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Usually, when the director of an institution as renowned as the San Diego Zoo addresses a Northwestern alumni club, that person can expect to be the center of attention. At an event held by the NU Club of San Diego on May 13, however, an 8-year-old stole the show. An appearance by Kubali, a cheetah who is one of the zoo’s “animal ambassadors,” delighted the group of about 60 alumni and friends who came to hear zoo director John Dunlap (KSM09) speak. In his presentation “From Aardvarks to Zebras: Managing the San Diego Zoo,” Dunlap gave a behind-the-scenes view of the organization. He discussed the global impact of the work done by the zoo and the challenges of leading a not-for-profit organization. “We met in the Treetops Room in a jungle setting, just off the Monkey Trail,” said Carol Rhyne (KSM80), San Diego club board member and past president. “By the end of the evening, the sounds of the zoo at night filled the air. As we left, alums were saying how much they enjoyed the presentation and this unique event.”
Twenty people attended a Medill Alumni Club of New York walking tour to explore the rich literary history of Greenwich Village. On May 23 the group stopped by the homes and haunts of legendary writers, including Mark Twain, E.E. Cummings and John Reed. “We were looking for a fun club outing where people could learn more about the city and connect with other graduates,” club social networking chair Eric Martin (J06) said. “New York’s neighborhoods have a fascinating past that you don’t necessarily stop to think about on a daily basis.”
The NU Club of Greater New York held a spring gala May 1 at Chelsea Piers. The event raised $1,625 for the club’s NU Scholarship Fund. … In May members of the NU Club of Coachella Valley visited a fourth-grade class in Cathedral City, Calif., as part of an effort to promote college readiness. … On June 4, volunteers from the NU Club of Houston participated in a phone-a-thon for Houston Public Television.