NIU Today

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs has recognized NIU employee Jonathan J. Lehuta, a prominent veteran leader in DeKalb County with more than 30 years of service to his community, county and to his fellow vets, as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for April 2013. Lehuta, a U.S. Navy veteran, was honored Friday during...

In Springfield … The Illinois General Assembly has been busy with committee activities over the last two weeks. This week is the last week to get bills through committees in their house of origin. Higher Education-Related Legislation In the Senate Higher Education Committee, SB 2163 passed unanimously out of committee Tuesday, March 12. Sponsored by Sen....

Military Student Services will offer a workshop for faculty and staff this month on “Military Student Supporter Development.” The workshop takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center. During this workshop, participants can learn how to be a stronger supporter of veteran students....

NIU’s reputation as a great college choice for military veterans continues to climb. Military Times ranks NIU at No. 28 in its 2013 Best for Vets: Colleges survey. The survey demonstrates widespread efforts by colleges and universities to accommodate veterans and active-duty service members. It is the second external recognition this fall of NIU’s support...

Military service is in Scott Johnsen’s blood. His father served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. Both of his grandfathers served. One of his grandmothers served in the WAVES – Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service – for the U.S. Navy during World War II. His younger brother also joined the Navy....

Wayne Duerkes has a little more life experience than your average college undergraduate. Duerkes is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served as an air defense controller during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. He and his wife, Jennifer, are raising three children. He spent years building up a successful newspaper distribution...

Northern Illinois University has been named to Victory Media’s coveted Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. “It is...

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) today honored Steven Kreitzer, a May graduate of NIU and veteran of the U.S. Army, at its June 2012 “Veteran of the Month.” “Steven Kreitzer is an exceptional veteran who continues to devote his time, energy and creativity to serving fellow veterans and their families,” said IDVA Director...

In Springfield … The majority of activity in both the Illinois Senate and Illinois House of Representatives last week and again this week will involve trying to move substantive bills through committees The deadline to get bills out of committee is Friday, May 4. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 49 (HJRCA 49), sponsored by Speaker...

Federal mandates are requiring post-secondary institutions across the country to implement best practices to increase access, reduce barriers and achieve greater success with a diverse student body. This is particularly important as NIU enrolls a greater numbers of older students, veterans and second-language learners. These students represent a myriad of social, economic and cultural backgrounds....

In Springfield … Friday, March 9, was the deadline to get substantive bills reported out of committees in the chamber of origin, so it was a very busy week. On March 6, House Bill 5745, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps, passed out of the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee. This bill would allow for concealed-carry in...

As Veterans Day approaches, NIU is recognizing Military Student Appreciation Week. Military Student Services will show military movies in its lounge (Room 404 of Adams Hall) and provide snacks for all military students. MSS staff will hand out red, white and blue ribbons to encourage students, faculty and staff to wear during this week in...