Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving, Northern Illinois University Athletics’ annual fall fundraising campaign, raised more than $1 million in support of Huskie student-athletes, programs and projects, NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics & Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced Friday. Thanks to the generous contributions of NIU donors, this year’s Week of Giving, held from October 24-28, brought in 358 gifts and surpassed the $1 million mark for the second consecutive year.

“Thank you to all of our alumni, supporters and members of the Huskie family, including our coaches and staff, who participated in Huskies Invest and once again stepped up to exceed our expectations,” Frazier said.  “Every gift makes a difference, and we genuinely appreciate each, and every one of them!”

The initial goal of Huskies Invest for 2022 was set at $500,000. When that goal was met, the momentum built until, for the second time in as many years, the $1 million mark was eclipsed.

During the Week of Giving, student-athletes, coaches, Hall of Famers and others were featured in a series of videos posted on social media via NIU Athletics Official YouTube Channel, and fans were able to check the website as the amount donated and number of donors kept climbing toward – and ultimately past – the initial $500,000 goal.

“Last year, Huskies Invest served as a catalyst for several facility projects,” Frazier said. “Thanks to the success of this year’s campaign, we are hopeful we can complete a number of the projects in the months ahead. Thanks to our supporters and their love for NIU Athletics and Huskie student-athletes, we have taken a big step forward, while recognizing there is always more work to be done as we build on the great tradition of NIU Athletics.”

Donations will help subsidize a wide variety of efforts, from individual sports program to spirit group budgets and facility projects, including upgrades to the basketball locker room and softball dugouts, Yordon Center renovations, Walt & Janice Owens Baseball Park and more. In addition, monies designated toward the unrestricted fund will be directed toward the department’s top priorities to benefit the greatest number of student-athletes across all programs.

While the 2022 Week of Giving is over, the need remains, Frazier said.

“Huskies Invest is so critical to what we do,” he said. “Our ability to leverage philanthropy to meet the challenges ahead makes all the difference for Huskie student-athletes.  I’m incredibly appreciative to all those involved as we continue to move NIU forward.”

To learn more about the Huskie Athletic Fund and additional ways to support NIU Athletics, go to HuskieAthleticFund.com or call 815-753-1923, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.