If NIU ever had a fashion statement to make, it would involve only three colors: black, orange and yellow.

Whether current and former NIU students consider the Founders Memorial Library carpet legendary or not, its psychedelic appeal has left lasting impressions for many years and shouldn’t be completely replaced.

Last week, NIU began a $50,000-plus project to haul out the library’s trademark bumblebee flooring for a duller, bluish-gray replacement.

While it’s probably been every student and staff member’s dream to see the carpet go, its sentimental value to the NIU experience is something that shouldn’t be forgotten.

For almost 30 years, the tri-color carpeting has graced the first floor of the library, providing visitors with an eye-opening experience, but also a lasting memory.

When asked about what they remembered most about their experience at NIU, alumni rank Altgeld Hall as No. 1, the lagoon as No. 2, and the library’s carpeting as No. 3.

While most would agree the carpeting is far from pleasing to the eye, most would also agree that its lasting impression is something that should be preserved in one fashion or another.

As corny as it sounds – or as bad as the carpet looks – NIU should preserve the carpet’s lasting memory with some sort of permanent commemoration for those who will remember it as part of NIU tradition and for those who had to suffer looking at it.

Sure, 30-year-old carpet isn’t something to keep around any longer, but NIU should find a way to keep the memory alive.