Our Crowdfunding Groups
Although this fundraiser has concluded, you can make a donation to the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship by visiting foundation.myniu.com and typing "Black Alumni Council" into the "designation" field. Be sure to denote that it is for the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship in the "Recognition, Special Instructions and Other Options" area.
Fanny Ruth Patterson was the first black student to graduate from NIU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1915 and was known as a brave innovator at Northern Illinois University. After graduating, Fanny taught school for several years until succumbing to tuberculosis. This scholarship has been established by the Black Alumni Council to honor Fanny for her role in blazing a trail for other Black or African American students to follow at Northern Illinois University.
The purpose of the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship is to promote the educational benefits that derive from a diverse student body. The Fund will provide scholarship support for deserving students who have a minimum of 70 credit hours, 2.5 GPA or greater, been active in campus affairs, and embodied the spirit of Fanny Ruth Patterson.
More than $35,000 have been provided to students through the Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship. Donate today to help continue that legacy.
Our goal is to raise $1,000 to help current students finish their degree at NIU. The group (e.g. fraternity/sorority) who raises the most (minimum $500) will receive 10 NIU Pride Packs to share with their members!
Shout out in Zoom chat during live event
Shout out from a DJ during the Black Alumni Council Virtual Reunion event on 9/6.
"Paw"written personalized thank you note from NIU Mascot Mission II.
