Funding setbacks have left Rockford without a permanent NIU campus, as several Rockford businessmen and senators fight to override Gov. James Thompson’s veto.

Thompson vetoed a bill July 27 calling for $500,000 to locate a permanent NIU branch in Rockford and cover additional costs associated with acquisition-related expenses.

Sen. Joyce Holmberg, D-Rockford, introduced the bill May 24 as an amendment to the Board of Regents’ fiscal year 1990 budget. The Board of Regents governs NIU, Illinois State University in Normal and Sangamon State University in Springfield.

For nearly 25 years, NIU has offered students a chance to earn a degree by attending classes in Rockford. A permanent building in Rockford is required to continue this service, said NIU President John La Tourette.

However, the Illinois Board of Higher Education eliminated the NIU site in Rockford in 1987, he said, adding that a permanent NIU branch must have room for possible expansion.

Holmberg encouraged members of the business community to voice their opinions to Illinois legislators. She said she will attempt to override Thompson’s veto on Oct. 2.

La Tourette said Rockford needs a permanent NIU campus for the 2,000 extension students from the city. “The Rockford community has indicated for a long time that they wanted a university,” he said.

In his attempts to establish an NIU branch in Rockford, La Tourette said he will try to increase community involvement by asking citizens to tell Thompson and legislators that a branch campus is important to them.

Sue Grans, vice president of the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce, said letters and personal contact with legislators will help obtain funds for the permanent branch campus.

If the funds are not overturned by Illinois legislators, La Tourette said he will submit a request for the funds to the IBHE to be included in the state’s 1990 budget.

“Illinois’ second largest university (NIU) will benefit by creating a presence in Illinois’ second largest city (Rockford),” said Pat McGuckin, Holmberg’s assistant press secretary.

The branch will provide support services for students, including a career planning and placement center, La Tourette said. A comprehensive library and computer support system also are being considered for the branch’s future development, he said.

NIU programs currently offered in Rockford will continue until an assessment of further educational needs can be completed.

NIU’s admission and graduation requirements apply to students at the Rockford branch, LaTourette said. Students completing their education at the Rockford branch will receive the same diploma that NIU students in DeKalb receive, he said.