05/15/2008 - DeKalb County Communities Continue "Communiversity Cares" Initiative

On May 13, 2008, NIU president, John G. Peters addressed a gathering of first responders from several communities and community residents at the Convocation Center thanking all who have rallied in the past several months to support NIU students and staff, as well as the larger Huskie community in response to the tragic events of February 14, 2008. In his comments, President Peters expressed his gratitude for the hundreds, perhaps thousands of volunteers from throughout the DeKalb and Sycamore communities and beyond, who gave of their time and resources.

"An uplifting outcome of these events and the subsequent outpouring of support," said President Peters, "is a strong bond between the university and especially the communities of DeKalb and Sycamore, uniting us all in support of one another as we venture "Forward, Together, Forward."

Susan Johnson, a longtime community member announced the latest Communiversity Cares Initiative project, Huskies on Parade. Large fiberglass Huskies, decorated in bright and colorful artwork, will adorn many locations throughout the community this summer and fall, culminating in a benefit auction the weekend of homecoming, October 11, 2008.

Another project that will begin during the summer and fall of 2008 will be the "Ambassador Families". Families in the DeKalb and Sycamore area will volunteer to host one or more of NIU's international students for a Sunday dinner, a trip to the baseball game, or other activities/events that will provide an opportunity for the international students to gain a better understanding of life in America, and particularly in DeKalb County, Illinois. To volunteer as an Ambassador Family, please contact Russ Fletcher, School/Community Relations Liaison, DeKalb School District 428: email - russ.fletcher@dist428.org or phone - (815) 754-2283.

Visible demonstrations of unity

• Community-wide signage. Signs and banners expressing sympathy and support are up all over the DeKalb/Sycamore community. New signs carrying the message “Forward, Together Forward” will soon be up everywhere. To get a poster for your place of business, call the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at 815/756-6306.
• Red and black ribbons. Students and other community volunteers made red and black ribbons so everyone could demonstrate their solidarity by wearing a ribbon on their lapel. Local retailers called on suppliers all over the country to rush red and black ribbon to DeKalb.

Welcoming NIU students

• Comfort food for students. Community volunteers gathered cookies and other treats to give to students during their first couple of days back in classes. Local bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores have been generous – more than 30,000 cookies were pledged in a 24-hour period (52,000 total).
• Banners/decorations. Banners were posted up and down Annie Glidden Road and Lincoln Highway to ensure that students returning to campus can plainly see the community’s concern and affection for them.

Community outreach

• Community counseling. Workshops have been held throughout the community on trauma, grief and how to talk to your children about the events that have occurred. Additional services and referral mechanisms for community service providers, the faith community, community groups, schools, and parent teacher organizations will be provided. For more information, contact Michael Flora at the Ben Gordon Center at 815/756-4875.

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