Impact
The Simpson Querrey Brain Health Institute (SQ-Brain), a new initiative at Northwestern, envisions a future where brain health can be continuously monitored, measured and modified across a person’s lifespan. The institute brings together physicians, scientists and engineers at the intersection of their fields to facilitate cross-boundary discoveries that address fundamental questions hindering brain health research.
Launched in 2025, the Institute for Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being brings together scholars and campus leaders to study young adult psychology and translate discoveries into programming. A defining feature of the institute is its strategic partnership with Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs, which will launch a survey of students to assess mental health and track risk and resilience over time.
For many veterans, the decision to pursue an MBA and select the right program can be financially daunting and create a sense of isolation. That’s why in 2025 Kellogg launched the Matt Caldwell Veterans Program to give veterans the tools to build successful civilian careers.
A new destination for global engagement and innovative learning on Northwestern’s Evanston campus will bear the name of a steadfast supporter and distinguished alumna of the Kellogg School of Management. Opening in fall 2027, the Ann McIlrath Drake Executive Center will be home to Kellogg’s executive MBA and executive education programs while also housing programming for all Kellogg students.
Professor John Rogers shares how the new Querrey Simpson Institute for Translational Engineering for Advanced Medical Systems (QSI-TEAMS) will help bring breakthrough medical technologies to market.
The Beacon Scholars program at Northwestern helps first-generation and lower-income students access all the University has to offer. Senior Cydney Hope Brown shares how the program allowed her to thrive.
A new fundraising effort seeks to ensure that the most promising students can access all the University has to offer, regardless of their financial means. The Forever Shine Campaign aims to raise at least $625 million for financial aid and enrichment programs that will benefit students across all of Northwestern’s schools.
A gift from Northwestern Trustee Jennifer Leischner Litowitz ’91 and Alec Litowitz in support of the Center for Enlightened Disagreement will accelerate the University’s impact on promoting constructive dialogue. In recognition of the Litowitzes’ generosity, the University has renamed the center in their honor.
Launched in 2024, Northwestern’s Center for Engineering in Vision and Ophthalmology (CEVO) is using artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technology to advance its glaucoma research. Backed by a gift from the Forsythe Family Foundation, CEVO is developing innovative imaging tools to better understand and treat the disease, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent blindness.
Last fall — following a 16-month closure for major renovations — the Charles Deering Memorial Library reopened to students, faculty and visitors. The building may look the same on the outside, but a new era has begun after aesthetic and functional updates to the library’s interior.
