: Aerial view of NIU’s East campus as seen from the Holmes Student Center Skyroom late last week. (Photo by Jack McCarthy/ DeKalb Journal)

The following is a schedule of events Northern Illinois University in DeKalb has planned to mark its 125th anniversary.

Jan. 30

125th Anniversary Kick-Off and Reception, Holmes Student Center, 3 p.m.

Enjoy some refreshments, historical displays and time with Mission (and mini Mish) before joining us for the official kick-off program for the 125th anniversary

Feb. 4

125th Anniversary Exhibit Reception, Founders Memorial Library, 5 p.m.

The exhibition, Becoming Huskies, highlights the transitions and traditions, moments and events that have led to our growth and identity as Huskies today.

125th Anniversary Celebration at NIU Naperville, 5:30 p.m.

Stop by to enjoy some Huskie-themed treats to help celebrate NIU’s 125th anniversary.

Feb. 5

125th Anniversary Celebration at NIU Rockford, 11 a.m.

Stop by to enjoy some Huskie-themed treats to help celebrate NIU’s 125th anniversary.

125th Anniversary Celebration at NIU Hoffman Estates, 5:30 p.m.

Stop by to enjoy some Huskie-themed treats to help celebrate NIU’s 125th anniversary.

Feb. 18

Diversity Dialogues: Groundbreakers, Holmes Student Center, Sandburg Auditorium, 7 p.m.

A journey of the beginnings of diversity at NIU. This Dialogue on Diversity will feature alumni ground breakers who paved the way for the way for the diversity resources on campus.

Feb. 22

Spring Homecoming, Convocation Center, 1 and 3 p.m.

Return to campus to cheer on the Huskies women’s and men’s basketball teams take on Central Michigan! 1:00 PM – Women’s Basketball 3:30 PM – Men’s Basketball

March 24

Women at Northern: The First 25 years, Holmes Student Center, Sandburg Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

A dramatized lecture based on the research of Barbara Cole Peters. This one-night performance in celebration of Women’s History Month will draw the audience…

April 4

125th Anniversary Celebration Southeast Asian Performing Arts, Music Building, Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

This concert showcases selected Southeast Asian Performing Arts to honor the university’s deep connection to Southeast Asia, the Center for Southeast Asian…

May 28

Crimson Days: The Early Story of NIU Exhibition reception, Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center, 6:30 p.m.

The exhibit documents the decision to select DeKalb as the home of Northern Illinois State Normal School.

June 4

Constructing the Castle, Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center, noon.

This panel discussion will investigate the founders of the Northern Illinois State Normal School and the steps taken to bring the school to DeKalb. The lecture coincides with the exhibit, “Crimson Days: The Early Story of NIU” in the second floor galleries of the Ellwood House Visitor Center.

July 12-18

NIU Week in Chicago

NIU’s 125th Anniversary will be celebrated in the city of Chicago with a pop-up store, performances by some of our talented students, a celebratory alumni reception, and more.

July 15

Campus Anniversary Celebration, Holmes Student Center, 11 a.m.

Stop by the ground floor of the Holmes Student Center to eat some cake to celebrate the day that DeKalb was chosen as the location for what became Northern Illinois University.

River Weaving Exhibit Opening, Music Building, parking lot

An informal lecture and discussion while we stroll along the mighty Kish discussing the River Weaving Project, Environmental Art, and the importance of the Kishwaukee River during the selection process that landed DeKalb the institution that today is known as Northern Illinois University.

Sept. 24

History of Political Activism, Altgeld Hall, Room 315, 7 p.m.

As the 2020 presidential election approaches, this roundtable discussion will examine the role political activism has played on campus throughout its history with a particular focus on the last 50 years.

Oct. 6

Diversity Dialogues: Breaking New Ground, Holmes Student Center, Regency Room, 7 p.m.

As we embrace the diversity that has served as one of the cornerstones of NIU, this Diversity Dialogue will celebrate our modern milestones, including perspectives from faculty, staff and students.

Nov. 4

NIU Transforms into an Electronic Century, Holmes Student Center, Skyroom, 3 p.m.

This lecture will explore the evolution of technology at NIU and how it can change the future. Part of the 125th Anniversary Lecture Series.

Nov. 20

Seven Ages of Man—An Avalon String Quartet concert, Music Building, Boutell Concert Hall, 7 p.m.

This piece, specially commissioned by the College of Visual and Performing Arts in honor of NIU’s 125th anniversary.

Dec. 1

125th Anniversary Closing Convication, Altgeld Hall, Auditorium, 3 p.m.

Anniversary year closes.