Northern Star

Men’s Basketball

By Gavin Weaver | November 25, 2014

Sophomore guard Aaric Armstead (23) goes up for a dunk Thursday at the Convocation Center in the game against the Idaho Vandals. The Huskies hit the road for the first time this season when they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes, of the Big Ten, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Iowa City, Iowa.

Student Association sunglasses

By Ryan Ocasio | November 11, 2014

Sunglasses with print on the inside are as confusing as roommates moving mid-semester after you introduce yourself to their parents. This item joins Scene Editor Kevin Bartelt’s list of unnecessary NIU apparel. Other articles of clothing on the list...

Football

By Nick Smith | November 4, 2014

After missing a bowl game invitation by less than a minute last season, the NIU football team has been busy in the offseason and has 15 verbal commitments. Of the recruits, 12 are from Illinois, two are from Indiana and one is from Missouri. In a Jan. 13 article, Taylor Bell of the Chicago Sun-Times called the Huskies’ recruiting class No. 1 in the MAC. Potential break-out performers include wide receiver Marcus Lewis of Warren Township High School, offensive lineman Panan Tense of Fenwick High School and defensive back John Tranchitella of Driscoll Catholic High School.

Former NIU cornerback to make AFL debut

After spending the last two years with the San Francisco 49ers, former NIU defensive back Randee Drew will play for the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League this season. The two-time All-MAC selection played cornerback for the Huskies from 2000 to 2003 and tallied 14 interceptions in 44 games. Upon graduation, Drew was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the 49ers and spent last season in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals and Cologne Centurions.

Jacobs leaving early

The NIU defense has one less quarterback to worry about next year. Bowling Green’s junior signal caller Omar Jacobs announced on Jan. 6 that he will forego his senior season and will declare for the NFL draft. In 2004, Jacobs set an NCAA record for touchdown to interception ratio with 41 scores to only 4 picks. Despite sitting out two games due to injury in 2005, Jacobs still set the Bowling Green career touchdown passes mark with 71.

Gail Smith and Tina Erickson

By Ryan Ocasio | October 13, 2014

On Sept. 12, Campus Mail Services employee Gail Smith (left) performed CPR on co-worker Tina Erickson after Erickson collapsed and stopped breathing. Erickson’s cardiologist said the chest compressions Smith applied immediately to Erickson is the reason...

‘Last Unicorn’ author answers questions at film re-opening

By Ryan Ocasio | September 23, 2014

Peter S. Beagle, novel and screenplay writer of the 1982 cartoon movie “The Last Unicorn,” talks about his life and career Sept. 23 at Carmike Market Square 10, 2160 Sycamore Road. Beagle will continue to tour across the country and internationally,...

Huskie buses move back to west turnaround

By Ryan Ocasio | September 22, 2014

Students wait on Normal Road in front of the Holmes Student Center for Huskie buses. The bus turnaround, which was relocated to the east side of the Holmes Student Center over the summer, is being moved back to the west side. Pedestrians have complained...

Gen. ed recommended changes going to provost

By Ryan Ocasio | September 4, 2014

Students take notes during a calculus for business course Wednesday in Wirtz Auditorium. Progressive Learning in Undergraduate Studies, a taskforce dedicated to revamping general education, has suggested cutting the required number of credits for a bachelor’s degree if students take their general education courses at NIU, among other criteria.