Goal: To honor the academic achievement of students in the intercollegiate athletics program (e.g., student-athletes, cheerleaders, sport team managers).

Purpose: To annually recognize all intercollegiate athletics students and sport teams for their academic success.

History: It was initiated in 1988 by Cary Groth, then Associate Athletics Director (she later became the Athletic Director). It was initially sponsored by Corporate Communications (formerly GTE) through a grant that was applied for and awarded annually. The program expanded in the spring 2004 to include the recognition of students within the athletics department who achieve a grade point average of 4.0 and are called, 4.0 Scholars. In spring, 2008 the program began recognizing the epitome of success, graduating seniors.

This event is cosponsored by the NIU Alumni Association.

Scholar Baller Program

The NCAA endorsed and nationally recognized "scholar baller" movement is a facet of our Academic Excellence program. The "scholar baller" program is designed to be used as an avenue for recognizing the academic achievements of student-athletes who hold a cumulative gpa of 3.000 or better.

The scholar baller movement integrates education, sport and hip hop as a means to motivate and reward student-athletes for their achievement in the classroom as well as on the field. The scholar baller, apparel and patches may only be worn by students who have achieved a 3.000 gpa. These awards are in support of endorsing the idea that "it's cool to be smart".