WELCOME!!!

PARC is singlehandedly the best thing that has happened to me at Northwestern. Yes, I know that that’s a very bold statement, but it holds so incredibly true for me and many other PARCers. When I came to Northwestern, I’ll admit I was skeptical of PARC. Just how into our public affairs theme would we get? Would I, as an engineering student at the time (I’ve since changed majors), feel isolated in a sea of political science majors? However, within my first few hours in PARC, I was hooked.

PARC is unique in that our public affairs theme isn’t really followed too closely. Sure, we do weekly coffee and conversations in which we discuss certain social/political issues affecting campus and the world as a whole, but these topics come from a wide range of backgrounds; some science, some politics, all fun. Our residents represent all of the different schools on campus, so there are tons of different interests throughout the building. This provides for a very unique and diverse community that, in my opinion, makes PARC special.

Another thing PARC has going for it? Location! We’re so incredibly close to downtown Evanston and all of the dining options, shops, and the El to be able to get into downtown Chicago; everything is within at most a five minute walk! Also, we’re really, really close to almost every class on campus. While the Tech building (where all of the engineering and science classes are) is up on North Campus, I found the walk actually nice, especially in the mornings. I was able to wake up before my classes started and not, like a lot of other people, about halfway into the class itself.

We also do a lot of great, fun, and entertaining things here! This year, we’ve had formals (one on a yacht!), gone to Wrigley for a Cubs’ game, and a whole list of other, smaller but still incredibly fun things! There’s always something to do and somebody to hang out with in PARC. Whether playing sardines throughout the entire building, or just talking and hanging out in one of the suites, you’ll never be bored! We’ve also recently installed a projector and screen in the basement, so if you’re a movie buff, you’ll have your very own theater!

Overall, the people that I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had at PARC have truly shaped my Northwestern experience into one that I couldn’t have imagined before coming here. If you’re looking for a great place to call home, a place where you’ll know everybody’s name and know that somebody will be looking out for you, I strongly encourage you to look into PARC. Look through our website, join our Facebook group (PARC 2010-2011), check out our blog at www.nuparc.blogspot.com, or feel free to email me at AndrewBrugman2013@u.northwestern.edu if you have any questions! I hope to see you in PARC next year!

Sincerely,

Andrew Brugman

President – Public Affairs Residential College