Holmes Student Center

By the mid-1950's, the Student Union building on College Avenue had become far too small to accommodate Northern's student population, which had experienced a 136% increase between 1953 and 1956. A University steering committee began to plan for the construction of a new, centrally located building that would accommodate an enrollment of at least 10,000 students. A bond issue, designed to benefit universities state-wide, was proposed in Springfield in 1960. Described as a ten year expansion plan, the issue of self-liquidating bonds was passed by a state referendum. Northern received approximately 15 million dollars under the plan and used the money to construct 10 buildings, add space to current buildings, and remodel several others over the next decade. The University Center was one of the first new structures to be constructed. The Center opened its doors in the fall of 1962 to an enthusiastic university community. President Leslie Holmes wanted the Center to become a focal point for Northern, the "hearthstone" that everyone could share equally. He envisioned it as having a unifying force that would hold the university community together as the school grew larger and larger. The building provided space for a variety of university ventures, including the first campus bookstore. Prior to this time, students had been limited to town bookstores when purchasing and reselling texts. Three food service areas, large rooms for meetings, guest rooms, an auditorium, and a recreation hall with bowling alleys and billiards completed the Center. Reaction from the DeKalb business community was mixed: they applauded the campus expansion, but were concerned about the loss of business they would experience as the result of the Center's opening. By 1968, the Center had doubled in size with the addition of a west wing topped by a sixteen story tower that defined the building as a campus landmark. The additional 100 guest rooms provided by the tower made it possible for NIU to become a major conference and convention center serving the entire northern Illinois area. In 1974, the building was re-dedicated as the Leslie A. Holmes Student Center. On April 18, 1984 the sky room was re-named the Clara Sperling Sky Room in honor of Miss Sperling who served as secretary to three presidents, including 19 years to Leslie Holmes. During the 1989-1990 school year the exterior of the tower was re-clad with white limestone panels. New, tinted windows were installed, and a lighted copper dome was placed over the top.

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