Sept. 7, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - For the first time in the 108-year history of Northern Illinois University, the Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund (formerly the Huskie Club) has surpassed the $1 million mark in annual donations.

After undergoing a reorganization a year ago, the Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund surpassed its initial goals in its first year with 1,208 members contributing $1,045,136 in support of Northern Illinois' 486 student-athletes and 17 sports programs.

In addition to the name change that better reflects the philanthropic mission and spirit of the organization, a primary focus of the restructuring was increased communication with all NIU donors and constituents throughout the year. As a result of these efforts, over 33 percent of HASF donors increased their gift for 2007-2008 while 310 new members gave gifts totaling just under $91,000.

"Very directly, our ability to provide our student-athletes and sports programs with a world-class experience would not be possible without the increased support from our generous Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund donors," said Associate Vice-President/Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Phillips.

"We can not say `Thank You' enough to all of our dedicated and generous supporters for their unprecedented support of Huskie Athletics."

The mission of the Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund is to effectively build and sustain quality relationships with all friends and constituents of Northern Illinois University Athletics, which in turn will provide the resources necessary for Huskie student-athletes to achieve a world class experience- academically, socially and athletically. For more information on the Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund, please call the HASF office at (815) 753-1923.

-- NIU --