NIU Foundation

Get involved with NIU

Thank you for your interest in becoming an NIU alumni volunteer. NIU is always looking for engaged alumni willing to volunteer their time and talents to help give back to their alma mater. Please take a few moments to review the volunteer categories below before creating your NIU Nexus profile, which will allow us to contact you about upcoming volunteer opportunities that match your interests. Or click here to view current volunteer opportunities with NIU. Thank you, and #GoHuskies!

NIU Nexus FAQ:

What is NIU Nexus?

NIU Nexus serves as the connecting point (e.g. nexus) between alumni interested in volunteering with their alma mater and current volunteer opportunities that exist at NIU. Alumni volunteers provide real value to NIU through a variety of volunteer roles and opportunities, ranging from prospective student recruitment to providing real-world job experience. Please review the volunteer categories below to find the best fit for your volunteering interests.

How do I volunteer?

Alumni simply create an NIU Nexus profile with the NIU Alumni Association to help us understand your volunteer interests and professional expertise. Upon completion, NIU Alumni Association staff will review your profile and then connect you with opportunities suited to your interests. You may also click here to find the latest volunteer opportunities with NIU. If you currently volunteer with NIU through another opportunity please e-mail alums@niu.edu and let us know.

Can I volunteer if I don't live near campus?

Don't worry, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities that are appropriate for alumni at all stages and places in their lives! You can volunteer on campus, around the northern Illinois region or remotely.

How can I apply for a thank-you gift for an alumni volunteer?

Faculty, staff and students who utilize alumni volunteers are eligible for an NIU Nexus alumni volunteer appreciation pack. In order to apply, please complete this form.

Still have questions? Contact Liz McKee, director of alumni volunteer engagement, at lmckee1@niu.edu or 815-753-7400.

Volunteer Categories

Help us grow the pack. Share your success story with prospective NIU students through alumni-centered recruitment opportunities, ranging from the simple act of referring a Huskie to NIU to hosting a sendoff in your area for new freshmen leaving for NIU.

Join one of our alumni affinity groups! Affinity groups bring together alumni with similar backgrounds and interests. Each group offers a unique opportunity for its members to network and promote their own special interests. Learn more...

Leadership positions exist at a variety of levels on campus, though most require a formal election. Involvement in other NIU Nexus activities will help you plug in to leadership opportunities. Indicate your interest in a leadership opportunity when you complete your volunteer profile and alert staff of your desire.

Equip students for success in the professional world by supporting career readiness opportunities, including mock interviews and hosting interns at your place of work.

Share your real-world experience and professional expertise with faculty, staff or students. Opportunities are limited, so please indicate your interest in being connected so that our staff can let you know when the appropriate opening arises.

Support important functions at critical mission events. Opportunities include being a research symposium judge or performing service in your community on our annual day of service, NIU Cares Day. Learn more...

Champion NIU’s cause by sharing your Huskie pride and NIU success stories both in person and online through our social media ambassador program, NIUniverse, or networking within your community.

Keep your alma mater relevant in important political conversation through legislative advocacy at all levels.

Help NIU connect with other alumni. NIU Nexus recruiters are provided with recruitment cards to share with alumni they meet all over the world.