Under President Schapiro’s leadership, Northwestern’s impact on our surrounding community and around the world continues to grow, due in large part to the expansion of global partnerships, the opening of institutes focused on global engagement and the establishment of new programs to support the Evanston and Chicago communities.
Global Impact
U7+ Summit
In November 2020, Northwestern hosted more than 100 university presidents and leaders from 20 countries at the U7+ Presidential Summit. The event, hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, convened university leaders from around the globe to explore solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.
Buffett Institute
In 2015, Northwestern established the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Studies, with the support of Robert Buffett Elliott. Northwestern Buffett champions Northwestern’s global engagement, bringing together students, faculty and experts from around the world to collaboratively address critical global challenges.
University Partnerships Rise
Northwestern has expanded opportunities for faculty, staff and students to work and learn with globally renowned experts at over 80 institutions in more than 30 countries around the world. Over the past ten years, Northwestern has developed more comprehensive international partnerships that include a myriad of collaborations such as student exchanges, customized study abroad programs, dual and joint degree programs, faculty exchanges and research collaborations.
80+
global institutions
30+
countries
Local Impact
Good Neighbor Racial Equity Fund
Since 2015, Northwestern has donated $1 million annually to the City of Evanston to support community projects. In 2020, the fund expanded to include an additional $500,000 in grants to promote social justice.
The University established Northwestern Academy in 2013, providing a free, multiyear college access and enrichment program for diverse, academically motivated students in Chicago and Evanston.
In 2013, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare integrated under a shared strategic vision to transform the future of healthcare and become a premier academic health system.
On-Campus Impact
Teaching Excellence
President Schapiro taught at least one undergraduate course each year, focusing on the intersection of economics and the humanities. In his teachings with professor Gary Saul Morson, he challenged students to examine questions from opposing perspectives and challenge basic assumptions.
While I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together to increase Northwestern’s national and international standing, I’d have to say teaching—and learning—from our students as well as our faculty and alumni, may be the highlight of my time here.”
