About the Center Set among towering, 80-year-old pines and oaks, the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center stands at the campus crossroads of Annie Glidden Road and Stadium Drive, adjoining a green space and grove. By virtue of its location alone, the center has become a campus landmark. Large numbers of alumni and visitors travel past the building on their way to athletic competitions or other university events, and students pass the center daily on their way to classes and residence halls. Whatever the approach, the building offers a welcoming facade of brick and stone, topped by a distinctive multi-gabled roof—an elegant example of classic American campus architecture. Make Your Mark Northern Illinois University’s alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends are invited to make their mark on the new Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center by purchasing a brick. The decorative bricks are available in three sizes (6”x 8”, 6”x 12”, and 12”x 12”), and adorn the center’s entranceways and Nelson Terrace. Inscribed bricks an ideal way to remember a loved one, honor someone special, or commemorate a special occasion such a graduation, birth, or marriage. Thousands of people will pass through the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, and your brick is going to be a noticeable part of this landmark facility. Purchase Your Brick, Tree, or Bench There are three ways to make your purchase: Click here to purchase a brick online with your credit card Call 1-877-GIV2NIU to make your purchase over the phone with a credit card You can also download and print forms to buy a brick NIU Faculty and Staff only: you can download and print a form which will allow you to make your purchase through payroll deduction Please note that your "purchase" of a brick is recognized by the IRS as a charitable donation. Brick inscriptions will be displayed in public spaces; therefore, the NIU Foundation will review all brick inscriptions and will contact you if any modifications to your message are necessary. Logos, phone numbers, and internet addresses are not permitted. Web Site Privacy Policy