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Huskies United launches June 23-24

May 24, 2021

NIU is home to the next generation of talented, dedicated students preparing for a brighter future for themselves, their families and the world around them.

On June 23-24, Huskie Nation has a unique opportunity to unite around the mission, vision and values of Northern Illinois University through the NIU Foundation’s Huskies United.

This online day of giving event centers around key strategic initiatives for NIU. Specifically, student scholarships and experience; diversity, equity and inclusion; the student emergency fund; and unrestricted support.

“We view Huskies United as a rallying cry,” said Michael Adzovic, senior director of operations and annual giving. “It’s a time for the NIU family to come together and help move our university forward.”

Huskies United begins at 4:25 p.m. on June 23 as lasts for 1,895 minutes, in honor of the year NIU was founded.

The first Huskies United event was held in June 2020 to support NIU and its students. The event raised nearly a half million dollars from over 1,500 gifts.

“We were blown away by the generosity,” said Adzovic. “Our community united in a powerful way to show that we can move NIU forward together.”

Huskies United 2021 will be highlighted by the Banks-Erickson Challenge, established by NIU alumnus Ray Banks ‘86 and Eric Erickson.  When 1,000 gifts are made during Huskies United, a gift of $150,000 will be unlocked into the Huskies United totals to support student scholarships.

NIU employees may consider supporting the Student Emergency Fund during Huskies United. The Student Emergency Fund was established in April 2020 to aid students needing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The fund provides critical dollars that assist with needs such as rent, medical expenses, food, utilities and technology. The Student Emergency Fund has been awarded to over 3,600 students and has helped them persist at NIU in their pursuit of their college degree.

In addition to the Student Emergency Fund, there are currently seventeen NIU departments and programs participating in Huskies United.

For more information on Huskies United, please visit the website:  https://dog.niu.edu.

If you are interested in serving as social media ambassador for Huskies United, you can sign up online.