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Chapter 6: Charting a New Course

1967 - 1969

A new president focuses on social justice and student empowerment while the campus continues building prestige through the arts and special programs. Meanwhile, peaceful but enlarging anti-war and civil rights protests signal a new era in student activism.

Rhoten A. Smith becomes sixth president (1967)

Calder’s sculpture Le Baron is installed (1967)

Army ROTC comes to NIU (1968)

CHANCE program founded (1968)

The Student Association is established (1968)

The Northern Black Choir is formed (1968)

University Honors Program is established (1969)

The Vermeer Quartet is established (1969)

Anti-war protests turn corner with 2,000-person torchlight demonstration (1969)

Division of International Programs is established (1969)