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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Victor E. Huskie walks Mission II onto the Huskie Stadium football field alongside Lisa Boland, coordinator for the mascot program, with Mission III. Mission II officially retired as NIU's live mascot at the NIU football game against Western Michigan University on Nov. 14. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Mission II officially passes collar to Mission III

By Kaitlyn Lee-Gordon, News Reporter | November 15, 2023

DeKALB – Mission II took a final bow during this week’s football game against Western Michigan University. He trotted around the Huskie Stadium one last time before entering a relaxing life of retirement and allowing Mission III to take over. Mission...

Street interviews: Thoughts on NIU naming new mascot Mission III?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | January 27, 2023

NIU introduced Mission III, the new Siberian Husky live mascot, to replace Mission II, whose time frolicking in NIU spirit was spectacularly done, but who will step down due to allergy complications. The new mascot being named Mission III continues the...

The Mission I bobblehead (left) joins the Mission II bobblehead released in August.

Fetch! Mission I bobbleheads ready for forever homes

By Northern Star Staff | January 6, 2023
NIU's retired canine mascot has made his figurine debut, adding to the world's largest collection of bobbleheads.
The NIU football team runs onto the field at Huskie Stadium ahead of their game Sept. 11 against Wyoming.

DeKalb day planner: Oct. 8

By Nyah Nowakowski, News Reporter | October 5, 2022

This weekend will be the perfect time to enjoy some sun before the winter weather. Here’s what is going on in DeKalb this Saturday. DEKALB BACK ALLEY MARKET Boho-inspired market with vintage, retro, artists, bakers, woodworkers, jewelry makers,...

Mission II sitting before NIU's game against Maine last September.

NIU… It’s time for a new mascot name

By Derek Bos, Opinion Columnist | September 21, 2022

Mission II, “Mission” for short. Mini Mish. These are all the same dog. In the name of sports fans, dog fans and long-suffering media editors, please NIU: No Mission III!  Lisa Boland, trainer of Mission I and II, has confirmed that NIU has elected...

There are only 2,022 bobbleheads in existence of each dog.

Limited edition Mission, Mission II bobbleheads unveiled

By Northern Star Staff | August 22, 2022

NIU has partnered with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to release a limited amount of mascot bobbleheads for purchase online on the Hall of Fame website as well as through Huskie Books and Gear. The bobbleheads of Mission II are...

Mission to retire in 2021, pup hired as replacement

By Parker Otto | September 18, 2019

The NIU Alumni Association announced Monday that NIU’s beloved mascot Mission will retire in 2021, after nearly a decade of service. It was also announced that a Huskie puppy named Mission II will follow Mission to begin training as NIU’s mascot,...