The Campaign for NIU Geology and Environmental Geosciences:
The Present is the Key to the Future
In fall 2019, the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences at Northern Illinois University proudly celebrates its Golden Anniversary and 50 years of studying the Earth. Since its inception in 1969, the department has developed students into versatile, creative graduates who use a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge to solve complex geoscientific problems.
In honor of a half-century of academic excellence, and looking forward to ensuring that tradition continues for many years to come, the NIU Foundation is excited to launch the Campaign for Geology and Environmental Geosciences: The Present is the Key to the Future. With an eye towards making it possible for more students to pursue their dreams of careers in Geology and Environmental Geosciences, the campaign will focus on raising funds and ensuring resources for student financial aid, summer field schools and other hands-on learning experiences.
Gifts to the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences can be made in several ways, including direct gifts, multi-year pledges, corporate matching gifts and appreciated securities. Donors are critical in making an immediate impact. A pledge to support annually for up to five years is especially valuable in helping the department plan strategically for the future. Make your gift here today.
Inspired by the Ankenbauer's gift and the support of alumni and friends of the department, several generous donors will be offering the opportunity to amplify your gifts to the Campaign for NIU Geology and Environmental Geosciences on the upcoming NIU Day of Giving. Check your inboxes and social media for more information on how you can help unlock even more support for the department.
Our graduate students are doing innovative, exciting and valuable research. Read recent highlights and results of their graduate studies here.
Nicole LaDue, assistant professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, is transforming the way Introductory Geology is taught at NIU. Find out how her immersive teaching style is benefiting students here.
For more information about multi-year pledges, gifts of appreciated stock or major and estate giving, please contact Ray Earl-Jackson, director of advancement for the college of liberal arts and sciences.
Gil Ankenbauer gives back to the department that gave him so much
When reflecting on his life, Gil Ankenbauer (B.S. ’73, M.S. ’75) identifies his time at NIU as transformational in more ways than one. NIU is where he studied under Dr. Samuel S. Goldich and developed his passion for geology; it’s where he made and deepened friendships that would follow him through his long and successful career in the oil and gas industry and; most importantly, it’s where he met and fell in love with his wife, Jenny.
In honor of this exciting time in the department’s history, and with an eye on securing the department’s future success, Ankenbauer and his wife are joining the Campaign for NIU Geology and Environmental Geosciences with their own unique challenge.
“Jenny and I are proud to announce that we are partnering with the department and issuing the ‘50 for 50’ Challenge. We pledge to match dollar-for-dollar every gift to any fund within the department up to $50,000,” Ankenbauer says.
“The Department needs our help and depends on philanthropy because of significant decreases in state and federal funding support,” he continues. “I hope that the 50th Anniversary Campaign will exceed its financial goal for support and connect alumni, faculty and students. Gifts and donations from a successful campaign will provide a long-lasting change for the department, faculty and students.”
Read more about Gil Ankenbauer and what inspired him to give back here.