Northeastern wishes a very happy new year to our neighbors. More than 600 graduates walked the stage during our December Commencement Ceremony a few weeks ago, and it hard to believe that Spring semester classes already begin on Monday. Now that we're ready to get back to business, please be aware that the University will conduct a test of its emergency notification system on Thursday and Friday, January 7 and 8. Some of our neighbors might hear emergency test announcements on our outdoor speakers. Any outdoor tests would take place during business hours.

The African, African American Resource Center has announced that Chicago Teachers Union President and Northeastern alumna Karen Lewis will be the keynote speaker during the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute on Jan. 21 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Auditorium. Student performances and a Q&A will also be a part of the program. Separately, Northeastern students will take part in the University's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This year, the Northeastern community -- in collaboration with City Year -- will volunteer at Thomas Kelly High School and Brighton Park Elementary School to transform and beautify the schools with murals, painting and light construction projects.

Last fall, Alumnus Daniel L. Goodwin gave $1 million to the University to support scholarships, programs and lectures. Now, he's promising to match $500,000 raised during each of the next three years. Mr. Goodwin's total commitment of $2.5 million will benefit the newly named Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education. If you would like to support this gift-matching challenge, please visit neiu.edu/giving and check the "count me in" box, and your gift will count toward the $500,000 goal this year to meet the challenge.

Our neighborhood spans a large geography that encompasses businesses, institutions and residents who represent a very diverse array of viewpoints. It is important to us that we understand the issues and concerns -- about our events, programming and projects -- that can help strengthen our relationship as neighbors. We invite you to share your thoughts with us online.