The Huskie Athletic Support Fund (HASF), the fundraising arm of NIU Athletics, achieved yet another milestone in 2011. For the fifthconsecutive year the HASF was able to raise the number of donors and dollars contributed to Huskie Athletics through its Annual Fund Drive. The HASF concluded the year with 1,569 donors while raising $1,466,327 besting the marks of 1,525 donors and $1,435,420 set in 2010. Donations received through the HASF are dispersed directly to NIU sports programs’ budgets. HASF dollars are used to provide operational support and help to defray costs such as team travel, equipment, athletic facilities, operations, and medical services. The HASF is a cornerstone for NIU Athletics and the support of its donors is imperative for the continued success of NIU’s talented studentathletes. On behalf of the coaches, staff and our student-athletes; THANK YOU to all of our donors!
Dr. Kenneth and Ellen Chessick were recognized for their generous naming gift during NIU’s game at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Sept. 17, 2011. Eight months later, the Chessicks and the project’s leadership donors assembled on the site of the Chessick Practice Center for the ground-breaking ceremony prior to the Huskies’ annual spring game on April 21, 2012.
The Tailgate Showdown (above) and Football 101 (left) have become two of the most successful events the Huskie Athletic Support Fund conducts each year. Football 101 provides an inside look at the NIU football program for female Huskie fans, while the Tailgate Showdown brings amateur and professional cooks from the area to offer Huskie fans a taste of DeKalb-Sycamore.