I would like to take this opportunity to welcome each and every one of you to DeKalb and NIU. For the next several years, DeKalb will be your “home away from home.” For many of you, this will be your first look at DeKalb. For most of you, you’ve already had the opportunity to see what DeKalb has to offer.

To all students, I would strongly urge you to take the time to become involved in your community and university. Whether you believe this or not, DeKalb is now your real home. If you take the time to find out what we have to offer, I think you will be mildly surprised at the many opportunities before you.

A strong Student Association affords you direct involvement in NIU and local government policy decision making. A bus transportation system, which is second to none in the country, offers you fast, efficient access to all parts of the city. A genuine “laid back relaxing atmosphere” is often the comment I hear from students who have lived for a number of years in DeKalb.

Don’t lock yourselves up in your rooms. Come out and see what DeKalb has to offer—starting with “Corn Fest” this weekend.

Again, welcome to DeKalb and good luck in your academic studies. If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call on me at City Hall.

Greg Sparrow

Mayor of DeKalb