You won't want to miss A Day at Holmes: Huskie Homecoming Employee Bash! Inspired by the popular Night at Holmes student events, this special Homecoming celebration is designed exclusively for NIU employees and offers a fun opportunity to connect with colleagues, relax, and enjoy a variety of interactive experiences throughout the Holmes Student Center.

The university supports this activity as an important way to celebrate and have fun with colleagues as a part of festivities occurring throughout the week of Homecoming. Accordingly, the university has authorized a release period of up to two hours for Operating Staff and SPS employees who may request to attend the event. Release time is subject to operational requirements and should be prearranged by the employee with their supervisor. We recognize that coverage matters, and we appreciate your partnership in making attendance at this event possible for your teams. 

Start your visit by checking in at the Capitol Room, where you'll receive 2 tickets (🎟) to participate in two of the following four special take-away activities:

• A custom portrait by a professional caricature artist
• Building your own plush Huskie
• Creating a personalized NIU-themed street sign
• Designing a beautiful terrarium

Then, explore activities and attractions throughout the building:

Duke Ellington Ballroom
Jump into the fun with:

• 🎟 Plush Huskie Workshop
• 🎟 Professional Caricature Artists
• 🎟 NIU-themed street sign booth
• Pickleball
• Victor E. Threads Pop-Up Shop
• Throwback Video Games with NIU Esports
• Photo Opportunities with Mission and Victor E.
• Fresh Popcorn and Cotton Candy
• Operating Staff Council and Supportive Professional Staff Council table

Regency Room
Unwind and recharge in a relaxing wellness-focused space featuring:

• Wellness Space presented by Northwestern Medicine
• 🎟 Terrarium Workshop with Blumen Gardens
• Therapy Dogs
• Puzzles
• NIU-Themed Coloring Sheets
• Massage Chairs
• Employee Wellness Resources
• Appreciation Card Making
• Lo-Fi Beats and Relaxation

Carl Sandburg Auditorium
Test your knowledge and compete for bragging rights with:

• Bingo - games begin at 1:30 and 3:15
• Trivia - games begin at 2:15 and 4:00

Whether you're looking for friendly competition, creative activities, wellness experiences, or simply a chance to spend time with coworkers, there's something for everyone at A Day at Holmes. Stop by, join the fun, and celebrate Homecoming with your fellow Huskies!

Donations will be accepted at this event for No Huskie Goes Hungry, our campaign to support the Huskie Food Pantry, Huskie Harvest, and Edible Campus gardens. When you make any donation, you will get an official Homecoming sticker. Donations of $119 get a custom NIU Notebook.

A Day at Holmes: Homecoming Employee Bash is proudly presented by the NIU Foundation.

The Wellness Space at Day at Holmes  is proudly sponsored by Northwestern Medicine.