CHICAGO (Illinois Radio Network) -- The scene of a 2008 shooting spree that left five Northern Illinois University students dead and others wounded will be renovated to “move forward.”
Gov. Pat Quinn announced Wednesday that the De Kalb campus will receive $8 million for the project, the money coming from the state capital program.
“We can never fully put this tragedy behind us but it is important to move forward,” Quinn said. “Renovating Cole Hall …provides a vital step in helping the NIU community heal from the impact of this senseless shooting.”
The Feb. 14, 2008 shooting captured the prayers of the nation and prompted the state to evaluate security on college campuses. Cole Hall has been closed since the tragedy with classes relocated.
“We are most grateful for these funds,” said NIU president John Peters. “The money for Cole Hall will not only help us remodel and reopen one of the busiest academic buildings on campus, it will also enable the continued healing from the events of Feb. 14, 2008.”
An additional $2.3 million will be used to plan for the renovation of another building on campus.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
