The NIU Alumni Association is asking students to help contribute to a “mange fund” which will be used to purchase a new suit for Victor E. Huskie.

Susan Lund, Alumni Association acting director, said the board of directors met Jan. 31 and decided to “challenge” students. She said the Alumni Association would match every dollar raised by students up to a maximum of $850 (one-third the cost of a new costume).

Lund said, “The Alumni Association would be delighted to help out, but we feel the students should help a little bit on this.”

Pat Hewitt, assistant director of Budget and Planning, said she was happy to hear the association has offered to help the funding. She said, “If students would meet $850, then the total amount would be met. The Alumni Association will only match the students’ funding, not any of the staff or faculty contributions.”

ewitt said she wants to inform Willard Draper, adviser to the Resident Hall Association (RHA), and Michelle Emmett, associate director of University Programming and Activities, of the funding goals for the students.

ewitt said she is anticipating more staff contributions, and, with student and alumni funds, they could reach their goal of $2,500. She said, “If the fund-raiser really goes well, then maybe a small maintenance fund can be started. The gloves, feet and tail will need to be replaced, and the costume needs to be cleaned and refurbished often.”

Dianna Strink, vice president of NIU’s Operating Staff Council, said she has collected a total of $325 from the faculty and staff since Jan. 20. She said, “It is a great idea to get the students involved.”

Strink said she wants to contact the RHA directors and fraternities and sororities to get some fundraisers started. “If $850 could be raised, the alumni will match the rest and then the ‘Mange Fund’ will have $2,000,” she said.