- The NIU community once again showed the power of coming together during Huskies United 2026, raising over $500,000 through the generosity of more than 1,100 donors in support of Northern Illinois University students, programs, and priorities.
Huskies United is NIU’s annual Day of Giving, bringing alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends together to invest in the areas that matter most to them. This year’s event clearly demonstrated the impact of collective giving and shared commitment.
A key driver of this year’s success was the completion of 38 giving challenges, which unlocked additional funding and encouraged participation throughout the day. These challenges added momentum and expanded the impact of individual gifts.
The largest challenge was the Tobin Huskie Promise Student Success Challenge. John, ’91, and Ellen Tobin pledged $100,000 to inspire support for student success. When 15 donors made gifts to the Huskie Promise Student Success Fund, the full $100,000 was unlocked—directly strengthening resources that help students persist and thrive.
Early giving was boosted by the Huskies United Alumni Board Challenge, through which the NIU Alumni Association Board donated $5,000 once the first 50 gifts of the day were made. Their commitment helped set the pace and energy for the rest of the event.
Support for academic excellence was also on display through the Chris and Pam McCord CLAS Dean’s Excellence Fund Challenge. A generous $50,000 gift from the McCords supported the creation of the Chris and Pam McCord CLAS Dean’s Excellence Fund, benefiting student success, faculty excellence and programs across the university’s largest college.
“Huskies United 2026 was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Meghan McClure Miller, the NIU Foundation’s director of annual giving. “The passion our alumni, families, staff and friends have for Northern continues to inspire us, and we are deeply grateful for every gift.”
Across campus, students experienced Huskies United through interactive activities focused on awareness, engagement and fun. Students participated in games, won prizes and climbed aboard NIU’s own version of Cash Cab—a trivia-style golf cart experience where correct answers unlocked real funds that students directed to the NIU designation of their choice. The activity helped connect students to the immediate impact of philanthropy in a memorable way.
The generosity from Huskies United helps move NIU forward and ensures that Huskies can take their next steps with confidence. Each gift makes a meaningful difference for the college, scholarship or program it supports while also fueling NIU’s historic campaign, FORWARD.
As a thank you, donors who gave $25 or more during Huskies United received their choice of custom NIU socks—and those who donated $50 or more earned both pairs. Together, Huskies truly made this year’s Day of Giving sock-cessful.
There’s no need to wait for Huskies United. Every gift, at any time, advances opportunities for NIU students, faculty and priorities. Make your gift today!