Welcome Huskies to DeKalb
STUDENT GUIDE TO SHOPPING, DINING AND GETTING INVOLVED
am – 5:00 pm
Welcome to NIU
Welcome, NIU Huskies! The start of a new academic year is filled with wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and grow with one another. Whether you’re a returning Huskie or new to our family, you have much to look forward to this fall. I encourage you to get involved on campus and in our wonderful surrounding community. Don’t miss our NIU Campus Meets Community Block Party in the MLK Commons. More than 75 local businesses and organizations will host booths Wednesday, Sept. 3, to welcome our whole NIU community.
As an NIU student, you receive free admission to NIU Athletics home games; music, theatre and dance performances; and lectures and presentations. Check out our NIU Event Calendar for opportunities to enrich your NIU experience.
We’ll host our 118th Homecoming celebration from Sept. 28 through Oct. 5 with events
Our newly designated “Community-engaged Courses” allow you to work with a community partner or nonprofit to apply your course learning in meaningful ways. Look
Most of all, I want you to know that you belong at NIU and in DeKalb. I’m very proud of NIU and our amazing students, faculty and staff who pursue and share knowledge to make the world a better place. Join us on campus and throughout our local communities for events and activities that showcase Huskies’ artistry, expertise and athleticism. Together, we’ll make this academic year one of our very best.
LISA C. FREEMAN President, Northern Illinois University
Welcome to DeKalb
Hello, Huskies!
I’m thrilled to welcome each and every one of you to DeKalb as you kick off a new school year at NIU. As someone who grew up here — and as a fellow NIU alum — I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you in our community.
DeKalb is more than just the city where your campus is located. It’s a place full of charm, history and people who genuinely care. I hope you’ll take some time to explore and make it your home away from home.
• Come downtown and check out our shops and restaurants — and don’t miss a show at our beautifully restored Egyptian Theatre.
• Snap a photo with the Huskie statue and take in our vibrant murals and public art while you’re there.
• Be sure to mark your calendar for Corn Fest, happening Aug. 22–24. It’s a DeKalb tradition with live music, carnival rides, amazing food and performances by some incredible local and national talent.
Most of all, I hope you’ll get to know us. We’re a community that values creativity, welcomes new ideas and looks out for one another. We’re far from perfect — but we’re growing, learning and moving forward together.
Welcome to DeKalb. We’re glad you’re here.
Forward, together forward.
COHEN BARNES, CLASS OF ’95 Mayor, City of DeKalb
This magazine was produced by Shaw Media in collaboration with Northern Illinois University.
Project Manager: Lisa Angel
Design and Layout: Julie Barichello
Cover Photo: Katherine M. Photography
Photography: NIU Institutional Communications, DeKalb County CVB and Shaw Media
Where to Eat
DeKalb College Town Food Traditions
No college town is complete without food traditions. Here are a few of our favorites.
FOOD TRUCK WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday in the fall and spring, we bring about a dozen of the region’s favorite food trucks to Normal Road next to MLK Commons. Student performances and games complete the fun. Don’t miss it!
BEER NUGGETS
(NO BEER REQUIRED)
DeKalb’s favorite late-night snack, beer nuggets are deep-fried pizza dough, usually with a side of cheese sauce or marinara. Pizza Pro’s, Fatty’s, Vinny’s, Pizza Villa — locals engage in spirited debates over who makes the best beer nuggets in town.
COLLEGE TOWN PIZZA
Thick crust, thin crust, tavern style. Eat in, carry out or delivery. When it comes to pizza, we’ve got it all.
TACOS
Los 3 Burritos, Burritoville, Rositas, DeKalb Fresh Market, the list could go on! Time for a taco taste test.
THE SWEET LIFE
No college town is complete without some sweet treats. The Confectionary, Ollie’s Frozen Custard, Insomnia Cookies, La Michoacana Ice Cream Bar and Teresa’s Bakery are a few of the delicious dessert spots of DeKalb.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD
DeKalb has a long history of great, familyowned international restaurants. Yen Ching, Bea’s Wok and Roll, Fushi Yami, Jamrah and Burger Naan are just a few of our favorites.
DINERS
The Junction Eating Place, the Lincoln Inn and Egg Haven are DeKalb classics.
Two of my favorites are Pizza Pros (great food, open later, inexpensive, close by campus) and El Jimador (great food, ambience, great staff).
Rodney Wilson, Class of 2019, Communication, Media Studies Registrar Specialist Representative II at Adtalem Global Education
For great food, visit Thai Pavilion or China House, and for events, Faranda’s is a top choice.
Faustina Asante, Class of 2024, M.S. Statistics
Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences Program
La Salsa is great Mexican food at a good price!
Alejandro Marquez, Junior, Engineering Technology
NIU Supermileage
Monday - Thursday
The “Ocho” pizza, a thick crust pizza topped with just cheese or pepperoni for only $8.00
Advice from Alumni
Favorite
places to dine
There are so many great restaurants in downtown DeKalb. The Grove Tavern is my favorite restaurant yet! Emelia Essumanba-Josiah, Graduate student, Communication Studies
Magdieliz Diaz, Class of 2024 Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Fatty’s is a must-stop. Many bars and restaurants have come and gone, but Fatty’s remains a DeKalb staple (order the fried potato salad, trust me). Pizza Villa is a must-have for pizza. It’s also familyfriendly, so I’d recommend taking the family there when they come to visit.
Jermaine Pigee, Class of 2007, B.A. Journalism Public Information Associate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
Save over $5 on any 18” Pizza
Wednesday
Any Spaghetti or Mostaccioli dinner for $6.95 (dine-in only)
Welcome to a new chapter of your journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories and remember that every step forward is a step toward your future. You belong here, and your story is just beginning. Enjoy your time here and discover all the great things DeKalb has to offer.
Cortney Strohacker Executive Director, DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road Community Outreach Building, Suite F, DeKalb 815-756-1336
Thai Pavilion is one of my favorite joints to hit, especially during their lunch specials. They serve authentic Thai dishes.
osfoncall.org/urgentcare
Places to Shop
n DeKalb Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday (except Corn Fest) through Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by Van Buer Plaza at the corner of Second and Locust Streets for locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods and more.
n Back Alley Market: On the last Saturday of September, this outdoor, downtown market market brings together vintage peddlers, glassblowers, woodworkers, artists, fiber arts, potters, candymakers, music and food.
n Unique Global Markets: Ruby’s Asian Market, DeKalb Fresh Market and
Gurukrupa Indian Grocery Store are just some of the unique small markets with global options you can’t find anywhere else.
n Vintage Treasures: Cracker Jax, The Country Store Thrift Shop, Green Tangerine Records and Found are just a few of the exceptional vintage and thrift shops you’ll find in DeKalb.
n Local Arts and Gifts: Don’t miss Willrett Flower Company, Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, Jubilee and Glidden Campus Florist for unique gifts. For the game lover in your life, check out There’s Fun in Store.
Advice from Alumni
I love the Country Store Thrift Shop for clothes, dishes and home goods! All proceeds go to Family Service Agency programs for seniors in DeKalb County, so when you shop there, you’re also supporting a wonderful local nonprofit.
Conner Vagle, Class of 2019, Communication Studies
NIU Esports Director
I love visiting Cracker Jax for their unique gifts! And the new independent bookstore, Robin’s Nest, is a favorite.
Linda Watson, Class of 1996, English
Welcome to DeKalb, NIU students! We’re so excited to have you in town — DeKalb is full of cool local spots (like Willrett Flower Company!), friendly faces and big Huskie pride. As a local business owner, I love seeing the energy and creativity you bring to our community.
Kat Willrett and Mary Grace McCauley Owners, Willrett Flower Company 230 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 100, DeKalb | 815-517-1576
We’re so excited to welcome all new and returning students to NIU! We’ve been welcoming Huskies to downtown DeKalb for over 41 years, and we look forward to seeing you. Here’s to a great upcoming year! Lauren Woods Cracker Jax
Things to Do
On Campus
As an NIU student, you get free admission to regular season home athletic events, concerts, plays and dance performances. Take advantage of these and other campus activities to connect with your fellow students and have a great time.
SPORTS
Join us to cheer on our Huskies and experience Division I NCAA sports. Find schedules, claim your tickets and learn more about Huskie Traditions at niuhuskies.com or the NIU Huskie Athletics mobile app.
CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
Our NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts is known for its world-class music, theatre and dance performances. View schedules and claim your tickets at calendar.niu.edu/cvpa.
ARTS AND MUSEUMS
The NIU Art Museum in Altgeld Hall and NIU Pick Museum of Anthropology are just two of our campus galleries for you to explore.
NIU ESPORTS
Watch a varsity match, or just drop by for free open play at our state-of-the-art NIU Esports Arena in Altgeld Hall 100.
Advice from Alumni
Favorite things to do
One memorable experience I had at NIU was spending summer afternoons at the East Lagoon, especially going boat riding. The peaceful water, beautiful scenery, and warm weather made it a perfect spot to relax, have fun with friends and enjoy a break from classes.
Faustina Asante, Class of 2024, M.S., Statistics Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences Program
Don’t miss W.O.W. (Week of Welcome) events — this is a great way to get to know the pack. During this week you get a lot of free things like snacks, shirts and even Mission plushies. Greek events are also a great way to get to know the different organizations on our campus and to get to know what each of them value.
Magdieliz Diaz, Class of 2024, Spanish and Hispanic Studies
I want to extend a DeKalb City welcome to all of our incoming Northern Illinois University students! My name is David Byrd, and I am the chief of police for the DeKalb Police Department. It is an honor to serve you as citizens of the great city of DeKalb. I personally challenge my officers daily to be righteous in their actions, and I promise you, as long as you are a member of the DeKalb community, righteousness is exactly what you will see from the DeKalb Police Department.
I hope you all have an amazing school year, and I hope to see you all around town.
GO HUSKIES…GO DPD!
“This is the Way…The DPD Way!”
David Byrd, Chief of Police, DeKalb Police Department
700 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb | 815-748-8410
Be sure to attend the football and basketball games. They give you an opportunity to meet classmates, and it’s an indirect opportunity to network. I met my wife, Katrina Singleton, ’06, at a football game, so you might even meet the love of your life!
Jermaine Pigee, Class of 2007, B.A. Journalism Public Information Associate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
Playing NIU Esports for the past four years has benefitted me a lot. It’s where I met some of my closest friends. It’s where I really felt a sense of belonging. Some of my favorite memories are when we were at the NIU Esports Arena during free play, just having a great time, low stress, just really having a lot of fun playing with each other and interacting.
Austin Biel, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering NIU Esports Varsity Overwatch Team Member
COMMUNITY EVENTS
n Corn Fest (Aug. 22-24, 2025): Don’t miss DeKalb’s annual festival featuring music, crafts and carnival rides, not to mention plenty of delicious, locally grown sweet corn.
n Campus Meets Community Block Party (Sept. 3, 2025): Over 75 local businesses and organizations will join us for the party in the MLK Commons to welcome NIU students to the community. Come learn about area businesses, discover local
resources, get coupons and samples, and find out about all the fun activities to do in the community.
n Homecoming (Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2025): Featuring a downtown block party, March of the Huskies, football game and events on campus throughout the week, don’t miss our 118th Homecoming Celebration.
n Pumpkin Fest (Oct. 22-26, 2025): The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival and Parade is an annual tradition.
ARTS AND CULTURE
n Stage Coach Players: For over 70 years, Stage Coach has produced a variety of live community theater productions.
n Egyptian Theatre: Catch a live performance or view a movie at this classic theater in downtown DeKalb.
n Ellwood House Museum: Learn about the history of DeKalb County at this historic property in the heart of DeKalb.
RECREATION
n Katz Park: Featuring a dog park and skate park, Katz is just one of the many DeKalb Park District facilities in town.
n Great Western Bike Trail: Connecting the towns of Sycamore and St. Charles, this abandoned railway-turned-trail is 17 miles of limestone for easy riding and walking.
n Chief Shabbona Forest Preserve: One of many forest preserves in DeKalb County, this one is 17 miles from NIU’s campus. Check out the DeKalb County Forest Preserve website for more trails.
n Fargo Skateboarding: An indoor skate park featuring ramps, rails and obstacles, plus lessons for all ages.
n Jonamac Orchard: Visiting Jonamac for apple picking, cider and donuts is a fall tradition.
I loved attending festivals and events on and off campus and developing relationships and a sense of community.
Brittany Humphrey, Class of 2010, B.F.A. Photography Purchasing Operations Specialist
to the neighborhood!
Welcome to our vibrant community — DeKalb is where YOU belong! As an NIU alumna, I’ve seen the value of connecting to the community on and off campus. From jobs to groups, clubs and religious organizations, to even your future career — it all can be found here in DeKalb. Check out dekalb.org for a list of invested businesses and nonprofits, or call the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for your connection to the greater community. We look forward to helping you connect, grow and thrive!
Warmest regards,
Anna Wilson
Membership Manager, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
130 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite 200, DeKalb | 815-756-6306
Welcome to our community, where everyone can find their place and thrive. DeKalb has given me the opportunity to explore, connect and grow and I am excited to share in building a brighter future with you!
Tia Anderson
Assistant Vice President/Retail Manager, Heartland Bank and Trust
913 S. 4th St., DeKalb | 815-787-2344
Favorite things to do
Students should check out the historic Egyptian Theatre. This building has sat in downtown DeKalb for almost 100 years and reflects the Art Deco style of the 1920s. My most memorable experience was going to see “Rocky Horror” for the first time in person with my college roommates at the Egyptian. The energy was electric, and it was such a unique experience to watch such a bizarre film with such a welcoming and fun audience. Everyone should experience that at least once!
Erin Cronin, Class of 2022 (Nonprofit and NGO Studies) and 2024 (Master of Public Administration) Marketing and Development Manager at DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre
For those struggling with depression, OCD, or other treatmentresistant conditions, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be a life-changing option.
Deep TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
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If you have not responded to traditional treatments such as therapy or medication, or are seeking a medication-free option, TMS could be the next step.
SPRAVATO® is the only FDA-approved treatment used as monotherapy or in conjunction with Deep TMS or an oral antidepressant for adults with treatment-resistant depression (MDD with inadequate response to at least 2 oral antidepressants of adequate dose and duration).
As a proud Northern Illinois University alumnus and a retired university staff member, I am excited to welcome you to NIU and our DeKalb community! As you embark on this new chapter of your educational journey, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources, events and opportunities to help you acclimate to your new home. Explore our campus, explore community and be sure to ask questions along the way. We are here to help you navigate success, and to ensure the best experience possible during your time at NIU.
Brad Hoey, Class of 1984
Welcome to this amazing, diverse and vibrant community. I’m confident you will find DeKalb to be an excellent place to earn an education while growing as a person.
Thanks,
G. Joseph Mitchell, D.Min
Senior Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 1201 Twombly Road, DeKalb | 815-756-7906
Welcome to DeKalb! I moved here as a child so my parents could teach at NIU, and pretty much grew up in the biology building (pro tip: there’s some awesome taxidermy in there). Please visit the DeKalb Public Library if you need a book, a place to study or something fun to do — we have a maker space, printing, presentations and concerts — all for free! I hope you love living in DeKalb as much as I do, and that you enjoy everything NIU has to offer!
Emily Faulkner
Executive Director, DeKalb Public Library 309 Oak St., Dekalb | 815-756-9568
Making a Difference On Campus and Around Town
Advice from Alumni
Getting Involved
DeKalb County has a lot to offer. I encourage you to get involved wherever you can. Volunteer with local nonprofit organizations, attend events, support local restaurants and businesses, check out the libraries and bookstores, hike the trails, join clubs on campus and off — basically, become an ENGAGED member of campus and community. We’re glad you’re here!
Ben Bingle, Class of 2016, Ph.D. Political Science (Public Administration and American Government) Director of the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership
There are so many ways to get involved and make a positive difference, here on campus and in the wider community. Here are just a few of the many options available!
ON CAMPUS
n Huskie Food Pantry: The Huskie Food Pantry is an inclusive space that provides Huskies with nutritious groceries. You can volunteer to work a regular shift or organize a food drive with your fellow students.
n Edible Campus: NIU’s Edible Campus has gardens throughout campus to provide nutritious food and serve as a living-learning laboratory. Sign up to plant, harvest, weed and water.
n NIU Cares Day of Service: Every spring NIU students go out into the community to help more than 500 local organizations.
IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY
n Egyptian Theatre: Volunteer to take tickets, greet visitors and guide people to their seats. In return, you’ll get to see exciting shows for free.
n Tails Humane Society: One of DeKalb’s most popular volunteer spots, Tails
is always in need of dog walkers, cat socializers, cleaning, feeding and more.
n Family Service Agency: Fundraising, youth mentoring and senior services are just a few of the opportunities available at this umbrella organization.
n Safe Passage: Direct service and mission support volunteers are essential to supporting DeKalb’s domestic violence shelter and prevention organization.
n Hope Haven: Volunteers cook and serve all the meals at Hope Haven, DeKalb’s homeless shelter.
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
DeKalb is home to many religious communities, including an Islamic center, community synagogue and Christian churches of many denominations. We encourage you to explore the many options available to find your community in DeKalb.
September 3 |
Advice from Alumni
Getting Involved
New students should check out Network of Nations to meet international friends and share ideas. Volunteering at the Huskie Food Pantry is a great way to give back and connect with other Huskies.
Faustina Asante, Class of 2024, M.S. Statistics
Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences Program
My most memorable experience at NIU was being a Huskie Service Scholar! It’s a volunteer-based program for nontraditional students and it introduced me to the DeKalb community and all the opportunities available here. Volunteering at STEM Fest is also great. It’s an event that brings the entire community out to NIU’s campus for a family friendly day of fun.
Jasmine Carey, Class of 2017 (Engineering Technology) and 2019 (M.S. Education in Instructional Technology)
NIU STEAM Instructor
My time at NIU holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I met my wife — now of 33 years. We were both English majors, and at the time, she was a waitress at a local restaurant while I worked as the pizza cook. We spent many evenings working side by side, trying to pay our way through school, so we saw quite a bit of each other. We also shared a few classes and often walked together from our apartment to campus, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of DeKalb and NIU. Whether in the stillness of winter or the bloom of spring, those walks always felt magical. The time we spent here built a deep connection not only to NIU but also to the DeKalb community. That connection remains strong — we’ve made DeKalb our home for the past 30 years.
Cohen Barnes, Class of 1995, English Mayor of the City of DeKalb
Getting Around Town
Many free transportation options are available to NIU students, both on and off campus.
n Huskie Bus Line is operated by the City of DeKalb and is free to all NIU students with your OneCard. It offers a variety of routes with many stops, both on and off campus.
n The Huskie Safe Line operates overnight until 7 a.m. to keep you safe when you need to travel late at night.
n The Elburn Shuttle: Route 12 of the Huskie Bus Line goes to the Metra Train Station in Elburn, where you can catch the commuter train to Chicago and the western suburbs.
View maps and schedules, and download the bus tracker app to plan your trip.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
Huskie Bus Line uses the ETA Spot app to provide realtime bus tracking capabilities. You can track your bus by visiting dekalbpublic. etaspot.net or by downloading the app free of charge in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
2L
AND BREAK-SERVICE SCHEDULES
Residence Halls/Barsema Hall
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/Stadium View Apartments/Montgomery Hall/ Northern View Apartments/Gilbert Hall/Lincon Hall/New Hall/Grant Hall/ Stevenson Hall/Convocation Center/Lincoln Highway/Barsema Hall Turnaround
Residence Halls/Barsema Hall
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/Stadium View Apartments/Montgomery Hall/ Northern View Apartments/Gilbert Hall/Lincon Hall/New Hall/Grant Hall/ Stevenson Hall/Convocation Center/Lincoln HighwayBarsema Hall Turnaround
The city of DeKalb provides transportation services as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These services are funded by the state of Illinois, the Federal Transit Administration and Northern Illinois University. Students must be certified to use the paratransit service. To be certified, please contact the city’s paratransit service provider, Transdev Services Inc., at 815-420-5500 to request an application. Applications can also be downloaded from the city’s website.
For additional information, please visit: cityofdekalb.com/1259/Paratransit.
3
Greek Row/Ridge Drive (Full-service schedule only)
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/Russell Road/Welsh Park/University Village (East side)/Greek Row/Amber Manor/Normal Road/Islamic Center of DeKalb 10
Annie Gidden Road/Twombly Road/Ridge Drive
Holmes Student Center/DuSable Hall/University Village (east side)/Varsity Square Apartments/Eco Park/College Park/Hope Haven/Eden’s Garden/Suburban Apartments (all 3 shelters)/Greek Row/Amber Manor/Lucinda Avenue
Overnight Route (Safety Line)
Holmes Student Center/NIU Academic Buildings/Health Services/NIU Police Department/ Downtown DeKalb/Taylor St Plaza/Schnuck’s/West Lincoln Highway/Northern View/ Convocation Center/NIU Residence Halls/University Village/Eco Park/College Park/Hope Haven/Eden’s Garden/Suburban Apartments (all 3 shelters)/Greek Row
Elburn METRA Shuttle/Route 12
Locust Street at Normal Road/Lincoln Highway at Pearl Street/Locust Street/ Downtown DeKalb/Pleasant Street and 10th Street/Elburn Train Station/METRA
Dekalb/Taylor Street/Schnucks West Lincoln Highway/Locust Street/Downtown DeKalb/Seventh Street/Founders Elementary/ Taylor Street Plaza/Ashbury Court Apartments/Schnuck’s/DeKalb Elks Lodge/CVS
Downtown DeKalb/Sycamore Road
Holmes Student Center/Downtown DeKalb/Seventh Street/Jewel/Osco/Walmart/ Hy-Vee/Northland Plaza/Ollies/YMCA/Northwestern Medicine - Kishwaukee Hospital/ Target/Lincoln Highway/DuSable turn around
Health Department/Sycamore Road
Plaza/Ollies/YMCA/Northwestern MedicineKishwaukee Hospital/Target/Kinder Care/DeKalb High School/County Health Department/ DuSable turn aroundAnnie Glidden North/North First Street/Jewel/Osco
South DeKalb/Park 88/Chicago West (runs 24/7) DuSable turn around/University Village (East side)/Greek Row/Amber Manor apartments/West Lincoln Highway/Clinton Rosette Middel School/KinderCare/ North Seventh Street/Founders Elementary/Nestle/Target Distribution Center/3M/Superior Diesel, Inc./META/Facebook/Ferrara Candy Packaging Center/West Taylor Street/ Lions Park/Schnuck’s/Hampton Inn/The Knolls/Barsema Alumni Visitors Center 21 Sycamore Road/ Downtown Sycamore Civic Apartments/Downtown Sycamore/DeKalb County Government Buildings/ Sycamore High School/Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital/Davita Sycamore Dialysis/Walgreens/Target/Farm and Fleet/Walmart/Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care and Clinic
