About Alumni Association
Huskie Pride is yours to define.
Whether you’re an NIU graduate or friend, you belong here. Explore ways to connect, get involved and give back. The NIU Alumni Association invites you to explore, engage and give back in ways that matter most to you—while staying connected to a community that continues to grow and thrive.
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center
Welcome home to the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, made possible through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff and friends.
NIU Alumni Association Advisory Board of Directors
Meet the passionate, experienced leaders who serve as ambassadors, philanthropic leaders, mentors and advocates–helping to develop our vision and guide our mission.
Join the Board
Call for Nominations: Nominations open each January. We invite NIU alumni and friends to participate.
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- Attend each of the three annual board meetings in person (February, May, September).
- Be actively involved in one of NIUAA’s committees, which meet monthly by conference call.
- Attend key alumni events.
- Be ready to proudly share your NIU experience and university news with your friends, colleagues and fellow alumni.
To see the full job description for an NIUAA Board Director, email alumns@niu.edu
Fill Out Information Form
Alumni Association Bylaws (PDF)
PDF, 153.2 KB
Recognize Alumni, Friends and Volunteers
NIU Alumni Association Awards
The NIU Alumni Association proudly honors graduates and friends of the university for exceptional achievements in their respective fields and extraordinary contributions to NIU and beyond.
Award Categories
- NIU Alumni Awards recognize outstanding Huskies across three categories:
- The Distinguished Alumni Award
- The F.R. Geigle Service Award
- The Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The 2026 NIU Alumni Association Awardees are:
- Distinguished Alumnus Award: Thomas J. Dee, ’85 (COB)
- F.R. Geigle Service Award: Linda B. Grandolfo, ’73, M.S.Ed. ’77 (COE)
- Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Nicole Struthers, ’17 (CHHS)
How to Nominate
Nominations may include up to two letters of support. We encourage a brief written summary explaining why your nominee deserves recognition. If a nominee isn’t selected in their original category, the committee may consider them for a different one.
Selection Criteria
Nominees are evaluated on their continued engagement with NIU, professional achievements, public recognition and volunteer service to their communities and beyond. What if your nominee isn’t selected this year? Your nominee stays in the pool for two additional years, and you’re welcome to update their materials anytime. Nominees are not notified unless they win. Please note that active members of the NIU Board of Trustees, NIU Foundation Board of Directors or NIU Alumni Association Advisory Board of Directors are not eligible to receive an award during their tenure on these boards.
Awards Ceremony
Winners are honored each fall during NIU Homecoming week at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center.
Enjoy Pictures of Last Year’s Event
Northern Lights Awards
The NIU Northern Lights Award celebrates volunteers whose dedication and service make a lasting difference for the NIU community. The award also carries forward the legacy of Liz McSpadden ’10, M.B.A. ’16, whose remarkable commitment to NIU inspired those around her.
Award Criteria and Information
Northern Lights Award recipients demonstrate at least two of five core characteristics — generosity, initiative, reliability, joyfulness and curiosity.
This year’s honorees not only meet those criteria; they bring them vividly to life. Meet this year’s awardees.
Enjoy Pictures of Last Year’s Event
Nominations for the Northern Lights Award are accepted from January 26 to April 15. Final award recipient(s) are announced in June and honored in an in-person ceremony in October.
Nominations Open in January