Alumni
In the tough-to-crack world of Hollywood, screenwriter Joe Hauler fosters creativity, connections and community with Northwestern University Entertainment Alliance-West, the Los Angeles–based club for alumni in the entertainment industry. He helps guide the club by blending educational programs with networking events and performance opportunities, such as the popular Storytellers live event series, which has empowered more than 60 alumni to craft and present over 150 stories on stage.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many small businesses, including those owned by Northwestern alumni, have faced challenging circumstances and uncertain futures. In June 2020 the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) launched the Northwestern Alumni-Owned Small Business Directory to help connect and support fellow Wildcats.
Determined to help other Latinx and first-generation college students like her, Xiomara Contreras ’17 became a mentor for the NAA’s Affinity Leaders and Learners (ALL) Mentorship Program. The program matches students to alumni with similar backgrounds, experiences and identities.
Since its inception more than 140 years ago, the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) has connected alumni to one another and the University through programs that spark intellectual growth, social bonds and professional development. To help foster inclusiveness, especially among historically underrepresented groups, the NAA plans to broaden outreach to more alumni.
Joseph Sun ’96 MBA, president of the NU Club of Taiwan, shares what brought him from Taipei, Taiwan, to Evanston and what has kept him connected to the Northwestern community for more than 20 years.
“Take pride in your story and who you are.” “You deserve to be here as much as your peers.” A group of new students received cards with these uplifting messages at the start of the 2019–20 school year. The encouraging words were for students who identified as first generation and low income — a population that has doubled at Northwestern in the past decade.
Once a shy high school student in suburban Washington, D.C., Jack Kang credits Northwestern for awakening his social side. More than three decades later, Kang’s once-latent outgoing spirit endures.
Northwestern Alumni Association President and trustee Larry Irving ’76 shares why he is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and discusses the importance of listening to alumni and students.
Launched by the Northwestern Alumni Association last fall, the Senior Mentorship Program engages the global alumni network to help seniors prepare for the next step amid a pandemic that has
diminished job prospects.
diminished job prospects.
MaryAnn Ihejirika Marsh grew up hearing about Northwestern, where her father met the people who helped his wife and children escape war-torn Nigeria and find refuge in America. If it hadn’t been for her father’s experience at Northwestern, she might not be here today.
