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Genuine Generosity

Spring 2021
After a fire destroyed most of an Evanston family’s possessions, graduate student Jeron Dorsey stepped up to help. He donated an entire two-week paycheck and continues to connect with the family.

Learn how Jeron helped out

Jeron Dorsey
Interest in computer science has skyrocketed over the past few years, fueled by a surge of available data, enhanced computing power and advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Launched by the McCormick School of Engineering and supported by visionary philanthropists, the Computer Science Transformation Initiative is revolutionizing learning across disciplines at Northwestern.

Learn more about the initiative

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At Northwestern, where interdisciplinary collaboration is a goal, faculty are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in fields such as drug discovery, equality and social justice, material and process design, social media analysis and astronomy.

Learn about AI research

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A recent gift from the John R. Flanagan Charitable Foundation seeks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19, around the world.

Read about the gift

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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.

Read more about Larry Irving

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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.

Learn about the program

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In 2012, GiGi Lucas had an epiphany: She took a surf lesson and realized surfing was the joyful, peaceful activity missing in her life. Now, she’s sharing her love of the sport with young women of color through her nonprofit SurfearNEGRA, whose mission is to bring cultural and gender diversity to surfing.

Read more about GiGi Lucas

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Beyond the pandemic, social unrest defined 2020. It started on the very first day of the year in Hong Kong, where protesters filled the streets in opposition to China’s proposed extradition law.

Learn what makes a social movement work

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What has led to the current divisiveness within the United States, and how has that impacted civility and the ability to compromise? Three Northwestern professors from the Institute for Policy Research and a third-year doctoral student share their insights.

Read insights on divisiveness and incivility

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The national conversation surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion is ongoing. Northwestern has responded by committing to advancing racial and social justice and making the University a more equitable and inclusive place for all — and generous donors are bolstering these efforts.

Read about donor gifts

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