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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  Professional Interviews with Alumni (Oct. 1- Nov. 15)

  Support students through this course-integrated opportunity as they connect to real-world professionals to practice high-level communication skills. Tell your story in a student-led virtual interview and give feedback to support the next wave of well-rounded professionals. Learn more and register by Sept. 24. 

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  Preview the Braven Leadership Coach Experience (Nov. 17)

  Interested in learning more about the NIU/Braven partnership? Want to help a cohort of NIU students build their networking, problem-solving and career-readiness skills through course-integrated volunteer opportunities? Virtually join us from 5:45-7 p.m. (CT) on Nov. 17 to learn more about leadership coaches, see their impact as students present their capstone projects and meet program staff. Learn more and register by Nov. 12  

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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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  Industry Insight Series (2026-27)

  Help students interested in interactive media & technology fields learn about industry culture, skills, and experiences by telling your academic, professional, and personal alumni story as part of a professional development series hosted by the NIU eSport Network. Learn more and apply to become a guest speaker today! 

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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. Sign up 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!

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  Career Success Clinic: Professional Document Review (Sept. 10)

  Help students polish their professional documents in preparation for the upcoming career fair. Join a mix of alumni and employers in providing feedback on resumes, LinkedIn covers, and cover letters as part of the clinics professional resource fair. Learn more register here before Sept. 3. 

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    Fall 2026 Job & Internship Fairs: Employers Wanted! (Sept. 22, 24, 30)

    Help your fellow Huskies, alumni and community members explore professional pathways and connect to your organization at an upcoming Job & Internship Fair. Alumni can secure a spot for their organization at any of the "all major" or "industry-specific" fairs. Encourage your talent acquisition team to recruit at NIU —see all upcoming fairs and register here today.  

  • Join Fellow Alumni in Arizona for a Meaningful Day of Service  (Oct. 2)

    Alumni and families in the Tempe, Arizona area are getting together with Feed My Starving Children to connect with fellow Huskies to pack nutritious meals for children around the world. Create a free FMSC volunteer account and join the official “Northern Illinois University Alumni Volunteer Group” from 5:45-6:15 p.m. on Oct. 2.

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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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    Industry Insight Series (2026-27)

    Help students interested in interactive media & technology fields learn about industry culture, skills, and experiences by telling your academic, professional, and personal alumni story as part of a professional development series hosted by the NIU eSport Network. Learn more and apply to become a guest speaker today! 

  • Huskie Harvest  (Summer-Aug. 22)

    We’re proud to continue our partnership with Huskie Harvest, an innovative program focused on minimizing food waste and increasing food security on campus. Help pack and/or distribute meals to students across campus this summer at one of their various two-hour service shifts. See the full list of available shifts and register today! We’re especially thankful for anyone who can help staff Saturday shifts. 

  • Host a Food or Item Drive for the Huskie Food Pantry  (Ongoing)

    Make a lasting impact in the NIU community by organizing a food or item drive, or you can simply contribute a one-time food donation. Your support helps ensure the Huskie Food Pantry remains stocked with essential resources. Fill out this form to get started.

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    Communiversity Gardens (Ongoing)

    Edible Campus is transforming indoor and outdoor space around NIU's campus with diverse edible gardens that provide fresh, locally grown produce. These gardens are increasing access to healthy food, engaging students in new experiential learning and research opportunities, and promoting sustainable growing practices. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks in the garden such as weeding, planting, or mulching. Tools, gloves, and guidance are all provided. Click here to sign up for volunteer hours. Contact ediblecampus@niu.edu with questions.