Student Spotlight: Arianna Fuchs '25
By Tony Scott

Arianna Fuchs is grateful for her NIU experience.(Photo provided by Arianna Fuchs)

When Arianna Fuchs, ’25, reflects on her journey at NIU, one word comes to mind: gratitude.
 

A first-generation college student from McHenry, Illinois, Fuchs is pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and is expected to graduate in May 2027. Along with her undergraduate degree from NIU, she holds an associate degree from McHenry County College.

Along the way, scholarships have transformed her educational experience, allowing her to focus on learning, leadership and professional growth rather than financial pressures. Fuchs received the Steven and Elizabeth Young Family Scholarship for Community College Transfer Students, the Randall N. Beck Memorial Scholarship and the Peter and Corinne Magnoni Endowed Scholarship in Business.

"Scholarships helped me tremendously in completing my degrees," Fuchs said. "I was able to rely on scholarships for funding instead of working through my degree."

For Fuchs, earning a college degree represents more than a personal achievement. Neither of her parents attended college. Her mother is a cosmetologist, and her father works in the fuel industry. Their encouragement helped her pursue opportunities they never had themselves.
 

Her path to earning her degrees has also included personal hardships, including the death of her 19-year-old brother, Jack, in 2024. Through difficult moments and significant milestones alike, she remained committed to her goals and continued building a future grounded in purpose and perseverance.

Drawn to NIU by its strong business programs and proximity to home, Fuchs quickly found opportunities to expand her impact beyond the classroom. Today, she serves as a teaching assistant in the Master of Science in Digital Marketing program, supporting social media initiatives, outreach efforts and events. She also works with students enrolled in Principles of Marketing and Principles of Digital Marketing courses, helping the next generation of marketers develop foundational skills.

Her commitment to serving others extends across campus. As the College of Business student representative on the Graduate Council, Fuchs advocates on behalf of graduate students and helps elevate their perspectives in discussions that shape the university experience.

"There, I am able to voice my own opinion, as well as other graduate business students' opinions to evoke change," she said.

Fuchs has also pursued hands-on learning opportunities that prepared her for a career in marketing. During her undergraduate years, she completed an internship as an event coordinator at Acquaviva Winery and has volunteered her expertise to help local DeKalb businesses strengthen their digital presence.

Throughout her time at NIU, mentorship has played an important role in her development. She credits Jaclyn Crawford, director of digital marketing programs, as a mentor.

"She has done so much for me, and I'm so grateful I get to help her right back," Fuchs said.

After graduation, Fuchs hopes to build a career that allows her to combine her professional, creative and digital skills. She also hopes others will continue investing in scholarships that open doors for students like her.

"Supporting scholarships is truly life-changing for students,” she said. “I am endlessly grateful to the donors of scholarships that I've earned, and I continue to carry that gratitude with me."

For Fuchs, donor support provided far more than financial assistance. It created opportunities to lead, learn and prepare for a future where she can make a meaningful impact, helping to fortify the future for the communities and organizations she will one day serve.

To help Huskies like Arianna achieve their goals, please visit the NIU Forward website.