NIU had much to celebrate at the 100th anniversary of its founding. A century after Northern Illinois State Normal School was signed into existence, the university it became made huge leaps forward in a single year. In 1995, NIU experienced –
- establishment of an independent governing board
- emergence of a stronger presence in Springfield and regional/national news media
- a new effort to increase private giving – and receipt of what was then NIU’s largest-ever gift
- a long-term commitment to a high-profile athletic conference
- dedication of three major new buildings
- release of state funds for the renovation of historic Altgeld Hall.
Not since its founding in 1895 had Northern seen so many historic events converge in a single year. It was fitting, then, that NIU’s Centennial celebration would be both an homage to its past and inspiration for its future.
For the DeKalb community, NIU hosted a number of events that celebrated its beginnings. Re-enactments of the dedication ceremony in 1895 and the laying of the cornerstone featured people in period attire. Early cars and horse-drawn buggies transported attendees to various events around campus.
The event most remembered from the 1995 celebration was the formal Convocation in the fieldhouse on Sept. 22.
Hosted by Oscar-nominated actress and NIU alumnae Joan Allen, the event was a celebration of a mature university with a full complement of distinguished scholars. Hundreds of them marched in full academic regalia; poet Lucian Stryk read a new work; Emeritus Music Professor Oscar Haugland composed an original piece, Overture for a Celebration, performed by the NIU Philharmonic and greeted by a lengthy standing ovation.
For many in the standing-room only crowd, the highlight of the day was keynote speaker Carl Sagan, a planetary scientist made famous by his television series, Cosmos.
In addition to his keynote Is There Intelligent Life on Earth?, Sagan received an honorary degree from NIU and later participated in a lengthy question-and-answer session with members of the university community and public. A video of that exchange is linked below.
A number of other events commemorating the centennial took place during 1995, culminating in a gala at the then-new Navy Pier in Chicago. That event featured music, dance and theatre performances by current and alumni artists.
The Centennial was actually observed over the course of five years, celebrating both the founding of the institution in 1895 and the opening for its first students in 1899. During the intervening years, noteworthy Centennial events included NIU’s first modern fundraising efforts, establishment of the Centennial Scholarship program, publishing of President Emeritus William Monat’s updated NIU history The Achieving Institution, establishment of the Centennial Fund for focused academic investments, and the naming of the All-Century Team for football and men’s basketball.
Click on photos to enlarge