NIU President Dr. Lisa Freeman told Sycamore Rotarians the campus faculty and staff are ready to welcome students next week for another year of learning. She said various events are planned, including community get acquainted opportunities. Freeman referenced a unique informational tool used at NIU called Mission AI. It is a computer chat box available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that answers student questions on how to find books, help with class scheduling, and many other ways to get assistance. Dr. Freeman noted it is frequently accessed between the hours of 11 PM and 3 AM when no staff are available. The tool is monitored and will prompt a live-person follow-up when needed.
Dr. Freeman noted a number of capital projects underway at the University. The Lincoln Residence Hall at the northwest corner of Lucinda Avenue and Annie Glidden Road is scheduled for demolition to make way for the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center. A $40 million grant from the Baustert Family Foundation, the largest in NIU history, helps close a funding gap for the education and research building. James and Theo (Bahwell) Baustert met while attending NIU and James went on to co-found a cardiac medical equipment company that was later sold to Eli Lilly. Another NIU facility under development is the Northern Illinois Center for Sustainability on the far-west campus (north of the Convocation Center). It will be home to a tile mural from the former DeKalb Ag/Monsanto headquarters honoring the agriculture history of the region. Dr. Freeman also announced that the University is now engaged in a partnership with the Trane corporation for major infrastructure upgrades to achieve energy savings and emissions reductions. These include lighting changeouts, solar installations, and adding EV charging stations. A final highly visible project is the roundabout configuration at Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road. Its goal is to improve safety in the main campus area.
Dr. Freeman wrapped up her remarks with a personal invitation for Rotarians to join in Homecoming festivities September 29 – October 5. She said it is a way to link the community with the university even if you are not a graduate. Among the events is a parade and car show in downtown DeKalb October 2nd. The NIU Homecoming football game is Saturday, October 4, when the Huskies take on the RedHawks of Miami (Ohio). Full details are at https://www.niu.edu/homecoming/