John G. Peters named 11th president (2000)
NIU admitted to top national association for public universities (2000)
NIU earns Carnegie Foundation designation as top-tier research university (2000)
New division established to coordinate university outreach (2001)
Barsema Hall opening signals new era for NIU, College of Business (2002)
NIU Convocation Center opens (2002)
Football beats powerhouses, attains highest-ever national ranking (2003)
Asian American Resource Center opens (2004)
New Alumni and Visitors Center opens (2005)
Private gifts create athletic facility renaissance (2007)
Mass shooting leaves six dead and 21 injured in Cole Hall (2008)