DeKALB, Ill. — As a student-athlete, Eric Erato benefited from opportunities that helped him grow as a player, leader, and student. Today, he helps create those same opportunities for the next generation of Huskies.

After a great baseball career at NIU, Erato now serves in Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS), working directly with student-athletes as they pursue success in the classroom, in competition, and in life after graduation. His journey is a powerful example of the lasting impact donor support can have on a student-athletes future.

During his time as a Huskie, Erato embraced opportunities that extended far beyond baseball.

"Serving as a team captain for three years and participating in LEaD Huskies, SAAC, and Captains Council helped develop my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills," Erato said. "These experiences gave me opportunities to represent my fellow student athletes, advocate for others, and grow beyond my sport."

Those experiences helped shape the leader he would become and prepared him for a career centered on serving others.

"My experience as a student-athlete and involvement in leadership organizations sparked my passion for supporting and advocating for other student-athletes," he said. "Serving as a captain for three years showed me how rewarding it is to mentor others and help them succeed."

The opportunities that influenced Erato's path were made possible through the generosity of Huskie supporters. From leadership development programs and academic resources to facility enhancements, donor investments strengthened every aspect of his student-athlete experience. "Donor generosity helped provide access to academic resources, athletic facilities, and opportunities that supported my development both on and off the field," Erato said.

Among those investments were transformative facility enhancements to Ralph McKinzie Field. During his time with the Huskies, Erato benefitted from the new Baseball Player Development Area, which provided dedicated training space for pitchers and position players alike, and witnessed the completion of the Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park renovation project. The project delivered a state-of-the-art turf infield and significant ballpark enhancements that elevated the student-athlete experience. Four years removed from the unveiling of Walt and Janice Owens Park, NIU Baseball became MAC Champions and played in the 2026 NCAA Regionals beating Coastal Carolina in the opening game to advance to the regional winner's bracket. This historic run is an example of how a transformational gift can impact a program's long-term success.

Today, Erato sees the impact of those investments from a different perspective.

"Working in SAASS (student athlete academic support services) at NIU allows me to give back to the same community that invested in my development," he said. "The generosity that makes these resources and opportunities available does not go unnoticed, and I have an even greater appreciation for it now as a SAASS staff member."

As a former student-athlete and current staff member, Erato has witnessed the full lifecycle of donor impact. He experienced it firsthand as a student-athlete and now sees how those same investments continue to transform the lives of current Huskies.

"Donor support helps provide academic resources, leadership development, and opportunities that prepare student-athletes for success beyond their athletic careers," Erato said. "These investments allow us to provide meaningful experiences and resources that help student-athletes reach their full potential."

For Erato, donor support is about much more than what happens during four years on campus. It is about creating opportunities that shape future leaders and open doors long after graduation.

Eric sees himself as an example of benefiting from alumni and donor generosity.

"I'm a reflection of your investment," Erato said. "The opportunities I received as a student-athlete helped shape my career, and I now have the privilege of paying that support forward through my work in SAASS."

Today, the same support that helped develop Eric as a student-athlete is helping him guide current Huskies toward success.

Through Huskies Invest, donors are not simply funding programs, facilities, and scholarships. They are investing in people whose impact will continue long after their playing days are over.

Eric's journey from student-athlete to mentor is proof that those investments truly change lives.