- Northern Illinois University’s future is being shaped by bold ideas, creative spirit and groundbreaking research — all made possible through the generosity of alumni, friends and donors.
FORWARD: The Campaign for NIU is a $300 million fundraising campaign designed to advance student success, elevate faculty excellence and strengthen community partnerships. With more than $175 million already secured through the generosity of more than 26,000 donors since 2022, the campaign is well on its way to reaching its goal by 2030.
From vital annual gifts to transformational investments in key priorities, FORWARD is a comprehensive effort to strengthen NIU through every gift. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, support is put to work right away — opening doors through scholarships, advancing groundbreaking faculty research, and fueling programs that shape the student experience today and for years to come.
This past June, leadership from NIU and the NIU Foundation partnered to host the FORWARD launch event on campus at the NIU Convocation Center, sharing the rationale for the campaign, its focus areas and a call to action for all Huskies in playing their part in the future of the university.
The effort is built around three key commitments: Expanding Transformational Experiences, Inspiring Discovery and Innovation, and Fortifying Our Future. Each area features signature initiatives that highlight NIU’s strengths and its commitment to students and society.
FORWARD is dedicated to removing barriers so every student can access life-changing opportunities, while investing in their skills and experiences to prepare them for success beyond graduation. By fostering creativity, research and innovation through strong faculty support and collaborative partnerships, NIU transforms ideas into real-world impact that benefits communities locally and globally. At the same time, the campaign strengthens environmental and long-term financial sustainability to ensure the university’s long-term growth, enrich academic programs and prepare future leaders to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Leading the campaign are co-chairs Raymond L. Banks, M.S. ’86, Dr. Eric Erickson, Cherilyn G. Murer, J.D. ’78, and Manny ’70 and Pat Pulido Sanchez.
Banks called on all Huskies to get involved with FORWARD.
“We’ll need support from alumni across the country and around the globe to join us in making a gift that will drive lasting change for our students, faculty and community,” Banks said.
As a graduate student at NIU, Banks received a teaching assistantship, thanks to the sponsorship and mentoring of two professors, Dr. Clarence Casella and Dr. Malcolm Weiss, who were instrumental in bringing him to NIU and advocating for his financial support.
“Together, we will serve as lead advocates and champions of the campaign’s vision; make our own meaningful philanthropic commitment; leverage our networks to engage new donors and cultivate campaign momentum; and support university leadership in donor engagement and stewardship,” added Erickson.
Manny Sanchez noted the dedicated approach to student success.
“Through scholarships, mentorship programs and state-of-the-art facilities, NIU ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Sanchez said.
Pat Pulido Sanchez echoed these words, adding, “NIU is a powerful engine of learning and enlightenment that will grow and expand through FORWARD, a comprehensive campaign that we are proud to support.”
“Beyond the campus, NIU serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress, partnering with local businesses, organizations and communities to create a bright future for all,” said Murer, addressing the positive reach the Huskies have throughout the region and world.
At the campaign launch event, President Lisa C. Freeman challenged attendees to reflect on their own NIU experience and imagine the difference they could now make for others.
“As we officially launch the FORWARD campaign, I encourage us all to consider the roles we can play,” she said. “Reflect on your own NIU journey. Think about the game-changers — the professor, the team, the community…an unexpected opportunity…or the precise moment that gave you the confidence and support to pursue your path. Picture how you now can be the game-changer and pay it forward. That is the power of NIU.”
Freeman illustrated how campaign gifts will fuel aspirations and breakthroughs across campus.
“The students who dream about being the first in their family to go to college, or the students needing a little extra support in their final semester to get them across the finish line,” she said. “Faculty researchers on the cusp of breakthroughs, or student entrepreneurs with innovative ideas worth exploring and nurturing. Hard-working student-athletes balancing rigorous academics and training, aspiring teachers preparing to teach our youth, music majors composing their first score, or student nurses and audiologists gaining hands-on experience in a community clinic.”
She added that every contribution helps create lasting change.
“I ask you to join us in contributing to the FORWARD campaign and investing in the positive impact of NIU,” Freeman said. “Your support matters and is deeply appreciated. Together, we will move NIU forward — with purpose, with pride and with the unwavering belief that our greatest impact is still ahead.”
The impact of FORWARD is felt by individuals like Lidia Marquez, a double major in Operations Management & Information Systems and Spanish. Lidia was able to study abroad in Spain and Mexico thanks to donor-funded scholarships that removed financial barriers. A first-generation, bilingual student, she said the experience expanded her cultural awareness, enriched her Spanish skills, and prepared her for her future career in business.
“The support that these awards have offered me is a motivation to keep putting in the effort for my dreams and education,” said Marquez. “I appreciate the donors’ efforts in helping students like me.”
FORWARD is focused on the future, the years and decades ahead of NIU. In a world constantly shifting, with climate, economies and communities under pressure, it is more important than ever to grow the support systems that sustain the university and expand its reach. NIU’s responsibility extends beyond campus, with a commitment to advancing the well-being of local communities and a global society for generations to come.
To learn more about FORWARD: The Campaign for NIU and how you can make a gift, visit NIUForward.com.