The voice of NIU will continue to echo.

Starting Monday, March 23, and lasting until Friday, March 27, the Holmes Student Center will feature artwork of the late Steve Thiel.

Thiel worked as chief operator of the NIU telecommunications switchboard for 27 years. Students often heard his voice first when dialing in, thus giving him the nickname “the voice of NIU.”

Though Thiel worked in telecommunications, his true passion was art. For years the NIU campus was peppered with his works.

The subject of Thiel’s art varied from piece to piece, but almost all his work was concept-based. Often his paintings dealt with humanity’s point of view in relation to the cosmos, said Stania Zbela, curator for the exhibit and close friend of Thiel.

“He truly was a renaissance person. Steve loved creating all forms of art,” said Carol Albert, information specialist who worked with Thiel for seven years.

The exhibition will feature eight large paintings and ten photographs, all of which are Thiel’s original creations, Zbela said.

The photographs are landscapes and close-up shots of people.

On Thursday, March 26, some of Thiel’s poetry will be read during a reception where drinks and food will be served as well, Zbela said.

In keeping with Thiel’s spirit, all people are urged to attend the exhibit.

“Steve loved getting people together,” Zbela said.

Though Thiel’s art will be at the exhibition, it can be found all around the NIU campus. He even has a piece displayed in the House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway.