The NIU community once again showed the power of coming together during Huskies United 2026, raising more than half a million dollars through the generosity of over 1,100 donors in support of Northern Illinois University students, programs and priorities. 
 

Huskies United is NIU’s annual Day of Giving, bringing alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends together to invest in the areas that matter most to them. This year’s event clearly demonstrated the impact of collective giving and shared commitment. 
 

A key driver of this year’s success was the completion of 38 giving challenges, which unlocked additional funding and encouraged participation throughout the day. These challenges added momentum and expanded the impact of individual gifts. 
 

The largest challenge was the Tobin Huskie Promise Student Success Challenge. John, ’91, and Ellen Tobin pledged $100,000 to inspire support for student success. When 15 donors made gifts to the Huskie Promise Student Success Fund, the full $100,000 was unlocked — directly strengthening resources that help students persist and thrive. 
 

Early giving was boosted by the Huskies United Alumni Board Challenge, through which the NIU Alumni Association Board donated $5,000 once the first 50 gifts of the day were made. Their commitment helped set the pace and energy for the rest of the event. 
 

Support for academic excellence was also on display through the Chris and Pam McCord CLAS Dean’s Excellence Challenge. Once 50 donors gave to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Excellence Fund or the Chris and Pam McCord CLAS Dean’s Excellence Fund, a generous $50,000 gift from the McCords was unlocked in support of students and programs across the university's largest college.
 

“Huskies United 2026 was nothing short of extraordinary,” shared Meghan McClure Miller, the NIU Foundation's director of annual giving. “The passion our alumni, families, staff and friends have for Northern continues to inspire us, and we are deeply grateful for every gift.” 
 

Across campus, students experienced Huskies United through interactive activities focused on awareness, engagement and fun. Students participated in games, won prizes and climbed aboard NIU’s own version of Cash Cab — a trivia‑style golf cart experience where correct answers unlocked real funds that students directed to the NIU designation of their choice. The activity helped connect students to the immediate impact of philanthropy in a memorable way. 
 

Watch the Cash Cab video to see the excitement in action. 
 

The generosity from Huskies United helps move NIU forward and ensures that Huskies can take their next steps with confidence. Each gift makes a meaningful difference for the college, scholarship or program it supports while also fueling NIU’s historic campaign, FORWARD.
 

As a thank you, donors who gave $25 or more during Huskies United received their choice of custom NIU socks — and those who donated $50 or more earned both pairs. Together, Huskies truly made this year’s Day of Giving sock‑cessful.
 

Thank you to everyone who gave, shared and participated in Huskies United 2026. When Huskies unite, the impact reaches far beyond a single day. 
 

For more information on Huskies United, please click here.