The eighth annual Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving saw a record 1,000 gifts and more than $1.05 million raised in support of Northern Illinois University Athletics, Recreation and more. On Monday, NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics & Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced the final tally for this year’s Week of Giving, held from October 21-25.

The annual fundraising initiative, which began in 2017 with a modest goal of $100,000, surpassed the $1 million mark for the fourth consecutive year in 2024 with a grand total of $1,059,863 thanks to the generous contributions of 471 unique donors. That figure represents the second-highest giving total in the history of Huskies Invest, with more than $5.5 million raised all-time.

“To everyone who participated in this year’s Huskies Invest, THANK YOU,” Frazier said. “Your support of our programs, and more importantly, NIU student-athletes who are directly impacted by your gifts, is simply outstanding!  The growth of Huskies Invest over the past eight years has been extremely important and is even more critical today as we navigate this uncertain and challenging time in college athletics. We are immensely grateful for the commitment of so many to this Week of Giving.”

Donors like Dominick Archer and Jason Hawkins, a football student-athlete at NIU from 2001-04, said they have seen the impact donations from efforts like Huskies Invest can make.

“I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to work with many NIU student-athletes in the classroom, on athletic planning committees and during various volunteer activities to inspire me to support NIU Athletics during Huskies Invest,” Archer said. “As a long-time supporter, I’ve seen firsthand how contributions make a transformational impact on the lives of our student-athletes. It’s not just about winning games, it’s about shaping leaders and building a community that stands for resilience, hard work and integrity. Every donation strengthens the foundation of what it means to be a Huskie.”

“As a NIU Football alum, I know how vital support from Huskie Nation is,” Hawkins said. “I’ve supported [Huskies Invest] because I believe in paying it forward and ensuring that today’s student-athletes have the same opportunities I did.”

NIU student-athletes thanked donors for the opportunities and experiences provided to them thanks to donations received during Huskies Invest.

“Thanks to all the donors who participated in Huskies Invest which helps provide opportunities for student-athletes for travel, for different experiences, for nutrition, and support outside of our sport through academics, athletic training and sports medicine,” said NIU women’s basketball senior Sidney McCrea. “So many athletes have had so many opportunities because of [our donors] and we really appreciate all that you do to make the Huskie student-athlete experience the best that it can be.”

“Huskies Invest has had a huge impact on my experience as a student-athlete at NIU,” said NIU senior Caroline Kent, a member of the Huskie women’s golf team. “The support we receive allows us to be competitive both in the classroom and on the golf course. It has given me the resources to excel academically while providing me the opportunity to perform my best in golf. Huskie Nation’s support truly makes a difference, and it’s what helps us keep striving for excellence.”

During Huskies Invest, supporters were able to direct their donations to 29 different efforts, from individual sports programs to NIU Recreation and Club Sports, spirit group and support area budgets as well as the 1899 Club. In addition, the 2024 Week of Giving featured several matching gift challenges supporting multiple sports programs which accounted for $50,000 in bonus funds from a number of generous donors.

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