Dark matter detector picks up a mysterious signal
September 1, 2026
It’s almost Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, and there’s a packed lineup of special events, including the football game against Ball State at the new Ryan Field and an ice cream social celebrating the University’s 175th anniversary. Here’s a few more events to put on your calendar this week. As always, all are welcome!
No place like home
Attend the opening reception for “The Names We Give to Home,” featuring the works of Lelia Byron. This exhibition grew out of conversations with residents of Springfield, Ohio, about the topic of “home.” The resulting paintings function as visual narratives showing how participants understand it as something continually created through relationships, memory, care and collective action.
The reception runs from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Dittmar Memorial Gallery, Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. More info.
Do a good turn
Join the We Give Blood campaign in efforts to combat the national blood crisis. Every donor who logs their donation for Northwestern will receive a free t-shirt.
Register here for donation slots between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in room 122, Parkes Hall, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, or register here for slots between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston.
Leadership lessons
Admiral (ret.) Lisa M. Franchetti delivers the annual Leopold Lecture. A Northwestern alum, Franchetti served in the U.S. Navy for 40 years and became the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She will discuss the future of the U.S. military and reflect on what she has learned about leading at every level of command.
The lecture is at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, in Galvin Recital Hall, Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Digital afterlife
The University of Chicago’s Dr. Molly Hales presents a Montgomery Lecture titled “Animating the Virtual Bodies of the Dead.” As digital media offers novel ways to presence and re-presence the dead, our relationships to both media and death are shifting. Hales will explore this dynamic through the story of two friends who embark on a plan to recreate one’s late father in virtual reality.
The talk is at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Searle Seminar Room, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. A virtual attendance option is also available. More info.
To victory
Field hockey looks to notch another win for the team’s perfect record as the Wildcats take on Iowa lakeside.
The ’Cats play at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at Lakeside Field, 2311 Campus Drive, Evanston. All field hockey home games are free to attend. More info.
Community health
The University of Kentucky’s Nancy E. Schoenberg delivers the keynote for the 2026 Health Equity Research Symposium. Her talk will focus on addressing rural health inequities through community-engaged research.
The talk is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Hughes Auditorium, Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. Register here.
Turning pages
Students are invited to dig into George Saunders’ “Vigil” — this year’s campus read — with a BYOBook group. Enjoy cozy, low-pressure quiet reading time and a pie tasting. A free copy of “Vigil” will be available for attendees.
The event starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in room 204, Parkes Hall, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Register here.
