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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Gallery: The best of Week of Welcome

Ethan Rodriguez
An Adventure Staff employee prepares a kayak for students as other kayakers line up to leave the East Lagoon. Attendees had to line up for several minutes in order to get a turn in the kayaks. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
By Totus Tuus Keely and Ethan Rodriguez
Aug 28, 2025
PresidentsPicnic_1
Ethan Rodriguez
NIU students and their families sit at tables set out during the President Picnic. The Presidents Picnic held a wide variety of activities for attendees to do such as kayaking, Jenga, bean bag toss, Connect 4 and volleyball. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
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About the Contributors
Totus Tuus Keely
Totus Tuus Keely, Editor in Chief

Totus Tuus Keely is a junior from Ottawa, Illinois, majoring in mechatronics engineering. He began as a photographer in the spring 2024 semester. Outside of his busy class schedule, Totus enjoys photographing sports and capturing the emotions of fans and players. He also enjoys performing in the World Music Program and the NIU Pep Band, as well as constantly expanding his musical taste.

Ethan Rodriguez
Ethan Rodriguez, Former Photojournalist
Ethan Rodriguez is a sophomore from the greater St. Charles area majoring in chemistry. He started his career at the Northern Star in the fall 2024 semester. Outside of the news cycle, he enjoys photographing nature and the night sky.
More to Discover
More about cab
Drag queen and host Alayna Couture sits out in the crowd while performing during the Campus Activities Board Fourth Annual Drag Show on Tuesday in the Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom. Co-hosts CAB and the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center brought drag queens Zelina Azul Pop, Keri Triad, Destiny Valero and Flicky Fourloko in addition to Couture. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
No crumbs left: CAB Drag Show delivers a night to remember
Students vote for the best dressed for the Diamond of the Season event that occurred during Bridgerton Ball on Saturday in Altgeld Hall. Students participated by going on stage and showcase their outfit to music (Aidan Penca | Northern Star)
Gallery: Huskies dress best for Bridgerton Ball
NIU students drink, gather and talk during Bridgerton Ball on Saturday in Altgeld Hall. Bridgerton Ball held many activities for students including mask and fan making, fencing matches, horse racing and more. (Aidan Penca | Northern Star)
CAB hosts Bridgerton Ball, students rejoice
More about president's picnic
Students on Sunday sitting at the president's picnic. The president's picnic was an opportunity for students to meet NIU President Lisa Freeman while participating activities such as volleyball, kayaking and outdoor games. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)
Week of Welcome ends, classes begin
Baker's picnic kicks off year with food, music
More about Week of welcome
Color Run attendees launch packets of dyed corn starch into the air for an NIU promotional photo and video before the start of the event on Saturday. NIU gifted three sets of tickets to the Corn Fest carnival before the start of the Color Run to the attendees with birthdays closest to the stated dates. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: Colors explode on people during the Color Run
Marcos and Natalia Becerra, children of DeKalb residents Martha and Cosme, pretend to drive a John Deere combine harvester on North Third Street during Corn Fest on Sunday. The John Deere combine harvester, the “StalkMaster,” is one of many types of combine harvesters used to harvest corn. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: DeKalb hosts their annual Corn Fest for residents and students
The NIU Mariachi band performs on Saturday in Club 1895 for Welcome Holmes. NIU Mariachi moved from room to room during Welcome Holmes after each quick performance. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: CAB hosts annual Welcome Holmes party

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