Northern Illinois University Athletics once again invites all friends, supporters and alumni to show their support for NIU student-athletes and intercollegiate sports programs during Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving, beginning Monday, October 24, through Friday, October 28.
While unrestricted contributions remain the primary focus, donations toward specific programs and facilities are critical in advancing the future of NIU Athletics. This year’s goal for the Week of Giving is $500,000. Huskies Invest includes the opportunity to support any – or many – of the Huskies’ 17 sports programs, specific facility projects (Walt & Janice Owens Park, Basketball Locker Rooms, Softball Dugout), NIU spirit groups (Huskie Marching Band, Silverettes, Cheer), NIU Recreation and Club Sports, and specific student-athlete support areas (Sports Performance, Athletic Training, Academic Support).
In addition, the new Women’s Excellence Fund, established in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, provides operational funds to NIU’s women’s sports programs, while unrestricted gifts to the Huskie Athletic Fund are critical in helping address the department’s most pressing needs.
The annual fundraiser has become a pillar of philanthropic efforts for the athletics department at NIU. In its first five years, Huskies Invest has raised more than $2.3 million in support of NIU student-athletes.
Last year alone, with Huskies Invest as the catalyst, the department was able to renovate the home of NIU tennis, now the Nelson Tennis Center, install new field turf at the NIU Soccer/Track & Field Complex and initiate Phase 1 of the Walt & Janice Owens Park project with the addition of a turf infield (currently underway).
This year, completing the renovation of the basketball locker rooms, upgrading the softball dugouts, replacing the wrestling mats and updating the Yordon Center are among some of the projects that will help to advance those programs moving forward.
“We are so thankful for everyone who has participated in Huskies Invest over the years, making it one of our most successful annual fundraising efforts,” said Sean T. Frazier, NIU Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. “The work, though, is never done as we continuously strive to provide NIU student-athletes with the resources and facilities that enable them to compete for championships.
“One of my favorite things about Huskies Invest is the complete menu of areas that donors can choose to support, from sports programs to NIU Recreation and Club Sports, to spirit groups, different departments and facility projects. I’m excited about the addition of the Women’s Excellence Fund and of course, unrestricted gifts continue to be a priority and provide us with much needed flexibility to address areas with the most need.”
Throughout the week, Huskies Invest will be showcased through the department’s social media platforms including on NIU Athletics Official YouTube Channel (NIUAthleticsOfficial), in shows like NIU Weekly with messaging primarily focused on Huskie student athlete stories shown through videos, graphics and photos.
Click here to donate now and track gifts and progress at NIUHuskies.com/HuskiesInvest2022. For more information, to participate in Huskies Invest or to discuss giving opportunities, contact the Huskie Athletic Fund at huskieathleticfund@niu.edu or by calling 815-753-1923 to speak with a staff member between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.