Past Events of the Sesquicentennial

Northwestern Alumni of the greater Los Angeles area gathered for a Sesquicentennial Celebration in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 6. The event was held from 7-10 p.m. at Cicada Restaurant at 617 Olive Street. The event featured cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with an entertainment program featuring Garry Marshall (Medill '59) as emcee. See pictures of this event.

Northwestern Alumni of the greater San Francisco area were invited to attend a Sesquicentennial Celebration on Thursday, November 8 from 6:30-9:30. The event was held at The Golden Gate Club in the Presidio, Building 135 Fisher Loop, and featured cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with an entertainment program .

The final installation of "Evanston and Northwestern: Athens on the Lake" was held at the Dittmar Gallery in the Norris University Center from September 10 to October 21. The exhibit featured photographs, text, and artifacts that trace the development of Northwestern and Evanston from the 1850's to the 1930's.

The Chicago Campus gathered for a Sesquicentennial Celebration on Wednesday, October 17. The event began at 4 p.m. in Thorne Auditorium in the Rubloff Building at 375 East Chicago Avenue. A cocktail reception followed the program in the Law School's Atrium featured an exhibit of archival photos and memorabilia that tell some of the history of the Schools of Commerce/Business, Law, Medicine, and Continued Studies.

A Sesquicentennial Historical Marker Dedication was held on Thursday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Hinman and Davis Streets, the current site of the Davis Street Fish Market. The Northwestern community joined the Sesquicentennial office as they marked the spot where the first Northwestern building, Old College, was erected in 1855. A handsome bronze historical marker was unveiled during a brief ceremony. A reception followed at the Dittmar Gallery in the Norris University Center.

An exhibit opening reception for "Evanston and Northwestern: Athens on the Lake" was held on Thursday, September 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Dittmar Gallery of Norris Center. The exhibit features 35 unique archival photographs and two dozen objects that highlight the people and events that shaped the Evanston and Northwestern communities. The exhibit will run through October 21, 2001.

A Chicago Alumni Sesquicentennial Party was held on Wednesday, June 20 at the Grand Ballroom of Chicago's Navy Pier. This special Sesquicentennial Party attended by more than 1000 Chicago-area alumni featured cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; musical entertainment by the Stu Hirsh Orchestra; a Northwestern Student Life memorabilia exhibit; and concluded with a fireworks display. See photos of this memorable event.

Northwestern's official Sesquicentennial video, Moments in Time, was aired on Monday, June 11, on Channel 11, WTTW Chicago. Produced by Craig Scott Productions and the Sesquicentennial Office, the 55-minute video tells the history of Northwestern's first 150 years. Click here for information about ordering a personal copy of the video for only $10.

Eight thousand students, alumni, faculty and staff attended the sold out May 22 "Northwestern Night at Wrigley Field." Prior to the start of the rainy Cubs victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Northwestern's President Henry Bienen threw out the ceremonial first pitch to alumnus and Cubs catcher Joe Girardi (Class of 1986). Northwestern Speech senior Sabrina Scherff and WCAS senior Willis White performed the Star Spangled Banner. Speech senior Damien Anderson led the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch. A great time was had by all. See photos of the game and festivities.

The Evanston Campus University Library hosted a "Springtime at Northwestern" exhibit that highlighted Northwestern spring traditions including Waa-Mu, Mayfest, commencement and spring athletics. This fun exhibit was on display from April 2 to May 30 in the cases across from the circulation desk on the main floor.

The May 20 Sesquicentennial Party for Washington D.C. area alumni was at the Cosmos Club. More than 350 D.C. area alumni attended this event which included the musical entertainment of a group of Northwestern undergraduates. See photos of the party and festivities.

Evanston Historical Society's 26th annual House Walk was held on May 13. More than 600 people participated in the House Walk which began at the Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood Street and continued throughout Evanston. Seven Evanston homes,including Northwestern's own Chi Omega sorority house (completed in 1927), were selected for their beauty and architectural and historical significance to be part of the tour.

Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, visited the Evanston campus May 2 as Distinguished Sesquicentennial Visitor and was the guest speaker at the Crain Lecture Series. Cardinal George met with University officials, religious leaders, faculty and students. He delivered the Crain lecture and was the guest of honor at a dinner co-hosted by President Henry S. Bienen and Board of Trustees Chair Patrick G. Ryan.

Northwestern University Official U.S. Postal Card. Northwestern was among the very few institutions selected out of 5,000 applications to the United States Postal Service be awarded a special commemorative stamped postal card. The artwork of the 20-cent stamped card honoring Northwestern's 150th anniversary features the tower of University Hall and the words "Northwestern University Sesquicentennial 1851-2001." The United States Postal Service came to campus for a First Day of Issuance ceremony on Saturday, April 28. All attendees received a program and one card with a special first day cancellation (often considered collectors' items). The postcard is available for purchase at the Evanston Post Office or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24(click here for image).

On Saturday, April 21, the annual National Youth Service Day was held. Moret han 100 students involved in Oasis, NCDC, Special Olympics, Dance Marathon and other student organizations worked at various service projects in Evanston and Chicago.

January 31, 2001: More than 1000 students, faculty and staff wore purple and received a free burrito from Chipotle in honor of Northwestern's 150th anniversary. Coming soon: See photos of students at the Chipotle on Church Street and Sherman Avenue in Evanston.

Chicago celebrated Northwestern's 150th chartering anniversary (January 28, 1851) with purple lights during the week of January 28, 2001. Click here to read where the lights were displayed and to see a photo.

October 20, 2000: The Northwestern University U.S. Postal Service postcard was unveiled. See a photo here.

October 20, 2000: Northwestern launched its Sesquicentennial celebration in grand style. View the weekend's Snapshot Gallery here.

September 25, 2000: The first alumni event was held in New York City, where many alumni live and work. See photos from the New York celebration here.

September 15, 2000: Historical figures greet new students at Northwestern. Read article and see photo.