Featured in this batch of fun facts: NIU President Leslie Holmes used to keep a small amount of money in his office to help students and faculty with emergency loans, one of the most popular activities within NIU’s Greek system is the annual tug-of-war competition, and NIU’s mascot Mission is also a certified therapy dog and a member of Helping Paws at Kishwaukee Hospital!
NIU HISTORY
Leslie Holmes was the school’s fifth president. During his 18-year presidency from 1949 to 1967, enrollment grew from 2,000 to 18,000 students, and 29 new buildings were added.
The Holmes Student Center is named after Leslie Holmes — the school’s fifth president.
Gilbert Hall, NIU’s first men’s dormitory, opened in 1951. It had a capacity for 374 men and was named for DeKalb’s first superintendent of schools, Newell D. Gilbert.
The once all-male dormitory Gilbert Hall overlooked Glidden Field, the school’s original football field on the land now occupied by the music and art buildings. Residents could watch football games from their rooms and photographers often perched on the roof.
Before the NIU Foundation was incorporated in 1949, President Leslie Holmes kept a small amount of money in his office to help students and faculty with emergency loans.
NIU MASCOT
NIU mascot Mission was born Dec. 11, 2011, in Marengo, Illinois. The Siberian husky was brought to NIU in late 2013, thanks to the philanthropic support of proud alumni and donors John and Cassandra McKearn. He spends #MissionMondays on campus visiting various buildings and colleges, connecting with students, faculty and staff to start the week on a bright note. Mission is also a certified therapy dog and a member of Helping Paws at Kishwaukee Hospital. Mission will retire in 2021 at the age of 10.
NIU GREEK LIFE
The first national social sorority on campus, the Alpha Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Epsilon, was installed in 1944.
Phi Sigma Epsilon was the school’s first national social fraternity, installed in 1947.
The first Black Greek letter organization was organized in 1964 as the Epsilon Phi chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
One of the most popular activities within NIU’s Greek system is the annual tug-of-war competition, known as Tugs. Tugs has taken place for over 50 years, helping to raise money for a variety of charities. The women’s event takes place each fall, while the men’s competition is in the spring.