Nearly 170 people attended the annual NIU Foundation Donor Recognition Dinner Oct. 3 in Naperville, said Mallory Simpson, NIU’s chief development officer and president of the NIU Foundation.

Many members of the foundation board and donors who gave $1,000 or more in the last fiscal year were present, Simpson said.

The NIU Foundation is a separate legal entity from NIU. The non-profit organization was incorporated in 1949.

“The NIU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the university,” Simpson said. “Its main purpose is to acquire and manage private donations to advance the excellence of NIU.”

Each year, two awards are given, assuming there is a deserving recipient, Simpson said.

The awards fall into two categories: outstanding volunteer service and outstanding philanthropy. The philanthropy award can fall into its own two categories as well: individual and corporate philanthropy.

Joseph Locke, a 1968 NIU business graduate, was awarded for his outstanding volunteer service. Earlier in the year, he also received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Business.

As a member of the NIU Executive Club Board, Locke contributed his knowledge and assistance to many aspects of the club. He started the NIU Executive Club dinner, dance and silent auction, which raised nearly $31,000 for business students, adding to the $140,000 already in existence.

“Joe’s commitment to professional success has never pulled him away from the things he holds most dear – his family and friends, his faith and his community,” Simpson said. “We are grateful to be among those communities with which Joe has chosen to share so generously.”

The individual philanthropy award was given to Earl and Margaret Hoffmann and J. Patrick White.

Earl was a faculty member in the College of Education. The Hoffmanns hold five degrees between the two of them and both enjoy teaching.

They grew up in a time when it wasn’t uncommon to only have an eighth-grade education level. They were determined to leave the farms they grew up on and leave a mark on the world. The Hoffmanns’ generosity at NIU has produced scholarships in elementary education and educational administration.

“The foundation award for philanthropy isn’t just about dollars,” Simpson said. “It’s about the heart, the spirit of giving, and the giving spirit in Margaret and Earl is beautiful to behold.”

White, an NIU history professor for more than 30 years, won the individual philanthropy award as well.

After retiring in 1993, White wanted to continue helping students. He instituted and funded the J. Patrick White History Education Endowment, which helps seniors planning to teach history at the secondary level.

“It is his persistent pattern of giving that is truly noteworthy,” Simpson said. “About every month or so, he sends another check to help NIU students, distinguishing himself among other donors.”

Caterpillar, a leading corporation in this region, has contributed more than $319,000 to numerous NIU colleges. For this, Caterpillar received the corporate philanthropy award.

Its most recent donation of $150,000 to the College of Business will support technology updates and faculty, staff and professional development for students.

“Few corporations have taken a more active and supportive role in partnering with NIU to expand opportunities for our students than Caterpillar,” Simpson said.