A university president and state governor should be the voice of those who cannot be heard. Their statements and actions should represent those they embody; however, what an individual should do is not always what he or she actually accomplishes. Regardless, if Cole Hall is demolished, students and faculty/staff should have been notified of President John G. Peters and Illinois Gov. Rod G. Blagojevich’s plans for the building’s future. This makes the community disconnected from the university, and if we are not united or heard, how are we suppose to move “Forward, Together Forward”? Every suggestion should be considered, and NIU President John G. Peters and Illinois Gov. Rod G. Blagojevich have neglected our voice, ”the community” voice.

There is a Facebook group titled “Preserve NIU’s Cole Hall” designed to encourage discussion and suggestions. Even though the group advocates the preservation of Cole Hall, all opinions are valid and highly encouraged. We are a community and need communication to stay alive, so no one’s voice is forgotten.

Members of Preserve NIU’s Cole Hall have created a petition, revised by a lawyer, to advocate for a general assembly to meet and discuss the fate of Cole Hall (no hidden agenda). This assures that no one’s voice is forgotten or left behind. Further dates and times of the petition-signing will be available on the group’s site. Contact any of the administrators if you want to help get everyone’s voice included. We are a community.

Rebecca Anne Daum, anthropology graduate student
Victoria Leigh Boland, art
Aimee Michelle Genova, anthropology graduate student
Emily Kay Kuhnen, psychology
Sandra Podoreski, anthropology

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