 |
|
A Message From the Council
|
|
 The spring semester has been busy, with members of the NIU Black Alumni Council (BAC) attending the Alumni Day basketball doubleheader in February, and awarding the Fanny Ruth Patterson scholarship to three deserving students (listed below). The BAC also joined over 50 faculty, staff, students, and alumni for NIU’s annual Advocacy Day on March 5.
Members of the BAC attended the 35th Center for Black Studies Black Graduation, celebrating 230 graduates on Sunday, May 5. This was the largest Black Graduation celebration to date with over 1,000 family members and friends in attendance. We are excited for the amazing futures that await our students.
At the celebration, we continued to recognize the legacy of Black student success and honored the hard work of Dr. Admasu Zike who served as the Center for Black Studies director from 1986-1995.
These opportunities, and the ones we have planned for this summer are great ways to connect and learn about what is going on at NIU. You won’t want to miss our upcoming social and the announcement about the *new* Vendor Village being introduced to our annual reunion picnic.
We hope to see you there!
- The NIU Black Alumni Council
|
|
Meet this Year’s Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship Recipients
|
 |
|
Kiana Pope
Major: Psychology with Counseling Minor
Expected Graduation: May 2025
“Being selected for this scholarship has been a constant reminder to relentlessly pursue my academic goals! This scholarship is not only financial assistance, but it is a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a vote of confidence in my abilities and potential.”
|
|
 |
|
KaLilah Chears
Major: Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Expected Graduation: May 2025
“I am honored to be accepted for this scholarship, a vital resource in furthering my academic journey. With this support, I am excited to continue building my legacy as a helping professional and achieve my dream career as a guardian ad litem.”
|
|
 |
|
Sydney Thompson
Major: Pre-Physical Therapy
Expected Graduation: Dec. 2024
“Thank you to the NIU Black Alumni Council and committee for selecting me for this prestigious award. And thank you for continuing this scholarship to have the legacy of Fanny Ruth Patterson celebrated and live on!”
|
|
|
Support Current Huskies
|
College of Health and Human Sciences Alumni Initiatives
We know that great health disparities exist – particularly in rural areas and in diverse populations - and that representation matters when it comes to the healthcare providers patients have access to. The College of Health and Human Sciences, with support from the BAC, is looking for you to get involved with supporting Black students during their educational experiences and beyond. We are seeking alumni to speak, support scholarships, host students at their workplace for a visit, an internship or volunteer role, and more. Read more here. Interested? Complete this short survey.
College of Business (COB) Black Alumni Mentoring Program (BAMP)
The College of Business BAMP seeks to foster meaningful and productive mentorship between alumni and students of the COB through the sharing of professional and life experiences. Interested in becoming a mentor? Please email businessalumni@niu.edu.
|
|
Huskie Highlights
|
 |
|
The art of Kevin Cole, M.F.A. '85, has been featured at the Olympics and the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian. Read more ⇨ |
|
 |
|
As a volunteer and member of the NIU Black Alumni Council (BAC), Eric Lindsay, ’80, is focused on recruitment and retention, fundraising, supporting the CHANCE Program and alumni engagement. Read more ⇨ |
|
|
Upcoming Events:
|
- Friday, June 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Huskie Hour Hosted by the Black Alumni Council (Chicago, Illinois)
Join the BAC and connect with Chicago-area Huskies while enjoying appetizers and a complimentary drink as you mingle. Read more ⇨
- Sunday, Sept. 1 from Noon-7 p.m. NIU Black Alumni Council Reunion Picnic (Dan Ryan Woods - Grove 2; Chicago, Illinois)
Kick back and relax with your fellow alumni during the NIU Black Alumni Council’s annual picnic. This year, we will move to Grove 2 and look forward to hanging out with you on Sept. 1. New this year is the introduction of Vendor Village. Interested in being a vendor? Read more ⇨
|
the NIU Alumni Association