The start of the 2024 Inauguration of NEIU President Katrina Bell-Jordan starts with a flame. Led by retired Professor Emeritus Dan Creely, the annual Peace Fire was lit just on the outskirts of the Campus Rec center on October 3rd in 2024.

In 1996, as part of the Physical Education T.E.A.M conference, where several staff members were training along with other members in a series of Team building exercises, Ojibway Fire Keepers Bruce Hardwick and Duane Kinnart started the tradition of lighting the fire.

Several NEIU community members were asked to pull out thread in order to have a bundle to start a fire with every participant . Several coal bundles were distributed to members after the ceremony, which were from past Peace fires, and represents a physical and spiritual connection to the fires

Within the ceremony, President Bell-Jordan, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Lisel Downey participated in lighting the sacred fire by throwing a sheet, in the shape of a triangle, made of the words that they have spoken in the past, along with Former President Sharon Hahs sharing a few words. “As a University, we continue to build on the foundation of achievements and commitments we have made over the years,” President Bell-Jordan said, reading her message about the 2024 – 2025 Academic Year.  “with a strategic focus on enrollment growth; student success; diversity, equity and inclusion; and fostering a vibrant work environment — all keys to a strong, secure and successful future for our University.”