NIU Today

NIU President John G. Peters today released a letter to Illinois media stating his continued opposition to Illinois House Bill 148, which would permit Illinoisans, age 21 and older, to carry concealed weapons. “Supporters of this bill argue that it will make it easier for responsible owners of registered weapons to protect themselves. I know...

President John Peters invites nominations of faculty, staff and students for appointment to the four presidential commissions for academic year 2011-2012. Self-nominations are welcome. Forward nominations, including name, address, e-mail and telephone number to Dori Hooker, Office of the President, at dorih@niu.edu. Nominations should be submitted by Friday, May 6. Presidential Commission on Persons with...

NIU President John G. Peters issued the following statement regarding the Tuesday, April 5, shooting incident in DeKalb. Approximately 1:07 a.m. today NIU President John Peters was notified that a shooting had occurred off campus in the Hillcrest and Aspen Court area in the northwest section of the City of DeKalb. Subsequent to this, the university learned...

NIU President John G. Peters today addressed the NIU Board of Trustees regarding the state of budget negotiations in Springfield, and talk of altering pension and insurance programs for current employees and annuitants. His remarks were summarized in an e-mail to the campus community, which is included below. Dear Colleague, NIU recently concluded testimony before...

Growing up in East Chicago Heights, Jerry D. Blakemore clearly recognized the importance of education and public service. His father, J.D., who worked in the Youngstown Sheet and Tube steel mill for 31 years, held a seat on the village board and volunteered as a police officer and firefighter. His mother, Mattie, an operator for...

Colleagues, Today Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn outlined his state budget proposal for next fiscal year, signaling his spending priorities for Fiscal Year 2012. His speech focused mostly on reduced funding levels and emphasized the importance of restructuring the state’s backlog of unpaid bills by borrowing approximately $8.75 billion to pay off most of the outstanding debt owed...

NIU President John G. Peters offered these comments Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at the Presentation of the Memorial Wreaths. Thank you, family, friends and neighbors of Northern Illinois University for gathering today at this memorial garden, for a moment of reflection and meditation. As you can see, the rejuvenation of Cole Hall began last month. We...

As work begins in Springfield on the FY2012 budget, the state’s financial well-being is once again a topic of extreme interest. “While the tax hikes approved at the end of the last legislative session will provide some new revenue, and some relief for the state, it is just one of many steps required to restore...

In a stunning unanimous decision, the Illinois Appellate Court Wednesday afternoon threw into question the future of the renovation of the  Stevens Building and millions of state capital dollars for important infrastructure upgrades on campus. The ruling declared unconstitutional the 2009 legislation that provided much of the funding for the $31 billion capital spending appropriation...

NIU is ready to clearly define its promise to current and future students as well as alumni. After months of conversations, research and surveys of students, faculty, staff, alumni, high school guidance counselors, parents and prospective students, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow” was announced Wednesday as the tagline for NIU’s branding identity. Led by Kathy Buettner,...

NIU President John G. Peters announced today the membership on the Vision 2020 Steering Committee. Peters will chair the 38-member committee, comprised of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and donors. Executive Vice President and Provost Raymond Alden and Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations Eddie Williams will serve as vice-chairs of the committee. “The Steering...

Join President and Mrs. Peters to kick off the holiday season at the annual Altgeld Holiday Family Celebration, scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. After dinnertime, return to historic Altgeld Hall to enjoy festive bedtime snacks and stories that celebrate the magic of the holiday. Listen as professional, award-winning storyteller Linda Gorham...