Hello Huskies and Happy Summer!
 
Well, we did it, you did it. Over nine days from June 3-11, you stepped up to support Huskie student-athletes like never before, making the 2021 Virtual Victor E. Bash the most successful one of its kind since we initiated the concept in 2015. 
 
I cannot thank you – each of you – enough for coming through for NIU student-athletes. Whether you made a donation, purchased a jersey, participated in the online auction, 50/50 raffle or wine and spirits pull, you have made an impact.  During the Virtual Victor E. Bash, $204,100 was raised in support of NIU student-athletes, marking the first time we have surpassed $200,000 for this event. Again, thank you!
 
The video events that were part of the Virtual Victor E. Bash on the NIU Athletics YouTube Channel – including The Victors Student-Athlete Awards Show, Huskie Summer Circuit and Men's Basketball Watch Party – garnered 2,500 views lasting more than 280 hours. If you missed any of the videos, like the Victor E. Bash recap above, check them out anytime and don't forget to subscribe to the channel, it's another way to support NIU Athletics throughout the year.
 
Earlier this month, NIU's 2021 commencement ceremonies capped off a stellar academic year for the Huskies. Congratulations to the 65 student-athletes who received either a bachelor's or master's degree, especially in light of the adjustments that had to be made to reach that accomplishment over the last 15 months. Well done!
 
Academic success extended across the board as NIU student-athletes posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.35 for the Spring 2021 semester. Nearly every program achieved a team cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, led by women's gymnastics with a GPA of 3.875 for the spring term and men's tennis close behind with a 3.842. We also had almost 300 NIU student-athletes record a GPA of 3.0 or higher this spring!
 
NIU's commencement exercises account for eight of the 26 ceremonies scheduled for either Huskie Stadium or the NIU Convocation Center this year.  Kudos to the athletics facilities and operations staff which hosted 23 graduations in 21 days between May 16 and June 6!  The "grad-fest" comes to an end next weekend when NIU holds commencement ceremonies for the 2020 seniors at Huskie Stadium.
 
As we wrap up one year, the next has already begun! Summer classes started on Monday, and the NIU men's and women's basketball and football teams all welcomed their freshmen and newcomers to campus earlier this week. Workouts have started and the newcomers, along with the veterans, are ALREADY putting in the work it will take to be successful in 2021-22.
 
Likewise, the staff is preparing to welcome fans back with 100 percent capacity in ALL of our venues. That announcement came last week with the reopening of Illinois, and the university quickly followed suit as masks are no longer required on campus for fully vaccinated personnel. We are really looking forward to seeing you in Huskie Stadium, Victor E. Court and at all of our home events beginning in August!  
 
With kickoff of the 2021 home opener versus Wyoming on September 11 less than three months away, it is time to purchase or renew your football season tickets!  We have six home games in Huskie Stadium for the first time since 2017, and four Saturday home games in September and October for the first time since 2016, making season tickets an even better value. It is time to come back, for the tailgating, for the games, for the camaraderie – for so many reasons.
 
For our student-athletes, there is nothing like coming out of the Yordon Center and hearing the cheers of the crowd and the notes of the Fight Song played by the Huskie Marching Band. Sure, there were games last year, but the heart and soul of college football was missing and that was you, the fans.
 
To purchase your tickets at any time, go online to NIUHuskies.com/myhuskies. If you would rather speak to someone in our ticket office, call 815-753-PACK (7225) during business hours. If the lines are busy, leave a message and your call will be returned.
 
Finally, for those of you in the DeKalb area, I invite you to join me, local community and NIU leaders this Saturday, June 19, as we celebrate the newest national federal holiday (as of today!), Juneteenth, with a Block Party. The long-awaited national recognition of this day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States as a watershed moment in U.S. history is certainly a cause for celebration this year and every year.
 
The 2021 seasons will be here before we know it!  For now, I hope you have the chance to enjoy your summer. Once again, a sincere thank you for your support of NIU Athletics and our student-athletes.
 
Go Huskies!

 




Sean T. Frazier
Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics