How NIU became what we know today

Before NIU was known as the Huskies, it was the “Profs,”

“Cardinals,” “Evansmen,” “Northerners” and “Teachers”. And until 1906, the university’s colors were black and yellow, not red and black.

NIU has undergone many name changes throughout its history. In 1895, NIU was established as the Northern Illinois State Normal School. NIU officially opened in 1899. In 1921, the school’s name was changed to Northern Illinois State Teachers College. In 1955, the name was once again changed to Northern Illinois State College. Finally, in 1957, the name was changed permanently to Northern Illinois University.

Kissing Bench

NIU’s campus contains many benches, but only one “kissing bench.” Located on the southwest shore of the east lagoon, the “kissing bench” was originally known as the “freshman bench” because the freshman class of 1905 gave NIU the bench as a gift. The gift was meant to perk up a bare spot by the lagoon, so students could meet there and discuss nature and poetry.

Over the years, myths have overrun the initial purpose of such an innocent gift. One myth says that a freshman girl is not a true co-ed until she is kissed by an upperclassman on the bench. Hence the name “kissing bench.”

Another myth claims the path in front of the bench holds a lover’s fate. The path splits into two due to a tree growing in the center. If a couple walks along the path, separates and then walks down each path alone, the myth says their relationship will suddenly end.

Victory bell

The victory bell is another vital part of NIU history and athletics. In 1957, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity made it their mission to obtain a victory bell for NIU. Alpha Phi Omega felt the bell would promote good sportsmanship and fair play.

In 1958, the fraternity formed the Victory Bell Committee. Their plan was to purchase the bell from a rural school district. Alpha Phi Omega purchased the bell with the money they raised from their “Ugly Man on Campus” contest.

After each athletic victory, the bell would be rung. A tower made of concrete, stone, cedar and California redwood housed the victory bell. The bell was removed during the 2004 renovations in front of DuSable Hall.

Patricia Perkins, assistant to the executive vice president of finance and facilities, said in November of 2005 that the bell will soon be back on display at the Convocation Center.

Olive Goyle the grotesque

In the garden east of Altgeld Hall, a grotesque named Olive Goyle can be found. This grotesque is one of the 11 original grotesques adorning Altgeld Hall. Legend has it the grotesque was struck by lightning following the president’s speech at the school’s first graduation ceremony. The lightning strike caused the grotesque to fall to the ground. Poor Olive Goyle was placed back on her pedestal, but during NIU’s second graduation ceremony the following year, a bolt of lightning struck her again. She was then relocated to the garden. In January of 1996, the grotesque’s head was chiseled off and found the next morning on the low wall of Swen Parson Hall. Although Olive Goyle received a new head, she was later beheaded for a second time; the head was not recovered nor replaced afterward.

Jamie Rogers is a Campus Reporter for the Northern Star.