Impact
What does it mean to leave a legacy? For Rosemary Bruzek Schnell ’54, it meant creating ways for Northwestern researchers to push the frontiers of science and technology, and for businessman Stan Gradowski ’60, ’62 MBA, it meant investing in programs across the University to benefit future students and faculty.
Now in its 15th year, Northwestern’s Ryan Graduate Fellowship program comprises more than 200 fellows and spans the globe, bound only by science’s smallest unit of measurement. The program supports graduate students dedicated to the exploration of fundamental nanoscale science — and turning that knowledge into practical applications that benefit society — thanks to a generous gift from the Ryan Family.
George R.R. Martin ’70, ’71 MS, ’21 H, author of the acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire novels and co-executive producer of the Emmy Award–winning Game of Thrones series, is sharing his love of storytelling through two gifts to Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.
Norris University Center’s East Lawn is poised for a major renovation thanks to the generosity of Northwestern Trustee Frank Cohen ’95 and Julie Cohen and Northwestern parents Ken and Jana Kahn. Architecture firm SmithGroup has already begun the design phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2024.
University-wide research institutes and centers (URICs) are a fundamentally important and vibrant nexus of innovation and discovery at Northwestern. Continued investments in these hubs have strengthened the work of faculty and students who seek to benefit humankind through advancements in fields ranging from medicine and engineering to nanotechnology and materials science.
What student hub is 50 years old? Find out which famous buildings on campus are marking anniversaries this year.
A new student film incubator at Northwestern’s School of Communication is shining a light on how mental health is depicted in TV, movies and other media. The initiative was made possible by a grant from the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation and Jessy Pucker ’19.
Tech giant IBM has made a generous gift to endow two computer science professorships in Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering in honor of Virginia M. “Ginni” Rometty ʼ79, ʼ15 H, the first woman to lead the company.
Louis A. Simpson ’58 was a big believer in giving everyone access to education.
In just a few months, Morton Schapiro will step down as president of Northwestern after 13 years at the helm. During President Schapiro’s tenure, the Evanston and Chicago campuses were transformed by more than 50 major construction projects and the creation of 17 new research institutes and centers.









