NIU Today

The Annie Glidden Road underpass, beneath the Union Pacific Railroad tracks south of campus, recently got a makeover that makes it clear that DeKalb backs the Red and Black.

In mid-June, crews began transforming the viaduct from just another landmark on your way into town into a bold proclamation of DeKalb’s support for Northern Illinois University.

The new mural located on Annie Glidden Road proudly welcomes visitors to campus.

The drab, gray walls have been splashed with a vibrant cardinal red over which the words “Huskie Nation” and “NIU” have been emblazoned in bold, white block lettering. The north and south sides of the main support pillar are graced with nine-foot-tall images of a Huskie athletics logo, and flags festoon the retaining walls of the underpass.

“The mural is a clear sign to new and prospective NIU students and visitors to our community that the City of DeKalb is a college town,” said DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes. “It’s another example of the strong partnership between the city and NIU to make our community a great place to live, work, visit and study.”

Most of the cost for the project was funded through a portion of a T-Mobile Hometown Grant secured by the City’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission for the creation of public art. Additional support was provided by NIU Divisions of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications, and Finance and Facilities.

The collaborative effort that went into the project is another example of the strong bond between the city and the university, according to NIU Chief of Staff Matt Streb.

“Whether it is enhancing our Homecoming activities or putting up street signs around campus and on Greek row with the Huskie logo, this is another collaboration with the City of DeKalb to help us generate Huskie Pride,” Streb said. “We are grateful to have partners in the city who are committed to the success of the university and are proud to be a college town.”

The underpass is just one example of new public art in DeKalb that will highlight its role as a university town. On Oct. 12, during Homecoming week, a new Huskie Pride statue will be unveiled at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Second Street. The statue was created in partnership with FNBO, the City of DeKalb, the NIU Office of the President, the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development and the NIU Foundation.