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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

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
Marco Alvarez

Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist

Marco Alvarez is a sophomore at NIU majoring in photography. His favorite type of events to cover are football and baseball games. Marco joined the Northern Star in fall 2024. Outside of the office, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and with his Siberian husky, and he also loves to listen to Spanish and pop music.

All content by Marco Alvarez
Members of the NIU volleyball team celebrate a point during their first conference match against Central Michigan University on Thursday. The Huskies staged a comeback after losing the first two sets to defeat the Chippewas. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies overcome Chippewas in 5 sets

By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter
September 25, 2025
Sophomore kinesiology major Jerome Thomas (left) and first-year pre-physical therapy major Zyler Bragg play a game of bean bag toss at Rec Fest on Friday. Rec Fest was held at the NIU Recreation Sports Complex Between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Gallery: NIU Recreation Center hosts festival celebrating fitness at Rec fest

By Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist
September 21, 2025
NIU men’s soccer senior midfielder Jose Gomez (10) battles for the ball during the Huskies’ game against St. Thomas University on Saturday. Gomez led the team with 4 shots in the 1-0 loss. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies shutout by St. Thomas for second loss

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor
September 14, 2025
The NIU volleyball team huddles together between points during a match last fall. NIU volleyball released its 2025 schedule on June 9. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Volleyball releases 2025 schedule

By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter
July 6, 2025
NIU sophomore guard Nasir Muhammad (7) drives around University at Buffalo senior guard Tyson Dunn as NIU junior forward Ethan Butler (15) sets a screen during the second half of a regular season Mid-American Conference basketball game on Feb. 11 inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Muhammad entered the transfer portal March 28 after playing in 29 career games over his first two seasons. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] NIU men’s basketball transfer portal tracker: Who’s left for Rashon Burno?

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 16, 2025
Junior medical science lab major Denise Cortez (left) celebrates winning a round of Lotería as Senior biology major Makayla Kies (right) celebrates her win. The Latino Center offered numerous prizes for winning in Lotería such as food, clothing and NIU licensed merchandise. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Gallery: NIU Latino Center hosts Lotería game night for students

By Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist
April 12, 2025
Senior biology major Makayla Kies walks up to the prize table and picks a tube of AirHead Mega Candy Super Tube as her prize. Lotería was a game night organized by staff at the Latino Center and was held Thursday at 5 p.m. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

An NIU student is handed a bottle of Jarrito as his prize for winning a round of Lotería by a Latino Center staff member. In a game of Lotería, a short poem or phrase is spoken to hint at the card. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

A jar of transparent bingo chips sits on a desk on top of different Lotería cards. The Latino Center held two other Lotería game nights this semester on Feb. 4 and March 10. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

NIU wrestling redshirt junior Blake West faces off with University at Buffalo sophomore Max Elton during the Beauty and the Beast meet on Feb. 7. West became the Mid-American Conference 125 pound champion during the MAC Championships on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Blake West wins NIU’s first 125 pound MAC Championship since 2007

By L.J. Bennett, Sports Reporter
March 10, 2025
NIU men's basketball sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) dribbles the basketball past Bowling Green junior guard Javontae Campbell (2). NIU sparked an 11-game losing streak after falling to Bowling Green State University on Tuesday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies drop Senior Night battle with Bowling Green

By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter
March 5, 2025
Members of the NIU men's basketball team huddle together during a game against Eastern Michigan University on Saturday inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. NIU is reportedly moving its non-football sports, except for gymnastics and wrestling, to the Horizon League, pending approval from the NIU Board of Trustees on Thursday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] REPORT: NIU moving non-football sports to Horizon League

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 24, 2025
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Blake West battles University at Buffalo sophomore Max Elton in the meet on Feb. 7. The Huskies finished the regular season with a 7-3 (6-1 MAC) record after defeating Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 19-12 on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Wrestling wraps up regular season, defeats Cougars

By Andy Inboden, Sports Reporter
February 23, 2025
NIU women's basketball graduate student guard Chelby Koker (10) drives toward the hoop, dribbling past multiple Eastern Michigan University defenders on Saturday at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The Huskies fell to Eastern Michigan by a score of 76-72 despite a 10-point lead going into the fourth quarter. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies fall to Eastern Michigan despite double-digit fourth quarter lead

By Edison Miller, Sports Editor
February 23, 2025
NIU men's basketball senior guard James Dent Jr. (14) looks for an opening while Eastern Michigan University senior guard Jalen Terry (3) defends during the second half of Saturday’s loss inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Dent tied his season-high with five made 3-pointers, helping NIU set a new school record with 15 triples in a single game. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] NIU surrenders second-half comeback, falls to Eastern Michigan on buzzer-beater

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 23, 2025
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Jacob Brya battles Bulls redshirt junior Andy Lucinski in the meet against University at Buffalo on Feb. 7. The Huskies bested Cal Poly on Friday by a score of 25-19. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Wrestling Mangles Mustangs

By L.J. Bennett, Sports Reporter
February 16, 2025
Sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) drives past University at Buffalo sophomore Ryan Sabol (2) during NIU’s 73-67 loss to Buffalo on Saturday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones was one of four Huskies to score in double-digits against the Bulls. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Sluggish start hampers Huskies in setback against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 12, 2025
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Jacob Brya rests on his knees after defeating University at Buffalo Andy Lucinski by a score of 10-1 Friday at the Convocation Center. The Huskies defeated Buffalo by a score of 28-8, sparking a three-game winning streak. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies bulldoze Buffalo in Beauty and the Beast Dual

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
February 8, 2025
NIU men's basketball sophomore guard Quentin Jones dribbles the ball past University of Akron redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson Tuesday at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones had 25 points in NIU's 80-70 loss against Akron. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Limited depth plagues NIU in loss to MAC leader Akron

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 29, 2025
John Acardo, senior associate vice president and chief human resources officer, speaks during the Faculty Senate meeting on Nov. 21. The faculty senate discussed concerns around budget implementation and NIU’s commitment to its international students at the last meeting of the semester on Wednesday. .

[Photo] Faculty senate raises questions about NIU football’s move to Mountain West

By Joseph Ndu
January 23, 2025
NIU women's basketball junior guard Alecia Doyle (22) dribbles the ball, confronting a Miami University RedHawk defender while NIU graduate forward Brooke Stonebraker (34) and NIU graduate guard Chelby Koker (10) prepare for a pass. The Huskies suffered a 73-52 loss to the RedHawks Wednesday at the Convocation Center. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Women’s basketball suffers fourth straight loss to Miami

By Edison Miller, Sports Editor
January 16, 2025
NIU men’s basketball sophomore guard Kailon Nicholls fends off two Elon University defenders Wednesday in the Huskies’ 75-48 loss. Nicholls finished with 2 points Saturday in NIU’s 98-52 loss against Elon University. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] DePaul’s three-point barrage sinks Huskies

By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter
November 23, 2024
A table of the Punk Rock Club sits at the Oasis area on Thursday during the Discover Your Pack event hosted by the Student Government Association. The Discover Your Pack event promotes organizations recently approved from SGA to try and get students involved in their organizations. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] SGA holds first Discover Your Pack event

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor
November 22, 2024
John Acardo, senior associate vice president and chief human resources officer, speaks during the Faculty Senate meeting on Wednesday afternoon in the Altgeld Auditorium. Acardo gave a presentation regarding statistics around reaching goals to help NIU accomplish deficit mitigation strategies. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Faculty Senate holds last meeting of fall 2024 semester Wednesday

By Emily Beebe, News Editor
November 21, 2024
NIU sophomore guard Kailon Nicholls (5) resists defense from Elon University redshirt sophomore guard Andrew King during the second half of the Huskies' 75-48 loss to the Phoenix on Wednesday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The loss was the Huskies' first defeat at home of the 2024-25 campaign. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] ‘Utter embarrassment:’ Huskies trounced by Elon in lousy shooting night

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 21, 2024
The NIU volleyball team huddles at its bench on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. Despite strong individual player performances, the Huskies finished 2024 with their lowest win total in program history. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] BENNETT: Huskie volleyball fangless in 2024 campaign

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
November 19, 2024
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo leaps and winds up for a serve on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball lost its season finale in four sets to Miami University on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies routed by RedHawks in season finale

November 16, 2024
Senior libero Crew Hoffmeier celebrates on Nov. 8 against Bowling Green State University at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over Miami University on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies clip RedHawks wings in 3 sets

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2024
A painting hangs inside the Transgender Day of Remembrance exhibit in the Holmes Student Center. This piece from a trans student represents hope and resilience. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Gallery walk honors Transgender Day of Remembrance

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer
November 14, 2024
The sun shines over Hopkins Pool on Monday afternoon. The Hopkins Pool is undergoing demolition for the renovation of the pool which is expected to be completed by summer 2026. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Demolition of Hopkins Pool set to begin mid-November

By Emily Beebe, News Editor
November 11, 2024
The NIU volleyball team's back line prepares for Bowling Green State University to serve the ball on Friday. The Huskies matched up against Bowling Green again on Saturday, falling in three sets. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies Swept by Falcons in Senior Night Game

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
November 10, 2024
Freshman setter Ella Strausberger (2) sets up senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo for a chance at a kill. Atiemo struck her 1,000th kill Friday against Bowling Green State University and is the 23rd Huskie to ever do so. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Atiemo reaches 1000 career kills as Huskies fall to Falcons in 3 sets.

November 9, 2024
The entrance to the Kraft Heinz Building sits at the ChicagoWest Business Center. Its opening has been delayed to 2027. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Kraft Heinz opening will be delayed two years

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter
November 5, 2024
McAlister's Deli sits on Monday afternoon. McAlister's is known for their club sandwiches and sweet teas. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] McAlister’s Deli officially opened its doors Monday

By Mariestrella Corral, News Reporter
November 4, 2024
The property where the DeKalb Fire Station #4 will be located, 1130 S. Malta Road, sits on a Monday afternoon. City Council discussed whether tax rates should be lowered in DeKalb at its meeting Monday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] New 1.3 million square foot development approved as DeKalb weighs tax cuts

By Devin Oommen, News Reporter
October 29, 2024
Members of the NIU volleyball team huddle during their match against the Ball State University Cardinals on Saturday in DeKalb. The Huskies fell to the Cardinals in three sets, dropping to an overall record of 3-18. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies drop to Cardinals for the second game in a row

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
October 26, 2024
Freshman middle blocker Rylee Alvin (8) and junior right side Alexa Hayes (12) attempt a block on Oct. 11 at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball was swept for the third-straight match as the Huskies lost to the Ball State University Cardinals on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies dropped by Cardinals

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter
October 26, 2024
Walter Edwards, a Residential Dining Service cashier, hands a bag to a student in the Depot at the Holmes Student Center. If areas are not in compliance with health code regulations, the violated area gets marked on the report. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] On-campus restaurants are in complicance with health code regulations

By Mariestrella Corral, News Reporter
October 24, 2024
Junior forward Kelsi McLaughlin dribbles the ball while being chased by an Eastern Michigan University defender on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer defeated Ball State University 3-1 on Thursday, moving into fifth place in the conference standings with a 3-3-3 record. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Women’s soccer improves tournament chances with win over Ball State

By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
A card reader system keeps a dorm room door locked, while posters explain how students can use their OneCards to access their dorms. Residential halls have various methods of security, but Opinion Columnist Ethan Ernst encourages students to remember the individual choice to not let strangers into halls should serve as another layer of security. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Don’t let in people who knock on dorms

By Ethan Ernst, Opinion Columnist
October 20, 2024
Sophomore forward Tyra King (5) dribbles around an Eastern Michigan University defender on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer defeated EMU 2-1 for its second conference win of the season. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies ground Eagles for 2nd MAC win

By Andy Inboden, Sports Reporter
October 18, 2024
Andria Revolorio, a first-year psychology major, and Ellie Andries, a sophomore jazz studies major, pick up trash alongside the East Lagoon at the clean-up event Wednesday. The event was hosted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Clean Our Campus event hosted Wednesday at East Lagoon

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor
October 16, 2024
The NIU offense and the University of Massachusetts defense line up at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the Huskies’ 34-20 win against the Minutemen on Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU’s victory boosted it to a 3-1 non-conference record, its best finish against non-league opponents since 2014. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Football heads to Bowling Green for MAC road opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 10, 2024
The front of a local Wingstop plastered with invitations to try their wings. Which Wingstop flavor is the best? (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: Battle of the wings

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist
October 8, 2024
NIU freshman middle blocker Rylea Alvin (8) reaches up to hit the ball over the net. Alvin led the Huskies with four blocks and was followed by Hayes, Atiemo and Güvener with three blocks each. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Volleyball at home in black and white

By Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist
October 7, 2024
NIU redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) dives into the endzone for a touchdown past the University of Massachusetts defense during the fourth quarter. Williams’ rushing touchdown extended the Huskies lead to 27-13. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Huskies victorious over UMass

By Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist
October 6, 2024
A DeKalb-Sycamore-Opoly and DeKalb-Opoly game boards are displayed on a wall inside of the Anthropology Museum at Cole Hall. The Museum opened its new "At Play" exhibit last month featuring popular toys and games of the past. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] ‘At Play’ exhibit generates vivid nostalgia

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
October 4, 2024
NIU student fans celebrate after NIU stops Buffalo at only a 1-yard pass for their second play of the game. NIU fans stayed loud until the stadium went quiet after Buffalo’s completed field goal to win. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Salute to Service and Band Day highlight MAC football opener

By Totus Tuus Keely and Marco Alvarez
September 24, 2024
Nathan Bernhard (from left), Heather Bernhard and Rob Bernhard from Crystal Lake, IL work together to figure out what they need to type on a keyboard to get a code. The Founders Memorial Library hosted an 80s themed escape room Saturday during Family Weekend. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Family Weekend brings community together

By Anna Wittenkeller, News Reporter
September 23, 2024
The NIU offensive line and Buffalo defensive line get set before the snap on the Huskies drive. The Huskies dropped to a record of 2 wins and 1 loss and Buffalo improved to 3 wins and 1 loss on the season. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Huskies’ overtime loss to Buffalo

By Totus Tuus Keely and Marco Alvarez
September 23, 2024
Students sit in class paying attention to the screen that reads "National Association of Independent Schools” during an in-class presentation about Intersectionality hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. NIU has a campaign called the "Go to Class Campaign" that encourages students to not skip class. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] NIU’s ‘Don’t Skip Class’ campaign encourages students to attend class

By Victoria Wakeford, News Reporter
September 22, 2024
Graduate student goalkeeper Ary Purifoy (00) gears up for a goalie kick on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women’s soccer tied with Ohio University 0-0, marking the Huskies' second tie in a row. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies, Bobcats remain scoreless in tie

By Eddie Miller, Assistant Sports Editor
September 22, 2024
Redshirt freshman midfielder Joe Hernandez (22) fights to gain possession of the ball against Mercyhurst senior midfielder Callum Cleary (20) on Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 4-0 to Western Illinois University on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Men’s soccer shut down by Western Illinois

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter
September 20, 2024
A group of students march on Normal Road while holding flags from different Latin American countries. To celebrate Latino Heritage Month, students can tie-dye shirts at the Latino Resource Center on Thursday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Tie-dye for Latino Heritage Month

By Tyler Gordon, Lifestyle Writer
September 19, 2024
Daniela Olivares, a senior sports management major, holds a Mexican flag while walking with a group of students during the Latino Heritage Parade. There will be many Latino Heritage Month events including a Latino Dinner on Oct. 2 at Patterson Dining. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Parade and El Grito kick off Latino Heritage Month

By Marco Alvarez, Photojournalist
September 17, 2024
Students wave Latin American flags during the Latino Resource Center’s parade for Latino Heritage Month on Monday. How are you celebrating Latino Heritage Month this year? (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Poll: How are you celebrating National Latino Heritage Month?

By Santiago Montañez Bertoletti, Opinion Columnist
September 17, 2024
A group of students march on Normal Road while holding flags. In honor of Latino Heritage Month, the Latino Resource Center hosted their kick off parade at 4 p.m. on Monday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Latino Resource Center hosts kickoff parade for Latino Heritage Month

By Mariestrella Corral, News Reporter
September 16, 2024
Sophomore goalkeeper Atahan Arslan kicks the ball away from the net on Monday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Arslan had 2 saves in a 1-0 victory for men's soccer over Mercyhurst University. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Men’s soccer snaps losing streak with win over Mercyhurst

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor
September 16, 2024
The concrete tee box at one of the holes at the disc golf course at Prairie Park in DeKalb.The tee box is the starting point where the player throws their first shot at a basket and is made from concrete, asphalt, rubber, gravel, or artificial turf, among other materials. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Disc golf helps to de-stress

By Jonathan Shelby, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
September 11, 2024
Luis Hernandez, left, an Elgin resident, and Noe Mendez, a DeKalb resident, order wings at the new Wingstop. The new Wingstop opened at 11 a.m. Monday in Sycamore. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Wingstop opens Sycamore location

By Mariestrella Corral, News Reporter
September 10, 2024
Jonathan Venecia (from left), a senior psychology major, Paw Hsi Hser, a junior business administration major, Noor Dogar, a junior early childhood education major, and Karina Lopez Rodriguez, a junior marketing major, interact together on a laptop in the Holmes Student Center. Having friends is a crucial part of life and it is important to keep those friendships healthy. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] The key to maintaining healthy friendships

By Brynn Krug, Lifestyle Editor
September 4, 2024
NIU volleyball players stand as they look up to the American flag in the Convocation Center during the National Anthem on Friday during their match against Western Illinois University. The Huskies’ next match is against the University of Valparaiso on Sept. 5 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Labor Day weekend Volleyball and Men’s Soccer

By Tim Dodge and Marco Alvarez
September 4, 2024
Senior defender Ben Suddeth (24) battles for possession with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay junior forward Chris Album (9) Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer lost 2-1 to Green Bay, losing for the second game in a row. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies drop second straight after falling to Green Bay

By Eddie Miller, Assistant Sports Editor
September 1, 2024
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