Norris University Center East Lawn Expansion: Inside the Vision and Progress

Posted on June 9, 2025

Gain an insider’s perspective on the transformative renovation of Norris University Center’s East Lawn, to be renamed the Cohen Lawn in recognition of a gift by lead donors University Trustee Frank Cohen ’95 and Julie Cohen. Jeremy Schenk, associate vice president for operations and services in Student Affairs, and Corbin Smyth, executive director of Norris University Center, share insights into how Northwestern’s new Cohen Lawn–complete with a pub, rooftop patio, and covered performance pavilion–promises to be a campus hub, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating student engagement for decades to come.

If you would like to learn more about making a transformational gift to support the completion of the Cohen Lawn project, please email nu-leadership@northwestern.edu.

Leadership-level gifts of $1,000 or more to the Cohen Lawn Programming Fund can help support future programming for Cohen Lawn.