Northern Illinois University’s bright future will be sustained and advanced by research, innovation and artistry, fueled by the support of its alumni, friends and generous donors.

Hundreds gathered on Saturday, June 14, at the NIU Convocation Center for a special and inspirational event – the public launch of Forward: The Campaign for NIU.

Forward is the campaign to raise $300 million to support NIU student success, faculty excellence and community engagement. The success of the campaign is already evidenced by the $164.6 million raised to date since 2022. The campaign is expected to run through 2030. 

The campaign includes three major commitments: Expanding Transformational Experiences, Inspiring Discovery and Innovation and Fortifying Our Future. Each commitment includes marquee projects from across campus that relate to the themes of the commitments. 

Spearheading the effort are campaign chairpersons Raymond L. Banks, M.S. ’86 and Dr. Eric Erickson, Cherilyn G. Murer, J.D. ’78 and Manny Sanchez ’70 and Pat Pulido Sanchez. 

Erickson told attendees, “Together with these individuals and many more over the next several years, we will serve as lead advocates and champions of the campaign’s vision; make our own meaningful philanthropic commitment; leverage our networks to engage new donors and cultivate campaign momentum; and support university leadership in donor engagement and stewardship.”

Those who attended the launch event were treated to an experiential celebration of innovation and creativity featuring programs, students and faculty from throughout NIU.

The event included engagement zones—immersive and interactive spaces designed to bring NIU experiences and projects to life. Visitors engaged with students, faculty and university leaders via hands-on experiences and storytelling.

NIU President Lisa C. Freeman left attendees with a powerful message as the university moves Forward.

“As we officially launch the Forward campaign, I encourage us all to consider the roles we can play,” she said. “Reflect on your own NIU journey. Think about the game-changers—the professor, the team, the community…an unexpected opportunity…or the precise moment that gave you the confidence and support to pursue your path. Picture how you now can be the game-changer and pay it forward. That is the power of NIU.”

Just imagine the students, faculty researchers and others touched by NIU who will benefit from supporting the campaign, Freeman said.

“The students who dream about being the first in their family to go to college, or the students needing a little extra support in their final semester to get them across the finish line,” she said. “Faculty researchers on the cusp of breakthroughs, or student entrepreneurs with innovative ideas worth exploring and nurturing. Hard-working student-athletes balancing rigorous academics and training, aspiring teachers preparing to teach our youth, music majors composing their first score or student nurses and audiologists gaining hands-on experience in a community clinic.”

Freeman said donors’ commitment changes lives and trajectories. 

“I ask you to join us in contributing to the Forward campaign and investing in the positive impact of NIU,” she said. “Your support matters and is deeply appreciated. Together, we will move NIU forward—with purpose, with pride and with the unwavering belief that our greatest impact is still ahead.”

NIU Foundation CEO and President Catherine Squires, who is retiring later this month after 10 years, said it is more important than ever to give to NIU and sustain its future.

“In a world that’s constantly shifting, with climate, economies and communities under pressure, it’s more important than ever that we learn to adapt by growing the resources that sustain us,” she said. “Our responsibility extends far beyond our campus borders. We are committed to boosting the well-being of our entire community and of communities across the globe, now and for generations to come.”

Michael Daigler, the NIU Foundation’s associate vice president and chief operating officer, who will take over as its president and CEO on July 1, praised those attending who have supported and continue to support NIU.

“Each of you in this room represents something extraordinary,” he said. “Through your generosity, you’ve helped open doors, spark ideas, and transform lives. You’ve fueled dreams and turned possibilities into realities—for students, for faculty and for the future of Northern Illinois University.”

Ray Earl-Jackson, the Foundation’s current associate vice president of advancement and chief development officer, set to become the vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement on July 1, said with Forward: The Campaign for NIU, all Huskies worldwide will need to think about how they can make a positive impact for the betterment of the campus, faculty, students and community.

Earl-Jackson also expressed gratitude to all who have lifted up NIU and its students.

“Your support isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s felt in every classroom, every research lab, every student’s success story,” he said. “On behalf of the entire NIU community, thank you. Thank you for believing in what we do and, more importantly, in who we are.”

For more information, or to learn how you can make your impact through Forward: The Campaign for NIU, visit niuforward.com.