NIU President John Peters will address the NIU community today at one of the first of many events to recognize the newly renovated Altgeld Hall.

His State of the University speech, which will be given at 3 p.m. in the the castle’s auditorium, is expected to include historic references about Altgeld and NIU’s beginnings as a teacher’s college, said Melanie Magara, assistant vice president of Public Affairs.

“I am sure there will be several exciting announcements,” Magara said. “But I am sure there will be no shortage of words on Altgeld Hall.”

Peters’ speech is only part of a busy day at Altgeld.

Visitors are welcome to see the castle themselves on self-guided tours beginning at 10 a.m.

A rededication ceremony is slated for 11 a.m.

No estimate has been made on how many people will attend the events, but a large amount of visitors is expected, Magara said.

Visitors will be able to pick up commemorative booklets featuring the history of Altgeld, specifics on building architecture and how the building was remodeled.

People also will be stationed throughout the building to give historical information about different sections of the hall.

“Altgeld is the signature landmark building on our campus,” Magara said. “It is not a museum; it is a working building.”

Dedication ceremonies are expected to last about 40 minutes and President Peters’ address to the NIU community is expected to last up to an hour, Magara said.