DeKALB, Illinois — Fans, alumni, supporters and community members are invited to participate in two events celebrating the rich tradition of Northern Illinois University’s athletics during the university’s 115th Homecoming Weekend, October 7-9, 2022. The Huskies will host the 35th NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction on Friday, October 7th and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX at a brunch on Sunday, October 9th.
“I am excited to welcome every Huskie to these two events celebrating NIU Athletics history and tradition during the 115th Homecoming,” said NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T Frazier. “What better time than Homecoming to honor the newest inductees of our NIU Athletics Hall of Fame, a class that has been in the making for more than three years! Then we have a great opportunity to end the week by celebrating women who have participated, or benefited from, the growth and advancement of women’s athletics as a result of Title IX at the 50th Anniversary event at the Convocation center.”
On Friday evening, October 7th, NIU will induct 13 new members into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Duke Ellington Ballroom at the Holmes Student Center. All are invited to attend this free event, which will begin with a reception at 5pm, followed by the program at 6pm
The Class of 2022 includes seven student-athletes: Amy Foulke (Volleyball, 1990-93), Thomas hammock (Football, 1999-2002), Chandler Harnish (Football, 2008-11), Kristin Hoffman (Volleyball, 2008-11), Sandra Lutz (Field hockey, softball and volleyball, 1966-70), Scott Simon (Baseball, 2003-07 ), Chad Spann (football, 2007–10); Coach and administrator Robert Collins (1986-89, 1992-2010). Also among the additions are four families who have been instrumental in the growth of Huskie Athletics: the Barsema family, the Chessick family, the Rich family and the Yordon family, as well as a special contributor, longtime MLB manager Rick Cerrone . Read more about the initiates here.
The event is free to attend, but guests are asked to pre-register HERE. Registration closes on Monday, April 26th.
On Sunday, October 9, NIU will once again welcome student-athletes from throughout its history, as well as current members of its women’s teams, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX with a brunch and program beginning at 10 a.m. at the NIU Convocation begins Center. The program includes a panel discussion with past and current student athletes, coaches and administrators. It will also feature many of the Title IX-era “50 Huskie Greats” that were featured on NIU’s social media platforms earlier this year. Expected panelists include former NIU Athletics Director Cary Groth, 2022 Hall of Famer inductee Kristin Hoffman, former NIU softball coach Donna Martin, and current NIU head coaches Connie Teaberry and Ray Gooden and current basketball student-athlete Janae Poisson.
The cost of attending the NIU Title IX 50th Anniversary Celebration is $15 for members of the public and free for past and current NIU student-athletes. To register for the event, click HERE. The closing date for entries is September 26th.
A complete list of university-wide events planned during the 115th Homecoming is available online at NIU.edu/homecoming, including the 115th Homecoming game where the NIU football team will play on Saturday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. 30pm vs MAC West rivals Toledo at Huskie Stadium. For tickets click HERE.
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