By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – A new campus Multicultural Center was revealed by Illinois State University President Larry Dietz in his annual State of the University address Tuesday afternoon.

In his sixth address on the state of ISU, Dietz said the new center will be housed in the current Instructional Technology and Development Center, located at 301 South Main Street.

“The center will feature student organization office spaces, event and meeting rooms, a full kitchen, a meditation room, gathering spaces, administrative offices, and satellite student support services,” said Dietz.

Dietz also announced ISU is part of a $10 million grant from the USDA.

“The grant will allow Illinois State Genetics professor John Sedbrook to domesticate a plant into a winter cover crop that can be used to produce biodiesel, jet fuel, and animal feed,” Dietz said.

Researchers from ISU and other schools will work on the project.

Meanwhile, Dietz acknowledged ISU’s steady enrollment, additional funding from the state, and its Redbird Rising campaign that has raised over $163 million.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]