NIU will rename New Residence Hall in honor of Fanny Ruth Patterson, the university’s first African American graduate.

Fanny Ruth Patterson, first African-American student to graduate from Northern Illinois University.

New Residence Hall will now be known as Fanny Ruth Patterson Complex, home to Patterson Hall East and Patterson Hall West.

The renaming—proposed by NIU Housing and Residential Services and approved by the NIU Board of Trustees on June 16—not only recognizes Patterson’s legacy, it signifies NIU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as outlined in both the university’s goals and Strategic Enrollment Management Plan.

“Fanny Ruth Patterson was a trailblazer and it’s important that her story is known to all who come to our university” NIU President Lisa Freeman said. “We are proud to honor her and her legacy, and I’m proud to be part of a university that vigilantly works to ensure all Huskies feel welcome, included and valued.”

NIU will formally celebrate the naming of Fanny Ruth Patterson Complex in October during the university’s Homecoming celebration. At that time, a separate event is planned to also celebrate the renaming of the Campus Life Building in honor of former NIU President John Peters.

The transition of the university’s website, signage, printed collateral and other items to reflect both new names will begin in October and likely last throughout the academic year.

New Hall will be renamed in honor of Fannie Ruth Patterson during an official renaming ceremony scheduled to take place during NIU’s 115th Homecoming celebration.

Patterson, of Hinkley, completed her two-year degree in 1915, after enrolling in NIU’s predecessor, Northern Illinois State Normal School, at the age of 21. Northern Illinois State Normal School would later become known as Northern Illinois University.

When Patterson graduated, the first president of Northern Illinois State Normal School, John W. Cook, gave her a glowing recommendation as she applied for a position teaching English and history for the St. Louis school system.

“She is a most excellent and interesting young woman and she has had the entire confidence of everybody with whom she has worked,” Cook wrote at the time.

A catalog of graduates of Northern Illinois State Normal School shows that Patterson taught downstate in Cairo for at least four years after graduating. She died of pulmonary tuberculosis on Feb. 17, 1920, in Hinckley at the age of 28, according to a death certificate from the University Archives.

In proposing the renaming of New Residence Hall in Patterson’s honor, NIU Housing and Residential Services described the building—featuring cluster living with enhanced privacy—as an appropriate facility to bear her name. The proposal was endorsed by the Division of Student Affairs.

“Honoring Patterson’s legacy as an educator would be a natural complement to our current residents who reside in the complex,” the proposal stated.

“The complex also has been home to several workshops, programs and additional educational opportunities that celebrate inclusion and diversity. The unique features of the complex along with the renaming could create additional opportunities to foster a center for dialogue and community around issues of social justice, anti-racism and diversity throughout the year.”

Among those to praise the renaming at the June 16 NIU Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Robert Pritchard described Patterson as someone driven from a small town who overcame a lot of obstacles.

“I think as we learn more about her life and story it really typifies the NIU student,” he said. “That’s why I think it’s so appropriate that a residence hall is named after her and the legacy she has left… She leaves the legacy you can strive, you can come from humble beginnings and NIU offers a great opportunity to pursue dreams.”