Those on campus who are showing exemplary performance throughout the year were recognized during Celebrating Excellence Week, which ended Sunday.

Celebrating Excellence highlights the achievements of students, faculty, staff and alumni. The keynote speaker of Celebrating Excellence week, Jaron Lanier, discussed his latest book, “Who Owns the Future?,” with students and faculty on Wednesday.

Lanier provided 50 advance copies to the NIU bookstore. The book will be available to purchase there before its official release on May 7.

Lanier, a computer scientist, composer, visual artist and author, was nominated for TIME magazine’s top 100 list of most influential people in 2010. He spoke to students following his speech on Wednesday at the bookstore signing, and again on Thursday.

“Too often we lose sight of what makes NIU a great institution,” said vice provost Anne Birberick. “We get lost in the day-to-day business. So Celebrating Excellence is a way to remind us of all our successes.”

The Adela de la Torre Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi hosted induction ceremonies during the first week of excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff were recognized for their commitment to maintaining academic success on April 16 and 22.

“Most of these events typically happen before this year, but this time we decided to put them all together,” said Paul Palian, director of media and public relations.

The University Honors program also recognized graduating honors students.

“Faculty and staff make the university work,” said Christopher Jones, associate vice provost for University Honors. “They are all good role models and encourage us to do our best.”

Palian said Celebrating Excellence goes hand in hand with NIU’s mission of promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service.