DeKALB, Illinois – Fans, alumni, supporters and members of the community are invited to attend two events celebrating Northern Illinois University Athletics rich tradition during the university's 115th Homecoming Weekend, October 7-9, 2022.  The Huskies will hold the 35th NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction on Friday, October 7 and will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX at a Brunch on Sunday, October 9.
 
"I am excited to welcome every Huskie to these two events celebrating the history and tradition of NIU Athletics during the 115th Homecoming," said NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier. "What better time than Homecoming to honor the newest members of our NIU Athletics Hall of Fame, a class more than three years in the making! Then, we have a tremendous opportunity to close out the week by celebrating women who have been a part of, or have benefitted from, the growth and advancement of women's athletics as a result of Title IX at the 50th Anniversary event in the Convocation Center."    
 
On Friday evening, October 7, NIU will induct 13 new members into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center. All are invited to attend this free event beginning with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.
 
The 2022 class includes seven student-athletes: Amy Foulke (Volleyball, 1990-93), Thomas Hammock (Football, 1999-2002), Chandler Harnish (Football, 2008-11), Kristin Hoffman (Volleyball, 2008-11), Sandra Lutz (Field Hockey, Softball and Volleyball, 1966-70), Scott Simon (Baseball, 2003-07), Chad Spann (Football, 2007-10); Coach and administrator Robert Collins (1986-89, 1992-2010). Also among the inductees are four families who have been instrumental to the growth of Huskie Athletics: The Barsema Family, the Chessick Family, Rich Family, and the Yordon Family, and one special contributor, longtime MLB executive Rick Cerrone. Read more on the inductees here.
 
While the event is free to attend, guests are asked to register in advance HERE. The deadline to register is Monday, September 26.   
 
On Sunday, October 9, NIU will welcome back women student-athletes from throughout its history, as well as current members of its women's teams, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX with a brunch and program beginning at 10 a.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. The program will include a panel discussion with past and present student-athletes, coaches and administrators. In addition, many of the "50 Huskie Greats" of the Title IX era featured on NIU social media platforms earlier this year, will be introduced. Anticipated panelists include former NIU director of athletics Cary Groth, 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Kristin Hoffman, former NIU softball coach Donna Martin, current NIU head coaches Connie Teaberry and Ray Gooden and current women's basketball student-athlete Janae Poisson.
 
Cost to attend the NIU Title IX 50th Anniversary Celebration is $15 for members of the public and is free for former and current NIU student athletes. To register for the event, click HERE. The deadline is September 26. 
 
A full list of university-wide events planned during the 115th Homecoming is available online at NIU.edu/homecoming, including the 115th Homecoming game as the NIU Football team takes on MAC West rival Toledo on Saturday, October 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Huskie Stadium. For tickets, click HERE. 
 
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