The Student Association hosted the first of three open forums Wednesday night, allowing students to voice their opinion on the future of Cole Hall.

The forum was held in the Regency Room of the Holmes Student Center, where SA President Jarvis Purnell, Mass Transit Director Brent Keller and Speaker Rob Batey hosted the event.

Before the floor was open for those in attendance, Batey provided a short history of Cole Hall and Purnell stressed the fact that financial issues involving Cole Hall were not to be discussed.

Despite a low turnout of about 30 people, many opinions and suggestions were voiced. Opinions both in favor of razing Cole Hall and keeping it were expressed.

“Any time you get a group of students expressing their opinions, I think you’re going to come out with a really great outcome,” Batey said. “What you see here is people expressing their minds; there are no right or wrong answers.”

The three hosts also pointed out the infrastructure problems of Cole Hall, which led people to suggest that it should be renovated or remodeled rather than completely torn down.

Other expressions and opinions ranged from complaints of Cole Hall to tearful recollections of what happened there.

“I think tonight was a good start and I appreciate the students coming out and being open and honest with their feelings,” Purnell said.

NIU Anime Club members, who met every Tuesday and Thursday in the Cole Hall Preview Room, were also in attendance to voice their opinions in favor of keeping Cole Hall.

“As part the Anime Association, the building is very important to us; we have so many memories there,” said Amber Lewis, a senior art major and president of the NIU Anime Club. “I really feel for the people who can’t look at the building, but I think there are better ways to serve both opinions.”

For those unable to attend, the SA is holding more forums on Thursday and Friday in the Regency Room. Students can also send their opinions through the e-mail account set up at [email protected].

“I think this is the first step of many more for the students and I think we are going to find the best solution,” Batey said.