Feb. 22, 2008

Dr. John G. Peters, President
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois  60115

Dear Dr. Peters,

On behalf of the Board of Education and our staff and students at West Aurora School District 129, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss that you and your university community have suffered.

We feel a kinship with you as many of our staff are NIU alumni, and many of our graduates are fortunate to further their education at your university.  We also use your university facilities for our own high school graduation ceremonies.  So we share some of the pain this tragedy has brought to the NIU community.

It is with great admiration that we have watched you guide NIU through this unimaginably difficult time.  Your steady hand and caring and professional manner, I am certain, has been a comfort to your employees, your students, and their families.  Your security personnel also deserve special recognition and thanks for their rapid and professional response.

Please know that you, your staff, and the entire NIU community remain in our prayers, and that we stand with you in this very difficult time, and in the days and years ahead as we continue our partnership for the benefit of the students we serve.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Rydland
Superintendent