NIU Nexus serves as the connecting point (e.g. nexus) between alumni interested in volunteering with their alma mater and current volunteer opportunities that exist at NIU. Alumni volunteers provide real value to NIU through a variety of volunteer roles and opportunities, ranging from prospective student recruitment to providing real-world job experience. Please review the volunteer categories below to find the best fit for your volunteering interests.

Alumni simply submit an NIU Nexus interest form to the NIU Alumni Association to help us understand your volunteer interests and professional expertise. Upon completion, NIU Alumni Association staff will review your profile and then connect you with opportunities suited to your interests. If you currently volunteer with NIU through another opportunity please e-mail alums@niu.edu and let us know.

Volunteers engage both current, future, and former Huskies through a myriad of activities and volunteer roles.  Click here to view the FY25 Volunteer Impact Report and learn more about volunteerism and all the ways the pack has supported the University's mission.

We have a variety of remote and off-campus volunteer opportunities that happen all year round! If we're not currently offering something near you, you can always bring your local Huskies together by leading a DIY Alumni Engagement Activity. These DIY volunteer activities stand alone or support established volunteer opportunities, like the Huskie Finals Notecard Project, with support from the NIU Alumni Association. Take a look at what kind of activities you can host and reach out to their staff contacts with any questions!

* Request an "NIU Nexus Alumni Volunteer Appreciation Pack".

* Nominate alumni volunteers for the "NIU Northern Lights Award", an award in honor of Liz McSpadden '10, M.B.A. '16.  

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  Become a volunteer advocate for NIU! (Ongoing)

  Add your voice to the conversation and share NIU's legislative priorities with legislators in your district. Click here to register for our advocacy platform and to become an advocate!

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  Share your NIU Huskie story! (Ongoing)

  Alumni stories are inspirational. They inspire current and prospective students who can see living proof that an NIU education will help them to be successful. Alumni stories also highlight the many things of which we can be proud and bolster the community. Help NIU tell its story by sharing yours. Take 5-10 minutes to record how NIU impacted your life by completing the Huskie Spotlight Profile Survey. Then, use your social media to share a favorite memory of time spent at NIU events, such as Homecoming or Welcome Days. To make sure we see your stories and experiences on social, simply tag NIU and the NIU Alumni Association, or use the hashtag #HuskiePride

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  Preview the Braven Leadership Coach Experience (Nov. 18)

  Join us in a virtual "preview" session to learn more about NIU's partnership with BRAVEN and how you and your fellow alumni can impact student success through leadership coaching. Hear from fellow alumni volunteers, program staff, and watch students present their final capstone projects! Learn more and register before Nov. 17.

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  University Honors Job Shadow (Feb. 1-Apr. 20, 2027)

  Host an NIU Honors student for a virtual or in-person job shadow experience! Help students gain real-world experience and a peek into life after graduation as you highlight your career and organization. Learn more and apply to become a host before Oct. 29.  

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  University Honors Scholarship Review (Feb. 1-Feb. 28, 2027)

  Support the NIU University Honors Program in awarding merit-based scholarships to exceptional incoming NIU students! As a scholarship reviewer you will review applicant responses and other metrics within the one-month review period in February.
  Learn more and apply by Jan. 19. 

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  NIUniverse: A Social Media Ambassador Program (Ongoing)

  Join the NIUniverse to share your Huskie pride through your social networks! NIU social media ambassadors have first-look access to exciting content, can share and recommend stories on behalf of the NIU Alumni Association and can win Huskie swag by participating in contests and challenges. All you have to do is join, take a few moments each week to share our stories with your networks and participate in our contests! The more you participate, the better your chances at winning awesome NIU swag. Learn more here.

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  Refer a Huskie (Ongoing)

  Remember, you can always use the NIU Alumni Association's online form to refer a student that would make a great Huskie. When you refer a student, you receive a free NIU swag pack for your efforts!