This week, NIU Athletics is providing an opportunity for Huskie fans, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to share the gift of giving in support of the most vital part of the Huskie Athletics family – its student-athletes.
Until Friday, November 8, NIU Athletics is engaged in Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving. The annual campaign is part of the Drive for 25, the ongoing effort to increase the number of supporters for NIU’s 17 sports programs. Huskies Invest highlights the unique stories of NIU’s student-athletes who proudly represent the university, the department and their respective sport programs throughout the year as they build on the tradition and success established by you, our former student-athletes.
The goal for the 2019 Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving initiative is to raise $300,000 to offset unrestricted operational needs as well as fund Cost of Attendance stipends for Huskie student-athletes. These stipends allow NIU to provide additional resources above and beyond room, board, books and tuition to its student-athletes, easing their financial concerns and contributing to their overall well-being and athletic and academic success.
While unrestricted giving and Cost of Attendance are the primary focus of Huskies Invest, donations toward sport specific programs are equally important to advance and continue to build the future of NIU Athletics.
Throughout the week, NIU Athletics will focus on its student-athlete stories, which will be showcased in videos, graphics, photos, and social media platforms, including YouTube (NIU Huskies channel). Progress toward the $300,000 goal will be charted on the Huskie Athletic Fund website at HuskieAthleticFund.com.
This year’s Huskies Invest: A Week of Giving again features an online auction with the opportunity to bid on unique items including dark dog and Toledo (circa 2015) football jerseys, Huskie football helmets, a trip to Toledo with the Huskie Football team, as well as Cher and Chicago Blackhawks tickets. Items can be viewed now on the auction site.
NIU student-athlete alumni can also contribute to Huskies Invest through membership in the Huskie Varsity Club. The Huskie Varsity Club helps connect the NIU family of former student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, team managers and spirit squad members to NIU Athletics and the university. For as little as $50 annually or $500 for a lifetime membership, active Huskie Varsity Club members enjoy one free season ticket to NIU Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Volleyball, discounted rates for NIU Athletics season tickets, invitations to participate in Huskie Athletics special events and more. Additional information about becoming an active member of the Huskie Varsity Club is available here, via email at varsityclub@niu.edu or by calling 815-753-6667.
For more information, to participate in Huskies Invest or to discuss giving opportunities, go to HuskieAthleticFund.com or call the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923.
