Celebrate With the Black Alumni Council at Homecoming! (Oct. 3-5, 2025)
Get ready to reconnect and celebrate at NIU's 118th Homecoming weekend. Learn more about how you can connect online and in person with your fellow Black alumni and friends. A portion of the proceeds from these events will help current students and support future Black Alumni Council activities.
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Reconnect & Reminisce - Join the Black Alumni Council (BAC) Facebook Group and stay up-to-date on all the NIU BAC news.
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Show off your Huskie Pride - Purchase your very own 'Black in the Days' Homecoming t-shirt or 'NIU Black Alumni' license plate frame today!
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Plan Your Visit - Room blocks for Homecoming can be found at both the Hampton Inn and the Holmes Student Center (815-753-1444; use code: Alumni). Visit the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau for additional hotel recommendations and sites to see.
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Serve as a Vendor at the Black on the Regency on Oct. 4. See information under the Black in the Regency section below.
Click the boxes below for more information about the various aspects of the weekend. Please direct questions to Liz McKee at lmckee1@niu.edu or 815-753-7400.
Black Alumni Council Homecoming Events
Click the boxes below for descriptions of each activity.
Friday, Oct. 3 Black Bowling Again - $ Register Below
Cost: $25
Time: 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Location: Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL, 60178
The event, which features a live DJ, includes two games and shoe rental. A cash bar will be available.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Black to Tailgating - FREE Register Below
Cost: FREE
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Join the NIU Black Alumni Council before the Huskie football team takes on Miami (OH). 'Black to Tailgating' will offer the opportunity for classmates and friends to reconnect and reminisce about their time on campus.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Black in the Regency (Vendors Wanted!) - $ Register Below
Cost: $30 ($40 at the door)
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Location: Holmes Student Center - Regency Room
The event, which features a lineup of DJs and vendors, provides opportunities to play adult-sized games like Jenga, or casino-style games while connecting with your fellow Huskies. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Vendors are encouraged to participate during this event and may apply here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please note that there is a limit of 10 vendors for the event. Food vendors and food samples cannot be accepted due to existing catering contracts.
Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 5 Rhythm and Brunch - $ Register Below
Cost: $30 ($40 at the door)
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Center for Black Studies
The event, which features a live DJ, is the perfect opportunity to share stories, laughs or even your favorite part of Homecoming Weekend. Current NIU students will be invited, so be sure to not only offer encouragement, but celebrate the next generation of Huskies together!
🎟️ Want it all? Snag our limited-time package deal! 🎟️
In honor of NIU’s 118th Homecoming, we’re offering a special bundle that includes access to all four events plus exclusive swag: a “Black in the Days” t-shirt and an NIU Black Alumni license plate frame—all for just $118.
NIU Homecoming Community Events
These events are managed by other NIU campus offices. You will receive event-related details from the party responsible for the event after registering via their website. Check out a complete list of Homecoming events here.
Thursday, Oct. 2 Huskie Homecoming Block Party - FREE
Cost: Free
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown DeKalb 100 - 400 Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL
Local fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join the Huskies for a down-home celebration in downtown DeKalb. The Huskie Homecoming Block Party has something for everyone—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!
No registration required.
Friday, Oct. 3 Homecoming Campus Tour (with the Golden Huskies) - FREE
Cost: Free
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Gabel Hall
The campus tour will depart from the Learning Center in Gabel Hall, stop at different buildings and end back at Gabel Hall. The different stops during the tour will highlight some new buildings on our campus, as well as highlight newly renovated spaces.
Friday, Oct. 3 Huskie Hour with DeKalb County Bold Spirits - $
Cost: $35
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Jonamac Orchard - 19412 Shabbona Rd., Malta, IL 60150
Get into the Homecoming weekend spirit when you join your fellow Huskies and fans for an afternoon of local beverages and fall-inspired appetizers at Jonamac Orchard. Enjoy special cocktails, brews and wine from DeKalb County Bold Spirit partners, live music and a festive atmosphere.