DeKALB | Not all staircases are designed to allow humans to ascend to the next floor, as evidenced by a unique structure found on campus near the intersection of Lucinda Avenue and Gilbert Way.

That unique structure is called “Everyone’s Everest,” and was designed by Chicago-based sculptor Barry Hehemann, who loaned it to the university.

“Everyone’s Everest,” installed in the summer of 2004, was brought to NIU by Harold Kafer, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Bruce White, a retired NIU art professor.

White, curator a sculpture show in Sarasota, Fla., every year, called Kafer with the idea of bringing the piece to NIU.

Pieces in the show are often auctioned off, and “Everyone’s Everest” was one that had nowhere to go.

“It was one of those unforeseen opportunities,” Kafer said. “Bruce called me literally out of the clear.”

“Everyone’s Everest” is made up of three pieces of granite and a blue, winding staircase. Each step has an aluminum plate with a word on it. The words, which include, “beyond,” “attempt,” “yield” and “amusement,” are said to have been taken from mountain climbing books. The piece was meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages, and in some instances, become someone’s own adventure.

“In the summer, often I’ll drive by and there will be elementary-aged kids climbing on it,” Kafer said. “Every year, I see more and more people interacting with it.”

Kafer wants to bring more art exhibits to NIU.

He said the new sculpture at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center on the west side of campus creates the opportunity for a “sculpture walk.”

Kafer said there are a few NIU alumni, such as Rob Lorensen, that may be willing to donate a piece to the university and help his vision become a reality.

“At some point, it would be my hope that we would create a sculpture walk that would take people from the east end of campus to the west end of campus,” Kafer said.