Education, Excellence and Empowerment
The Inauguration of President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D.
Northeastern Illinois University's Board of Trustees and the University Community are hosting numerous welcome events and activities to celebrate the inauguration of Northeastern Illinois University’s eighth president Katrina E. Bell-Jordan.
Below is an itinerary of daily events and activities. We look forward to commemorating this occasion with you!
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Peace Fire Ceremony
- Peace Fire, Main Campus near the Physical Education Complex
- 9:30 a.m.
- All are invited
A University Peace Fire Ceremony will kick-off the three day series of events to celebrate the inauguration of NEIU’s eighth President. Please note, fire will remain lit until 5 p.m.
Disciplinary Event: CMT Expo
- Main Campus, Alumni Hall
- 1:00-4:00 p.m.
- All are invited
The Expo is hosted by the Communication, Media and Theatre Department. This interactive event will showcase partnerships, programs and initiatives across the three disciplinary areas. Join us for talks and visit stations staffed by NEIU partners, such as Telemundo, WTTW, WGN, The Black Ensemble Theater and many more.
Oktoberfest
- Main Campus, University Commons
- Noon-4:00 p.m.
- All are invited
A fun afternoon will feature a DJ and music, light refreshments and interactive stations, including a pumpkin carving contest and other activities.
Annual NEIU Alumni Awards
- El Centro
- 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Invite only
The awards ceremony will recognize and celebrate 2024 awardees in five categories: the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Alumni Service Award, the Community Leadership Award, the Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award, and the Future Alumni Leader Award. This year, the event will be included as part of the Presidential Inaugural activities. Invitees will include awardees, their special guests and nominators.
Contact Us
If you need have questions, need assistance or require accommodations, please email 2024Inauguration@neiu.edu.
Friday, October 4, 2024
Inauguration Ceremony
- Main Campus, University Commons
- 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- RSVP required
The Ceremony is a formal investiture and introduction of Northeastern’s eighth president, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., to the University and greater community. The ceremony will include remarks from the Board of Trustees and the President’s Inaugural Address. Please RSVP no later than Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Immediately following the inauguration ceremony, the University will host an informal reception. Light refreshments will be served.
Contact Us
If you need have questions, need assistance or require accommodations, please email 2024inauguration@neiu.edu.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
All-Campus Day of Service: Literacy and Book Drive
- Main Campus, Carruthers Center and El Centro
- 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- All are invited
Northeastern will hold service events in two-hour blocks at each location.
Carruthers Center
- Carruthers Center Lobby
- 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- Join us at for a short speaking program from 9:30-9:45 a.m.
El Centro
- El Centro Lobby
- 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Join us at for a short speaking program from 11:30-11:45 a.m.
Main Campus
- Main Campus (TDC)
- 1:00-3:00 p.m.
- Join us at for a short speaking program from 1:30-1:45 p.m.
Inauguration Celebration
- Main Campus, Alumni Hall
- 6:30 p.m. meet-and-greet
- 7:00 p.m. celebration
- RSVP required
Northeastern will host a semiformal evening event featuring a short program, including a greeting from the Board of Trustees. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, a champagne toast, live music and dancing. Cocktail attire. Tickets are required. Complimentary parking.
Please RSVP no later than Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Tickets are $100 per person.
Inauguration Celebration RSVP and Tickets
Contact Us
If you need have questions, need assistance or require accommodations, please email 2024inauguration@neiu.edu.
President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan
In August 2024, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., began her service as Northeastern Illinois University’s eighth president.
Dr. Bell-Jordan’s journey at Northeastern Illinois University began in 1997 when she joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT). Through the years, she's taken on many strategic leadership roles to propel the University forward. Learn more about her history, accomplishments and appointment as Northeastern's incumbent president.
