Once again, Huskies United to do the impossible! Together, our alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University brought in $1,104,426 during our annual Huskies United day of giving, on June 22-23. This total exceeded expectations and topped last year's total giving, when just over $1 million was raised.
 

It only took the Huskie Nation 1,895 minutes to drum up this outstanding support, and the impact will live on for months and years ahead. These 1,324 gifts will fuel NIU students and faculty through selfless donations to specific programs, centers and campus partners that make a positive difference to University life. 
 
As all Huskies know, an NIU education encompasses more than just time in the classroom. It also relies on new experiences, getting involved and working for a better future. Huskies United provides critical support for the campus departments, units and centers that bring the college experience to life and help students of all majors emerge as thoughtful, engaged global citizens. In addition, Huskies United gifts will go to fund scholarships for students from all walks of life, including those who could not attend college without support, as well as building an inclusive campus environment where everyone respects the value and dignity of all of its members.
 

This year, there was a special emphasis on helping the NIU Foundation grow its Northern Fund, which provides flexible funding and bridges gaps for the University. Two giving challenges were created and met for the Northern Fund during Huskies United. Dan, ’87, and Diane Calkins created a $30,000 Northern Fund challenge, which unlocked when 200 gifts were made during Huskies United.  Alumna Amy Fahey, ’84, also created a Northern Fund challenge, which unlocked $50,000 when 400 gifts were made. There were a total of 19 giving challenges created for Huskies United, many from NIU faculty and staff.    
 

“Huskies United never ceases to amaze me,” said Michael Adzovic, senior director of operations and annual giving. “I hope our donors understand the poignant impact their investment will have on our students and faculty. Their generosity means so much to so many and will have a ripple effect of goodness in our world.”  
 

In addition to our donors, 109 committed Huskies United ambassadors played a special role in the day of giving. As always, these individuals used their own networks and social circles to create a "buzz" about the event and drive even more donations. Together, this group brought in over 262 gifts and raised a total of $28,477—a new record from previous Huskies United giving days.
  
Thank you to all who gave time and funds to make Huskies United such an important success! For more information on Huskies United, please visit the website:  https://dog.niu.edu.