The Summer Way

A roundup of 71 North updates

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71 NORTH
June 24, 2025

The Summer Way

As summer begins at 71 North, we reflect with gratitude on a semester filled with creativity, collaboration, and progress, 71 North has continued to thrive—thanks to the passion and dedication of our entire community. With the spring semester behind us, we look back with gratitude for the projects launched, the ideas brought to life, and the connections that have shaped our journey.

As campus shifts into summer mode, we look forward to a season of renewal, continued discovery, and well-earned rest.
See you at 71 North!

“Strive for excellence, not perfection.”

H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Congratulations to our very own 71 North Alumni, Jada Samuels, Founder and CEO of Jada Juice, Inc. will be featured on Wealth Wednesdays hosted by Chicago Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin. Tune in @chitreasurer on YouTube June 25th at 12pm and 7pm to view a panel discussion as young entrepreneurs discuss their entrepreneurial journeys and how they balanced school and business as they try to build a successful brand.

HuskieVerse Featured Experience

Pollinator Park

Experience and reflect on the impact of pollinators in the near and far future.

Pollinator Park is a crossover between a zoo, a theme park, an interactive museum, and a crystal ball: fun, educational, and emotionally engaging.

There are multiple opportunities to explore virtual reality each week.

Visit the HuskieVerse booking page to reserve your spot.

Europe 2050 – Following a cascade of ecological crises, our world has been deprived of healthy ecosystems and wealthy flora. Amidst this dystopian landscape lies a lavish green beacon of hope: Dr. Beatrice Kukac’s Pollinator Park -a futuristic farm, a safe haven for pollinating insects and an eye-opener for its visitors.

An experience based on real science.

This Week at 71 North

Please note, our hours have changed for the summer. We are open Tuesday through Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm

Tuesday:

7:30-12:30 PM NIU STEAM Summer Camp

11:30-12:30 PM: 71 North OPs meeting

1:30-3:30 PM: Golden Apple Scholar Institute Community Fair

2:00 - 3:00 PM: LEAP from Project to Product Management • Meetup.

Lean & Agile Community of Practice

This Community is designed for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of Lean and Agile principles and best practices, from project managers and software developers to business leaders and consultants.

calendar.niu.edu/event/lean_agile_community_of_practice

Wednesday:

7:30-12:30 PM: NIU STEAM Summer Camp

1:00- 4:30 PM: OERD Engagement Roundtable Ecosystem Summer Meeting

Thursday:

 7:30-12:30 PM: NIU STEAM Summer Camp

1:00 PM: 71 North weekly wrap-up

Friday -Monday

71 North is closed

Looking Ahead:

🎆Looking forward July 4th! We hope you enjoy a fun, relaxing holiday filled with celebration, sunshine, and maybe some fireworks too!

Happy Fourth from all of us at 71 North!

Looking Back:

At the June 14th public launch of Forward: The Campaign for NIU at the Convocation Center, members of the 71 North Partnership Studio showcased the HuskieVerse, a hub for immersive learning and innovation. Projects showcased included VespaMode, Air Drawing, and Mindful Moments.

Take a moment to review 71 North on Google Maps