As 2012 draws to a close, NIU Today is offering a look back at 25 of the top stories from the year.
No. 4
The start of the second semester saw the reopening of Cole Hall.
What had been one of the university’s most outdated facilities is now among the most forward-thinking.
The 1960s-era building, located at the heart of campus, was transformed into a collaborative-learning setting that university officials believe will be looked to as a national model.
The new sunlit lobby, with marble benching and a sweeping view of central campus, serves as a gateway to three premier and distinctive educational spaces: The Cole Hall Collaboratory Classroom, the Anthropology Museum and the 351-seat Jameson Auditorium.
The building had been closed since the tragedy of Feb. 14, 2008.
The complete story is available online.