Why would the average freshman want to spend a warm, sunny Saturday with people who graduated from Northwestern 60 years ago? For some students, taking advantage of the chance to learn from the experiences of older alumni is just too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I was afraid if I didn’t come, I’d miss a good opportunity,” said Jessica Williamson, a Weinberg freshman.
For the 35th straight year, the Northwestern Alumni Association held its “Day with Northwestern” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Norris University Center to educate alumni and current students on issues affecting the university and the world.
Each year the association selects a diverse group of faculty members, as well as alumni, to speak on a variety of contemporary topics.
Issues addressed this year ranged from cardiovascular surgery and methods to improve executive management to NU’s study abroad and athletic programs.
“There was an excellent balance of speakers on timely topics,” said attendee Bruce Baumberger, Kellogg ’65. “It was an informational, stimulating day.”
Participants could attend one of 13 individual sessions or attend an entire day of events.
In addition to featuring two keynote speakers, the day was divided into three blocks that offered a list of lecturers for participants to choose from so they could tailor the event to fit individual interests.
The luncheon keynote speaker, David Horowitz, earned his masters degree in journalism from Medill in 1961.
Speaking as president and CEO of Fight Back! Inc. and FightBack.com, Horowitz told the audience to fight against acts of commercial dishonesty.
“(Fighting back is) not cheap,” he said. “It’s protecting yourself.”
Horowitz’s company provides information and raises awareness about consumer protection, while also seeking legislative backing for everyday people. He said companies will make positive policy changes if they are threatened with mass public exposure.
Horowitz also encouraged audience members to contact their elected representatives and to join with other consumers to take action against dishonest business practices.
“Don’t allow yourself to become complacent,” he advised.
Kelly O’Donnell, an NBC News correspondent, was the afternoon’s featured speaker. O’Donnell, Education ’87, emphasized the importance of networking and making personal connections in the workplace.
While covering the war in Iraq, she said she was exposed to the tragedy of conflict. The deaths of journalists David Bloom, an NBC correspondent, and Jeremy Little, an Australian sound man, gave her an understanding of how the families of soldiers killed in Iraq must feel.
O’Donnell said she feels a connection to the soldiers and the families who lost loved ones — a bond that becomes stronger each time she discusses her experiences.
“(That bond) may be strengthened by the chance to share these stories with you today, ” she said.
O’Donnell later held an open question-and-answer session for students. About 15 students asked about her career and also inquired as to how she balances her job with her personal life.
During his afternoon lecture, Irwin Weil, professor emeritus in NU’s department of Slavic languages and literature, spoke about America from a Russian’s point of view. He emphasized that it is important to learn about the history of the two powerful nations to obtain a more objective picture of both past and current events.
“We look at our country almost exclusively from the inside,” Weil said. “We need to talk about history in order to better understand the present day.”
About 270 people registered for the event and about 35 attendees were students, said Erin Hall, NU’s assistant director of alumni education. She said they tried to target more students this year while also inviting alumni to inform them about what is happening at NU.
“It’s just a way to bring people back to campus,” Hall said. “It’s a great way to re-establish that connection with the Alumni Association and with the alumni.”
This year Carrie Nieman became the first student to serve on the board for the event. Nieman said she was impressed by the quality of the program last year and was inspired to help out.
“It’s eye-opening as a student to see what you can do,” said Nieman, a Communication sophomore.
Alexis Sarkisian, Communication ’71 and the chairwoman of the event board, said the daylong event gives people a chance to network with their friends and fellow alumni. It also provides them an opportunity to learn what is occurring on a campus with which they may no longer be closely connected.
“We hold ‘A Day with Northwestern’ to provide a very pleasant day of learning and socializing and really highlight the best of Northwestern,” Sarkisian said.
