The routinely empty residence hall parking lots on weekends are proof of NIU’s reputation as a “suitcase school.”

Due to its proximity to many large cities and towns, many students go home every weekend for work or other personal reasons. This weekend’s memorial services may have an impact on this trend.

“I normally go home on weekends to work,” said Jennifer Punzi, senior special education major. “But this weekend, I kind of feel like I need to be here.”

Representatives from Housing and Dining do not plan on having any additional services this weekend but do acknowledge that the weekend population might fluctuate.

“Some students may decide to stay this weekend that normally wouldn’t,” said Michael Stang, executive director of Housing and Dining. “However, some students that usually stay on campus may decide that the atmosphere is too much to deal with and go home.”

The full schedule of memorial events this weekend will provide many activities for students who remain on campus, but some, such as Scott Semenek, junior physical education major, have other important things going on at home.

“I would love to stay on campus and be a part of the memorial services this weekend,” Semenek said. “If I didn’t have an important Valentine’s Day date at home, I would be here.”

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