Gift from students improves campus safety

by Joe King

Current and future NIU students will be safer thanks to the generosity of the NIU Class of 2001.

Members of that class donated nearly $7,500 to the NIU Department of Public Safety. The money was recently used to purchase of audio visual equipment that has improved the safety presentations given by the department. The equipment purchased included three laptop computers, three computer projectors and a table-top screen.

“We are very grateful for the generosity shown by members of the Class of 2001,” said NIU Chief of Police Donald Grady. “This equipment has allowed us to greatly enhance our safety presentations and will help us make campus a safer place for everyone.”

The money was raised through the Senior Class Challenge. That program solicits members of a graduating class to support a project or program on campus selected by the NIU Student Alumni Association.

About 435 members of the Class of 2001 lent their support to the project.

Other classes have made gifts to support campus libraries, the Convocation Center Alumni Shop and the new Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. The goal of the Senior Class Challenge is to allow graduates to leave campus a better place than they found it.

“The Senior Class Challenge is a great way for students to leave their mark on campus after they leave,” said Meghan Marsden, director of the NIU Annual Fund, who oversees the project.

Graduates who participate in the challenge are also automatic members of the NIU Allegiance Society, which honors alumni who make a gift to their Senior Class Challenge and never miss a year of giving thereafter. Members of the society receive invitations to special events and a newsletter aimed at young alumni. They also receive a mention in the NIU Foundation Annual Report.

For more information on the NIU Senior Class Challenge, visit www.niufoundation.org/annualfund.

11-29-04