Northern Illinois University, Public university in DeKalb, Illinois, United States.
Northern Illinois University is a public institution in DeKalb, northern Illinois, with classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, and an athletic center. The campus covers several city blocks and connects green spaces with modern teaching and research buildings.
The institution opened in 1895 as a normal school for teacher training and evolved into a university with graduate programs during the 20th century. The name changed to Northern Illinois University in 1957 as degree offerings expanded.
The mascot is a husky, and the school colors of red and black appear throughout buildings, athletic venues, and common areas. Students often gather in the Holmes Student Center plaza, where events and everyday campus life come together.
Visitor parking is available in several lots around campus, and main pathways are designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Public events take place mainly during the academic term, outside holiday breaks.
The Wurlitzer pipe organ at the College of Visual and Performing Arts was moved here from a theater in Chicago and is played during concerts. Founders Memorial Library holds a collection of rare books from the 19th century on teacher education history.
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