Preparing tomorrow’s leaders begins with meaningful partnerships. Through a new collaboration with The Alden Network, the College of Health and Human Sciences established The Alden Network Leadership in Aging Services and Senior Living Program, expanding opportunities for students while helping address one of society’s most pressing workforce needs. “This partnership creates valuable opportunities for students...
When students arrive at NIU, they are immersed in a community of people who often begin as strangers. Together, they navigate challenges, build friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. More than three decades after graduating, Carlos Fulcher, ’90, wanted to recreate that experience. The former NIU gymnast recently organized a weeklong Appalachian Trail...
NIU’s Student Athlete Academic Support Services has been recognized for organizing impactful civic initiatives for NIU student athletes and was named a top three finalist for the 2026 NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl. Alongside Boise State and winner Rutgers University, NIU advanced through the top 10 and top five, before being...
Instead of taking on his senior design project elsewhere, recent mechanical engineering graduate Joseph Rayner, ’26, saw an opportunity to build one with the company where he already worked — Assurance Technologies, Inc. “I realized I could either partner with another company on the work they were doing, or I could make a stronger...
At Custom Aluminum Products, middle school students took the lead on a project to design, manufacture and sell a new aluminum table and bench set. The program was part of a partnership between the Genoa-based company and NIU STEAM, in the NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. DeKalb middle schoolers from the NIU...
As part of its ongoing commitment to the success of transfer students, NIU has been named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Honor Roll. The Transfer Honor Roll is one of the nation’s most comprehensive recognitions of transfer excellence. Colleges are assessed across five dimensions shown to influence transfer success: Transfer student success...
Many faculty members leave a lasting legacy with the students they teach and mentor. However, after they retire, it takes an educator with a giving spirit and an eye for the future to be committed to the success of future students and faculty members. Schriber, with her National Defense Education Act-supported Ph.D. in Comparative Literature...
Graham, Gabel, Cole and Patterson halls came alive the week of June 8 to welcome and host NIU’s Summer Camp for Responsive Education. The eighth edition of the camp focused on the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education in March 2021 as “research-based best practices for closing...
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are helping NIU create a more personal, connected experience for students. Through interactive tools available within the Navigate and Mission AI platforms, NIU is leveraging AI to provide support and reduce barriers. This high-tech, high-touch approach helps staff members respond quickly, identify concerns and connect students with the appropriate resources. “What...
Loneliness can be deadly, but there are simple, powerful ways to fight back. Research from Northern Illinois University shows that exercise, social connection and even music can help protect the brain and body from the effects of loneliness and stress. Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as a priority public health problem. A...
Daniel Chukwunyem, a master of music student in the NIU School of Music won the Advanced Classical TBB Voice Category at the 59th Annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) convention in San Antonio, Texas. Chukwunyem is a native of Lagos, Nigeria who will complete his master of music this fall at NIU. He...
Some people are remembered for what they accomplished. Others are remembered for how they made people feel. Michael J. Naser will be remembered for both. Whether he was treating a patient, leading a team or spending time with family and friends, Mike had a gift for connecting with people. He was known for his kindness,...
