Otto J. Gabel, the namesake of NIU’s Gabel Hall, was born in 1891. Gabel, a Shabbona native, attended NIU and served as principal of the McMurry Practice School from 1921 until 1937.

After that, Gabel transferred to the elementary education department where he taught educational psychology and school administration for 22 years. He retired in 1959 and later died in 1962.

According to an article from the Northern Star archives, Gabel experienced some difficulty teaching in the early 1900s.

“My classes learned to read in spite of me,” he said.

Gabel Hall originally was called University School. The cornerstone was laid in 1957, and the building was dedicated in 1960. The building wasn’t occupied until 1958. The entire cost to construct and open the building was $1,817,332.68.

In 1972, Gabel closed as a laboratory school and then was leased to the DeKalb Public School System for two years to be used for elementary and junior high school students. The public school system renamed the building Gurler School.

On April 20, 1974, the university renamed the building Otto J. Gabel Hall. Gabel Hall is located on the west side of campus, between Graham Hall and DuSable Hall. The building currently is used for classes and a child care center.