In a vibrant celebration of achievement, Northern Illinois University (NIU) recently introduced a new tradition aimed at honoring its graduating students. Dubbed "Gradpalooza," this event marked its inaugural launch last winter, bringing together campus partners and students in a festive atmosphere. Initially starting with a modest turnout, the event has blossomed, now attracting over 200 students eager to celebrate their milestones.

The initiative not only focused on festivities but also aimed to foster a sense of community and philanthropy among graduates. For the first time, NIU organized a class gift campaign, encouraging students to contribute to their alma mater. This effort resulted in 122 individual first-time donations, a promising start that university officials view as a significant step towards instilling a culture of giving among graduates.

To enhance future engagement, the university collected contact information from attendees through a survey, with over 85 students participating. This data will help NIU maintain connections with graduates as they transition into their professional lives.

In a notable shift from tradition, the commencement ceremony featured a polished video message instead of a live speaker from the alumni association. This 90-second video, designed to welcome graduates into the NIU alumni family, received positive feedback from both graduates and their families. Additionally, the university reached out to 1,369 undergraduates and 438 graduate students via text, inviting them to join the extended Husky family, further solidifying the sense of belonging.

As NIU continues to build on these initiatives, the success of Gradpalooza and the class gift campaign signal a promising future for alumni engagement and community building at the university.