On Friday, May 18, Jefferson Plaza was the site of the annual Cornerstone event at North Central College. This year, the event coincided with the college’s Brilliant Future Campaign, which celebrates the upcoming construction of the new science center.
The event, consisting of a free outdoor picnic followed by a groundbreaking ceremony, took place between 11 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. outside of the Seager and Schneller residence halls.
The event, which takes place every year in different locations around campus, gives restaurants from downtown Naperville the chance to set up a booth and give out free samples of their food to picnic-goers and other attendees. Establishments such as the Cajun-themed Heaven on Seven and the pastry-centric Nothing Bundt Cakes were a small portion of the many restaurants that gave out samples.
‘This is all a part of the Brilliant Future Campaign, from the groundbreaking ceremony to the dance tonight,” said Madison Nehrkorn, junior and member of the College Union Activities Board. “Cornerstone is just a really great day for the college… a lot of students don’t understand the significance of the Cornerstone and the birthday of the college, as well as the other events that are going on for the Brilliant Future Campaign and how they will impact the students in the future.”
The Cornerstone in the event’s title refers to the first foundation stone laid on the campus during Old Main’s construction and is associated with the “birth” of North Central College.
Phil Norris, senior and student life officer for the Student Governing Association, also emphasized the connection between the picnic and the overall fundraising and celebratory efforts directed at the new science center. “This meal is for all of the students that are here as well as for the alumni that will be at the kickoff event,” said Norris. “A lot of the trustees are here and we’re just excited for the kickoff dance tonight.”
Following the picnic, President Troy Hammond led several distinguished guests and administrators in the groundbreaking ceremony. Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rick Spencer, and members of the city staff were only a few of the guests in attendance during the groundbreaking speeches and ceremony.
“This facility is going to unite our entire science division together,” said Hammond, “in which they can provide a world-class education system for North Central College students… Our faculty and students need this facility, they deserve this facility, and they’re going to get this facility.”
Steve Hoeft, chair of the board of trustees, expressed the board’s enthusiasm toward the project. “The board’s approval of this project was unanimous,” detailed Hoeft. “It’s a big step, but it’s necessary and an important step for the college, and with a turnout like this I think it’s the right step to take.”
