Dressed for Success: Virginia Martinez's Legacy Lives on at the Huskie Closet
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Fred Martinez makes an impact at the Huskie Closet in honor of his wife, Virginia Martinez, '76.(Photo credits: NIU Foundation, Pat Gregolunas)
When Virginia Martinez (née Munoz), ’76, passed away, her husband, Fernando “Fred” Martinez, found it difficult to let go of her closet full of high-quality professional attire.
“I didn’t just want to drop it off at any donation center,” he said. “Virginia’s career was marked by excellence, and the clothes she wore reflected that.”
Virginia had just retired from her role as vice president of revenue management for Franciscan Alliance before her passing in 2022 after a 13-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. Prior to that, she was vice president of business services for Loyola Medicine.
Virginia’s close friend and fellow Huskie, Pat Gregolunas, ’77, was serving on the NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors (2018-23 member; 2023-24 vice president) when Fred was considering what to do with Virginia’s attire.
NIUAA staff told Gregolunas about the Huskie Closet — a welcoming location in the Chick Evans Field House where students can shop for donated clothing free of charge. She knew it would be a perfect place for Fred to donate some of Virginia’s clothing to support NIU students.
Middle (L-R): Virginia and Pat with fellow Huskie Linda Kennedy
Bottom (L): Virginia Martinez
Bottom (R): Virginia and Fred Martinez
(Photo credits: Pat Gregolunas and Fred Martinez)
“Virginia was always the first to help someone when they needed it,” Gregolunas said. “She would have been extremely happy to know that her clothes are helping students who need something nice to wear for an interview or a professional experience.”
“I met Virginia in seventh grade. Even in a uniform, she was always noted for her clothes,” Gregolunas continued. “She always had the latest style. In recent years, whenever we went to dinner, she would walk in with a beautiful suit, and I mean not just a suit; she had the shoes and accessories to go with it.”
Gregolunas and Fred brought Virginia’s items to the Huskie Closet and met some of the students who shop and volunteer there.
“I had an emotional moment with a student who was very appreciative of my donation,” Fred said. “She explained that she wouldn’t have anything nice to wear for a presentation if it weren’t for the Huskie Closet. I felt really good about my decision when I left.”
Fred also met with Julie Ann O’Connell, Huskie Closet director and assistant director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. Inspired by his visit, Fred made a monetary donation to further support Huskie Closet's operations.
“We are so grateful to Mr. Martinez for his support,” O’Connell said. “The Huskie Closet is a program of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies that was orginally dreamed of by students. It is run like a nonprofit start-up and is led and staffed by students. Not only are Virginia’s clothes in outstanding condition, helping students feel confident in professional settings, but Fred’s monetary gift will cover an internship stipend for a student enrolled in NNGO 490: Nonprofit Internship class to work at the (Huskie) Closet. This support ensures that a student gains a full internship experience while working at the (Huskie) Closet and earning course credit.”
Through NNGO 490, students gain real-world experience supported by professional speakers, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and presentations that mirror future work in the nonprofit sector.
Fred’s contribution helps ease the burden of annual crowdfunding efforts, which O’Connell continues each year to fund stipends for multiple student interns. It also ensures access to this meaningful, career-building opportunity, directly aligned with the Huskie Promise — NIU’s commitment to ensuring nothing stands in the way of students’ success.
What began as a way to help students access casual and professional clothing has also become a powerful investment in an experiential learning environment that connects service to aspiring careers.
Top Left (L-R): Virginia and Fred MartinezTop Right (L-R): Bob and Pat Gregolunas, Virginia and Fred Martinez
Bottom: A Martinez family photo reflects their silly side and the joy of laughter with family
(Photo credits: Pat Gregolunas and Fred Martinez)
“There are a few charities dear to our hearts that Virginia and I always contributed to,” Fred said. “She would be happy to know that I added the Huskie Closet to the list.”
Virginia was an active student while at NIU. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and participated in a study abroad program, spending a semester in France before graduating a semester early.
“Not only was she beautiful, she was also incredibly smart,” Gregolunas said.
When careers and family took off, Gregolunas and Virginia remained friends. Gregolunas and her husband, Bob, ’77, NIU Football Hall of Fame member, enjoyed it when Virginia and Fred attended a Huskie football game with them annually.
“I was really looking forward to retirement with Virginia,” Pat said. “I am sure she would have enjoyed being among those of us retired, engaged Huskies.”
“She was the best mom, wife, friend, and grandmother; family meant everything to her,” Pat continued. “Her three beautiful children — Tristan, Matthew, Rebecca — and, especially, her seven grandchildren, were the light of her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to spend more time with them. Her legacy will live on through them...and a bit of her style through the Huskie Closet.”
A gift to the Huskie Closet helps students access both the essentials they need today and the opportunities that shape their future. Click here here to learn more about the Huskie Closet or to make a gift.