Alumni Weekend 2026
May 1-2, 2026
NUPTHMS Alumni Weekend
May 1-2, 2026 | Chicago, IL
SAVE THE DATE FOR ALUMNI WEEKEND 2026! Reconnect, reminisce and rediscover the magic of your time at Northwestern University during our annual Alumni Weekend. Whether it's been years or decades since you've joined us at NUPTHMS, return to campus to catch up with old friends and make new memories. Immerse yourself in CEUs taught by our faculty and your fellow alumni, walk the halls of your favorite classes, and celebrate our award winners!
From engaging educational sessions to social events, Alumni Weekend is designed to honor your journey and the bonds that make NUPTHMS special. This is your opportunity to celebrate your past, embrace the present and be part of our bright future.
Switch from tab to tab to see our weekend schedule, course descriptions and weekend accommodations!
We are excited to offer to NUPTHMS-sponsored CEUs, discussions and to co-host with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. You can find the full weekend schedule on the 'Weekend Schedule' tab.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
- AW Forum**
9:00-9:45 AM
Free to attend
Advancing Interventions for Stroke Motor Recovery Leveraging the Academic-Healthsystem Tripartite Partnership in Rehabilitation Services
Speaker: Mike Ellis, PT, DPT | Professor and Associate Chair of Translational Research Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Free to attend - PT CEU**
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
$110/person
GLP-1 Meds and How they Affect Muscle and Bone Mass
Speaker: Christine Sorquist Schauerte, PT, DPT | Lecturer at NUPTHMS & Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research and Education Fellowship Alumni - PT Panel
1:30-3:30 PM
Free to attend
Join us for an engaging panel discussion, “New Directions in Physical Therapy: Opportunities Outside the Clinic,” where we explore the diverse career paths beyond traditional patient care. This panel will feature alumni and leaders who have successfully transitioned into roles such as private practice ownership, professional organizations, research, education, and more. Panelists will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned as they navigated unique career trajectories. Attendees will gain practical advice on leveraging their PT background in innovative ways, and discover emerging opportunities in the profession. Whether you’re considering a career pivot or simply curious about what’s possible, this session will inspire you to think beyond the clinic and chart your own path forward.
We are honored to feature Dr. Joseph P. Farrell, PT, DPT, MAppSC, GDMT, FAPTA ('76), founding fellow and first president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, acclaimed educator, and distinguished Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA. His four decades of leadership in clinical reasoning, mentorship, and orthopaedic manual physical therapy have shaped standards of practice across the profession.
**Indicates this session is eligible for CEU credits
Prices listed above reflect standard pricing. Use promocode EARLYBIRD20 January 5 through February 28 to receive 20% off your entire registration. Discount will be reflected on your registration once the code is used.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Alumni Weekend Early Arrival Happy Hour
4:30-6:30 PM
Free to attend
Arriving early on Thursday? Join Feinberg School of Medicine Alumni for a drink and appetizers at our welcome reception! Enjoy a fun evening at the W XYZ Bar of the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile Hotel (243 East Ontario Street).
Friday, May 1, 2026
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital Tour
9:30-11:00 AM
Free to attend
Start your day a tour of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. This academic medical center hospital serves as the primary teaching affiliate for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the only hospital ranked No. 1 in Illinois for 14 straight years and is nationally ranked in 11 clinical specialties by U.S. News & World Report, 2025– 2026. Anchoring the Northwestern Medicine system, the hospital has earned national recognition in safety, care quality, and excellence in nursing care. - Tea at the Historic Drake Hotel
1:45-3:30 PM
$50/person
Join alumni, faculty, and students for an interactive panel with audience discussion and insights from across the healthcare spectrum.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
- AW Forum**
9:00-9:45 AM
Free to attend
Advancing Interventions for Stroke Motor Recovery Leveraging the Academic-Healthsystem Tripartite Partnership in Rehabilitation Services
Speaker: Mike Ellis, PT, DPT | Professor and Associate Chair of Translational Research Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Free to attend - PT CEU**
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
$110/person
GLP-1 Meds and How they Affect Muscle and Bone Mass
Speaker: Christine Sorquist Schauerte, PT, DPT | Lecturer at NUPTHMS & Advanced Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, Research and Education Fellowship Alumni - Lunch & Department Tour
12:30-1:30 PM
$15/person
Enjoy a catered lunch between learning sessions & an optional department tour, guided by our Student Admission Representatives! - PT Panel
1:30-3:30 PM
Free to attend
Join us for an engaging panel discussion, “New Directions in Physical Therapy: Opportunities Outside the Clinic,” where we explore the diverse career paths beyond traditional patient care. This panel will feature alumni and leaders who have successfully transitioned into roles such as private practice ownership, professional organizations, research, education, and more. Panelists will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned as they navigated unique career trajectories. Attendees will gain practical advice on leveraging their PT background in innovative ways, and discover emerging opportunities in the profession. Whether you’re considering a career pivot or simply curious about what’s possible, this session will inspire you to think beyond the clinic and chart your own path forward.
We are honored to feature Dr. Joseph P. Farrell, PT, DPT, MAppSC, GDMT, FAPTA ('76), founding fellow and first president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, acclaimed educator, and distinguished Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA. His four decades of leadership in clinical reasoning, mentorship, and orthopaedic manual physical therapy have shaped standards of practice across the profession.
- Happy Hour & Alumni Awards Celebration
4:00-6:00 PM
Free to attend
Join us for Happy Hour & our Annual Alumni Awards Celebration! Gather with your classmates and fellow alumni, enjoy food & drinks, and also help us recognize and honor our 2026 Alumni Award Recipients! This is also a perfect time for a class reunion!
**Indicates this session is eligible for CEU credits
Prices listed above reflect standard pricing. Use promocode EARLYBIRD20 January 5 through February 28 to receive 20% off your entire registration. Discount will be reflected on your registration once the code is used.
Travel and Accommodations
Find everything you need to plan your trip. We’re excited to offer free on-campus parking and discounted room rates at nearby hotels.
Alumni Weekend Hotel Accommodations
Hotel rooms have been arranged at various local hotels at discounted rates. Please mention Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Alumni Weekend when you make your reservation and call early to ensure availability. Rates are guaranteed until March 30, 2026, or until the room blocks sell out. The rates shown below are per night.
Accessibility
Northwestern strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. All Alumni Weekend events are accessible to those requiring mobility assistance. For special accommodations, please call 312-503-1268 or email nupthmsalumni@northwestern.edu at least two weeks prior to Alumni Weekend, so that we may do our best to accommodate your request.
Parking
Parking passes grant unlimited in/out privileges from 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, through 12:00 pm on Sunday, May 3. Passes are valid for campus parking at the Huron/Superior (Lot A) and Erie/Ontario (Lot C & D) parking garages.
You will need to pull a ticket for entry upon entering the garage. If you request parking, you will receive a parking pass at check-in. Please note that you may park in the garage prior to obtaining your parking pass at check-in.
We can't guarantee there will be extra tickets available at check-in, so we recommend reserving your parking passes ahead of time.