A celebration is rarely complete without a large fireworks and light display.

Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony for NIU’s newest building, Dennis and Stacy Barsema Hall, included a much-anticipated pyrotechnics display, with

explosions outlining the future site of Barsema Hall for 100 or more NIU and College of Business officials, city leaders, students and the Barsema family.

The display, arranged and overseen by the NIU grounds crew, was complete with a small ground explosion and a sign that outlined “Barsema Hall” in lights and fireworks. It lasted about five minutes.

The ceremony Friday also included a special VIP luncheon for guests and an official shovel dig with President John Peters and members of the Barsema family, among others. Held on the third floor of the Engineering Building overlooking the future site, the program was attended by speakers including Eddie Williams, NIU chief operating officer; Lynne Waldeland, NIU interim executive vice president and provost; David Graf, NIU College of Business dean; State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Sycamore; $20 million donor Dennis Barsema and Peters.

Williams said he was confident the Barsema project was “on target budget, design and time-wise.” Dirt will officially move within the next few weeks, with the building beginning to take shape between August and October.

Waldeland spoke of how happy College of Business faculty members are about the project, and how inspiring it was that NIU helped Barsema — a 1977 alumnus and president and CEO of Onetta Inc. — get where he is today.

“This is a chapter in a wonderful story for NIU,” Waldeland said.

Barsema joked about the high-tech way in which the ground was broken.

“This gift has brought us as much joy and elation for our entire lifetime, and this is our honor for the students,” he said. “Everyone needs to be the vision of hope, and the greatest gift is truly the ability to give back, not only with money, but to be a ray of hope in someone’s life.”

Barsema said he wanted a building at NIU that would last 100 years. NIU trustee Manny Sanchez said the campus has become a more special place with the Barsemas’ gift.

“This is one of the most incredible gifts in the history of higher education,” Sanchez said.

Burzynski said the donation will affect the entire state of Illinois.

“Barsema Hall will only enhance and make stronger NIU’s position in this state,” the senator said.

Peters said students are the real reason for Barsema Hall taking shape. Barsema said he wants students to believe they have the same potential he did in 1977.

“I absolutely have no special gifts than anyone else here at this school — anyone can have the success that I had,” Barsema said.