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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A graphic depicts the Braven logo, "UNIV 301," a sign that says "Enroll," two people talking, an outstretched hand and a resume. Enrollment in UNIV 301 has decreased since 2022. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Enrollment in Braven class has decreased since 2022

By Joseph Ndu, News Reporter | October 15, 2024

DeKALB – Enrollment in UNIV 301: Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator, a class offered at NIU by Braven, has been on a downward trend since its inception in 2022. Ayumi Tachikawa, director of workforce strategy at Braven, described the course...

Victor E. Huskie, the Silverrettes and the Huskie Marching Band perform and dance at MLK Commons for the Second Annual Homecoming Kickoff event Monday. The marching band and Silverettes began their performance at noon. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

117th Homecoming kicks off Monday at MLK Commons

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 14, 2024

DeKALB – NIU hosted their Second Annual Homecoming Kickoff event Monday at MLK Commons. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there were numerous activities available for students to partake in, including a live DJ, homecoming-themed photo booth and inflatable...

Aidan O'Brien, student trustee for the Student Government Association, stands behind a podium and talks. O'Brien provided an update about the new energy savings agreement the NIU Board of Trustees passed. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

SGA approves new director of DEI

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 13, 2024

DeKALB – The Student Government Association voted on Bill SR56011 which approved Isabella Montoya as the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The bill passed in a vote of 14-0-0. Montoya, a junior nursing major, explained why she'd be effective...

Reise Speller, a senior electrical engineering major, writes a message to put on the “What would you say to someone who is struggling” message board next to the NIU letters in MLK Commons. The Send Silence Packing event organized by Active Minds consisted of resources to show people are not alone in their struggles. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Send Silence Packing event remembers lives lost to suicide

By Joseph Ndu, News Reporter | October 10, 2024

DeKALB – Active Minds, a nonprofit organization in partnership with Aetna Health Insurance and in collaboration with Counseling and Consultation Services at NIU, came together to host the Send Silence Packing exhibit Thursday at MLK Commons. The...

The sun sets over Williston Hall providing an orange glow. Orientation and First Year Programs is currently hiring for orientation leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year. (Northern Star File Photo)

Spotlight: Orientation and First Year Programs

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 10, 2024

DeKALB – NIU’s Orientation and First Year Programs is currently looking for applicants to be orientation leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year. The purpose of the Orientation program is to make new students feel welcome on campus. Scott Johansen,...

NIU President Lisa Freeman sits at a table and talks during the University Council meeting Wednesday. Freeman expressed her gratitude for the $40 million donation that was given to NIU by the Baustert Family Foundation. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

NIU’s Division of Information Technology to kick off new project

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 9, 2024

DeKALB – At the University Council meeting Wednesday, NIU President Lisa Freeman expressed her appreciation of a $40 million donation given to NIU by the Baustert Family Foundation for the creation of the Health Technology Center. In partnership with...

Lincoln Hall sits nearby Patterson Residence Halls and the Recreation Center. NIU received a $40 million donation from the Baustert family that will go toward the project to tear down Lincoln Hall and turn the building into the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU receives $40 million donation for Health Technology Center

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 9, 2024

DeKALB – NIU has received a $40 million donation from the Baustert Family Foundation, which is the largest single gift in NIU’s history. The donation will be used for building the Health Technology Center, which will be built on the Northwest corner...

Matthew McConnell (from left), a second-year graduate student in higher education and student affairs, Jasmin Kenzie, an NIU alum, Sydney Thompson, an NIU alum and Nesean Smith, a senior business management major, stand near the Victor E. Huskie statue at the 2023 Homecoming Block Party after they were announced as Homecoming royalty. NIU's 2024 Homecoming events will take place from Oct. 13 through Oct. 20. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

NIU’s 117th homecoming aims to bring community together

By Anna Wittenkeller, News Reporter | October 9, 2024

DeKALB - NIU will hold its 2024 Homecoming celebration from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20. The many events that will be available are planned thanks to committees such as the Homecoming Planning Committee and Campus Activities Board. After the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Numerous backpacks are shown on display at the 2023 Send Silence Packing event. The Send Silence Packing event aims to end the silence surrounding mental health and suicide. (Northern Star File Photo)

Annual Send Silence Packing event to come to NIU Thursday

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | October 8, 2024

DeKALB – NIU’s Counseling and Consultation Services in partnership with Active Minds will host their annual Send Silence Packing event to emphasize the importance of suicide awareness. The event emphasizes the fact that there is always help out there...

Sarita Buck (left), a clinical mental health counseling graduate student, and Trevon Smith (right), a higher education student affairs graduate student, give a presentation on Tuesday as to how Gen Z people can affect legislation and have their voices heard. The seminar event occurred at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the University Suites room of the Holmes Student Center. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU’s Social Justice Education club holds seminar on Tuesday

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 8, 2024

DeKALB – NIU’s Social Justice Education club held a seminar Tuesday about the importance and impact Generation Z members have when voting. The seminar was run by two graduate students who are a part of the Social Justice Education club. The seminar...

Student protesters hold Palestinian flags and signs during the rally held on Monday at MLK Commons. Students for Justice in Palestine hosted the event in honor of the one year anniversary of the conflict in Gaza. (Ryan Day | Northern Star)

Student protesters rally on one year anniversary date of Israel-Gaza conflict

By Emily Beebe and Austin Lamb | October 7, 2024

DeKALB – Members of NIU’s Students for Justice in Palestine hosted a rally in support of Palestine on Monday, the one-year anniversary of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The rally took place from noon to 3:30 p.m. at MLK Commons. There were other...

The NIU Department of Police and Public Safety, located at 395 Wirtz Drive, sits on a Monday afternoon. After a shooting on Sept. 29, at Illinois State University’s homecoming weekend which left one person killed and another critically wounded, NIU police have measures in place to keep NIU’s homecoming events safe. (Emily Beebe | Northern Star)

NIU Police will have increased presence at Homecoming

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | October 7, 2024

DeKALB –After a homecoming pop-up party and shooting occurred on Sept. 29 at Illinois State University's campus, NIU Police will have increased safety measures during NIU's homecoming week. NIU's homecoming week occurs Oct. 13 through Oct. 20....