What an inspiration to see so many come together during the Huskies United Day of Giving to raise more than $2.7 million to support NIU students and programs. How amazing and inspirational!
 

On April 2 and 3, in just 1,895 minutes—symbolizing NIU’s founding year—the Huskie Pack raised 2,986 individual gifts totaling $2,702,637. This beats last year's Huskies United fundraising record by almost $100,000!

Huskies United gives alumni, faculty, staff and friends in the NIU community an opportunity to engage with the university they love by supporting student scholarships, research and other areas of NIU that mean the most to them. 
 

Over 50 generous donors established giving challenges to boost their fellow donors' impact in what has become a time-honored tradition. More than $600,000 was unlocked and added to the excitement and spirit of philanthropy.

Donors like Bill Mickols, '77, M.S. '78, and Arlene Mickols matched dollar-for-dollar gifts made to anywhere in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) for up to $25,000. Fellow donors responded to the Mickols CLAS Challenge, and $25,000 was unlocked to support CLAS students and programs early on. To ensure students have the support, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed, the Office of the Provost matched $5,000 in gifts to support the Huskie Promise.

To learn more about the challenges that were unlocked during the day of giving event, click here.

A committed group of ambassadors also helped grow support for NIU by spreading the word about Huskies United using social media, texting, emailing and networking with others passionate about NIU and its students. This year, ambassadors set a new record and raised 364 gifts worth $52,355, surpassing last year by almost 50 gifts and $15,000.
 

"Huskies really showed up!" said Meghan McClure Miller, the NIU Foundation's director of annual giving. "Not only did they donate, but they also shared the Huskies United opportunity with their friends. This year, I am humbled and so proud to be part of the Huskie community. The strength of what can be accomplished when Huskies come together for a common goal for our students, faculty, staff and programs is overwhelming and inspiring."

The Holmes Student Center was the backdrop and base for Huskies United, welcoming the NIU community to participate in trivia and games and step into a cash grab machine to collect money to donate to the area of their choice. Attendees also stopped to take photos with Mission III and spent time connecting with others.

The Huskie Pack once again came together during Huskies United this year to show their commitment and dedication to NIU students and the university community as a whole. Since its inception, Huskies United has raised over $15.2 million from over 19,000 gifts. Huskies should all be proud of what they've accomplished for the love of NIU.
 

For more information on Huskies United, please click here.