Feature News

Wentz Science Center dedication is highlight of 2017 Homecoming

Oct 10, 2017

North Central College’s 2017 Homecoming weekend, Oct. 20-22, will be a historic celebration.

North Central’s Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center will be dedicated at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. The center’s generous benefactor Dr. Myron Wentz, a renowned scientist, 1963 alumnus and honorary trustee of the College, will attend and offer remarks at the dedication.  

The Wentz Science Center dedication will take place at the southwest exterior entrance. A reception begins at 4:30 p.m. inside Ratio Hall, followed by guided tours throughout the 125,000-square-foot building. The center features 18 teaching labs, 16 research labs, 15 classrooms/seminar rooms, a lecture hall, 19 student gathering spaces, 53 faculty offices, a greenhouse, and Ratio Hall where many academic and public functions take place. Wentz Science Center opened for classes in March and was fully operational when fall classes began in September.

In addition, this Homecoming will be the first to include Shimer College alumni, faculty and students. In June 2017, North Central acquired the Shimer Great Books program of Shimer College. Its students, faculty and alumni remain Shimerians and are now part of the Cardinal community.

Shimerians will celebrate their reunion on the Naperville campus Saturday, Oct. 21. Afternoon events include a panel discussion, various seminars and campus tours. They will join North Central College alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends for the Homecoming Reunion Celebration Saturday evening. Four Shimerian alumni will be recognized at the evening celebration and presented with a North Central College medal to celebrate the historic integration of the Shimer Great Books School.

View a schedule of events for the Shimer Great Books Reunion.

North Central’s Homecoming weekend will include many annual traditions: Induction of six members to the Athletic Hall of Fame, parade through campus, football game vs. Augustana College, concert featuring all student ensembles, theatre production, various reunion gatherings, a worship service, and recognition of six outstanding North Central alumni at the reunion celebration Oct. 21.

View a detailed lineup of Homecoming events and access information about specific class reunions.