Spring 2008 Issue - NIU College of Business - Northern Illinois ...

On May 5, 2007, President JohnG. Peters unveiled True North – thefirst major fundraising campaign inNorthern Illinois University’s history– and announced a goal of $150million. The event launched the latest,and final, phase of a campaign thathas been in the works for nearlyseven years, raising $119 million.“True North reflects everything NIUhas stood for since our founding:access, opportunity and academicexcellence. Alumni tell me on aregular basis how their NIU educationhas served them far beyond theirexpectations when they werestudents,” said College of BusinessDean Denise Schoenbachler.“True North is also about shapingthe future. I envision a College ofBusiness which will be ranked amongthe top 25 in the nation. Philanthropyis the cornerstone on which we willachieve this goal.”Some of the gifts that comprisethe total to date have transformedthe landscape of campus, makingpossible buildings such as BarsemaHall, the Jeffrey and Kimberly YordonAcademic and Athletic PerformanceCenter, and the Barsema Alumni andVisitors Center.“The final phase of the campaign isfocusing on academic excellence,student support and growingendowments,”said DennisBarsema, cochairfor theTrue Northcampaign. “Iencourageyou to beengaged withus and learnmore aboutopportunities where you can have animpact. Please join me in shapingNIU’s legacy for future generations.”A sample of funding priorities in theCollege of Business include:• Student Scholarships• Professorships• Entrepreneurship Programs• Global Business ProgramsThere are still several room-namingopportunities available in BarsemaHall. Since Dennis and StaceyBarsema funded 100% of thebuilding’sconstruction,all fundsfor roomsponsorshipsare directedtoward theCollege ofBusinessEndowment.If you’d like to learn more aboutthe True North campaign, contactAnthony D’Andrea at (815) 753-1736.NIU Business 2008 | 43