With less than $400,000 left to raise for the Athletic and Academic Performance Center, there is no doubt the Athletics Department would not be where it is now without two $1 million donations.

One of those donations came from Jeff Yordon, a former football and track athlete at NIU in 1970.

Yordon, a 56-year-old COO/Director at American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. in Schaumburg will have the 14,000-square-foot Strength and Conditioning Center named after he and his wife Kimberly.

The former political science and business major took time out of his schedule to discuss how he rekindled his love for NIU, why he donated seven figures and what the rest of NIU’s alumni can do to chip in.

Northern Star: What was it like at NIU when you were here?

Jeff Yordon: In 1970 we had just made the transition to the Division I level. It’s unbelievable the football team is still using the same facilities we used when I was playing 35 years ago.

NS: How did you first get involved with the AAPC project?

JY: For 17 years I lived in California and NIU had contacted me on and off, but I never replied because they didn’t give me a reason. Then three years ago NIU called and asked me to pick a game to go to, and I went to the Bowling Green game. It was the first time I had been on campus in a while and it had grown a lot since I had left. I met with [NIU football coach] Joe Novak and others. They really impressed me with what they had to say.

NS: Why donate so much?

JY: Number one, NIU desperately needs it. I saw that Novak wasn’t just building a team, but a program. The following year they went 10-2 and I went to every game home and away, and was hooked. I had seen other MAC facilities, and they’re wonderful. I became convinced that the last part of Novak’s rebuilding plan couldn’t be completed without this facility. Now I’ve put my money where my mouth is, and people will listen to me now about the need NIU has for this facility. Unfortunately, the reality is there aren’t a lot of people in a position to give a lot of money. As an ex-athlete and graduate I felt I needed to step up and show my commitment.

NS: Why did you choose the strength and conditioning center to be named after you?

JY: Honestly, I didn’t care what part of the building I was associated with. [The other $1 million donors], George and Fran Wilkins were intent on having their name on the academic area, so I took the next big part of the building.

NS: Why are alumni finally donating?

JY: It’s amazing. So many people have told me this turnaround by the football program is one of the most exciting things that has happened in their adult lives. If we want to sustain this, if some just step forward, where if at least 400 people donate $1,000, we’re there. We’ve promised these athletes it would be built. We’re on the brink of excitement, and we need this facility to compete.