Huskies United for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

A college degree is a key component in social mobility. NIU prides itself on our long tradition of providing access, support and opportunity to underserved populations who come to college, not only to achieve their personal and career goals, but also to make a difference in their families, communities, states and nations.

CLAS, as the heart of the university, shares that commitment.

We change lives by helping students discover their voice and passion through opportunities beyond the classroom. From exploring new ideas and interests through our general education courses to finding role models and mentors in our faculty and contributing to research, service and scholarship projects, students develop into engaged citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.

Your gift will make a difference in the lives of our students. From providing students the funding they need to enroll in classes, supporting student research, providing assistance for student organizations like Forensics and Mock Trial travel, to bringing the spirit of the liberal arts and sciences out into the community.

You’ll be paving the way for future scientists, educators, journalists, lawyers, researchers, doctors, public servants and activists. The hallmark NIU grit and dreams are there — they just need a little investment to come true.


Project Finish Line

Established in 2017 through the vision of the Dean’s Advisory Council, Project Finish Line provides degree-completion scholarships for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who successfully completed 50-75% of their degree coursework but could not afford to enroll in their upcoming or final semester, due to unexpected financial hardship.

Since inception, CLAS has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to deserving students with an average scholarship amount of less than $1,500.  On average, 95% of Project Finish Line recipients graduate.


Dean's Strategic Initiatives Fund 

Across the street and around the world, CLAS students and faculty engage with community organizations and conduct community-based research. Scholars apply the liberal arts to the real world - engaging in multidimensional, cross-disciplinary inquiry that provides deeper insights and transformative solutions.

Sustain the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences by providing flexible gifts in support of emerging needs and strategic priorities, including activities such as the Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series, research support, community engagement and study abroad. 


Research/Scholarship Activities in Our Departments and Centers

The strength of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is its breadth — no other college has the potential to affect so many serious real-world needs. And no other college has the chance to influence the path of every single NIU student at some time in their college career. 

Learning isn't confined to classrooms. Students gain knowledge and experience by applying the knowledge they've learned through faculty-mentored research and scholarship activities. These experiences are transformative and need your support. Thanks to donor support, we’ve made these opportunities more accessible to all students by providing stipends and support for student researchers.


Invest in your home department or interdisciplinary center and support students, faculty and programs.

 


Leaderboard
College Total Dollars Raised
Show your Huskie pride! The below leaderboard totals the amount raised for each of NIU's seven academic colleges during Huskies United.
Rank College Total Dollars Raised Raised
1 College of Business $128,788.53
2 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences $115,357.90
3 College of Engineering & Engineering Technology $47,760.75
4 College of Health and Human Sciences $36,860.00
5 College of Education $26,900.00
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Huskies United Participation Challenge
$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.
1,020 / 2,000 Gifts
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Southeast Asian Studies Scholarship Fund
$75
Southeast Asian Studies Scholarship Fund
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies at NIU is dedicated to increasing the world's knowledge and understanding of Southeast Asia's 11 countries through academic endeavor and public outreach. We are excited to announce that Dr. Melissa Lenczewski, the Assistant Director of Southeast Asian Studies, will be the generous donor supporting the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, assisting students who participate in the Center’s program. Your donations will go directly to the Center for Southeast Asian Studies Fund, providing financial aid, as well as academic and programmatic resources, for students. How It Works: When 5 gifts are made in support of the fund, it will unlock $25 of Dr. Lenczewski’s donation. When 10 gifts are made, it will unlock $50 of her donation. When 15 gifts are made, it will unlock $105 of her donation.
6 / 10 Gifts
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CLAS Finish Line Challenge
$1,000
CLAS Finish Line Challenge
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Robert Brinkmann and Mario Gomez will be giving a $1,000 gift to the CLAS Finish Line Fund once we have received 20 individual gifts to any project finish line-supporting fund.
9 / 20 Gifts
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Huskies Closet Challenge
$250
Huskies Closet Challenge
The Huskie Closet is a student resource, and also a 'learning lab' where faculty across campus bring classes to connect classroom learning with hands-on experience. This challenge is sponsored by faculty who have integrated class experiences into the Closet, helping ensure student interns who manage the Closet are paid via scholarship. $500 unlocked for Huskie Closet interns -- $250 unlocked upon the first five donations, and an additional $250 when we reach 15 total donors.
3 / 5 Gifts
Leaderboard
College Total Gifts
Show your college pride! The below leaderboard shows the total gifts for each of NIU's seven academic colleges during Huskies United.
Rank College Total Gifts Gifts
1 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 200
2 College of Business 137
3 College of Education 81
4 College of Health and Human Sciences 38
5 College of Engineering & Engineering Technology 24
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Sustaining Student Success Challenge
$600
Sustaining Student Success Challenge
The director for the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy (ESE), Thomas Skuzinski, wants to inspire gifts in support of ESE. When 5 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock $100 of his gift. When 15 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock $500 of his gift. And, when 25 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock the entire $1000 of his gift.
13 / 15 Gifts
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Global Impact Challenge
$220
Global Impact Challenge
Help fund fellowship opportunities, student activities, conferences, and academic support for Southeast Asian studies at NIU. How it Works: 5 Donations → Unlocks a $100 contribution to CSEAS fellowships and student programs. 10 Donations → Unlocks an additional $120 for conference funding and student activities. 20 Donations → Unlocks $100 to expand student engagement, faculty initiatives, and global partnerships.
5 / 10 Gifts
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Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies Directors' Challenge
Event
Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies Directors' Challenge
Thanks to the generosity of the directors' of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, for every 4 donations that will unlock $350 in directors' donations up to $1,400.
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Marvin Rosen Scholarship Match Challenge
2
Match
Marvin Rosen Scholarship Match Challenge
An anonymous alumnus has pledged to match each gift made to the Marvin Rosen Scholarship fund up to $10,000! Let’s show our support and raise $20,000 together for History students!
$25 MATCHED
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Or you can contact us at northernfund@niu.edu.

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Match your Gift dollar for dollar!