FY 23
IMPACT REPORT J U L Y 1 , 2 0 2 2 – J U N E 3 0 , 2 0 2 3
Unstoppable. Unwavering. Unmatched. Unleashed. As Huskies, our collective strength unleashes an unstoppable force capable of overcoming any challenge. Our diverse and hardworking community is unmatched—fueled by our compassion and innovation to support our beloved institution, its students and the entire Huskie Nation. Our growing pack is increasingly resilient and impactful, reflecting its unwavering commitment to NIU.
CONTENTS Letter from NIU Foundation Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Alumni at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Notable Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Financial Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Event Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Huskies United / NIU Alumni Association Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Spotlight Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Distinguished Donor Societies / Corporate and Foundation Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mission III / Mission’s Grove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 NIU Foundation Board of Directors / NIU Alumni Association Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As Huskies, we are living in a time of incredible change, opportunity, and momentum, and we find ourselves here because of the many thoughtful, generous contributions of our alumni and donors. It is the impact of these contributions that we celebrate in the pages that follow.
C AT H E R I N E SQUIRES
REGGIE B U ST I N Z A
PRESIDENT & CEO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we have much to celebrate. The 2023 Fiscal Year was a remarkable one for the NIU Foundation. Our fundraising activity reached beyond $23M. As time passes, the influence of philanthropy continues to grow exponentially, amplifying and enriching the lives it touches. Those contributions inspire others to join, enriching the culture of philanthropy here at Northern Illinois University.
The NIU Foundation is here to make sure that these contributions, and our entire $169M in assets, are managed carefully to ensure that our donors’ generosity will continue to support our great university for generations to come. In the coming years, we have every confidence that we will build on our growing momentum. The pages that follow outline the many great things that we accomplished together this year. All of these activities, the generous gifts provided, the hours of volunteer service given, the events planned, and the adventures taken, all were all done in the name of the university we love and the students whose lives it forever changes. Our students embody our hopes, dreams and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow, and their journeys are paved with your generosity. They continue to demonstrate an extraordinary eagerness to get involved and succeed, and they are surrounded by a community devoted to supporting them. You, our alumni and donors, play a leading role in their endeavors, and for that, we thank you. Go, Huskies!
Catherine B. Squires, CFRE, NIU ’80 President & CEO, NIU Foundation Vice President, University Advancement
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
Reggie Bustinza NIU Foundation Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations
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PROGRESS. IMPACT. ACHIEVEMENT. The NIU Foundation made impressive progress in the past fiscal year, leaving a noteworthy impact and achieving remarkable milestones. Thanks to the strong support of our dedicated donors, we were able to introduce exciting enhancements across campus, create unforgettable experiential learning opportunities for our students, provide crucial financial assistance for student scholarships, and expand our alumni programs and engagement. NIU Foundation President and CEO Catherine Squires expressed her delight over the incredible progress made in the past year. “We have much to celebrate and be proud of,” she said. “Our fundraising efforts brought in over $23 million in FY23. Our donors’ generosity has made significant impact, enabling us to achieve operational excellence, fund strategic priorities and needs, and continue our journey towards a brighter future.”
FY23 GOALS
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1
Increase total philanthropic activity.
2
Increase engagement and participation of NIU alumni, friends and staff at all levels.
3
Increase support to the Northern Fund through direct and planned giving.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
ALUMNI AT A GLANCE TOTAL NUMBER OF LIVING ALUMNI:
266,092
LIVING ALUMNI BY COLLEGES: College of Business: 56,685 College of Education: 56,315 College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: 12,677 College of Health and Human Sciences: 33,528 College of Law: 4,419
ALUMNI BY AGE: 22-29: 18,011 30-39: 43,187 40-49: 43,526 50-59: 46,747 60-69: 44,650 70-79: 45,109 80-89: 13,179 90+: 3,918 TOTAL NUMBER OF ALUMNI IN ILLINOIS
165,631
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: 87,001
TOP FIVE COUNTIES:
College of Visual and Performing Arts: 15,359
DuPage County: 27,376
Other: 108
Cook County: 45,439 Kane County: 18,823 Lake County: 13,049 McHenry County: 11,256
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
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FY23 NOTABLE NUMBERS MADE POSSIBLE BY REMARKABLE DONORS
Total Donors
Number of Scholarships Awarded:
10,509
1,969
Scholarship Dollars Awarded:
$2.83M
Total Giving
$23.4M
$2.1M
CONTRIBUTIONS BY SOURCE:
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Foundations & Organizations Corporations & Businesses
$1,511,458 $2,908,059
6.4% 12.4%
Individuals
$18,988,937
81.2%
TOTAL
$23,408,454
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our students.
PHILANTHROPY
AT NIU
TRANSFORMS LIVES,
FAMILIES AND
COMMUNITIES
NOTABLE NUMBERS MADE POSSIBLE BY REMARKABLE DONORS
9 OUT OF 10 NIU Foundation scholarship recipients graduate.
56%
of new freshmen are first-generation.
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
53%
of the student body is from an underserved population.
85%
of our undergraduates receive financial aid through federal, state, NIU and/or other programs.
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ENDOWMENT FUND PERFORMANCE J ULY 1, 2022 – JU N E 3 0, 2023 ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
INVESTMENT RETURN
$93.1M BEGINNING OF YEAR - $3.4M SPENDING + $4.7M GIFTS TO ENDOWMENT (NET) + $5.4M INVESTMENT RESULTS AND ALLOCATION FOR SPENDING $99.8M END OF YEAR
ANNUALIZED TOTAL OVER
1 YEAR
3 YEARS
5 YEARS
10 YEARS
ACTUAL
7.8%
10.3%
5.9%
6.7%
TARGET WEIGHTED BENCHMARK
8.6%
9.5%
6.1%
6.4%
LONG-TERM TARGET
7.5%
7.5%
7.5%
7.5%
NEW DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS MADE AVAILABLE BY INVESTMENT INCOME 2019-2020
$3.1M
2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1
2021-2022
$2.7M
$3.4M
The goal of setting asset allocation and expenditure strategy for the NIU Foundation Endowment Fund is to m aintain the s pending power of the fund, in inflation-adjusted (real) dollars, far into the future. The NIU Foundation Finance Committee reviews the asset allocation regularly using r anges approved annually by the NIU Foundation Board of Directors.
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22%
Equities Domestic—Large/Mid
5%
Equities Domestic—Small
11.8%
Equities International
9.2%
Emerging Markets
10%
Equities Private
6.3%
Equities Directional Hedge
19%
Fixed Income
10.4%
Natural Resources
6.3%
Real Estate
2022-2023
$3.4M
6.3% 10.4%
22%
5% 19%
11.8%
6.3% 9.2% 10%
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATA J ULY 1, 2022 – JU N E 3 0, 2023 ASSETS
ACTIVITY - YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023
Cash and Investments
$158,642,717
Pledges Receivable, Net Buildings and Land
Contributions
$19,594,111
$4,644,441
Investment Income
$9,543,388
$21,395,993
Services Contract Income
$743,600
Other Income
$1,113,821
Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS
$382,015 $ 185,065,166
LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$2,608,995 $715,074 $12,016,706 $15,340,775
NET ASSETS June 30, 2023
$30,994,920
EXPENSES - YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023
Annuity Payable Agency-Endowment and Gift Accounts Administered for NIU
TOTAL ACTIVITY
$169,724,391
Scholarships and Support of University Departments and Programs
$10,353,975
Supporting Services
$6,438,508
TOTAL EXPENSES
$16,792,483
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$14,202,437
NET ASSETS, JULY 1, 2022
$155,521,954
NET ASSETS, JUNE 30, 2023
$169,724,391
For complete audited financial statements and IRS Form 990, visit www.niufoundation.org/financials.
FUNDS FROM DONOR GIFTS PROVIDED TO SUPPORT NIU
27.3% $2,829,384
SCHOLARSHIPS
Total Donor Funds Provided:
$10,353,975 41%
SUPPORT OF UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS/PROGRAMS
$4,245,967 31.7%
DEPRECIATION AND INDIRECT PROGRAM SUPPORT
$3,278,624 IMPACT REPORT | FY23
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Event Highlights
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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
HO L I DAY RECEP T I ON
For the second straight year, alumni and friends of the university came together at The Old Post Office in Chicago for the Holiday Reception in December 2022. Held in the beautiful Telegram Lounge, the party featured heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full, hosted bar, plus bocce ball lanes and pool tables as guests reconnected.
CELE B R AT I ON OF G E N E R OS I T Y In September 2022, historic Altgeld Auditorium was alive with excitement and gratitude as many of the university’s most loyal and generous donors gathered for a “Celebration of Generosity,” an event designed to honor members of the university’s most prestigious giving society, the Founders Forum.
The impact of donations from Founders Forum members is visible throughout campus. Their support can be seen in the dedication of new buildings, in the awarding of student scholarships, in the strengthening of academic and athletic programs, and in the outstanding faculty who hold the prestigious positions these generous individuals endow.
The evening’s theme was “Coming to NIU,” and guests enjoyed dinner, musical performances by NIU Foundation Scholarship recipients, remarks by NIU President, Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, and an inspiring video message from NIU students describing their individual journeys to NIU.
“The unprecedented generosity of our Founders Forum members inspires many,” said Catherine Squires, President and CEO of the NIU Foundation. “That generosity is the reason our community of donors continues to grow.”
The NIU Foundation Founders Forum is named in honor of Northern Illinois University’s founding figures and recognizes those whose lifetime generosity has made a significant impact at NIU.
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
Squires added that the impact of philanthropy “will resonate throughout NIU for generations.” The numbers speak for themselves. Since 2005, NIU donors have provided more than $130M to support students. “It is because of you that we are where we
are today,” Squires said, adding, “Our founders would be proud of what we have become and our vision for the future.” On behalf of the university, Dr. Freeman expressed her gratitude to the group. “Tonight, we celebrate your impact on our many students who are working hard every day to achieve their dreams. I hope that knowing the profound impact of your support on our students gratifies and fulfills each and every one of you. No matter what area you choose to support, whether it be strategic initiatives, innovative programming, outstanding faculty, experiential learning, technology and facility enhancement, athletics, or essential academic resources, it all impacts our students and provides opportunities for better experiences and better lives, for our students.”
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HUSKIES UNITED RA $2.6M, BREAKS DAY FUNDRAISING RECO Go, Huskies! The Huskie Pack’s commitment was never in doubt, but no one could have predicted such dedication and generosity!
it is clear that generous giving makes a positive difference in Huskies’ lives. However, as all Huskies know, an NIU education encompasses more than just time in the classroom. It also provides new experiences and engagement. Huskies United provides critical support for the campus departments, units and centers that bring the college experience to life and help students of all majors emerge as thoughtful, engaged global citizens.
During our annual Huskies United campaign on March 22 and 23, a single day of giving at NIU, our alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university brought in $2,584,676. This total beat last year’s incredible mark of $1.1 million, giving Huskies everywhere something special to celebrate! In just 1,895 minutes—a timeframe chosen to honor the university’s founding year—2,412 gifts came in, powering specific programs and areas of study, as well as general university priorities. This investment will create improvement and transformation on campus that will live on for months and years ahead. Huskies United allows NIU alumni, faculty, staff and friends to reflect on what the university provides and means to them. Through their gratitude and generosity, students receive life-changing scholarships that have an enormous impact on their education, as well as on their future careers. Scholarships mean so much to so many students at NIU, and our numbers speak for themselves. With 85% of NIU students receiving financial aid and 90% of NIU Foundation scholarship recipients graduating,
Giving challenges have become the lifeblood of our annual days of giving, with selfless donors giving to specific areas of study and programs in order to amplify their impact. One exciting example was our Huskies United Participation Challenge, which unlocked a $300,000 gift to support the Northern Fund when 1,500 in total gifts were made to any area during Huskies United. In addition, the Huskies United Leadership Donor Challenge unlocked a $100,000 gift to support the Northern Fund when 50 Leadership Society-level gifts of $1,000 or more were made. Through the NIU Alumni Association Board Recent Graduate Challenge, the NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors asked recent NIU graduates (2013-2022) to donate during Huskies United. When 30 graduates
HUSKIE UNITED BY THE NUMBERS
Total Raised For Huskies United: Huskies United Gifts Count:
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$2.5M 2,414
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
D RAISES NEARLY DAY OF GIVING RECORD from the classes of 2013-2022 donated during Huskies United, it unlocked their combined gift of $7,145 to the Northern Fund. Some giving challenges supported specific areas of study. For instance, NIU alumnus and career research and development scientist, Thomas M. Zydowsky ‘75, M.S. ‘78, inspired donations to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences during Huskies United. When 125 gifts were made to STEM-focused departments, centers and funds in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, his gift of $125,000 in support of chemistry undergraduate research was unlocked into our totals. “This day of giving is a testament to what the Huskie Nation can do when we collaborate for a cause,” said Michael Adzovic, senior director of operations and annual giving. “Through so much generosity, we are able to offer a transformative college experience to so many students, and that would not be possible without our dedicated NIU community.” As always, our committed group of ambassadors were key players in our fundraising. This year, 167 ambassadors used their own networks and social circles to get people talking about Huskies United, sharing information about the event and giving challenges over social media, text, phone and in person. Together, this group can take credit for bringing in 476 gifts and raising a total of $47,218 —a new record from previous Huskies United giving days. The “pay-it-forward” mentality of the Huskie Nation can move mountains and should inspire us all! Thank you to all who were able to give to Huskies United, making dreams come true for our next generations of leaders. For more information on Huskies United, please visit the website: https://dog.niu.edu
IMPRESSIVE HUSKIES RECOGNIZED WITH 2022 NIU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS Each year, the NIU Alumni Association rewards the accomplishments of incredible alumni who have achieved outstanding professional and personal successes while pursuing civic, cultural or charitable activities. The seven 2022 award winners embody many important characteristics that so many Huskies share, including integrity, innovation, empathy and grit.
WILLIE J. KIMMONS M.S.ED. ’70, ED.D. ’74 Distinguished Alumnus Award JAMES DEUTSCH ’96 F.R. Geigle Service Award GARY TIMMINS ’12 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award LOUIS APOSTOL M.B.A. ’74, J.D. ’78 Alumni Achievement in Public Service Award KATHERINE PADGETT ’73 Alumni Achievement in the Sciences Award JIM WONG ’92 Alumni Achievement in Business and Industry Award WILBUR YOU ’13 Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award
“THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE WORKED YEARS—SOME OF THEM DECADES—TO REACH THE PINNACLES OF THEIR FIELDS, HELPING OTHERS SUCCEED AROUND THEM, AND IMPROVING THEIR COMMUNITIES.” - REGGIE BUSTINZA
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
NIU FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL PROGRAM WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR AND EXPLORES FIVE INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS IN FY23 Andrea Hodgman (left) joined the Alumni Association Travel Program as its new director on June 1, 2023. Hodgman came to NIU with a wealth of experience from the University of Chicago, where she served as senior associate director of intellectual engagement and travel. Her predecessor, Pat Anderson, retired on December 31, 2022, after over 20 years of service at the NIU Foundation where she served as travel director and travel companion to many. As a seasoned international traveler, Hodgman helps NIU alumni find joy through travel. Whether she’s bargaining with a charming street vendor in Cairo or standing nose-to-nose with a baby sea lion in the Galapagos, Hodgman creates interest with every moment and prides herself on her ability to help others do the same. Hodgman has a special appreciation for group travel, especially alumni travel. “There is really no way to describe the excitement I feel watching someone experience a destination for the first time,” she said. “It’s a privilege to experience those once-in-a-lifetime moments with a group of people you have something in common with. There’s an added level of comfort and community.”
NOTABLE NUMBERS: Total travelers: 147,
Responsible for selecting and fulfilling alumni travel trips, Hodgman says interest in travel is high among alumni, donors, friends and parents—boosting engagement, affinity and program growth. Huskies traveled to the following in FY23: • Galapagos • Holland • Ireland • Arctic Adventure Cruise • Vienna After joining NIU, Hodgman led the first trip of FY24 (October 2023) to the French Riviera with 31 travelers. She is thrilled to be planning upcoming trips to:
• Classical Greece (June 2024) • Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast (Aug. 2024) • Taj Mahal and the Treasures of India (Oct. 2024)
with 125 being unique
To sign up for the alumni travel newsletter or
Out-of-state travelers: 38
to learn more about traveling with the NIU
Leadership Society members: 13
Andrea Hodgman, director of alumni travel,
Friends and parents: 44
Alumni Association Travel Program, contact
Founders Forum members: 7
at 815-753-3785 or ahodgman@niu.edu.
Cornerstone Society members: 4
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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
COMMUNICATIONS
ALUMNI STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED Our events, travel, philanthropy, volunteer opportunities, and, most of all, alumni engagement achieved resounding success thanks to the vital contributions of the NIU Foundation’s Communications team. Throughout FY23, there was no shortage of digital and printed communication to inform and inspire our alumni, donors and friends.
EVENTS
Audiences were engaged with exciting event emails and social media stories showcasing the incredible excellence and diversity of our alumni and student populations. And let’s not forget the 40-page printed Northern Now magazine featuring contributions from all seven colleges, clearly a coffee-tableworthy publication!
NOTABLE NUMBERS: 121 alumni, donors, volunteers and students
shared their stories and were featured on the NIU Foundation website, through social media and in our Northern Now magazine.
117,900 users visited our website (a 5% increase from FY22) to view feature stories, alumni events and more! 1,758 social media posts were generated and
posted to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Total social media engagements increased by 6.6% to 83,494. LinkedIn continues to be our strongest platform, generating 37,635 engagements and helping us reach almost 192,000 followers in FY23. The most viral story was the introduction of our newest mascot, Mission III. With the help of University Marketing and Communications, we helped generate over $250,000 of free advertising and reached a total audience of 15,398,188 through national television, radio and online/print media with this announcement.
NEW FACES AT ALUMNI EVENTS Alumni and friends gathered nationwide at 110 different events in 14 states during FY23. Whether it was connecting during a walking tour or wine tasting, at a pregame event, or during our annual Holiday Reception, over 1,900 alumni gathered to learn, interact and enjoy entertainment with fellow Huskies. Notably, 569 alumni were first-time event attendees, an increase of 61% compared to FY22. Most attended events: Over 500 alumni visited NIUAA Mission’s Grove during the 115th Homecoming in DeKalb, Illinois (October 2022); 262 alumni attended the sold-out NIU/Chicago Blackhawks game day experience in Chicago, Illinois (February 2023); and 217 alumni participated in the 12th NIU Alumni Association Golf Outing at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois (May 2023). Events were held in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
NOTABLE NUMBERS: Total attendance: 2,742 Total unique attendees: 1,972 First-time attendees: 569
EVENTS BY CATEGORY Sports: 38
Sports: 38 Casual: 19
Casual: 19
Educational: 17 Cultural: 11
Educational: 17
Celebration: 9
Cultural: 11
Stewardship: 9 Recruitment: 3
Celebration: 9
Volunteer: 4
TOTAL EVENTS:
110
Stewardship: 9 Recruitment: 3 Volunteer: 4
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VOLUNTEERS
HELPING HUSKIES: VOLUNTEERS STEP UP FY23 recorded the second-largest number of volunteers in the history of the NIU Alumni Volunteer Program, with 1,334 unique volunteers filling 1,795 volunteer spots. An inspiring number of nearly 400 volunteers took a leadership role on various NIU advisory councils while supporting alumni and campus partner alliances. With support from its volunteer community, NIU made important connections, reached an incredible number of prospective students, provided compassionate resources and encouragement to students, and built bonds between alumni, donors and students. Volunteers shared their time and talents, connecting with the university for a larger purpose.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: NOTABLE NUMBERS: Approximately 200 volunteers supported
legislative advocacy through virtual and in-person efforts that helped yield a $15 million increase in funding for AIM High, a $100 million increase in funding for MAP grants, and a 7% budget increase for public state universities in Illinois. These efforts included the largest NIU Advocacy Day in Springfield to date. Our admissions-focused communications and volunteering efforts are paying off! More legacy family members are enrolling at NIU, with a 32% increase in legacy scholarships awarded from last year, and 60 volunteers helped us reach over 17,000 prospective students. Volunteers supported more than 2,000 current students through activities like the Huskie Notecard Project, career skill-building workshops and activities, scholarship reviews, student project evaluations and speaking in classrooms. More than 250 alumni served their alma mater as digital ambassadors, helping to unlock new donor potential.
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“My goal is to give back to NIU and create more valuable opportunities for Huskies in future generations. I do believe NIU is an outstanding university and, hence, noteworthy. Volunteering at recruitment events offered me a great opportunity to help put it on the map.”
-Dr. Ting Ting Chan, Ph.D. ’17, Huskie Notecard Project, online ambassador, prospective student recruiter and scholarship application review volunteer
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY NORTHERN FOUNDATION ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIPS HELPED PAVE WAY TO POSTGRADUATE SUCCESS FOR LINCOLN LAUREATE
VILAYA SIRIVONG, ’23 Vilaya “Ling” Sirivong, ’23, a management major originally from Vientiane, Laos, and the 2022 Student Lincoln Laureate for NIU, was one of the approximately 2,200 grads who crossed the commencement stage in May 2023. Sirivong landed a full-time position as an associate consultant with Transforming Solutions Inc., an Arlington Heightsbased firm founded and run by Dan Feely, ’85. The company funds a scholarship for NIU students called the Transforming Solutions Inc. OM&IS Scholarship. Sirivong described being named the Lincoln Laureate, an honor reserved for the university’s top senior, as the biggest achievement of her life. The Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award is given to an outstanding senior from each of Illinois’ fouryear universities for excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities. “It has helped me to realize my potential and acknowledge my achievements,” she said. “I have gained more confidence in myself, believing that I can be successful in anything that I do as long as I put my mind to it.” As an NIU student, Sirivong received the SEAFellow four-year tuition scholarship from the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (2019), an NIU Alumni Association Merit Scholarship (2022), the Richard D. Brown and Omar G. Voss Leadership Scholarship (2022), the Robert and Catherine Rothkopf Endowed Scholarship (2022), and a Forward, Together Forward Scholarship (2021). She credits these scholarships with helping her attend college in the U.S. When she got to NIU, she took full advantage of the variety of activities available to help her succeed.
Sirivong would like to eventually play a leadership role in the education, consulting, or technology sectors, and she wants to give back in some way. “My ultimate goal in the professional world is to always give back and love what I do every day, no matter what that would be,” she said. “I believe that I can be more than one person professionally. I want to work a full-time job but also pursue my side career as an entrepreneur.” As an enterprising NIU student, Sirivong formed the YakBork Project in Laos in 2020 to offer free scholarship application workshops and other resources to underprivileged Laotian students. She has said her main goal is to create an educational center for underprivileged children in Laos so they can do what they love, but still make a living from it. Sirivong has a bright future ahead of her, and she’s looking forward to using the skills she’s learned in her years at NIU in her professional life, but also paying it forward. “The most exciting thing for me is being able to use the knowledge I’ve gained to better my community and the organization that I will be joining,” she said. “I have learned so much at NIU and want to make sure I pay it forward to others. Some of the challenges I have faced were learning to make decisions about my career path since there were so many opportunities that interested me. However, with the help of my mentors and faculty, I was able to make the right choice that will allow me to learn and grow professionally.”
“At NIU, I was very active on campus,” she said. “I joined student advisory boards and service organizations to make an impact in my community so I could develop my leadership and strategic planning skills. I also participated in the Experiential Learning Center opportunity to become a consultant to help a real organization solve their issues at hand. These involvements allowed me to develop my skills and gain insights into the professional world.”
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT: ROBERT ROTHKOPF ’67, M.S. ’73 After graduating with his degrees in management from NIU, Robert Rothkopf, ’67, M.S. ’73, went on to have a successful business career, eventually leading three different companies as president.
He never forgot his alma mater, though, and has given back to NIU, including establishing the Robert and Catherine Rothkopf Leadership Scholarship, named for him and his wife of nearly 22 years. At least 15 students have received scholarships since the endowment was created in 2010. Rothkopf said during his NIU years, he wasn’t involved in extracurricular activities because he was so busy, but he received a first-class education in business and management. “My college life was dull and routine, but I received a great education at NIU, and my instructors all were focused on the students, and I remember a lot of them fondly as they gave me the tools to succeed later in my career,” he said. “My favorite professor at the time was Dr. Ralph Novak who took an interest in me and helped me interact with other business associates in my senior year and with my master’s studies.” After graduating, Rothkopf said he made a promise to himself that if he ever had success in life, he would do all he could to give back to NIU, and to help fellow Huskies have a mentor that they could trust and depend on for advice. “My life in business was focused on the fastener manufacturing industry and I was able to move up fast in this environment becoming president of Camcar Textron in Rockford, Illinois, at the age of 41,” he said. “Over the next 40 years, I was
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president of three different companies. I like to point out that I did not start out as president of any of these companies, but had to earn this role as I moved along in my career.” He came back to campus in the 1980s to give a commencement address and later decided to help out even more at his alma mater. “I vowed then that I would step up my contributions and my support to NIU, and since then I have striven to be the best alumnus I can be,” he said. Rothkopf has taught NIU students and been a mentor to those going into the business world. “After I retired, I asked the dean of the College of Business, Denise Schoenbachler, if I could teach classes in leadership,” he said. “She agreed, and for the next eight years I had the privilege to teach and interact with some very bright and talented students. Even years later I am still in touch with many of these former students as they check in with me and let me know how their own careers are progressing. My goal was to provide all my students with the confidence to be anything they aspire to in their lives. I always referred to myself as ‘average Bob’ to let them know that anyone with the desire and ambition can achieve great things in their career.” Rothkopf encourages other alumni to give back to NIU and to help students in any way they can. “I would ask that my fellow Huskies consider building their own legacy with NIU, whether it is with the College of Business or any other NIU college,” he said. “I always say that you cannot outgive NIU. When you give and contribute, NIU always seems to find ways to give back to you. My awards from NIU are more than what my wife and I have contributed to NIU. Since that 1987 vow to up my giving at NIU, I have been faithful in my yearly contributions for over 36 years. Giving back to NIU should not be just a one-time or one-year event. It feels good to give back to the place that gave me my career start. Go Huskies!”
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
TIMOTHY MARSHALL, ’78, SUPPORTS STUDENT SUCCESS WITH MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR GIFT Timothy Marshall, ’78, hopes to encourage students pursuing a degree in meteorology with his generous gift to Northern Illinois University. Having received financial support from his parents while at NIU, Marshall could explore his passion, focus on his education, and earn his meteorology degree. Through his gift, Marshall wants to ensure others have the same opportunity by offering a financial boost to those who need it. “College is much more expensive than it was in my day,” said Marshall. “I was lucky to have parents that could support me going to college, but I realize not everybody can afford it.” Donors like Marshall profoundly impact the university’s highest needs and priorities, supporting student recruitment and retention, student success, and enhanced student experiences. Marshall’s gift supports student scholarships—making an NIU degree in meteorology even more accessible and affordable. Marshall was inspired to give back to NIU for the foundation and personal development it offered him. “I literally grew up at NIU as it was the first time I left home for an extended period,” said Marshall. “I was basically on my own, but my professors guided and encouraged my education. They truly wanted me to learn and excel in my field.”
Marshall’s job has been to inspect thousands of homes and buildings for damage in the wake of natural disasters. Marshall was a key contributor to the development of the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale used operationally by the National Weather Service since 2007 to rate tornadoes. He has appeared on national television programs including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, History Channel, NPR, Univision/NBC, CBS, and Oprah Winfrey. He has also presented more than 1,000 lectures to students at various schools and conferences around the U.S. “I always have work,” he said, laughing. “It has been a rewarding career. I have learned a lot over the last 40 years. Haag Engineering gave me the room to grow, pursue my work and storm chasing outside of the company, and encouraged me to publish papers.” Marshall has conducted over 100 tornado and hurricane damage surveys, assisting the National Weather Service at times, to determine the degree of damage to various buildings and document characteristics of the damage path. Marshall’s fulfilling career motivates him to inspire students to follow their passion and live in the present. “Don’t worry about the future. It will take care of itself,” he said. “Just learn all you can. It may be a difficult journey, but your effort will reap rewards in the future.”
Growing up in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Marshall vividly recalls when a historic weather event struck his town on April 21, 1967. At least 10 tornados hit Northern Illinois that day, one devastating his community. Marshall instantly became curious about meteorology. He immersed himself in books, wrote to the meteorologists he saw on television, and even took daily weather observations. Pursuing his interest further, Marshall formed a weather club with high school classmates. He, along with many of his friends, went on to pursue meteorology degrees at NIU. As a forensic engineer and meteorologist at Haag Engineering, where he has worked since 1983,
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
Marshall volunteered for Project Vortex, a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project where he deployed instrumented pods in front of tornadoes for five seasons.
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NIU COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND HAVI PARTNER TO LAUNCH THE HAVI CENTER FOR ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY HAVI, a global leader in supply chain analytics solutions, has made a significant financial and engagement commitment to this project, recognizing the need for intellectual talent in the field of AI and analytics. HAVI’s values align with the NIU College of Business mission to nurture young minds to be leaders who transform the world. To honor this partnership and commitment, the data analytics lab was named the HAVI Center for Analytics and Technology. Conceptual rendering The Northern Illinois University College of Business is pleased to announce the launch of the HAVI Center for Analytics and Technology (HCAT). This new lab represents the college’s commitment to experiential learning. HCAT will have cutting-edge technologies and, through real-world projects in partnership with HAVI, will prepare students for occupations of the future. Located on the third floor in the beautiful Barsema Hall, the lab will focus on industry-relevant, hands-on learning experiences in five key areas: machine learning, blockchain, big data, internet of things and artificial intelligence. “We are excited to partner with the NIU College of Business to launch the HAVI Center for Analytics and Technology,” said Rodney Brown, senior vice-president and chief supply chain officer at HAVI. “This initiative will be a game changer for HAVI and our partners, not to mention NIU students and data analytics leaders of the future. Our success as an organization depends on attracting and retaining top talent, and HCAT will be an important part of our strategy to attract top Huskie talent to HAVI. Access to outstanding faculty researchers will also enable HAVI to stay at the forefront of solving difficult challenges in the areas of analytics and supply chain and provide access to the latest technology in this space.” He added, “NIU’s commitment to innovation in the space of data analytics made them the ideal partner in this initiative.”
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The Operations and Management Information Systems (OMIS) department in the College of Business will play a key role in bringing together talent across the college and campus to bring the vision of the lab to life. Noting the excitement, the Dean’s Distinguished Professor of OMIS, Dr. Chang Liu, says, “With nationally recognized programs in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics, this lab will help us remain at the cutting edge of developments and further elevate the reputation of our programs. Our students will benefit from the collaboration with HAVI by learning through challenging real-world projects. And faculty scholars who are outstanding researchers will benefit from connecting their research to practice that makes an impact.”
Conceptual rendering The College of Business is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of data analytics. The establishment of the HCAT is a testament to this commitment and a significant step forward for the college.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
DISTINGUISHED DONOR SOCIETIES THE NIU FOUNDATION HAS FOUR RECOGNITION SOCIETIES TO HONOR DONORS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS:
The Founders Forum recognizes donors who have generously contributed $50,000+ during their lifetime. This includes cash, gifts in kind and pledges but does not include estate intentions until they are realized.
The Leadership Society recognizes donors who have contributed a minimum of $1,000 cumulative during a fiscal year.
The Cornerstone Society recognizes donors who have included NIU in their estate plans.
The Olive Goyle Society recognizes donors with three or more consecutive fiscal years of giving to NIU. We call them our “Olive Goyle Loyals.”
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS During FY23, the Division of Advancement engaged in rebuilding and expanding Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) capabilities to meet anticipated partnership engagement requirements in the years to come.
Luke Sebby was hired as the executive director for strategic development and charged with assembling a team and developing a growth strategy. Jake DaSilva moved into a permanent prospect researcher role and Erin Smith, a seasoned CFR professional, joined the team as the senior director for corporate and foundation relations. Sam Guerrero, an experienced innovation ecosystem developer, joined to complete the initial team as director for institutional and regional initiatives. The team accomplished a great deal in their first 12 months together. With a focus on rebuilding, expanding capacity, and broadening capabilities, the team created a new portfolio of CFR prospects, developed new processes and policies, and began engaging with partners across the ecosystem. The team also developed the first CFR strategic plan to serve as their guide. A major credit to
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
Smith’s expertise, the team made significant and rapid inroads with companies like Ferrara, Hyatt, and Meta, while firming up relationships with a number of key foundations. The team’s work led to gifts and grants from the Gates Foundation, Wintrust, Northern Trust, Collins Aerospace, Meta, and more. Strategic engagement with Meta in FY23 led to a transformational gift of $290K made to NIU STEAM in FY24 – the largest private gift NIU STEAM has received in its history. Meanwhile, the team supported the universitychartered strategic development team, contributing substantively to the successful request of Senator Dick Durbin’s office to support a $1.6M Community Project Fund for the NIU LEAP: Proven Program to Upskill Teacher Aides into Special Education Teachers in Northwest Illinois. The team anticipates the university realizing this funding with the passing of the new federal budget.
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MISSION III JOINS THE HUSKIE NATION AS NIU’S NEW MASCOT The Huskie family grew by one small, adorable member last January.
have great temperaments, are champions and love
Meet Mission III, who shares beautiful black-andwhite markings and crystalline blue eyes with his mascot siblings, Mission I and II. Mission III comes from premier breeder Debra Debalys, who is based in British Columbia, Canada.
Boland personally made the trip to Toronto to pick
to be with kids.” up Mission III and is having a lot of fun training him as NIU’s newest mascot. She added, “Mission III has those striking eyes and a broader mask. His look is fierce and more similar to
NIU mascot trainer Lisa Boland was very excited to introduce him to the Huskie Nation this year. “Mission III’s parents have produced beautiful, well-tempered dogs in the past,” said Boland. “I am really excited about the breeder. Her dogs
Mission I’s, but he is also a really playful, fun puppy, like Mission II, so he has elements of both of them in him. I am having fun getting to know him, along with so many Huskie fans.”
INTRODUCING MISSION’S GROVE,
A NEW TAILGATING EXPERIENCE FROM THE NIUAA A key component in the mission of the NIU Alumni Association is to create opportunities to connect and interact with the university community. The NIUAA unveiled its newest opportunity for its alumni, family and friends in September 2022 as the “Mission’s
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Grove” alumni tailgating area opened prior to the NIU/Eastern Illinois football home opener at Huskie Stadium. This area features alumni-owned Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling and Waterman Winery & Vineyards, along with a variety of unique and eclectic food trucks that
appeal to all ages. The opening event featured everyone’s favorite mascot, Mission II. The undisputed highlight was the “Mission’s March,” as the NIU Huskie Marching Band accompanied Mission to Huskie Stadium.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
NIU FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
John (Jack) Tierney ’75, M.S.Ed. ’78 Chair
Ray Banks ’86
Kenneth Greisman ’82
Stacey Barsema
Anthony Kambich ’59
William Boston ’70 M.B.A. ’71
Jeffrey Liesendahl ’87
Brent Brodeski ’88 M.B.A. ’91
Mike Paull M.B.A. ‘15
Cynthia Crocker ’80 Vice Chair David Heide ’85 Treasurer Catherine Squires, CFRE ’80 President and CEO, NIU Foundation Vice President University Advancement, NIU Kate Quinn Assistant Director of Board Relations & Deputy Chief of Staff Secretary
NIUAA BOARD OFFICERS
Rich Escalante ’74, M.A.P.A. ’78, President Joseph Sener ’93, M.S. ’10, Immediate Past-President Sankat Patel ’00, Vice President
Wheeler Coleman ’83 Carol Crenshaw ’78 Rich Escalante ’74 M.A.P.A. ’78 John Thomas Futrell M.B.A. ’79 Pete Garrity ’71 M.B.A. ’76
Cherilyn Murer J.D. ’78 Sankat Patel ’00 James Pick, Ph.D., M.S.Ed. ’69 Manny Sanchez ’70 Joe Sener ’93, M.S. ’10 Harlan Teller ’73 Grant Goral, Student Director Yousuf Khan, Student Director Isabelle Vondra, Student Director
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Marlo Barnett M.S.Ed. ‘12, Ph.D. ‘17, Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chad Fitz ‘01, M.A.S. ‘02, Chair of Student Engagement and Scholarships
Thomas Libert ’74, Controller
Pat Gregolunas ’77, Chair of Volunteer Engagement Committee
Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director and Secretary
Kristin Hamblock ‘08, M.B.A. ‘15, Chair of Events and Awards
DIRECTORS Kimberly Buchanan ’95, M.A. ’98
Marty Johnstone ’09, M.B.A. ‘21
Mark Pienkos ’72, M.S. Ed. ’74
Michael Cahill ’12, M.A.S. ’13
William McCoy ’92
Mike Chihoski ’96, M.S. ’08
Kimberly Moore ’01, M.M. ’04
Sherry Reynolds-Whitaker M.B.A. ’09, M.S.Ed. ’13, Ed.D. ’16
Michelle Gorham ’89, M.P.H. ’92
Vinay Mullick ‘00
Valerie Salmons ’74, M.P.A. ’77
Paul Green ’81
Jasmin Nava ‘17, M.B.A. ‘21
John Tsaras ’14
Marlon Haywood ’10, M.S.Ed. ’12
Peggy Norton-Rosko ’87
Tiffany Victor-Castleberry ’02
Donald Hubbartt ‘96, M.B.A. ‘01
Karli Oosterbaan ’12, M.B.A. ’14
Fred Vinciguerra ’88
IMPACT REPORT | FY23
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Altgeld Hall 135 DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 753-1626 niufoundation@niu.edu | niufoundation.org
TOP 10 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES CONFERRED BY MAJOR 1
Teacher Licensure
262
2
Nursing
152
3
Psychology
137
4
Marketing
117
5
General Emphasis
95
6
Mechanical Engineering
90
7
Computer Science Software Development
84
8
Accountancy
83
9
Psychology
73
10
Biological Sciences
65
TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES (Undergraduate, Graduate and Law Combined)
4,009
2022-23 Graduation Statistics Total (Undergraduate, Graduate and Law Combined)
2022-23 GRADUATION STATISTICS TOTAL (UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE AND LAW COMBINED) College of Visual College of Law: and Performing Arts: 90 (2.2%) College of Business: 206 (5.1%) 837 (20.9%)
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: 1,197 (29.9%) College of Education: 708 (17.7%)
College of Health and Human Sciences: 678 (16.9%)
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: 293 (7.3%)