NIU will be recognizing the birthday of a renowned English scientist next week.

Celebrations will be held Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to honor the 200th birthday of Michael Faraday. Events will be featured throughout the day.

The purpose of the celebration is to put Faraday Hall and the work of Michael Faraday in the public eye, said Mike McCarthy, co-coordinator of the event. “We want everyone to know that we’re still here.”

Events include lectures about Faraday’s life and work, electrochemical and electro-mechanical demonstrations similar to those done by Faraday himself, and tours of Faraday Hall.

There will be a cake-cutting at 12:30 p.m. on the west terrace followed by refreshments.

McCarthy said Faraday was raised in London with little formal education and was self-taught and listened to lectures by other scientists.

“Faraday was accomplished in both chemistry and physics, and made significant contributions to the modern world in both fields,” said Eric Nickel, co-coordinator of the celebration.

“The world we know today would not be the same without the contributions of Michael Faraday,” Nickel added.

NIU’s chemistry and physics departments have been waiting for word on whether funds will be released from Gov. Jim Edgar for the completion of Faraday II.

McCarthy said he hopes the celebration will give the project support. “Without space, we can’t accomplish the quality of work we’ve been giving.”

For more information, call either the chemistry or physics department.