A Celebration of Generosity

Celebration of Generosity Event looking down on the ballroom in Altgeld Hall

On Friday, Sept. 30, historic Altgeld Auditorium was alive with excitement and gratitude as many of the University’s most loyal and generous donors gathered for a “Celebration of Generosity,” an event designed to honor members of the University’s most prestigious giving society, the Founders Forum.

The evening’s theme was “Coming to NIU,” and guests enjoyed dinner, musical performances by NIU Foundation Scholarship recipients, remarks by NIU President, Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, and an inspiring video message from NIU students describing their individual journeys to NIU.

The NIU Foundation Founders Forum is named in honor of Northern Illinois University’s founding figures and recognizes those whose lifetime generosity has made a significant impact at NIU.

The impact of donations from Founders Forum members is visible throughout campus. Their support can be seen in the dedication of new buildings, in the awarding of student scholarships, in the strengthening of academic and athletic programs, and in the outstanding faculty who hold the prestigious positions these generous individuals endow. And that impact continues through the generosity of the 39 new and upgraded members recently welcomed to the society.

“The unprecedented generosity of members of the Founders Forum inspires many,” said Catherine Squires, President and CEO of the NIU Foundation. “That generosity is the reason our community of donors continues to grow,” she said.

Squires added that the impact of philanthropy “will resonate throughout NIU for generations.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Since 2005, NIU donors have provided more than $130M of donations to support students. $23.3M of that total was provided during our last fiscal year alone.

“It is because of you that we are where we are today,” Squires said, adding, “our original founders would be proud of what we have become and our vision for the future.”

On behalf of the University, NIU President Dr. Lisa C. Freeman expressed her gratitude to the group, “Tonight, we celebrate your impact on our many students who are working hard every day to achieve their dreams. I hope that knowing the profound impact of your support on our students gratifies and fulfills each and every one of you.”

She added, “No matter what area you choose to support, whether it be strategic initiatives, innovative programming, outstanding faculty, experiential learning, technology and facility enhancement, athletics, or essential academic resources, it all impacts our students and provides opportunities for better experiences, and better lives, for our students.”

View photos from the event here.