Northern Illinois University announced the dates for its second-annual Celebrating Excellence events will be from April 12 through May 1, 2014. Celebrating Excellence events highlight the many accomplishments and contributions of NIU students, faculty and staff to the university’s mission of promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service during the academic year.
Campus units are encouraged to register functions within the time frame that fit this description– including honor society inductions, lectures and guest speakers, research presentations, recognition ceremonies and conferences – on the NIU calendar as Celebrating Excellence events and to utilize the Celebrating Excellence logo and marketing materials to promote the event.
“We look forward to expanding upon our first year effort to make this event more inclusive of university-wide events in various disciplines,” says Julia Spears, associate vice provost for engaged learning. “We believe that by integrating all of these events under one umbrella, we can enhance the recognition and of those honored.”
The schedule of events is being developed, with a to-be-announced national speaker planned for Saturday, April 12.
Last year’s events were highlighted by an appearance by Jaron Lanier, who presented a keynote speech and musical performance in addition to a book signing. An author, scientist, composer and musician known as the “father of virtual reality” and one of the most influential thinkers of our time, Lanier is the best-selling author of “You Are Not a Gadget.”
The 2013 celebration concluded with the Graduate Student Research Association Conference, highlighted with an April 27 seminar by National Public Radio’s Ira Flatow.
“It is important to recognize the achievements of NIU’s students, faculty and staff, and generating greater awareness for the wonderful things happening here at NIU,” said Bradley Bond, dean of the NIU Graduate School and associate vice president for Graduate Studies.
A complete schedule of events will be available online at www.niu.edu/excellence.
