Gallery: NIU celebrates 118th Homecoming with block party and parade

By Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor

October 5, 2025

J.C. La Barbera, a senior mechatronics engineering major (from left); Erin Uhrine, a senior early education with special ed with ELS major; Jocelyn Campos Diaz, a senior physical education major; and Ghaika Vera, a senior finance major, make Huskie hand signs as they ride in the bed of a white pickup truck on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. La Barbera, Uhrine, Diaz and Inara Perryman, a junior political science major, were all declared the winners of the NIU 118th Homecoming Court. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Two huskie plushies sit on the engine of a modified 1924 Ford T-Bucket painted with flames on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The Homecoming Car Show was held at the same time as the NIU Homecoming Block Party. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

President Lisa Freeman (right) poses with an NIU student for a selfie on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The NIU Homecoming Block Party was sponsored by several local businesses in DeKalb. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of the Tumbao Latin Dance Group are picked up and spun around as a part of their performance on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. Tumbao Latin Dance Group has been performing at events both on and off campus since 2014. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

NIU Homecoming Block Party attendees converse with each other as performing groups switch places and prepare for the next show on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in Downtown DeKalb. The NIU Homecoming Block Party featured acts and performances from several student and DeKalb organizations from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of NIU Ballet Folklórico Aztlán and attendees of the NIU Homecoming Block Party dance to music played by the Mariachi NIU ensemble on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The NIU Homecoming Block Party featured several musical performances by different NIU groups and an additional concert by Coi Leray held at 7 p.m. in the Egyptian Theatre. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of the DeKalb Dimension Dance Academy jump in the air as they dance to songs from the “Rio” soundtrack on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The Dimension Dance Academy teaches young dancers and performs at local DeKalb events. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Junior illustration major Nam Pham juggles three juggling clubs on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. Pham established NIU Circus Club in 2023 to teach circus related skills before becoming an official club in 2024. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of NIU Ballet Folklórico Aztlán perform on stage on Thursday during the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The NIU Homecoming Block Party was held on Lincoln Highway between North First Street and North Fourth Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

A DeKalb police car drives down Lincoln Highway as a police officer does a Huskie hand sign out of the window on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party. The Homecoming parade featured a tribute to service members and first responders at the beginning. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

President Lisa Freeman makes the Huskie hand sign as she rides in a red first generation Ford Mustang Convertible on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The Homecoming event included a parade from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that showcased several student organizations, clubs and athletes. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

An NIU Huskie Motorsports driver rides along in a formula-style open-top racecar on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. NIU Huskie Motorsports is a student organization that builds formula-styled open-top racecars. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Junior mechanical engineer major and NIU Supermileage driver Cameron Czajka drives alongside NIU Supermilage’s members on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. NIU Supermileage is a student organization with the goal of creating the most fuel efficient vehicle to compete at the annual Shell Eco Marathon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of the NIU Fencing Club walk down Lincoln Highway as two of their members fence each other on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. The NIU Fencing Club has existed since the 1970s and provides equipment and lessons for students and faculty. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

An NIU Homecoming Block Party attendee takes a photo of Mission III on Thursday during the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. Mission III is the third husky to be the living mascot of NIU after Mission II retired in 2023 due to environmental allergies. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

NIU Cheerleading dances on Thursday on Lincoln Highway during the end of the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party. NIU Cheerleading performed alongside the Huskie Marching Band at the end of the parade. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

The Huskie Marching Band performs on Thursday during the end of the parade section of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb. TNIU Homecoming Block Party featured a performance by both the Huskie Marching Band and NIU Cheerleading before the 118th Homecoming Court winners were announced. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

About the Contributor

Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor

Ethan Rodriguez is a sophomore from the greater St. Charles area majoring in mechanical engineering. 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.

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Gallery: NIU celebrates 118th Homecoming with block party and parade

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