NIU Foundation launches $300 million 'Forward' campaign; advancement leader announces retirement

The Northern Illinois Foundation announced the public launch of "Forward, the campaign for NIU," a comprehensive fundraising effort that aims to raise $300 million by 2030; the board of trustees voted to endorse the campaign at the meeting.

Catherine Squires, vice president for advancement and president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Foundation, told trustees that through June 5 the campaign had raised $164,500,000 and that a public kickoff was planned for the coming Saturday with more than 350 people signed up. "Through June 5, we've accomplished a 164,500,000.0 in total philanthropy," Squires said, and described the public phase as an effort to accelerate alumni and donor participation.

Squires — speaking in her last meeting before retirement after 10 years leading the foundation — outlined student engagement work tied to the campaign, including Gradpalooza events, first‑time class gifts from graduating students and a pilot 90‑second welcome video used during commencement. She thanked trustees and university leaders and said she would remain involved as an alum.

The board adopted a resolution endorsing the Forward campaign; the resolution says the campaign will focus on three strategic commitments: expanding transformational experiences (scholarships, research and experiential learning), inspiring discovery and innovation (research and creative activity) and fortifying the university's future (sustainability, infrastructure, planning). The meeting record shows the resolution was presented and approved by voice vote.

Trustees offered statements of thanks to Squires for her decade of leadership and cited the foundation's progress and the campaign as a continuation of that work. The board packet and Squires' remarks include campaign metrics, the launch date and planned public activities; trustees encouraged broad campus and alumni participation.