(04-19-2022 09:37 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(04-19-2022 08:00 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(04-19-2022 11:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(04-19-2022 10:53 AM)klake87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2022 10:42 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU, MAC schools in general are not generational schools. There aren't legacies at a school that 60 yrs ago was a teacher's school, DII. It wasn't a top choice then (unless you wanted to be a teacher) and isn't now for kids. And it's getting worse, not better. The only hope was a Boise St. type of run not only winning titles but bowls and NYD 6 at least once. You either are getting donations being a top notch sports school with a following from a large local and even national presence or academically. NIU is neither and never will be. Some just refuse to see it and they and others just pray for the whale to get a new stadium, even major improvements. Alumni don't , won't support this school after they leave, most don't while there. Everyone can speculate say what's being done is wrong, they didn't try whatever. Simply put the majority of kids are there because it's their last or best choice most, especially coming from city, are never coming back giving a dime, especially to academics. It's reality.

This is my point. Be happy NIU has a few big donors. It could be worse. We will never have a huge endowment. There are a lot of very rich NIU alumni but most will never donate. Be happy with what we have. With little we have won numerous MAC Championships.

I really wish NIU had some sort of school pride mission where school pride is developed, nurtured, and publicized everywhere. If students really like and are proud of the school, they will donate. Why do we all donate (at least those who do)? Because we love the school and take pride in it. School pride and love is a basis for donations. If you really like the school and are proud of it, you will be much more likely to donate.

As most of you know, I went to Northwestern for undergrad. While I like the beauty of the school, I do not like the snobishness of the administration and professors. And guess what? I donate nothing to that school. Every so often, I get a donation request, but I donate nothing. (Plus, they don't need my money.) All my donations go to NIU.

I may have mentioned that I used to work in Evanston, in an office dominated by Northwestern alums. I very much felt this way about that school. They behaved in a way that said "I smell my own farts." We are proud and happy to have you as an alum, and to share the Huskie experience with you.

Thank you! But, I have to admit that I, too, smell my own farts. At least now I know where it comes from. Spending 4 years at Northwestern will do that to you!

I will admit, their campus is very beautiful, in the perfect location. Lots of great food options too. But because of our close connection with the school, we attended a few Northwestern events. Those kids were just destined for greatness, or at least in their hearts and heads they were.