On May 5th, 2022, NIU Libraries celebrated faculty authors who published or edited books during 2020 and 2021. The celebration highlighted scholarly excellence and included works by faculty from the colleges of Business, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and the University Libraries. In its 5th year, this signature event from the Libraries’ Programming and Promotions Committee exemplifies the Library as the heart of campus where research across the disciplines is celebrated and made available to the NIU community.
After a welcome from Dean Fred Barnhart, Provost Beth Ingram congratulated the faculty authors on their achievements. Following those remarks, Christopher Scanlon, Assistant Professor in the School of Music, introduced Banda NIU, an ensemble at NIU that honors the tradition of the great bandas of the western Mexican state of Sinaloa. While Banda NIU performed, refreshments, including a cake honoring the authors, were served, and faculty were encouraged to take home a copy of their book covers, which had been made into decorative ornaments. Accompanying the event was a display of the books in the Founders Gallery on the first floor of Founders Memorial Library.
The Programming and Promotions committee consists of NIU Libraries faculty and staff, including Beth McGowan, Dee Anna Phares, Alissa Droog, Wayne Finely, Kimberly Shotick, Leanne VandeCreek, Sata Prescott, Bradely Wiles, Jaime Schumacher, and Joe Thomas. Special thanks to Friends of the NIU Libraries for their generous donation to the event and towards the purchase of faculty author books.
This event is a part of the NIU Libraries’ Research and Artistry Series which serves as a venue for NIU faculty and instructors to share their knowledge, creativity, and hard work with others at Northern Illinois University and the broader NIU communiversity. Members of the NIU community are invited to submit a Research and Artistry Presentation Request to be considered for future programming.
