What do you love about NIU?
During I Heart NIU Week – Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27 – you can join thousands of students, faculty/staff and alumni as they share with the world just what makes NIU so special.
“This year, I Heart NIU Week is full of ways for people to engage in a positive way with NIU,” says Sandi Yandle, director of the Northern Fund. “If you had an extraordinary experience, a great professor or mentor, or just plain love NIU, we want to hear your story.”
Take to social media all week to share the reasons you love NIU with the hashtag #iheartniu. Each day has a different theme, and students are encouraged to share with the hashtag every day for the chance to win NIU gear and to be featured on the I Heart NIU tagboard. Post the “I Heart NIU” badge on your wall or use as your profile picture for the week.
This year’s I Heart NIU Week starts with a kickoff event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 23. Kickoffs will be held at both the College Grind and Barsema Hall. Students can pick up “I Heart NIU” T-shirts and snap selfies with Mission or Victor E. Huskie to share on social media.
“We’re introducing a student giving challenge this year called the Love Your College Coin Battle,” says Mary Pritchard, associate director of the Northern Fund. “We created this challenge to give students the opportunity to compete in a college-versus-college competition to support student scholarships. We believe students can make an impact and want to leave their mark on NIU; this is a great way to do it.”
Tuesday will focus on “Lollipop Moments” – those little times that make a big difference in your life. Maybe it was a conversation with a professor who encouraged you when you were struggling, or a friend who introduced you to your significant other. Share your Lollipop Moments with the members of I Heart NIU team, and they will honor the people who helped you along the way with a lollipop and a special note. The team will have tables in Neptune Central and Barsema Hall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
On Wednesday, take a walk down memory lane. Alumni and students are encouraged to share their photos and memories of great times at NIU.
Share some Huskie love on Thursday with a random act of kindness. Students can stop by tables in Neptune Central, Wirtz Hall or Barsema Hall to make a thank-you card for a favorite faculty or staff member, delivered by the I Heart NIU team. Share your random acts of kindness on social media so we can spread the word that Huskies are NIU Kind.
On Friday, give back to the place that means so much to you. Donate to support your college, department, a favorite program or a scholarship. The goal is to raise $50,000 in 24 hours to help future Huskies make their own NIU memories.
“We know everyone has really great stories and different reasons for being here, and for loving this place they call home,” Pritchard says.
“What we really hope is that students, alumni and staff can use this week as an opportunity to show their love and support for NIU. Come to the events, share your stories on social media, wear NIU gear with pride and encourage your friends and classmates to do the same. We have a great community here, and we want to showcase that.”
