A Chicago reception held for incoming minority students relieved fears about racial tension at NIU.

“One thing that is very important is to be honest and straightforward about the characteristics of the university,” said NIU Provost Kendall Baker.

It will not help recruitment of minority students to deny that there have not been any racial incidents at NIU, Baker said.

“I have absolute confidence the reception will help attract minority students,” he said.

The reception, held March 20 at the Hilton Hotel, was “to encourage minority students to make NIU their choice,” said Admasu Zike, Center for Black Studies director.

Leaders from the Student Association, Black Student Union and University Resources for Latinos attended, Zike said. Members from NIU’s Black and Latino alumni association also were present.

The reception was a university outreach program, said BSU President Chris O’Banner. Incoming students and their parents talked to current NIU students, he said.

The reception is held by the university. It is a reception held for students already admitted through regular admission,” O’Banner said.

“We meet with the students and the parents to give financial advice and answer questions,” Zike said.

“The reception was very informal. Organizations that deal with minority students were invited,” said Bob Burk, associate director of admissions. Advisers from each college and representatives from financial aid were invited, he said.

About 110 students and parents came to the reception, most of whom live in Chicago, he said.