In fall 2024, NIU and the NIU Foundation announced a $40 million gift from the JTB
Family Foundation, the largest single gift in the university’s history. This historic gift will support the development of the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center, NIU’s future home for health professions education and transdisciplinary research.
NIU’s Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center will connect health-related programs and experts across the university — including nursing, public health, audiology, biomedical engineering and anatomy, among other disciplines — to catalyze learning, service and research for students and faculty. The center will house specialized laboratories and flexible learning, study and collaboration spaces, all designed to improve the preparation of future clinicians and professionals and, ultimately, the health and well-being of individuals and families in our region.
The gift was made by James and Theo (Bahwell) Baustert through the JTB Family Foundation. James was a founding partner of Cardiac Pacemakers Inc., a former St. Paul, Minnesota-based manufacturer of implantable cardiac rhythm management devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. The company, founded in 1971, was acquired by Eli Lilly in 1978 and is now a subsidiary of Boston Scientific.
As a student at NIU in 1954 and 1955, Theo studied speech correction — known today as speech-language pathology. One year into her studies, Theo met her future husband, James, both natives of Elgin, Illinois, when he was visiting campus for a social event. That moment cemented their lifelong romance and fondness for the university.
Leaders from NIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS), along with university partners, have been working diligently behind the scenes with architectural and design teams to thoughtfully shape the vision for the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center. Their efforts in planning and development are already paying off, as the future home of health professions education begins to take form — both in blueprint and in spirit. The collaborative process reflects our university’s commitment to creating a space that fosters innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and exceptional student and faculty experiences.
Construction of the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center begins in 2026 at the northwest corner of Lucinda Avenue and Annie Glidden Road. This transformative gift will foster innovation, transdisciplinary collaboration and interprofessional practice and is a legacy to the couple that had their beginning at NIU.
Every act of generosity helps create meaningful change. Connect with us by scanning the QR code or go to niuforward.com/chhs.
