Huskies United Student Spotlight: Riley Day
By Tony Scott
Riley Day received scholarships to aid her in her educational pursuits. (Photo by Riley Day)
Riley Day aims to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual communication and a minor in marketing.
"My ultimate career goal is to become a creative director, earn my master’s degree, and eventually teach at a university after I have built real experience in the field," she said. "Before that, I would love to explore different areas like marketing, branding, advertising, and packaging design so I can experience it all and grow into a well-rounded designer."
Day received scholarships to help offset her financial burdens, including from the O’Malley Pugh Endowment Fund.
“Receiving scholarships made it possible for me to focus more on my education and less on financial stress,” Day said. “When I learned I was receiving aid, I felt an enormous sense of relief and gratitude. It allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my academic and personal goals.”
Donors will have the opportunity to fund scholarships, as well as faculty and programs, during the upcoming Huskies United Day of Giving, April 1 and 2.
Day grew up in Cary, Illinois, with her mom and her brother, Tyler Day, ’23, who was the first in their family to attend college.
“Following in my brother’s footsteps and attending NIU has been very meaningful to me,” she said.
Day chose NIU because it was close to home and offered a strong visual communication program. While at NIU, she has been involved in the university’s chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, serving as the chapter’s vice president of web development and analytics.
“This experience has allowed me to practice my web design skills, build professional connections and grow as a person,” she said. “It has strengthened my confidence and prepared me for future opportunities in design and marketing.”
Day called out her design instructor, Wendy Tritt, as a faculty member who has supported her journey.
“She pushes me to do my best while also being incredibly kind and uplifting,” Day said of Tritt. “She truly believes in her students and her confidence in me has helped shaped the designer I am today.”
When Day crosses the stage this May, she will carry more than a degree. She will carry the gratitude for the scholarship support that has made her journey possible. And, everything she does next will carry that momentum forward.
To support students like Lily through scholarships, faculty and programs during the Huskies United Day of Giving, click here.