DeKALB | About 2,200 potential NIU students and their families attended Monday’s Open House, the first in a series of four that will continue through the spring.

Area high school students first began to fill the Holmes Student Center’s Regency Room at about 9 a.m. to learn what the university has to offer.

Families were able to check in and receive tickets for the bus tour of campus that was to follow.

To help pass the time while waiting for one of many tours, students visited and viewed a number of booths, which showed off some of NIU’s most appealing aspects.

Buses then embarked on an hour-long journey from the Student Center to several areas of interest, including a stop at the residence halls. There, students were given a glimpse of what residence hall life entails while parents were shown where many of their children may live in the near future.

Students expressed several reasons for showing interest in NIU: “I’m interested in the big football program and the cheerleading,” said Chicago resident Stephanie Fugiel. “I’m also looking for education and they have that here.”

Along with the many tours was a feature presentation entitled “Northern Exposure,” which included several smaller presentations, an overview of the institution and a question and answer session featuring a handful of Northern’s brightest.

Arlington Heights resident Matthew Leonard was interested in the school’s academic reputation.

“It’s definitely one of the prestigious schools in Illinois, maybe the Midwest,” Leonard said.

Derek Walker is a Web Reporter for the Northern Star.