NIU has the oldest college Homecoming in Illinois, a tradition that has evolved from a student versus alumni football game into a weeklong campus-wide celebration.
While some traditions have gone, NIU is reviving its Homecoming, blending new and past events to create community and Huskie pride.
In 1903, students challenged alumni to a football game, which became a tradition that lasted until 1913. The first official time it was referred to as “Homecoming” was in 1906 by the Northern Star, who reported on the weekend.
The idea of a Homecoming court began in 1947 with the first queen, Lois Goetz, followed by the first king, George Acker, in 1950. While these events laid the groundwork, Homecoming experienced a period of decline as the years went on.
Chief Strategy Officer Matt Streb, a faculty member since 2005, recalled a time when Homecoming felt insignificant.
“You didn’t really even know unless you knew it was Homecoming Week, you wouldn’t have known if you weren’t on campus,” Streb said.
After several years of students saying they weren’t interested in a parade and the COVID-19 pandemic causing cancellations, a roundtable was created to address the issue.
“We felt like it had lost some of its luster,” Streb said, noting the need to reconnect the campus and community.
The new strategy focused on creating an inclusive experience with events appealing to all the students, not just the football fans.
A major result of this effort is the March of the Huskies, a condensed version of the old parade. Held in downtown DeKalb, the march brings students, alumni and residents together. The event is intentionally smaller than the parade to keep a vibrant, concentrated energy.
“And when we got down there, there was just a great atmosphere. And so, each year, we’ve kind of grown a little bit, in terms of the types of things that we do in that event,” Streb said.
Another beloved tradition making a comeback is the Recycled Boat Race, which was popular on campus until around 2012. After Streb mentioned the idea in a meeting, student groups became excited and brought the event back.
Students will build boats out of recyclable materials and race them in the lagoon. The initiative is part of a way to blend old and new traditions alike.
NIU also hosts new events designed to be inclusive and community-oriented. One example is the S’mores N’More event, a gathering with games and food in the MLK Commons. Streb noted it’s a great opportunity for alumni to interact with current students and share stories about their experiences at NIU.
Streb said that the goal is for Homecoming to be for everyone and to encourage students to get involved and be part of the community.
“Get out, get your friends, be part of the community,” Streb said. “Homecoming is a huge part of what it means to be a Huskie.”
By bringing back old favorites like the boat races and creating new traditions like the March of the Huskies, NIU is ensuring its history and alumni continue to be celebrated, one year at a time.
