Golden Huskie Alumni Network
If you graduated from NIU 50+ years ago, you’re part of the Golden Huskie Alumni Network! This special group celebrates lifelong connections and offers meaningful ways for Golden Huskies and friends to stay engaged with NIU.
**UPCOMING EVENTS**
Homecoming (Oct. 8-10, 2026) - Activities are planned annually at Homecoming for Golden Huskies. Check out 2025's activities to get a sense of what you can look forward to in 2026 and check back periodically for more information!
Check out all upcoming alumni events on the NIU Alumni Association events page.
Mission of the Network
The mission of the Golden Huskie Alumni Network is to strengthen and provide opportunities for NIU graduates 50 years and beyond (aka Golden Huskies) to connect, support, learn and foster a greater connection to the NIU Community and:
• Engage personally with all Golden Huskies through personal contact, email contact and the use of social media.
• Plan meaningful and fun activities for NIU’s homecoming weekend in conjunction with the NIU Homecoming Committee.
• Host at least two in-person events not related directly to homecoming. One in the Northern Illinois area and another strategically held elsewhere.
• Host at least one virtual event per year tailored to the Golden Huskies.
• Attend NIU Alumni Donor events and activities.
• Connect Golden Huskies back to NIU through student engagement and volunteering.
• Assist the NIU Foundation through fundraising to support student success.
Get Connected & Digital Golden Huskie Yearbook
Check out the Golden Huskie Alumni Network Yearbook, or submit your own entry here.
Interested in volunteering to help plan activities alongside the Golden Huskie Alumni Network Leadership Council? We'd love to hear from you! Email volunteer@niu.edu.
Network News
Philanthropy - Golden Huskie Promise Fund
Members of the Golden Huskie Alumni Network know, first-hand, the impact of an NIU education and believe in paving the way for current students to graduate unimpeded by financial barriers. When most Golden Huskies attended NIU, tuition was around $400 a year. Today, it’s nearly $15,000—and more than half of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Many work long hours just to stay enrolled. Some face impossible choices: pay tuition or fix the car they need to get to class. Join your fellow Golden Huskies in helping removing financial barriers and provide access to scholarship, academic support, career development, and emergency aid -- learn more and contribute to the Golden Huskie Promise Fund today!
Special Recognition:
Thank you to the following Golden Huskies who have named funds in support of NIU's mission and the Golden Huskies fundraising initiatives:
-
Glenn and Sharon Hollister - Golden Huskie First Generation Endowed Scholarship Fund
GHAN Leadership
Leadership Council:
Mark Lamb, President; Linda, Grandolfo, Vice President; Glenn Hollister, Fundraising; Jack Patronski, Communications; Rich Escalante, Events; Pete Garrity, Events; Pam Cherry; Marcie Rogers; Tom Thunder; Linda Mullen; Kath Conver; Mark Pienkos, Tom Libert, Bob Edwards
2026 Homecoming Committee:
Ann Wonack, Chair; Tom Libert, Homecoming Director; Linda Grandolfo, Vice President of the GHAN; Bob Bergland, John Blackburn, Steve Blase, Ed Jandacek, Bob Lindeman, Kathy Sklodowski, Linda Thunder, Tom Thunder, Susan Trump, Amy Volpe, and John Wonak
Social Media Channels
Check out our photos and connect with us via our social channels:
Golden Huskie Alumni Network Facebook page