Northern Illinois University Mascot History

Northern Illinois University (NIU), founded in 1895 as Northern Illinois State Normal School, has a rich history of athletic traditions, including its mascots. Over the years, NIU's athletic teams have been known by several nicknames, reflecting the institution's evolving identity and mission. Today, the Northern Illinois Huskies represent the university in NCAA Division I athletics.

Early Nicknames: From Profs to Evansmen

In its early years, NIU's athletic teams were often referred to as "Profs," an obvious nod to the university's primary function as a teacher's college. As the institution grew and its athletic programs developed, other nicknames emerged. In the 1920s, "Cardinals" gained popularity, likely influenced by the school's jersey colors. The 1930s saw the rise of "Evansmen," a tribute to George G. "Chick" Evans, a significant figure in NIU athletics. Other names included "Northerners" and "Teachers."

The Birth of the Huskies

In 1940, a committee consisting of Evans, Harold Taxman, Walter Lorimer, and Harry Telman from the Varsity Club sought a nickname with more "dash." After considerable discussion, they settled on "Huskies." The name was first reported on January 25, 1940, in The Northern Illinois, the student newspaper that would become The Northern Star. The article stated that "Huskies" was appropriate for NIU's varsity teams because the term had color and meaning. Since then, "Huskies" has been used to refer to NIU's athletic squads.

Evolution of the Huskie Mascot and Logos

Since being elevated to NCAA Division I status in the late 1960s, the Northern Illinois mascot has undergone several transformations, including real dogs, a costumed "live" Victor E. Huskie, and a number of line drawing logo versions. The "fighting" Huskie in a boxer's stance, commissioned by former athletics director Bob Brigham in 1968, was likely the most well-known logo among Baby Boomers. The "wolf" Huskie dog's head, known to insiders, debuted in 1985-86 under the direction of NIU marketing director Chuck Shriver. John Vieceli of McMillan Associates in Dundee, who collaborated with former athletics director Gerald O'Dell on the project in 1988, created the recently "decommissioned" running Huskie dog.

Victor E. Huskie and Mission: The Modern Mascots

Today, the NIU Huskies are represented by Victor E. Huskie, a costumed mascot, and Mission, a live Siberian Husky. The NIU Foundation launched the Mission program in 2012 to establish a line of live dogs as mascots. As of 2023, Mission I, Mission II, and Mission III have all served in this capacity.

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Lisa Boland, head trainer for the NIU Mission Mascot Program, emphasized the qualities sought in a Huskie mascot: a young, stable dog with a multi-faceted background, including rescue experience, day shows, and sports. NIU Huskies always have blue eyes and are black and white. Mission III, for example, is known for his sweet and kind heart, adoration of children, and hardworking nature. He attends all football games and runs to the end zone for touchdowns.

The Huskie Fight Song and Alma Mater

The "Huskie Fight Song" dates back to the 1961-62 academic year, when The Northern Star called for a more upbeat tune for athletic events. Francis Stroup, a former Northern Illinois men's swimming coach and physical education professor, responded with new lyrics and a rewrite of the chorus of A. Neil Annas' "Loyalty Song." While the lyrics were first published on November 17, 1961, formal approval by the Student Senate did not occur until April 30, 1963.

The updated version of the "Alma Mater," written by former NIU band director Wilbur Smith and English professor Orville Baker, debuted at a campus Pops Concert in January 1961. Smith wrote the music and most of the lyrics, with some assistance from Baker.

Huskie Fight Song

Huskies, come on you Huskies and make a score or twoHuskies, you're Northern Huskies the team to pull us throughForward, together forward there's victory in viewCome on you Huskies, Fight on you Huskies and win for N.I.U.

Lyrics by Francis StroupMusic by A. Neil Annas

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Hail N.I.U - Alma Mater

Hail to THEE our Alma MaterEver shall we praise your nameHere, we proudly lift our voicesThousands strong we sing your fameFree, steadfast, devoted, trueWe will always stand by youLet our cheers resound for NorthernHail, N.I.U.

Lyrics by Wilbur Smith / Orville BakerMusic by Wilbur Smith

NIU's Colors: From Yellow and White to Cardinal and Black

Originally, yellow and white were adopted as the school's official colors in 1899. However, by 1906, the university desired brighter hues that would be more visible on athletic uniforms. The Athletic Association decided on a cardinal monogram, N.I., on a black diamond. "The red and black are very showy and much more suitable for athletic colors than yellow and white," The Northern Illinois wrote in February 1907.

A Legacy of Athletic Achievement

The Northern Illinois Huskies have built a respected tradition in college athletics. The Northern Illinois Huskies football program has been a cornerstone of the university’s athletic success, capturing multiple conference championships. The Northern Illinois Huskies baseball team has also contributed significantly to NIU’s athletic legacy. Beyond football and baseball, Northern Illinois has achieved success in basketball, track and field, and soccer.

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