NIU Welcome Back 2018

2018 Back to School Edition | NIU Welcome Book | 1

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BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

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NIU BRINGS WORLD-CLASS ARTS EVENTS HOME Experience our wealth of talent in theater, dance, art and music.

Be the ďŹ rst to know about upcoming events and interesting stories:

go.niu.edu/artsblog

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NIU

The next few weeks are going to be a very busy time. Don’t be afraid to jump right in and hit the ground running!

This is your chance to explore new ideas, try new activities, and meet different kinds of people. Expand your horizons and make friends for life.

NIU is full of people and programs who want to help you succeed academically and in life. Introduce yourself to your professors and the other students in your classes. Make sure that you know where to go for advising, tutoring and career services. Learn how to become involved in undergraduate research, study-abroad, and community service.

Find a club to join. Take advantage of NIU’s campus recreation services and intramural programs to pursue a fitness regimen or sport. Attend a musical or theatrical performance, or a Huskie athletic event.

Get to know DeKalb - its restaurants, recreational spaces and entertainment venues.

Your NIU experience is what you make of it. Take advantage of the vast resources at your disposal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Find a balance between studying, working and socializing. Have fun!

It’s a great day to be a Huskie, so get out there and make the most of it!

Lisa Freeman Lisa Freeman President of Northern Illinois University

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Days

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 24TH

Huskie Fall Kick-Off

Residence Hall Opening Welcome New Huskies and Families!

Huskie Kick-Off—at this dynamic event you’ll learn what it means to be a NIU Huskie fan! We’ll celebrate the different NIU traditions with Interim President Freeman, faculty, staff, fellow students, and some of our student athletes. Immediately following the Kick-Off, you’ll head to the field and form a giant “NIU” for a class photo. A can’t miss event!

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Residence Halls

Welcome Home! Team NIU volunteers (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) will be on-site to welcome you and help you get settled as your NIU journey begins!

Band Run

Begins at Neptune Hall Sand Volleyball Court, stopping at residence halls along the way Led by NIU’s Marching Band, this procession full of school spirit and Huskie Pride will begin at Neptune and process to Huskie Stadium. You won’t want to miss this! Feel a sense of pride as you make your way through campus as an NIU Huskie and arrive as a unified class at the Huskie Fall Kick-Off. Commuter students and first-year students living off campus are encouraged to join us at the Neptune Hall sand volleyball court for this walk through campus.

Huskie Stadium

Dinner on Your Own

DeKalb, Sycamore, and your home Residential Dining Facility We invite and encourage you to explore and discover DeKalb and Sycamore area restaurants. Our Dining Centers are open from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. tonight to accommodate your dining needs.

RHA Block Party

Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex (rain location: Chick Evans Field House)

Come out to the Residence Hall Association’s Annual Block Party located at the Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex! Enjoy entertainment, games, and much more. The Block Party will offer free music and entertainment throughout the night as one of RHA’s biggest programs of the year.

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H T 6 2 H T 5 2 H T 4 2 AUGUST

$5.00

FRIDAY AUGUST 24TH

5:30PM – 6:30PM • AMERICAN ENGLISH 7:00PM – 8:30PM • DARK DESERT EAGLES A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES 9:00-11:00PM • 7TH HEAVEN

SUNDAY AUGUST 26TH

N IO S IS M D A E G A T S D N U SO PER DAY

SATURDAY AUGUST 25TH

1:00PM - 2:00PM • SECOND HAND SOUL 2:30PM - 3:30PM • ROSIE & THE RIVETS 4:30PM-6:30PM • IDES OF MARCH FEATURING JIM PETERIK 7:00PM-8:30PM • THE PETTY BREAKERS A TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY 9:00-11:00PM • HI INFIDELITY

12:00-1:30PM • PISTOL PETE 2:30PM – 3:30PM • HOWARD & THE WHITE BOYS 4:30PM-6:00PM • JOURNEYMAN - A TRIBUTE TO ERIC CLAPTON

IDES OF MARCH FEATURING JIM PETERIK

DEKALB, IL • CORNFEST.COM

DEKALB CORN FEST

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH Saturday of Service

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Communiversity Gardens

Meet in the Holmes Student Center, Capitol Room Jump-start your Saturday with a gratifying experience! Participate in meaningful and empowering volunteer opportunities. Join us at the Saturday of Service kick-off and home-base, located in the Holmes Student Center’s Capitol Room. Materials will be provided for service experiences. Just bring your positive attitudes!

mind and finding hidden or lost objects. This event will be highly entertaining and hilarious. These professional mentalists will read your mind and surely have you scratching your head. You have to see this to believe it!

Glow in the Dark Dance Party

10 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom

Meet the Greeks

Don’t miss NIU’s epic Glow in the Dark Dance Party! Decorate a free t-shirt with highlighters or wear fluorescent clothing and glowin-the-dark accessories to dance the night away in things neon. We bring the black lights, you bring the party!

NIU OneCard needed for admission; no food or beverages allowed, and doors Close at 1 a.m.

Come have lunch with the NIU Greeks! Join current members of fraternity & sorority life at this picnic-style event for free food, music, games, and mingling with current students. Each of our fraternities and sororities will have members at the event, so you can walk around, meet some new people, and learn about all the great things Greek life has to offer at NIU!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | East Side of the Chessick Practice Center (Rain location: Chick Evans Field House)

Rec Fest

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Student Recreation Center

Race, climb, shoot, compete and play your way through the Student Recreation Center during our 7th Annual Rec Fest. Learn about all of our program areas and activities through participation in obstacle courses, crate climbing, 3-point contests, Group Fitness classes and more! Learn how to spend your time during college in fun and healthy ways by visiting our Sport Club tables, checking out the Adventure Center, and trying out new things! Guaranteed to make you laugh, sweat, and learn: Rec Fest is just the first step to becoming a healthy, active Huskie!

Start NIU – A Military, Commuter and PostTraditional Student Welcome

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | North Lawn Adams Hall (Rain location: Holmes Student Center, Capitol Room)

Join Military & Post-Traditional Student Services for its sixth annual Welcome Days! Enjoy some BBQ, get valuable information about services and engagement opportunities, and connect with other post-traditional, commuter, transfer and military students. Bring your friends and family – all are welcome!

The Mentalist Team

8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Holmes Student Center, Carl Sandburg Auditorium

Join us for some mind-blowing mind reading! Mentalism involves mind reading, altering the state of matter using the

Involvement Fair

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Holmes Student Center

Make your college years count by getting involved at NIU! With over 300 student organizations on campus, you will be sure to find one (or more) that interests you. The Involvement Fair is an opportunity for you to learn more about what numerous student organizations and departments have to offer. You will also have an opportunity to meet student organization leaders, NIU staff and faculty members and not-for-profit community agencies.

President’s Welcome Back Picnic 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | East Lagoon

Join President Freeman for an afternoon of music, food and other fun events and activities on the shores of the picturesque East Lagoon. The president’s picnic is a great way for the NIU community to celebrate the start of an exciting new school year.

College of Education Welcome Days Academic Reception

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. | West side of Anderson Hall, on Garden Road (Rain location: inside Anderson Hall)

Please join the College of Education for our welcome event!

There will be free food, yard games, and mingling with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

Questions about Welcome Days? Contact us at welcomedays@niu.edu or 815-753-6707.

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Get the complete Huskie experience

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to be on the same page with other Huskies? Not only is there a class for that, but you can also share a read with your new classmates.

UNIV 101: YOUR GUIDE TO COLLEGE LIFE

Check out our one-credit UNIV 101 University Experience course, which provides an invaluable introduction to NIU and college in general tailored just to first-year students. This one-credit, 11-week elective course will help you adjust to campus life and develop the skills necessary to succeed in classes and beyond.

With an average class size of 19 students, you’ll meet other Huskies while you learn how to use NIU’s essential online tools, find out where and when to go for help, and gain vital skills in communication and critical thinking. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you succeed!

All open UNIV 101 sections are available for registration at myniu. niu.edu, or contact 815-753-0028 or fsye@niu.edu for assistance signing up.

COMMON READING EXPERIENCE: ‘MAKE YOUR HOME AMONG STRANGERS’ Let’s also get you on the same page as your future classmates—literally. Pick up or download a copy of our Common Reading Experience text through 2019, Jennine Capó Crucet’s “Make Your Home Among Strangers.”

UNIV 101, UNIV 201 and several first-year composition courses use our common reading experience, but you also are invited to join in independently.

This year’s book explores themes of identity, diversity, inclusion and social justice as it follows Lizet, a first-generation Cuban American and daughter of Cuban immigrants, through a challenging journey to become a first-generation college student.

Crucet serves as an assistant professor in English and Ethnic studies at University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Like the fictional heroine in “Make Your Home Among Strangers,” she also was a first-generation Cuban American and college student. The book was selected by the Women’s National Book Association as a 2015 “Great Group Reads.”

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Mentoring, support groups for first-gen students Are you the first in your family to go to college? At NIU, you will have a sense of place and a place to go for resources this fall.

The “I’m a First-Generation College Student” program brings together first-generation students, faculty, staff and recent alumni with Welcome Events from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 5 at Founders Memorial Library.

Enjoy food, music and giveaways and hear stories about the personal experiences of those who were the first in their families to attend four-year colleges.

Learn about the resources available here, including the Breaking Barriers bi-weekly support group for firstgeneration college students, the Mentoring Valuable Peers program, future career events, supportive and accessible NIU policies, financial aid and scholarship information and more.

To help launch the program, here’s one of the many first-generation stories here at NIU!

‘I’m a First-Generation College Student’

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NIU’S DARA LITTLE SHARES HER STORY “You’re not college material.�

The words of a high school counselor years ago stick with Dara Little today. They both stung and inspired her to prove that counselor wrong. “You get the label, and it stays with you,� said Little, the assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at NIU. The first in her family to graduate from a four-year university, Little went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies in 1998 from what is now Minnesota State University and a master of public administration in 2013 from Northern Illinois University. She’s also a certified research administrator.

She wants to be there for first-generation students at NIU, to let them know, “They can do it.� “Don’t allow a bump in the road to detour your plans. Put in the hard work and ask for help when you need it,� she said. “The rewards on the other side are so much sweeter when you’ve had to work hard to achieve them.�

Little grew up in a supportive home in a small rural farming town in southern Minnesota. But she wasn’t considered “one of the smart ones� in high school, where counselors tended to promote college for only a few students.

Little’s best friend convinced her to apply to college after high school. To get by, she took out student loans, went home regularly for laundry and meals, and worked for a group home caring for adults with disabilities.

Passing the general education requirements wasn’t easy, especially when it came to algebra, but a professor–ironically named Dr. Miracle–helped get her through. “Getting through the class might have been the first time in my life when I felt like I pushed myself through something that was incredibly mentally difficult and succeeded,� she said. “I also learned then the importance of talking to the professor and being up front with people when something is a challenge.�

Once Little started taking classes related to her major, she knew she belonged. Support from her parents and fellow students and later her bosses helped her earn her degrees and certification.

She knows how tough college can be, especially for firstgeneration students, but she also knows the rewards it brings.

Her best advice? “Everything is temporary, and persistence is key,� she said. “If and when you struggle, reach out for help and advocate for yourself, but take responsibility to push yourself through.

Nobody else can do the work for you.�

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Volunteer Opportunities ON – CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES Huskie Alternative Breaks go.niu.edu/hab

The Huskie Alternative Break program strives to educate and to raise awareness about social issues by providing students with an opportunity that will inspire them to become active members of society and leaders in their communities. These trips occur during Northern Illinois University’s winter and spring breaks and during summer break for international trips. Each trip has a focus on a particular social issue, such as poverty, education reform, the environment and refugee resettlement. Before departing for the experience, students learn about the social issue related to their trip and are trained to perform special projects for nonprofit organizations serving that social justice issue.

NIU Cares Day

Huskie Food Pantry

go.niu.edu/huskiefoodpantry

The Huskie Food Pantry combines the expertise of faculty, staff, and students to conduct research which addresses issues related to food insecurity on campus and in our global community. The pantry also provides internships which enables students to gain non-profit management and major-specific skills which prepare them for student career success after NIU. Each week our volunteers serve, on average, 70 students as they “shop” in a safe, comfortable environment at the pantry. The result of these service efforts help the pantry to better serve its mission of providing free supplemental support to currently enrolled NIU students without a meal plan who are experiencing food insecurity. All are welcome to support the pantry whether they volunteer or propose a research project!

go.niu.edu/niucaresday

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (HHAW):

Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. The goal of HHAW is to educate NIU students about hunger and homelessness in our local, national, and global community while introducing them to the variety of ways they can help end hunger. During this week, hundreds of universities, colleges, high schools, and community and religious groups held Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week activities, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

NIU Cares Day is a campus-wide day of community service. NIU students, faculty and staff volunteer one day in April to complete projects that benefit DeKalb County’s nonprofit organizations and community agencies as a way of thanking the community for their support of the institution and its mission. Volunteers serve at numerous locations around the county and spend the day planting, painting, cleaning, sorting, assisting with events and various other tasks. Team registration typically begins in early Spring, while individuals register in March each year.

Go.niu.edu/hhaw

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Saturday of Service

As a part of the University’s Welcome Days, SILD hosts an event called ‘Saturday of Service’ each year during move-in weekend.

The purpose of this event is to introduce freshmen students to community service on NIU’s campus and the volunteerism initiatives our office offers. The event is typically held on the Saturday of move-in weekend from 9:00am-Noon. The programs begins with a 15 minute kickoff presentation at approximately 9:15am and then after students will walk over to the community garden to the east of Anderson Hall, assisting the organization from 9:30am-Noon.

Volunteer Fair

Student Involvement and Leadership Development will host its annual NIU Volunteer Fair being held on Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 pm at Northern Illinois University! This event will take place in the Art Gallery Lounge in the Holmes Student Center and will be a part of NIU’s Welcome Day’s- Involvement Fair.

The Volunteer Fair offers table space for community organizations to display and speak to students about volunteer opportunities available to them

The Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity for our students to not only gain first-hand information regarding all the volunteer possibilities in the greater DeKalb area, but also to continue building the momentum toward NIU Cares Day, our day-long, campus-wide volunteerism event that takes place throughout DeKalb County.

Huskies Pull Together

Huskies Pull Together! is a campaign geared toward showing students that small acts of service come together to make a big difference in the lives of others. Each year, pop tabs are collected from faculty/staff/students for their aluminum by the Ronald McDonald House Charities who recycles them for cash that is used to pay the utilities and other costs of upkeep at their charity facilities.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities host homes for families who have children receiving life-saving care at hospitals around the world. Often, treatment for their children’s illnesses are very costly and the expense of a place to stay and food to eat can become overwhelming and keep family from visiting. With the idea that support is an integral part of the healing process, these charities provide a very lost cost place to stay that provides at least one meal per day, and oftentimes more than that.

OFF-CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES:

There are many opportunities to get involved in service both oncampus in and in the community. Off-campus options range from assisting at elder care facilities to volunteering in our community gardens. For a list of non-profit organizations currently looking for volunteers, visit go.niu.edu/volunteeropportunities.

For more information visit: go.niu.edu/communityservice

MOBILE BANKING. 55,000 ATMS. AND STUDENT CHECKING TOO. THAT’S BANKING WITH MOMENTUM • Overdraft Free Gu uarantee

• Parent transfers

• Free Checking, Online and Mobile Banking

• Adjustable debit card spending limits

Please visit us in DeKalb at: 130 West Lincoln Hwy. | 815.758.2600 2290 Sycamore Rd. | 815.754.2000

FirstMidwest.com/Student

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Welcome!

Live. Learn. Grow. Stay.

Greetings from a fellow Huskie! There are a lot of exciting things going on in DeKalb these days. As a proud NIU graduate and Mayor, I encourage you to explore and engage our great community. Best of luck in your 2018 academic year. Study hard and have fun!

Mayor Jerry Smith NIU Class of ‘66

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Greek Life Want to get involved?

Join a fraternity or sorority!

Proud to be in Huskie Country!

Serving Communities Since 1857. Stop in today!

141 W. Lincoln Hwy De Kalb 815.754.5004

fnbil.com

100 Greenwood Acres Dr. De Kalb 815.754.5125

511 W. State St. Sycamore 815.991.9820

Member FDIC

“Going Greek” is the premiere leadership and involvement opportunity at any university, and here at NIU we have 27 fraternities and 18 sororities that span all cultures, backgrounds and interests. Chapters range in size from only a few members to about 100 members – there is something for everyone within fraternity and sorority life.

Fraternities and sororities exist to support the academic, social and professional growth of their members. At NIU, community service and philanthropy are a focus for Greek life. Chapters raise thousands of dollars and donate their time to local and national charity organizations.

Interfraternity Council Recruitment is September 4-7, 2018.

All NIU undergraduate men are welcome to participate! You must register in advance at go.niu.edu/IFCRush.

Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment is September 21-23, 2018. All NIU undergraduate women are welcome to participate! You must register in advance, and you can attend info sessions hosted by sorority women leading up to recruitment. For more information and to register, visit go.niu.edu/PHArecruitment.

There are more opportunities to join Greek chapters than the two options mentioned above. For more information about all of our chapters, visit go.niu.edu/GoGreek.

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Festivals

CORN FEST AUGUST 24-26TH

Perhaps the most anticipated fest of the season, Corn Fest offers 3 days of music from national and regional recording artists, a beer garden, carnival with thrill rides and most importantly… lots of delicious DeKalb corn! This is one of the only free admission festivals left in the state of Illinois. You can come and listen to music, eat free corn at the corn boil on Sat. Aug. 26th from 11-2 and browse over 95 vendor booths....all for FREE! Corn Fest is known for its 3 days of music on their soundstage. Bands performing at this year’s Sound Stage includes the area’s favorite regional band, Hi Infidelity, which covers 70s, 80s and 90s rock hits. 7th Heaven take the stage Friday night at 7pm and other band favorites such as American English and Howard and the White Boys will perform over the weekend.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Lisa Angel, Corn Fest chairperson.

“We have country, 80s classic rock, modern rock. There is a band that everyone will like. Every genre is truly represented.”

And for the thrill seekers, Corn Fest’s carnival has rides that aren’t just for the little ones. Angel said adults and college students will have fun on the bigger thrill rides meant for the older crowd. Individual tickets are available or you can purchase a wristband for unlimited rides for Friday from 3-7pm or Saturday from 11-3pm for $25. You can also purchase an all day wristband for Sunday from 12-6pm for $30 or an all-weekend wristband for $55. The carnival will be located behind Locust Street and between Second and Third streets.

Bring your appetite to the fest because about 95 vendors, many serving food, will be there with everything from the traditional corn dogs and elephant ears to Thai food and empanadas. Angel said the vendors keep the food prices affordable, so students on a budget can enjoy local fare without spending too much. Don’t forget to stop into the Main Sound Stage/Beer

Garden. You don’t have to be 21 to go in but if you are you can enjoy beer or malt beverages. There is a $5 one time fee to enter each day which will get you right in front of the stage but if you’re low on cash you can still watch the bands for free on Locust St. The Chuck Siebrasse Corn Boil is the centerpiece of Corn Fest, so stop

by Saturday, Aug. 25th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to enjoy some free, delicious, DeKalb sweet corn supplied by Del Monte. The corn is actually picked from the field the night before so you will never taste anything fresher.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Corn Fest Auto Show on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2p.m., which showcases classic and muscle cars. The Auto Show is located at City Hall, which is a block south of Lincoln Highway.

Angel said many students attend the fest every year, and many student organizations often volunteer as a way of fulfilling their community service hours.

“Anyone who’s gone to NIU knows about Corn Fest,” she said. “It’s a great place for students to browse the vendors, eat corn and watch bands. And people can come here to enjoy all those things without paying a penny.”

Don’t worry if you don’t have your car here in DeKalb. Huskie Line #7 will drop you off right in the middle of all the festivities. Students partying late into the night can also take advantage of NIU’s Late Night Ride, which operates from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. One of its pick up locations is at Walgreens, right next to the fest. Don’t feel like waiting? Downtown DeKalb is within walking distance of the campus and the dorms.

For more information about Corn Fest, including hours and a festival map, as well as the complete Sound Stage lineup, visit the website at www.cornfest. com. For constant updates on the fest and photos like them on Facebook at DeKalb Corn Fest.

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DEKALB KITE FEST

SUNDAY, SEPT. 9TH, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. This isn’t your backyard kite flying experience! The 12th annual DeKalb Kite Fest features some of the most amazing kites you’ll ever see.

“Some kites are 90 feet in length, and it’s not every day that you see a kite like that go up in the air,” said Debbie Armstrong, co-chair of DeKalb Kite Fest. “We have fish, cats, panda bears, just a huge selection. There are dancing kites and flying kites… and even a candy drop. The kites are unique and come in all shapes and sizes.”

Kite Fest is held on NIU “North 40” which is located off Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive. Marvel at hundreds of kites and visit with some of Northern Illinois’ best kite-fliers and kite-builders. Several expert kite enthusiasts will be on hand to put on a show for the nearly 5,000 people who attend each year.

Rose Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, described Pumpkin Festival as an “old-fashioned community festival.”

“It’s a fabulous festival that draws people from all over the Midwest,” Treml said. “People come for the great food, good music and the pumpkins. It’s just a wonderful fall tradition.”

Halloween fanatics will love Scary Stories in the Cemetery, which meets at Sycamore’s Ellwood Cemetery. This free event is recommended for teens and adults. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a flashlight.

Runners, both novice and experienced, won’t want to miss the 10k Pumpkin Run. The 6.2 mile run goes through downtown Sycamore, then past Somonauk Streets historic mansions before heading along corn fields and finishing on the Sycamore golf course. Treml said about 2,000 runners are expected this year.

“One of the best parts about the race is the music and free beer and refreshments at the end of it,” Treml said. “And it’s a fundraiser. All the money goes back to the community.”

You can even try flying your kite in the specially-designated public kiteflying area. You can bring your kite, make one there, or buy one from the Chicago Kite/Kite Harbor Shop.

Treml said NIU students are welcome, and even encouraged to visit Sycamore for the festival.

“All you see is smiles on everyone’s faces. People really have a great time,” Armstrong said. NIU students are a huge part of Kite Fest. Armstrong said about 100 to 150 students volunteer every year.

“A lot of students come for the food, and all the vendors are local nonprofits,” she explained. “Students will be amazed at the parade. A lot of the downtown bars and restaurants have specials going on during the festival, and several have bands playing that weekend.”

“It takes a lot of people to put on this event,” she said. “The students love it, they love working with kids. We couldn’t do this without them.”

For more information about the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, visit www. sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Admission is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. VIP Parking is available for $3 per car, but the festival is easily within walking distance from NIU’s residence halls. For more information, visit www. dekalbcountycvb.com.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL OCTOBER 24-28TH

One of Illinois’ premier fall festivals is right in NIU’s backyard! The 57th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, which takes place in beautiful downtown Sycamore, features two carnivals (one for children and one for teens and adults), plenty of local fare, a 10k race and hundreds of pumpkins that are brilliantly decorated by local children.

Pumpkin Fest boasts one of the largest parades in the state. The Pumpkin Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28th, and proceeds down historic Somonauk Street into downtown Sycamore. The parade showcases bands from all over Northern Illinois, as well as floats and entertainment from local businesses and community groups.

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BARB CITY BAGELS

Restaurants

118 E. Lincoln Hwy., #2, DeKalb 754-5211 • barbcitybagels.com

BEA’S WOK ‘N ROLL

1402 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 756-1660

BETTY JEAN’S SOUL FOOD DINER 630 Plaza Dr., Ste. 5, Sycamore 991-5751 • bettyjeans.org

BOOTLEGGER’S PUB, GRILL & PIZZA 107 Main St., Maple Park 827-3066

BURRITOVILLE

1026 Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb 756-8848 • burritovilledekalb.com

CHILI’S

2370 Sycamore Rd., #4, DeKalb 766-3515 • chilis.com

CHINA HOUSE

1900 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 748-0032 • dekalbchinahouse.com

CHINA INN

630 Plaza Dr., Sycamore 899-1188 • chinainnsycamore.com

CHINA ONE

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131 S. 4th St., DeKalb 756-9102 • chinaonedekalb.com

COUNTRY STORE AND CATERING 456 N. Main St., Sycamore 899-2333 countrystorecatering.com

EGGSPRESS - SYCAMORE 202 East State St., Sycamore 991-5720

ELLWOOD STEAK & FISH HOUSE

1262 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 779-777-7997 • culvers.com

2219 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 901-0270 ellwoodsteakandfishhouse.com

CULVER’S SYCAMORE

FANATICO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DAIRY RIPPLE

FATTY’S PUB & GRILLE

DOUGH BROTHERS PIZZERIA

FLAMINGO RESTAURANT AND ICE CREAM MEXICAN CUISINE

EDUARDO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

FLAPPY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

CULVER’S DEKALB

1200 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 899-0200 • culvers.com 675 E. State St., Sycamore 899-3500 sycamoredairyripple.com 20 W. Benson Ave., Cortland 754-0000 • doughbrotherspizzeria.com 214 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-2677 • eduardosdekalb.com

EGG HAVEN PANCAKES & CAFÉ 2562 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 748-1200 • egghavencafe.com

EGGSCLUSIVE CAFÉ

265 S. Peace Rd., Sycamore 899-3447 • eggsclusivecafe.com

1215 Blackhawk Rd., DeKalb 517-1740 • fanaticodekalb.com 1312 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-7737 • fattysniu.com

1029 Pleasant St., DeKalb 901-0049

1406 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 758-0700 flappysbreakfastbrunch.com

FORGE BREW HOUSE

327 W. State St., Sycamore 991-9760 • forgebrewhouse.com

FRENCH TOAST

831 S. 4th St., DeKalb 754-6900

16 | NIU Welcome Book | 2018 Back to School Edition FUSHI YAMI HIBACHI N’ SUSHI

822 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 748-8868 • fushiyami.com

GIORDANO’S OF SYCAMORE

1840 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 899-2999 • giordanos.com

GRASSROOTS JUICERY & CAFÉ, LTD. 2180 Oakland Dr., Unit B, Sycamore 517-1587 grassrootsjuicerycafe.com

HILLSIDE RESTAURANT 121 N. 2nd St., DeKalb 756-4749 hillsiderestaurant.com

HOBNOBBERS

2030 Baron Dr., Sycamore 991-5775 hobnobbersrestaurant.com

HOMETOWN SPORTS BAR & GRILL

LODI TAP HOUSE

309 W. Main St., Maple Park 827-0827 • loditaphouse.com

LOS 3 BURRITOS

185 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-6060 los3burritosdekalb.com

2350 #A Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 758-2200 losrancherosrestaurante.com

PITA PETE’S

SHARK’S FISH AND CHICKEN

LOTHSON’S KARRY OUT CHICKEN

PIZZA PROS

644 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-4303

1205 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-4776 pizzaprosdekalb.com

LUKULO’S

PIZZA VILLA

LOS RANCHEROS

890 Pappas Dr., DeKalb 758-5853 or 758-2452 lukulosdekalb.com

ITALIAN DREAMS

MARTHA’S KITCHEN

JB’S WORLD FAMOUS PIZZA

142 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-8718 and 124 E. State St., Sycamore 895-5074 jbsworldfamouspizza.com

JUNCTION EATING PLACE 816 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-5441 junctioneatingplace.com

KJ’S TAP & GRILL

518 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 748-2577

LINCOLN INN FAMILY RESTAURANT & BAKERY

SAM’S PIZZA

SEA CAPTAIN

1470 S. Peace Rd., #104, Sycamore • 991-9278

MARCO’S PIZZA

2672 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 517-0007 jamrahrestaurant.com

624 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-1201 • rositas.com

PHO N’ GRILL

LOS PANCHOS MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

HY-VEE

JAMRAH MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

ROSITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

526 E. State St., Sycamore 895-6121 samspizzasycamore.com

MAPLE PARK PUB & GRILL

436 N. Main St., Sycamore 899-0905 italiandreamspizza.com

901 Lucinda Ave., Ste. M, DeKalb 758-0051 pandahousedekalb.com 2694 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 517-0820 • anewkindoffun.com

241 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 217-3325 hometownsportsbar.com 2700 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 756-6174 • hy-vee.com

PANDA HOUSE

221 N. Main St., Maple Park 827-3452 456 E Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 981-8888 • marcos.com 302 E. Van Buren St., Malta 825-9009

MOLLY’S EATERY & DRINKERY

PENNY’S PLACE

913 S. Annie Glidden Rd. DeKalb 901-0374 • phongrilldekalb.com 901 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb 758-3012 • pitapetes.com

824 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-8116 • pizzavilla.com

PJ’S COURTHOUSE TAVERN & GRILLE 202 W. State St., Sycamore 895-9253 pjscourthousetavern.com

POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN

1127 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 517-1431 • popeyes.com

PUB 64

332 W. State St., Sycamore 779-222-4935

1000 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 997-3013 mollysdekalb.com

RAY’S BBQ & SLOTS

MVP SPORTS BAR & GRILL

REN’S CHINESE RESTAURANT

122 S. California St., Sycamore 895-1888 mvpsportsbarsycamore.com

NAT’S ON MAPLE

112 S. Maple St., Sycamore 895-4243 • natsonmaple.com

O’LEARY’S ALE HOUSE

260 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 748-0000 • olearysalehouse.com

870 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 814-8488 • raysslots.com

310 E. State St., #10, Sycamore 899-8883

REMINGTON’S GASTROPUB

102 S. Third St., Malta 825-2794 remingtonsgastropub.com

RISTORANTE DE ACQUAVIVA

1011 W. Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb 901-0455

901 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb 758-6600 sharksfishchickendekalb.com

SHAWN’S

204 Somonauk St., Sycamore 895-5282 shawnscoffeeshop.com

SKI’S ALL AMERICAN PUB 1001 W. State St., Sycamore 899-9018 • skispub.com

SLOW SMOKE BBQ

265 W. Peace Rd., Sycamore 991-5514 • slowsmokebbq.net

SONIC DRIVE-IN

1115 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 901-0934 • sonicdrivein.com

SOPHIE’S PLACE

1006 W. State Street, Sycamore 899-8072

SORRENTO’S

50W187 Rt. 64, Maple Park 895-5466 • sorrentosranch.com

STATE STREET PIZZERIA

1001 W. State St., Sycamore 899-1282 • skispub.com

SULLIVAN’S TAVERN

722 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-4323

SWEET DREAM DESSERTS & CATERING

1969 B DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 756-8150 sweetdreamdesserts.com

SYCAMORE PARKWAY RESTAURANT

3206 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb 517-0098 • omisushiil.com

219 W. State St., Sycamore 899-4444 acquavivawinery.com

PAGE STREET DINER

ROSATI’S CHICAGO PIZZA

TACOS SALSAS Y CARNITAS

ROSATI’S PIZZA

TAPA LA LUNA

OMI SUSHI

122 E. Page St., Sycamore 895-5505

240 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-2345 • thelincolninn.com

ALL AREA CODES 815 UNLESS NOTED

630 Plaza Dr., Sycamore 895-4646 • rosatispizza.com 930 Pappas Dr., DeKalb 766-3041 • myrosatis.com

605 E. State St., Sycamore 895-6700 1021 W. Hillcrest Dr., Ste. A DeKalb • 787-6898

226 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 217-0990 • tapalaluna.com

2018 Back to School Edition | NIU Welcome Book | 17 TAXCO RESTAURANT

TOPPERS PIZZA

THAI PAVILION

TWIN TAVERN

223 W. State St., Sycamore 895-2545 • taxcorestaurant.com 251 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-6445 thaipavilionskokie.com

THE HOUSE CAFÉ

1015 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 756-7755 • toppers.com 1028 S. 4th St., DeKalb 756-9604

from Soup to Desserts

VINNY’S PIZZA & WINGS

263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 517-1788 • thcdekalb.com

221 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 787-6200 vinnyspizzadekalb.com

THE HUDDLE

YEN CHING

817 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-8899 • huddledekalb.com

Full Service Catering

810 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-2007

THE SYCAMORE CAFÉ

1170 DeKalb Ave.,#101, Sycamore 899-8070

TINEZ TACOS

1503 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 754-7514 • tineztacos.com

TOM & JERRY’S DEKALB 215 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb 758-1675 tomandjerrysdekalb.com

TOM & JERRY’S SYCAMORE 1670 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 895-4420 sycamoretomandjerrys.com

From a simple BBQ to an elegant plated meal...

Sweet memories... Sweet dreams!

Try out famous cupcakes.

BUY A DECORATED COOKIE AND GET A FREE CUPCAKE! *One coupon per visit. Exp: 8/30/19

1969B DeKalb Avenue, • Sycamore, Il 60178 Phone: (815) 756-8150 • Fax: (815) 756-1836 Please call to reserve your day, see us at: sweetdreamsdesserts.com

Downtown DeKalb Greek apparel Dorm Floor apparel Custom design apparel

andMUCH,MUCHMORE

ts c u d o r P Qualitymer Service! o & Cust Mention this ad and receive 20% off 1 regular price item

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18 | NIU Welcome Book | 2018 Back to School Edition

Advertiser Index City of DeKalb.................................................. 12 DeKalb Corn Fest............................................... 5 First Midwest Bank........................................... 11 First National Bank........................................... 12 NIU Department of Visual Arts........................... 2 OLT Marketing............................................9 & 18 Schnucks........................................................... 19 Sports of All Sorts............................................. 17 Sweet Dream Desserts..................................... 17 Village Commons Bookstore............................ 20

est. 1851

Publisher: Laura Shaw Project Manager: Lisa Angel Layout & Design: Allison LaPorta Photography: NIU Media Services & Shaw Media Contributing Writers: Aimee Barrows Northern Illinois University Articles and advertisements are property of Shaw Media. No portion of the Welcome Back Magazine may be produced without written consent of the publisher.

2018 Back to School Edition | NIU Welcome Book | 19

New To NIU?

WE DELIVER schnucksdelivers.com

Schnucks DeKalb 975 S. Annie Glidden Rd. Phone (815) 748-6200 Open 6 am - Midnight

©2018 Schnucks

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20 | NIU Welcome Book | 2018 Back to School Edition

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