NIU Black Alumni Council Newsletter - June 2025

 

A Message From the Council

Four Black NIU Graduates at Commencement

The Center for Black Studies and NIU proudly celebrated the achievements of our graduating students on May 4, honoring close to 200 remarkable Huskies and over 1,000 of their families in a heartfelt ceremony. This moment of recognition not only marked the culmination of years of hard work but also underscored the strength and resilience of our student community.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue building community and celebrating through our upcoming events. Mark your calendars for our Labor Day Weekend picnic (Aug. 31), an annual tradition that brings together alumni and friends for a day of fellowship. You also won’t want to miss out on Homecoming (Oct. 3-4). We can’t wait to see you there!

- The NIU Black Alumni Council

NIU Black Alumni Council Reunion Picnic. Sunday, Aug. 31 from noon-7 p.m. Dan Ryan Woods - Grove 14. 8300 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620

Alumni Picnic Vendor Application DEADLINE: JUNE 26

The annual BAC Reunion Picnic will take place at noon on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Grove 14 at the Dan Ryan Woods Forest Preserve in Chicago. Bring your favorite dishes and drinks to pass. Attending the picnic is free, but we ask that you RSVP so we know who is attending.

A limited number of vendors will be able to participate during the picnic. A maximum of 10 vendors of varying types will be able to sell their goods in Grove 14. Vendor applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be completed by June 26 to be eligible.

Learn more and apply to be a vendor today!

NIU student Chyna Bennett, a speech-language pathology graduate student, sits at a table with toys and items she uses in her speech therapy work

Save the Date for NIU Homecoming (Oct. 3-4)

Get ready for an unforgettable Homecoming weekend packed with fun, connection and celebration! Kick things off Friday night with some friendly competition and laughs at our late-night bowling event. On Saturday, bring your energy to our annual football tailgate, then join us for the day party—where food, music and vibes will keep the celebration going strong. Wind down in style on Sunday with a brunch at the Center for Black Studies. Registration is not yet available, but please save the dates!

Read more ⇨

Two Black male students making a Huskie hand sign while holding plates of food   Row of tents at the Dan Ryan Woods Forest Preserve during the BAC Annual Picnic
Defining Moments Led Matthew Baltimore, '16, to Embrace New Career Direction   Resilience and Redemption: Gerald Smith, M.P.A. '93, Transforms Trauma into Public Service
Former NIU football player, Matthew Baltimore, ’16, proves that redefining your path can lead to incredible opportunities. Embrace change, keep learning and chase your passions.
Read more ⇨
  With resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to public service, Gerald Smith has transformed his challenging beginnings into a successful career.
Read more ⇨

Huskie Highlights

William F. Tate IV, ’82, an accomplished social scientist and former president of the LSU system, has been appointed the 22nd president of Rutgers University and will begin his tenure on July 1, 2025. Read more ⇨

Joyce Ester, ’87, an NIU alumna with a long history of leadership in higher education, will officially become the seventh president of Governors State University on July 1, 2025. Read more ⇨

Upcoming Alumni Association Events

JUNE

28 - Picture Perfect Adventures: Travel Photography Workshop (Naperville, IL)

JULY

20 - Rockford Huskies Welcome (Rockford, IL)

26 - Huskies and Hammerstein (Chicago, IL)

AUGUST

10 - NIU Day With the Chicago White Sox (Chicago, IL)

24 - Sunday Night at Klehm Garden with the Rockford Area Alumni Network (Rockford, IL)

SEPTEMBER

24 - NIU Night With the Chicago Cubs Pregame Reception (Chicago, IL)

 







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