It is a pleasure to welcome all new and returning students to the academic year at Northern Illinois University. The fall of the year is always a time of excitement as faculty and students begin classes and the many campus programs start up for the year. In years to come, each of you will look back on your college days as some of the best days of your life. I encourage every student to take full advantage of the educational opportunites available through the excellent faculty and facilities at Northern.

The campus physical environment is a good news–bad news story this year. The recladding of the Holmes Student Center was completed in late spring and the Center stands tall as a distinctive landmark for Northern. The repavement of Lucinda Avenue south of Lincoln Hall means that, instead of an undulating experience, you now get a smooth ride. Several improvements to our athletic facilities were made during the summer, most noticeable, new astroturf in Huskie Stadium. That is the good news.

The bad news is that the campus will be disrupted this fall with several construction projects that are part of our master beautification plan. The Martin Luther King Mall, the Wirtz Hall Quadrangle and the corridor between Williston Hall and Adams Hall are all undergoing renovation. It is anticipated these projects will be completed by December. Construction of Faraday II will begin this fall in the area west of Faraday Hall along Normal Road. This will be a two-year project. Added to the university’s disruption is a City of DeKalb project to imrpove West Lincoln Highway. As the construction signs tell us, “Pardon our mess, we’re making improvements for your future.”

As you begin this academic year, I want to remind you that a university is a community of many different people that extends beyond the classroom. There are recreational, cultural and athletic activities to serve the interests of everyone. Just as students should take advantage of the academic opportunities at Northern, they should also experience a full campus life by attending lectures, plays, music performances, athletic events and visiting our art galleries. Through the Office of Campus Recreation and University Programming and Activities a panpoly of recreational activities, intramural programs, concerts and other activities is also available for student participation.

Northen Illinois University is an outstanding institution of higher education. It is an institution dedicated to the education of its students in the classrooms, laboratories and studios. As you begin this academic year, you should dedicate yourself to fulfilling the challenges of your academic program and enjoying the offerings of campus life. I wish you success in 1990-1991.

Sincerely John E. La Tourette

President, Northern Illinois University

John E. La Tourette is the Northern Ilinois University president and writes to welcome students to the university.