2026
- Mung Chiang named the 18th president of Northwestern University
- The new Ryan Field opens October, 2, 2026
Community Engagement Timeline
The University gave birth to the City of Evanston, but for far too long neglected opportunities to engage deeply with the community. Working closely with the Office of the President and senior leadership over the past decade, the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations has been earning trust in the community and forging new relationships to help position Northwestern as a model citizen.
View Partnerships by Era
2024
2024 Ryan Field redevelopment begins
2023
Northwestern formalized a historic $150 million, 15-year Community Benefits Agreement, creating an unprecedented investment in Evanston through long-term support for city services, community programs, affordable housing, workforce development, and other initiatives that benefit residents across the community.
2022
Guaranteed Income Program announced August 11, 2022
2020
ANCHOR (Advancing Neighborhood & Community Health, Opportunity & Resilience) Grants announced June 14, 2020
2015
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Northwestern University's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations was established.
- Good Neighbor Fund launched September 1, 2015
2012
ETHS Partnership Office launched Autumn 2012
1999
Lucile Krasnow First Community Liaison appointed
1964
The approximate doubling of the Evanston Campus through lakefill additions and improvements during the 1960s and early 1970s.
1950
Hosting of the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches.
1926
Dyche Stadium opens October 2, 1926
1902
Consolidation of the professional schools and construction of the Chicago Campus.
1863
Evanston incorporated December 29, 1863
1851
Northwestern’s charter from the State of Illinois dates to January 28, 1851. The charter has been amended on February 14, 1855, on February 16, 1861, and February 19, 1867.