference. Researchers, students, university leaders and practitioners from across disciplines will come together for a dynamic gathering focused on advancing global health innovation, collaboration and equitable care.
The conference kicks off with a welcome presentation at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, in Simpson-Querrey Auditorium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. See more information and register here.
To see and be seen
Columbia College Chicago’s Greg Foster-Rice joins The Block Museum of Art for the keynote of its exhibition “Picturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs from The Block's Collection.” He will discuss how cities are fundamentally about the act of seeing and being seen, as well as the role of picture-making in both reflecting and shaping the actual lived experience of the city.
The keynote is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at The Block, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Find your group
The Office of Community Enrichment hosts two affinity groups fairs for staff and faculty to learn about the groups and initiatives that are available to support and enrich their experience at Northwestern.
The Evanston campus fair runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Guild Lounge, Scott Hall, 601 University Place, Evanston. The Chicago campus fair runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, in the Potocsnak Family Atrium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. More info.
