NIU Northern Lights Award
An Alumni Volunteer Award in Honor of Liz McSpadden
Liz McSpadden was a Huskie through and through and exemplified what the Huskie Spirit is all about.
(Photo: McSpadden family)
Alumni from around the world support the pack by dedicating both time and talent through various Northern Illinois University volunteer opportunities. From sending notes of encouragement to students, helping develop their professional skill sets, connecting through speaking engagements, supporting the Huskie Food Pantry, and so much more--we are proud to have such a dedicated alumni network!
The NIU Northern Lights Award has been established to recognize those exemplary volunteers while honoring the spirit of faithful volunteer Liz McSpadden ’10, M.B.A. ’16, who continued to show up for her alma mater throughout her battle with cancer. Everyone is welcome to nominate an NIU alumnus/alumna and/or friend of NIU who has demonstrated at least two out of the five award characteristics in their volunteer service with NIU. Read more about Liz and the award parameters below:
for the Here For the Girls calendar.
(Photo: McSpadden family)
Liz McSpadden’s Story:
Liz McSpadden was a double Huskie (B.S. in accountancy and M.B.A.), who went above and beyond the call of service--volunteering 22 times in the six years before her passing in 2024. She supported current students in their personal and professional development and helped prospective students see the value of the NIU experience. Liz was also dedicated to enriching the lives of NIU students and took the initiative to develop relationships with the Circle K International and Lambda Sigma Lambda Honors Society, two NIU community service student organizations.
She advocated for those battling cancer, her "Pink Ribbon Sisters," and supported her community through sock drives for HallieStrong, charitable giving campaigns through the Poundcake Bakery for Here For the Girls (H4TG), walks for cancer, advocacy for Stage IV Cancer research, volunteering for animal welfare organizations, and so much more.
Liz wasn't just an inspiration--she was a wife, daughter, sister, friend, dog lover, and advocate. Her memory is honored by her family, the support network she dubbed "Team Sunshine," and all who were touched by her spirit. Liz McSpadden wasn't just a beacon of joy and perseverance; she was also someone who supported and inspired so many others.
– Liz McSpadden
Liz McSpadden at her NIU graduation.
(Photo: McSpadden family)
Award Criteria & Information:
The NIU Northern Lights Award honors those who follow Liz's example and embody the spirit of...
• Generosity – Goes above and beyond in their support of the NIU mission and volunteer expectations.
• Initiative – Seeks and/or creates their own opportunities to support their community through volunteerism.
• Reliability – Demonstrates integrity; follows through on their commitments; and is someone staff, students, and fellow volunteers can count on.
• Joyfulness – Positively impacts those around them with their joy, high spirits, and passion.
• Curiosity – Embraces new ideas and opportunities with excitement and an open mind.
...through volunteering their time, talents, and selves across various NIU volunteer opportunities.
Nominations open on Liz's Birthday, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, and are accepted through Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Nominees will be selected in March, and the final award recipient(s) will be announced in April. Additional details will be provided after the final nomination announcements.
Nominate an NIU Volunteer for the Northern Lights Award