The Research Rookies Program recently received a gift of $25,000 from two NIU alumni, Harry and Jaymie Simmon, according to an article on NIU Today.

The program pairs a freshman, sophomore or transfer student with a mentor, who helps to guide the student through their very own research project.

The Simmons’ gift will support five Research Rookies this year, who will be known as “Simmons’ Scholars.” Those students include Justin Durancik, Dan Jeffries, Shamika Olivares, Isha Vaishampayan and Garrett Wise.

According to the article, the Simmons were unsure of where to direct their gift until they visited the NIU campus for Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day.

“When we learned about Research Rookies we knew that is where we wanted to put our support,” Jaymie said in the article.