Did you rejoice when the Huskies played in the Orange Bowl?

Did you marvel at the abilities of NIU Heisman Trophy finalist Jordan Lynch?

Did your chest puff out when the Huskies won their first, or second, or even third MAC Championship?

Were you in the stands at Soldier Field when NIU played in Chicago?

Did you cheer the Huskies on at Ryan Field when they played Northwestern last year?

Have you been back for a Homecoming game? Bought a NIU T-shirt? Attended an Alumni Association event?

Are you a former NIU student-athlete?

Finally, ARE YOU READY for Huskie Athletics to move forward and for NIU Football to become the next TCU and carry the entire program to the next level?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then, like me, you are someone who takes pride in Northern Illinois University and its athletic program. We need YOU in order to move our program forward. And we need you right now!

Over the past two years as NIU's athletic director, I have heard the pleas of Huskie fans. More importantly, I've listened.

You said, "We want to see better opponents in Huskie Stadium."

We responded with #SchedulePalooza, which produced this line-up of opponents coming to DeKalb:

2016: San Diego State
2017: Boston College, South Florida
2018: Utah
2020: BYU
2021: Wyoming, Maryland
2022: Vanderbilt
2023: Tulsa

You said, "We want more amenities and premium areas at NIU games, with the ability to purchase alcohol and enjoy a unique game experience."

We listened and debuted "The Yard", a free area open to all fans with adult beverages and food sales, live music, a kids' zone and more. We also introduced the Coaches Club, Sky Club and Yordon Terrace suites at Huskie Football games, as well as enhanced courtside seating and the Nelson Club at the Convocation Center. Even more options are on the way for 2015, like the new End Zone Club, which will bring fans even closer to Huskie football action at field level.

You said, "We want more season ticket options, and enhanced customer service and communication for donors."

That plea resulted this year in the $299 Huskie Family Pack, the return of three-game Mini-Plans ($75) and variable pricing. On the Huskie Athletic Fund side, we have enhanced our communication with a new website (www.huskieathleticfund.com), annually produce a comprehensive donor guide, added staff, and implemented new systems with high integrity processes in regard to benefit allocations such as parking and seat locations.

We have made progress.

In 2014, the Huskie Athletic Fund saw a 20% increase in annual giving and the annual fund hit the $1 million mark in cash donations for the first time in school history.

Still, with 137,447 NIU alumni in the Chicagoland area, less than 2% contributed to the success of our student-athletes as donors to the Huskie Athletic Fund in 2014.

And though our records show 7,572 alums live in DeKalb County, only 3,580 football season tickets were sold in 2014 ... for one of the most successful teams in the state and in the country!

I firmly believe NIU Athletics is positioned for greatness, led by Northern Illinois University's greatest national brand - Huskie Football. Over the last 10 years, our football student-athletes and coaches have built a program that ranks among the nation's best in academics, in wins, and in conference championships. We win with quality student-athletes who graduate, contribute in the community, and represent NIU with integrity. Outstanding! And worthy of your support.

So I am asking EVERYONE to be a part of moving this program forward. We currently have a great start on season ticket renewals. You can help capitalize on our momentum. Purchase your season tickets today and join us in the stands to cheer on our NIU Huskies. I know our student-athletes would appreciate your support and, like other Huskie fans, you'll end up having a lot of fun, too.

To those of you who have made the commitment to supporting Huskie Athletics over the years and continue to do so on an annual basis, I thank you.

To the rest of you, look me in my good eye! We need you! The time is now! And I'm still listening!

Go Huskies!

Sean T. Frazier
Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics