Nicole Newton of nearby Rochelle is the winner of the NIU Convocation Center’s 10-year anniversary logo contest.

Newton, who graduated last May with a degree in communication arts and graphic design from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., works for the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and freelances off the job.

“I wanted my design to replicate the same dynamism and importance as the center itself. Not only do I want my logo to represent the building, but be an icon that NIU students, alumni and employees can associate with,” Newton says.

“I researched previous NIU logo designs. I wanted the logo to be consistent with previous NIU logos, such as the color and the imagery,” she adds. “I wanted to make the logo bold and original as well, including different typefaces and textures.”

Newton calls the Convocation Center “a fun and energetic place that brings hundreds of thousands of people together to enjoy a variety of entertainment. The Convo Center is a great aspect of NIU as well as the DeKalb area.”

The new logo will be licensed and displayed throughout the year in various Convocation Center marketing campaigns.