Letter from the Chair
Dear Alumni and Friends of the Department,
I am delighted to share a few brief updates as we head into the winter quarter. This newsletter covers activity in the Department of Economics from the summer through the fall, a period that—once again—showcased the breadth and vitality of our intellectual community.
I am especially pleased to write to you as the department’s new chair. I am grateful to my predecessors and colleagues for their support and am excited to continue working with our faculty, students, alumni, and friends as we build on the department’s many strengths.
The fall quarter was marked by a number of outstanding scholarly events. We were honored to host the Nemmers Prize Lectures this fall, delivered by Mike Woodford, which brought a distinguished visitor to campus and drew wide participation from across the University. Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Bies Lectures later this academic year, to be delivered by Michael Kremer, which promise to be another highlight of our intellectual calendar.
One moment of particular pride for our department—and for Northwestern more broadly—has been the international recognition of Joel Mokyr, whose work was honored with the Nobel Prize. Joel’s scholarship has shaped generations of economists and historians, and his influence on the field and on our department is profound. We are thrilled to celebrate this extraordinary achievement.
In addition, we look forward to an upcoming conference organized by Joel that will bring leading scholars to Evanston and continue the department’s long tradition of convening ambitious, field-defining conversations.
Alongside Joel, Peter Howitt ('73), a Ph.D. alum of the department, was also honored with the Nobel Prize this year. We will be holding a lecture and reception in Peter's honor in March.
As always, the energy of the department comes not only from these marquee events but also from the daily work of our faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. I hope this newsletter conveys a sense of that ongoing activity and momentum.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued interest in and support of the Department of Economics. I wish you a warm and restful winter season.