![]() |
Did you attend the NIU football game vs. Eastern Michigan University Thursday night? |

No handshakes at NIU commencement

NIU glassblower Daniel Edwards died in a motorcycle accident Wednesday morning near Rochelle, fellow members of the chemistry department confirmed on Wednesday.
Edwards, of Rochelle, was traveling with his wife when the accident occurred. His wife is currently in a Rockford hospital receiving treatment, said Jon Carnahan, professor and chair of the chemistry and biochemistry department.
“We are very saddened and shocked by the news of Dan’s death this morning,” said Shannon Gates, coordinator for recruitment and public relations of the department of chemistry & biochemistry. “He was a great asset to our department, as a talented glassblower and good friend.”
Edwards was planning on retiring at the end of this semester. He is best known across campus for hosting a glassblowing demonstration each fall and has been a member of the NIU community since 1991.
“We were slowly preparing ourselves to miss him due to his upcoming retirement,” Gates said. “But we were not prepared for anything like this.”
![]() |
Did you attend the NIU football game vs. Eastern Michigan University Thursday night? |

No handshakes at NIU commencement