In the Spotlight: WALT OWENS

DeKALB - Walt Owens didn't need a retirement party to realize his impact on people. As a teacher for 54 years, with 34 years at Northern Illinois, Owens has been a pioneer in many aspects of his life. Late last month, Owens celebrated his life at a retirement party at the Convocation Center. Several people flew into town from all over the country, honoring Owens' amazing life and coaching and teaching career. Owens grew up in Detroit, and graduated from Western Michigan in 1955. He played basketball and ran track in college, running a leg of the 880-meter relay team that won the Mid-American Conference title and set a conference meet record. Owens taught in the Detroit-area for 19 years before arriving in DeKalb to become an assistant men's