With movies like “Ghost” and “Flatliners” topping the box office, it seems many Americans are fascinated with death and the afterlife. And you don’t have to venture past DeKalb to hear stories about wandering spirits.

Legend has it that NIU has its own ghost. Meet the immortal John McGovern, who is said to have haunted the campus for years. Though the story has been embellished over the years, McGovern has traditionally been known as “Mr. NIU Alumnus.”

At one point McGovern was even doing some P.R. work for the university. A humor piece in the 1968 football program “written” by the ghost appealed to alumni and students about NIU’s advantages: “Homecoming at Nortern means a great deal to me. True, because I never leave the campus, I never leave home…it’s (homecoming) not entirely to meet old friends. More, it’s to review what they are, and want to continue to be – a part of an institution of higher learning.”

The myth seemingly began circulating in the 1940’s, when two school paper editors had some space to fill in an upcoming edition. While wondering what to write about, they stumbled across a tombstone by an old greenhouse – bearing the name John McGovern. And the rest is history.

The usual story has McGovern’s spirit living in the DeKalb area as far back as the late 1890’s, when a certain Dr. Cook arrived to pick a sight for Altgeld Hall. Apparently, old John helped Cook find the site and guide him on some aspects of campus life.

The spirit has also been a scapegoat over the years. Many mishaps and accidents at NIU were blamed on McGovern, from fires and floods to football losses. At one point, a mouse appeared at a play practice, and the cast jokingly blamed it on McGovern.

Some old and rather hoaky articles say the ghost also had his good points: “He will inspire you when you write your final theme…If you listen closely and watch ever so carefully, maybe you too will see the immortal John McGovern.”

Uh-huh. And when you walk by Altgeld late at night, look up and wave to Mr. NIU Alumnus (they say he’s Class of 1899). He may just guide you through the semester too.

NIU Theater performance promises energy and fun

by Corina Curry

The NIU Department of Theater Arts will present “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” on Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. as the opening attraction of its 1990-91 season.

The Northern Illinois Stage Company production will take the stage through Sept. 8 for five nightly performances in the Stevens Building O’Connell Theatre.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 is energetic and fun. It’s a spoof of the Hollywood mystery films of the 1930’s and 40’s, sais Alan Bernstein, NIU Department of Theater Arts marketing director.

This Broadway smash hit is a wild comedy which pokes fun at the more ridiculous aspects of “show biz” as the characters attempt to untangle the mystery of the Stge Door Slasher.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” comes to NIU after a summer engagement at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois.

Featured in the NIU performance of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” are Elizabeth Fletcher, Kathleen Gabriel, Stephanie Scott, Rafer Weigel, Richard L. Richards, Jr., Andrea Stark, David Viggiano, Reva Fox, Chad Bergman, and Molly Slagoski.

Jo Anne S. Fox is the play’s director. Other production designers are: Scott Marr, scenery; Jane Gilbert, costumes; Christine Solger, lighting; and Joanne Gascone, sound. Steve Reily is the production stage and company manager.

The O’Connell Theater box office is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased up until the performance times.