Huskies United 2025 has ended, but you can still make your gift here!
Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship

Fanny Ruth Patterson was the first black student to graduate from NIU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1915 and was known as a brave innovator at Northern Illinois University.

A scholarship has been established by the Black Alumni Council to honor Fanny for her role in blazing a trail for other students at follow at Northern Illinois University and accepts applications from all students at NIU. You can learn more about her legacy here.

More than $100,000 have been provided to students through the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship since 1988. Donate today to help continue that legacy!

Where to Give During Huskies United
Alumni & Community NIU Athletics Northern Illinois University Libraries College of Business College of Education College of Engineering & Engineering Technology College of Health and Human Sciences College of Law College of Liberal Arts and Sciences College of Visual & Performing Arts Division of Academic Affairs Division of Academic Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development Scholarships Student & On-Campus Engagement
$200,000
Huskies United Participation Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of an alumnus who cares about the future of NIU and its students, when 2,000 total gifts to any area are made during Huskies United, a $200,000 gift to support the Northern Fund will be unlocked into our totals.
Completed
$100,000
Huskies United Leadership Donor Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of an alumnus who cares about the future of NIU and its students, when 50 Leadership Society level gifts of $1,000 or more are made during Huskies United, a $100,000 gift to support the Northern Fund will be unlocked into our totals.
50 / 50 Gifts
Completed
2
Match
Huskies United Northern Fund Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of an alumnus who cares about the future of NIU and its students, every gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to an additional $100,000 that will be unlocked to support the Northern Fund and Huskie United totals.
$100,000 MATCHED
Completed
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Or you can contact us at northernfund@niu.edu.

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