Programs and Projects

The Continuing Education Program
The Alumnae of Northwestern has offered intellectually stimulating noncredit courses since 1968. These classes are open to the public at a modest cost. Outstanding faculty from nearly every Northwestern school and department offer insight into their disciplines through continuing education courses held on the Evanston campus.

Each year, there are more than 3,000 course registrations.  Students come from the Chicago metropolitan area to take these courses which are coordinated and administered by the Alumnae.

Funds raised by this program support:

  • scholarships for undergraduate students
  • fellowships for graduate women
  • major grants and smaller gifts to University schools and departments.

Twice in recent years, the program has received the Exceptional Achievement Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Waa-Mu Patron Project
Each year, nearly 500 patrons receive choice seats to the Waa-Mu Show in recognition of their contributions to various Alumnae programs. A Waa-Mu senior is honored in memory of Joe Miller, founder of Waa-Mu and co-founder of the Alumnae Waa-Mu Patron Project.

Annual Alumnae Award
Recognizes an outstanding alumna who has made significant contributions in her field and who has attained national recognition. Previous winners include performers Patricia Neal, composer Augusta Read Thomas, journalist Georgie Anne Geyer, and public affairs official Lois Weisberg.