DeKALB | Homecoming week starts today, and there are many events to put on the calendar to do with friends. This week is about building traditions.

Candace Parker, senior kinesiology major and member of the NIU Silverettes dance team, said she believes the best way to maximize on homecoming is to make sure students have good friends to enjoy the festivities with.

“The main event that I can suggest to attend is the NIU football game against the Buffalo Bills to cheer on our guys for a win,” Parker said.

She said other events including Phi Rho Eta Fraternity Inc.’s annual Lip Sync Battle on 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Carl Sandburg Auditorium and the New Millennium Concert Party 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday at the Recreation Center are worth attending this homecoming week.

Taylor Donelson, junior pre-physical therapy major and a member of the Homecoming Court, said homecoming week is a great time for NIU to come together and show its homecoming pride.

“There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus during homecoming week, because there is an event going on each evening for any and all students to attend,” Donelson said. ”It’s a great stress relief after midterms, a chance to meet other students and a way to show your Huskie pride.”

The Kick-off Rally is an event where students get to met and know the 2016 Homecoming Court, the event is 4 to 6 p.m. Monday in Central Park. The Recycled Boat Race has the objective for students to design and build a flotation device that is made up of 70 percent of recycled materials, the event is 4 p.m. Tuesday at the East Lagoon. Yell Like Hell is a cheerleading competition between the fraternities and sororities and is 9 to 12 a.m. Wednesday at the Convocation Center.

Her advice for those participating in homecoming week for their first time or last is reminiscent of what makes Donelson a strong candidate for Homecoming royalty.

“Find a group and attend all of the events you can,” Donelson said. “Because four years is going to fly by and you are going to look back