DeKALB | After about four years and several negotiation talks with the university, the National Pan-Hellenic Council has been able to secure a spot and lay the concrete foundation for their NPHC yard.

“Most NPHC chapters on college campuses in the south have a yard,” said Jasmyne Portee, junior elementary education major and programming chair for the NPHC. “It’s kind of a place to call our own where we can gather and host events.”

On Saturday, after the Homecoming Parade, the historically black Greek Council will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new NPHC yard outside Stevenson North.

“The yard is important because it’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time and shows our dedication to the NPHC,” said Ayesha Horton, senior child development major and second vice president of the NPHC.

It took about four years for NIU’s chapter to negotiate the terms, location and raise money for the yard, Portee said. Right now only the concrete foundation is laid but the NPHC plans to expand the yard in size and add features like benches, a plaque and small walls. Alumni are also able to buy bricks to be placed in the yard.

“The purpose of the yard is to promote unity among the Divine Nine,” Portee said. The Divine Nine refers to the nine fraternities and sororities governed by the NPHC.

Several NPHC alumni and other members involved with the yard will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the yard.