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Northern Illinois University

NIU Office of Public Affairs


News Release

Contact: Mark McGowan, NIU Office of Public Affairs
(815) 753-9472

October 13, 2004

NIU’s Asian American Center ready
to unite, energize students with common bond

DeKalb — Smells of fresh paint and new carpet immediately greet visitors to NIU’s new Asian American Center, located in the newly renovated Jacobs House at 429 Garden Road.

Friendly student workers are eager to give tours of the building and its 1,400 square feet of usable room, which continues to fill with wall decorations, furniture, equipment and supplies in preparation for its Friday, Oct. 15, “preview” to the public from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The opening of the center’s temporary home comes two years after NIU President John Peters announced his hope to acquire space and resources on campus for the Asian American Center, a goal put forth by the Presidential Task Force on Asian Americans.

It’s a defining moment in the university’s history, said F. Michelle Bringas, the center’s first director.

“While NIU joins the ranks of other Illinois schools that are in the process of establishing Asian American centers,” Bringas said, “we are taking the lead in establishing the first stand-alone Asian American center in the northern Illinois region. This is a visible space our students can call their home.”

“I’m proud of the efforts of Michelle Bringas and the Presidential Task Force on Asian Americans that have turned this dream of so many into a reality. Here our Asian American students will find a sense of community within the larger NIU family,” Peters said. “I believe it’s important for great universities like ours to provide the kind of academic and meaningful social experiences that shape dynamic adults, and the NIU Asian American Center promotes both those ideals well.”

Now the goal turns from finding a physical headquarters to offering Asian American students an inclusive place to gather, to study and to unite, whether in search of comfort from a common bond or to cultivate a stronger voice on campus.

“It would be the greatest thing for me to hear a couple years from now, at orientation or New Student Welcome Days, a student say, ‘I came to Northern because I heard NIU supports Asian American students,’ ” Bringas said. “I want students to find a welcoming atmosphere, and to feel this is their home. That’s what brings joy to my heart.”

NIU enrolls about 2,000 students of Asian American heritage, some of whom will help to determine the uses of the building.

Bringas already plans to host academic gatherings as well as workshops on careers, diversity awareness, leadership and professional development.

The center also will seek to implement a community and alumni mentor program to support the educational experience of future leaders. It hopes to boost student recruitment by serving as a focal point for high school visits, and will assist in the leadership development of NIU’s 15 to 20 Asian American student organizations by offering space for advisement.

“The Asian American Center staff pledge to create the kind of environment that supports a student-centered focus, offers student learning opportunities, promotes inclusivity and seeks to actively engage in new and effective collaborations,” Bringas said. “We can move to the next level in establishing an understanding of the Asian American student body and develop a stronger and more supportive community.”

“Academic and social success are key components to the successful student experience. The Asian American Center will provide both,” said Brian Hemphill, vice president for Student Affairs. “This will be a phenomenal addition to the NIU community.”

Richard Bernardo, a senior communication major from Libertyville, calls the center “a great start for us.”

“This is a place I can come to at any time, and I feel welcome. It’s a place I can hang out,” said Bernado, who is Filipino. “It’s also a good resource. There are certain things that only we can provide for each other – in a sense, community – because we share common experience. We’re on a similar wavelength.”

Students also gain “easy access” to Bringas, he said.

“There’s a lot she provides for us,” he said. “A lot of the Asian American organizations on campus don’t have a strong voice or organization. Having this center can make everyone come together.”

Sheryl Rodriguez, a senior business management major from Chicago, agrees.

“It’s about time. It’s taken so long to get this, and we’re the last of the minorities to have a building actually dedicated to them,” said Rodriguez, also Filipino. “We’re maybe too passive. Some of us aren’t as outspoken. Maybe we can have some programs that help us step out of our shell.”

Already, Bringas said, the opening itself represents a “small miracle.”

Renovations included new carpeting, windows, painting, lighting and baseboards. NIU carpenters rebuilt and reconfigured the house, formerly the NIU Family Center, tearing down and building new walls, removing two-way mirrors and creating a “walk-around” accessibility.

The building also now conforms to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, including widened ramps and restroom facilities.

Changes are continuing as the center becomes functional. A sign is ordered for the front of the house, painting is ongoing, pictures are being hung and equipment and office supplies are on their way.

“We owe many, many thanks to President Peters, Provost Legg, Trustee Robert Boey, ‘Gip’ Seaver, Frederick Schwantes, Brian Hemphill, Fred Kitterle, the Presidential Task Force on Asian Americans, Eddie Williams, Patty Perkins, Mike Saari, Earl Slater, Mike Hall and Gary Olsen,” Bringas said, “as well as our carpenters, electricians, craftspeople in the Physical Plant and all the wonderful and numerous others who committed their time, energy, talent and dedication toward the renovation.”

Center hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please call (815) 752-1177.

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