NIU has lost a friend and supporter with the death of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington.

When Mr. Washington was in the Illinois General Assembly and in the United States Congress he voted consistently for bills favorable to higher education and several bills of specific interest to Northern. On several occasions, Mr. Washington visited the NIU campus to speak and serve as a panelist on programs related to student access to college and success in the classroom. He was a strong proponent of our special projects program.

In the last two weeks, through the initiative of DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow, Mr. Washingon indicated his willingness to come back to campus and a suitable date for his visit was being arranged.

Illinois has lost a pioneering public leader and Northern Illinois University has lost a friend. I extend sympathy to his family and friends.

John E. LaTourette

NIU president