NIU Foundation

Latest News

Chicago radio’s Mary Dixon, ’87, is big news

“Putting together solid, creative newscasts is like doing a puzzle—and then you bust it up and start all over again in 20 minutes."
Actress Joan Allen Reflects on Her Huskie Work Ethic

After four decades of stage and screen acting, Allen has not forgotten what she learned from NIU theater classes.
Rachel Stuehm, Au.D. ’19, Advocates for Audiology Patients on Capitol Hill

Stuehm, along with dozens of other audiologists, has advocated for the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act in Washington, D.C.
From NIU to HBO, Matt Walsh, ’87, Makes It Up as He Goes Along

Getting his start at NIU, Walsh has gone on to star in, write, produce and direct dozens of stage, TV and film projects.
For Automation Expert James Mortell, ’15, the Future is Now

James Mortell, ’15, works amongst robots, but it does not faze him. As a product engineer for Omron, an electronics company based in Kyoto, Japan, it is all in a day’s work.
Christopher Hennessy, ’91, Goes the Distance to Serve Others

Hennessy helps others as a partner at Cozen O'Connor and as president of the board of CARA.
Kateri Gullifor, M.S. ’11, Named Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction

Illinois teacher Kateri Gullifor, M.S. ’11, was named 2019 Teacher of the Year by Braille Institute for her work with the Huntley Community School District 158 in Algonquin, Illinois, since 2013.
Journalist, Political Insider and Legal Reformer, Ed Murnane, ’66, Got His Start at NIU

Beginning as a journalist, venturing into the world of American politics, and finally serving as an advocate for legal reform through the Illinois Civil Justice League, Ed Murnane, ’66, has been a witness to the best and worst humanity has to offer.
Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Are a Bunch of Happy Campers

What started in 1975 as a simple weekend campout in Watersmeet, Michigan, for 14 NIU alumni, eventually turned into a meaningful 45-year tradition.
NIU ‘Flunkies’ Organization Remembered At 65th Anniversary

For a stretch of two decades on the Northern Illinois campus in the '50s, ‘60s, and ’70s, the Flunkies’ independent organization for male college students was known for its members’ athleticism and goofy antics.
NIU Alumni Association Announces Partnership With PCI

The NIU Alumni Association announced on Tuesday (Oct. 29) that they have partnered with PCI to produce 'The Oral History Project' for all Northern Illinois alumni.
NIUAA and Pollyanna Brewing Company To Can and Sell Dawgma Kölsch Beer

Dawgma will be sold in 12 different locations, including Huskie Stadium.
Dr. Sherry Reynolds Whitaker, Ed. D. ’16, Serves Community, Advocates for Education

“I learned that, no matter your past, you can do the work now. You just have to apply yourself and believe," says Whitaker, CSBO of School District 189 in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Join the NIU Alumni Association for the 113th Homecoming, Presented by GEICO, on Saturday, Oct. 26

Homecoming is a time for alumni to reminisce about their collegiate experience, but also show off their alma mater to family and friends.
David Poitras, ’85, and Rick Wholey, ’83, Invest in Their Clients

It’s not common to find an advisory team that invests their personal capital in exactly the same way as they invest their clients’ capital. Poitras and Wholey's needs are completely aligned with that of their clients.
U.S. Army Africa Provost Marshal Craig Giancaterino, ’03, Reflects on His Career

"It’s been challenging—physically and mentally—but it’s something I would do again," Giancaterino said.
Cherilyn Murer, ’78, ‘Paved Her Own Roads In Order to Cross Them’

As the founder, president and CEO of CGM Advisory Group LLC, Murer made lasting contributions to society while cracking plenty of ceilings for women during her 40-year career.
Three Decades, Two Friends, One NIU Community

Two alumnae use 35 years of friendship and experience to help Northern students.
Five Questions with James Egerton, ’76, of Business on the Board®

NIU alumni James Egerton has created an entire business philosophy based on the strategies behind excellent chess play.
NIUAA and Blaze-In Sportswear Announce Partnership

As an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, you know that a hard-working student and a quality education are a perfect fit.
Northern Illinois University and NIU Alumni Association Announce Addition of Mission II

Northern Illinois University and the NIU Alumni Association - including big brother, Mission - are happy to announce the arrival of Mission II to the Huskie Nation.
Melissa Blake, ’05, Makes Kindness and Courage Go Viral

Blake, who was born with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a rare genetic bone and muscular disorder, was criticized by strangers on the internet for her appearance. She stood up to online trolls and won the admiration of thousands in the process.
Alumni Volunteers Show Students That “First Impressions Count”

When the NIU Alumni Association partnered with the Jobs PLUS program and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce to bring students the First Impressions Count workshop on campus back in Fall 2018, there was no way to know what a success it would become. Now, a ye
NIUAA and Pollyanna Brewing Company Unveil Dawgma Kölsch Beer

NIUAA to hold 11 Dawgma Tasting Dates in September.
Paul Lencioni, ’99, Brings Customers Quality with Blue Goose Market

After earning an accounting degree in 1999, Paul Lencioni decided to create his own path.
With Roles on “The Middle” and “General Hospital,” Jen Ray, ’92, is a Star

NIU alumna Ray says she wanted to be an actor since she was small child. Now, as she steps into a new role on "General Hospital," she reflects on her journey to stardom.
Sebastian Maniscalco is Up for the Challenge

After more than 20 years in Hollywood, Maniscalco has been having a banner year, with a new comedy special on Netflix, acting roles in several big-name movies, and a hosting gig at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Aug. 26.
NIU Team Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro for a Great Cause

The best view comes after the hardest climb. This bit of wisdom applies to the group of nine Northern Illinois University (NIU) staff members and alumni who made it to Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19,341-foot summit together in June.
Huskie Dan Calkins Rises to Helm at Benjamin Moore & Co.

NIU played a formative role in Dan Calkins’ career success at Benjamin Moore & Co. His rise through the ranks culminated in January 2019, when he was tapped to be the Montvale, New Jersey-based company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
David Gomel, President of Rosecrance, Inc., is on a Mission

When David Gomel was lucky enough to land an “in training” role with Rosecrance’s behavioral health services in Rockford, Illinois, while finishing his B.A. in Psychology at NIU in 1993, he thought it would be a filler job before starting a career.
Danielle Harris, ’13, Selected as a Fellow to the 2019 NELC Academy

Danielle Harris, ’13, has always had a penchant for overachieving, but even she is surprised by the strides she’s made in the world of employment law in the last few years.
NIU Alumni Association and Balfour Announce Partnership

As an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, you are instilled with a sense of Huskie Pride that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
NIU Alumnus named Director of National Tsunami Warning Center

Gridley built a career by thinking big for entities like Amoco Corp., Halliburton, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Industrial Research and Development Information System (IRIS), and the Office of Naval Intelligence. In December, Gridley was app
Speech Pathologist Pushes Animal Communication Boundaries With Case Study

When Christina Hunger earned her Master of Arts in speech-language pathology from NIU in 2017, she knew she wanted to help young children with speech challenges, which she now does as a Pediatric Speech Pathologist for Early Intervention in San Diego. It
NIU Alumnus Uses Event Planning Expertise for Good

After two decades in business for himself, Dick Barton, who received his B.S. in Journalism from NIU in 1968, has reinvented himself a number of times. Since his first editing job as a reporter for the Daily Herald in west suburban Chicago. Barton has gon
101 Year Old Alumna and Donor Reflects Fondly on Her Time at NIU

NIU alumna Helen Woods Milligan, ’41, still gives back to her alma mater as a donor nearly 80 years after leaving campus. Helen, who recently turned 101, graduated from Northern Illinois State Teachers College only months before the U.S. entered WW II.
Scharping, Smith selected in NFL Draft

For the first time since 2014, two Huskies were selected in the NFL Draft over the weekend, as left tackle Max Scharping was selected in the second round by the Houston Texans on Friday, and and defensive end Sutton Smith was taken in the sixth round by t
Experience NIU: Distinguished Alumnus Award Lecture - Ned Colletti

The NIU Alumni Association is proud to honor former Major League Baseball executive Ned Colletti, '76, as its 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner, in conjunction with the 2019 NIUAA Alumni Awards.
Baseball Dreams Realized With NIU Degree

Ned Colletti, ’76, never would have dreamed that he would spend one season in Major League Baseball, let alone nearly 40 years.
Service With a Smile

Michael Pattrick, '90, M.S.Ed. '94, is this year's NIU's F.R. Geigle Service Award winner.
Jack of All Trades

Carmen Rossi never imagined himself as anything other than a lawyer.
Fulfilling and Fortifying Her Dream and Love of Art

Arlene Turner-Crawford has spent the past four decades as an advocate for social justice, civil rights, community involvement and cultural heritage through her career as an artist and educator.
Family Focus Forges Flexible Career Path for O'Malley and Others

Erica O’Malley credits her career success to employers’ willingness to let her put her family first.
NIU Degree Impacts Keith Liden, M.S. '79, Both Professionally and Personally

Keith Liden, M.S. ’79, credits his NIU education with giving him the agility to excel in a variety of fields.
Raising Her Family and Food Allergy Awareness

Denise Bunning has demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting food allergy awareness and research on local, state and national levels, including co-founding a not-for-profit support organization MOCHA (Mothers of Children Having Allergies).
Physical Education alumnus Cal Korf takes a trip down memory lane six decades after graduation

The year was 1955, and Cal Korf was preparing to begin his career as a Physical Education teacher.
A's and B's First, X's and O's Second

There is so much more than football that could explain the love and regard that new NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock ’02 has for his alma mater.
Former Huskie Thomas Hammock '02 Returns to Lead NIU Football Program

Thomas Hammock, '02, a former Huskie player and assistant coach, returns home as the 23rd head coach in the history of the Northern Illinois University football program.
Successful 50th Anniversary NIU ROTC Reunion Leads to $850 Donation

All proceeds raised from ROTC 50th Anniversary alumni events in October to benefit Cadet Fund.
Alumni Integral to Building the Future for Honors Students

Would you like to share your career expertise? Learn how you can help an honors student get job shadowing experience or qualify for scholarships.
Join NIUniverse! The New NIUAA Social Media Ambassador Program

You can start earning points for prizes simply by sharing social media from the NIU Alumni Association!
Alumni Connecting With Graduate Students

Because of a new NIU professional development program, graduate students have the opportunity to connect with alumni to learn about the job skills that they'll need.
Golden Knights Skydiving Team to Swoop in for Homecoming

In honor of the 50th anniversary of ROTC on campus, the Golden Knights will parachute into Huskie Stadium to present the game ball for homecoming.
Steve Peifer: An International Hero

Author Steve Peifer shares how a pilgrimage to Kenya transformed him from an ordinary middle-aged man into an international hero.
Dr. Lisa Freeman Named 13th President in NIU History

The NIU Foundation is pleased with the announcement of Dr. Lisa C. Freeman as the 13th president of Northern Illinois University.
Alumna Returns to NIU to Tell Her Story About the Vietnam War

Meet Rita Dragonette on Oct. 25 as she chronicles the Vietnam War and compares the time period to today's social unrest.
STEMfest Draws All Ages for Hands-On Fun

A new Mini Maker Faire, the Haunted Physics Lab, sparking machines and robots are some of the highlights awaiting families at STEMfest on Oct. 27.
Get Ready for Football and Watch Party Day

Reserve your tickets for home games and check out the venues for National Football Watch Party Day on Nov. 1.
Meet Our Youngest Board Member

At 26 years old, Michael Cahill has already raised money for student scholarships, recruited students for jobs and mentored students.
Come Back to NIU for the Revamped Corn Classic

Because of a team effort by alumni and the community, the Corn Classic 10K on Sunday, Sept. 23, offers a new experience for the whole family to run or volunteer. As the finale, it ends with the Taste of DeKalb, a new event with food and entertainment.
Meet New Board Member Marlo Barnett

With five years of experience in higher education, Marlo Barnett plans to give her ideas on how the university can continue academic excellence and recruit students.
Murer Named Woman of Influence

The Chicago Business Journal recognizes Cherilyn Murer for her impact in her profession and community.
High-Impact Programs Connect Alumni With Students

Alumni can contribute to student success by giving as little as an hour of their time to speak about their personal and professional experiences.
Murer Appointed to Surgical Solutions Board

Cherilyn Murer continues to have a major voice in health care issues.
NIU Alumni Association Announces 2018-2019 Board of Directors and Officers

The NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors elects Peter Garrity, '71, M.B.A. '76, as president; Joseph Sener, '93, M.S. '10, as vice president; and Michael Hughes, '92, M.A. '93, as treasurer.
College of Business Honors Outstanding Huskies

Four Huskies are recognized for their career accomplishments and dedication to service.
The Power of the NIU Spirit

NIU employees are changing lives in their free time.
Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center Building a Legacy - Brick by Brick

Alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends are invited to make their mark at NIU by purchasing a personalized commemorative brick, which will be placed at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center.
NIU Alumni Association 8th Annual Golf Outing Rained Out

The 8th Annual NIU Alumni Association Golf Outing, including the dinner, has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
Alumni Bring Students Into Political Science Arena

Political science graduates, from city leaders to movers and shakers in Washington, D.C., are among alumni making a huge impact at NIU by providing internships, serving as mentors and giving their time to strengthen programs.
Alumnus Gives Back by Providing Job Training

Derrick Strand believes in giving back to NIU by using "machete methods" to teach what really matters on the job.
NIU Nexus Connects Alumni to University

Alumni can reconnect with the university and make an impact through NIU Nexus, a volunteer alumni community.
NIU Cares Day

Give back to the community by serving as a site leader for students at NIU Cares Day on Saturday, April 21.
NCIS Director: Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Andrew Traver, director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for his years of commitment to protect the nation and for giving back to NIU.
McCluskey Honored for Alumni Achievement in Public Service

James McCluskey of Momkus McCluskey LLC is rated as a top lawyer in the state and is president-elect of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Waldeland: A Game Changer and Philanthropist

Lynne Waldeland, an NIU professor emeritus and former interim executive VP and provost, is honored with the F.R. Geigle Service Award for outstanding service and commitment to the university.
Joe Minoso Credits NIU for Fine-Tuning His Acting Skills

The "Chicago Fire" star says he was a lost actor until he came to Northern.
Marilyn Stromborg: A Force of Change

Marilyn Stromborg receives the 2018 Alumni Achievement in the Sciences Award for changing lives as a nurse, a professor and chair of the School of Nursing, an author, an assistant state's attorney and a drug court coordinator.
Benz and DeGiorgio: Outstanding Young Alumni in Real Estate

Erek Benz and Michael DeGiorgio have created a commercial real estate marketplace to advance the industry and streamline transactions, from listing to closing.
2018 NIU Alumni Awards Luncheon

The 2018 NIU Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 23, at 12 p.m. at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center.
NCIS Director and NIU Distinguished Alumnus Andrew Traver to Speak March 22 at NIU

The free lecture is a part of the "Experience NIU" series, presented by the NIU Alumni Association, and will take place at 6 p.m. March 22 in the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. A reception will be held before the event at 5 p.m.
Alumnus Donates $1 Million to Benefit Students

During NIU Foundation’s annual gala, Red and Black, this month, a $1 million gift from John Burns (’88) and his wife, Denise Burns, of River Forest, Illinois, was part of the celebration.
NIU Alumni Association and Admissions Student Recruitment Phone-a-thon

The NIU Alumni Association and Admissions Student Recruitment Phone-a-thon offers alumni an evening filled with one-on-one phone conversations with our prospective students, encouraging them to attend NIU.
And the 2018 Alumni Award Winners Are ...

Eight alumni, from the director of the nation’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing their industry, will receive 2018 awards from the NIU Alumni Association.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Seeking Nominations for Annual Awards

Nominations due by March 19
Students Connect With Alumni and Their Businesses

A new externship program matches alumni mentors with honors students to forge connections and give students a chance to understand their career options.
Aurand Honored With Marketing Professorship

The James E. Thompson Professorship in Marketing is renewed and extended to professor Tim Aurand again to bring research results into the classroom.
NIU Nexus

NIU has many volunteer opportunities appropriate for alumni at all stages and places in their lives – all of which are in need of your support!
NIU Alumni Association Seeking Applications for NIUAA Board of Directors

Are you interested in serving your alma mater as a director on the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association’s board of directors? The deadline for applications is March 4, 2018.
Networking Reception at the State Capitol

Alumni are invited to join university officials and members of the Illinois General Assembly at a networking reception to discuss NIU priorities. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!
Alumni Volunteer Opportunities This Semester

Reconnect with NIU by making a difference in the lives of students or helping the community. Check out several ways that you can give back this semester.
Leveraging the Best Communication Style in the Workplace

Through NIU Jobs PLUS, alumna Audrey Southard is teaching students about communication styles that all employees could benefit from to improve their job relationships.
Scholarships for Students

Let a student know how easy it is to access scholarships through AcademicWorks, which includes our Merit Scholarship and the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship. The deadline to apply for most scholarships is Jan. 31.
Alumna Reaches Out to Congress to Advocate for Dreamers

Sen. Tammy Duckworth shares Christian Villalobos' story on the Senate floor to advocate for young immigrants who are contributing to the nation.
NIU Law Earns 84% Passage on Bar Exam

Northern Illinois College of Law is proud to announce that the passage rate for first-time takers on the Illinois July 2017 bar was 84 percent, four points above the state average.
Tuition Frozen, Domestic Rate Extended

The NIU Board of Trustees voted to lower fees and freeze tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year during its Dec. 7 meeting.
Cornelius Makes List of Best U.S. Attorneys

Vincent Cornelius (J.D. '89) has been recognized in the 2018 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of criminal defense.
Radous Honored by Crain’s

Citing his dedication and strong business acumen, Crain’s Chicago Business has named UniCarriers Americas Corp. President James J. Radous III to its 50@50+ list. The distinction honors individuals who are at or above 50 years of age and who have made...
Temple Grandin to Speak on Autism

Best-selling author and internationally acclaimed speaker Temple Grandin will be on campus Wednesday, Dec. 6, to talk about “Developing Individuals Who Have Different Kinds of Minds.”
Alumni Awards

Every year, the NIU Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni. Recipients are selected based on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities.
Volunteer for NIU

Alumni help the university meet its mission by donating their time and talent to NIU