NIU Volunteer Leadership Summit
Alumni and friends serving in volunteer leadership roles across campus are invited to attend the inaugural Volunteer Leadership Summit. This event brings volunteer leaders together to learn about key University initiatives, leadership skills, and build connections across the NIU community.
This year's theme, FORWARD: The Campaign for NIU highlights the University's comprehensive campaign and offers an opportunity to explore its key commitments while gaining insight from campus experts and engaging with fellow leaders.
2026 Volunteer Leadership Summit Details
The 2026 Volunteer Leadership Summit is on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center (231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115).
Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with a welcome session at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
President Lisa C. Freeman will speak during the summit and participate in a fireside chat. Summit staff will follow up with registrants to invite them to suggest questions to be asked during this portion.
Volunteer Leadership Summit Schedule
- [8:45/9:00-9:30 a.m.] Check-In
- [9:30-10:15 a.m.] Welcome & Fireside Chat with President Lisa C. Freeman
- [10:25-11:10 a.m.] Session 1: Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS)
- (presented by Matt Deitch, Director for NICCS)
- (presented by Matt Deitch, Director for NICCS)
- [11:20 a.m-12:05 p.m.] Session 2: NIU Enrollment Management & Recruitment: Huskies of Tomorrow!
- (presented by VP of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communications, Sol Jensen)
- (presented by VP of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communications, Sol Jensen)
- [12:05-1 p.m.] Lunch (provided)
- [1-1:45 p.m.] Session 3: Hearing from Huskies: A Student Panel
NIU Huskie Trek Talks, an annual event featuring innovative research and projects happening at NIU will be held after the Volunteer Leadership Summit, making it a full NIU-day that we know our volunteer leaders will enjoy. Learn more about Trek Talks here!