At graduation in the spring of 1982, NIU recognized Fr. Hoffman's contributions to the entire university community by presenting him with the F. R. Geigle Outstanding Service Award.

​In addition to developing many creative ministerial initiatives, (including an expanded Book Store under Rita Brown's direction), Fr. Hoffman established the Newman Center's endowment fund (initiated by a generous bequest from a diocesan priest, Fr. John Vaughn) to maintain and develop Newman's ministries. (A bequest of $87,000 to a fund that now has grown to a million and a half dollars, enhanced significantly by a large bequest from Fr. McGinn's estate.)

In the fall of 1982, Fr. Don Ahles was named Newman's third pastor. Under his leadership, the Center's ministry continued to grow and increased participation in the governance of the parish was afforded to the permanent parishioner community. With Fr. Ahles' support, permanent parishioner committees were established to advise in the areas of finance, personnel, building and grounds, and outreach activities.

Fr. Stephen Potter, (a student here when Fr. Hoffman was pastor) became Newman's fourth pastor in 1988. Under his leadership, in 1991, the Newman staff was honored by NIU’s Student Affairs division with a recognition award "for extraordinary services extended to students and its impact on the quality of life on the campus."

​An elevator for the disabled was added to Newman's facility in 1993 providing greater access to the lower levels for all community members.  

Fr. Stephen Knox, an NIU student when Fr. Don Ahles was pastor, served as Newman’s pastor from 1995 – 2004. Fr. Steve initiated the first Northern Illinois Koinonia (“NIK”) weekend college retreat in 1996 for students to get away for the weekend and grow closer to God and their Catholic faith. Students who have attended the retreat continue to lead NIK giving talks, leading small groups, acting in skits, and more. NIK retreats are held once each fall semester and once each spring.

Fr. Steve also expanded the Student Ministry Team’s (SMT) role to include Welcome Back Weekend, the Ministry Fair, the Corn Boil at NIU football games, Thursday night cooking for the homeless shelter, Wednesday night Faith Enrichment, and other evangelization and service efforts that continue at Newman today. Under Fr. Steve’s pastorate, the number of Newman parishioners grew to over 400 families. At his departure, the Community Room name was aptly changed to The Knox Community Room.

After almost 40 years of heavy use, the Newman worship space was in clear need of a make-over. Fr. Steve led the two-year renovation effort with the help of parishioners, alumni, students, friends and other benefactors who responded with great generosity, raising over $960,000 for the renovation project. The tabernacle was moved to the adoration chapel, the altar and sanctuary were moved to the center, the pews were arranged so that worshippers could see each other, and beautiful new statuary was added to help us pray.

​The first Mass was celebrated in the renewed worship space on December 4, 1999.  That evening, 320 people gathered to attend 4:30 Mass and then celebrate at Newman's 39th annual Benefit Dinner.  In attendance was Fr. McCarren, who had bought the College Avenue Newman Center house with the help of a loan from his mother in 1951.

February 13, 2000 was set aside for the re-dedication of the renovated church, with Bishop Thomas Doran joining the Newman Community in celebrating the parish's journey of faith and renewal.  This was the Bishop's second visit to Newman for such an occasion. As a young priest he was on the altar 40 years earlier assisting Bishop Lane dedicate the original.