DeKALB, Ill. — For Jason Edmundson, Northern Illinois University represents more than just a place of higher learning. For him it was a place where lifelong friendships were formed, unforgettable memories were created, and a passion for Huskie Athletics took root. Today, as a successful business owner with Whirlix Design, Jason and his wife, Colleen, are helping ensure future generations of NIU student-athletes have opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.

Although Jason was not a Huskie student-athlete himself, athletics played a significant role in his student experience. As a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, he was immersed in a campus culture where many of his fraternity brothers competed for the Huskies or participated in club sports.

“Athletics were a huge part of my student experience,” Edmundson said. “Several of our fraternity brothers played for the Huskie soccer and golf teams, while others competed in club hockey and lacrosse. It was fun to attend events and cheer on our brothers.”

His years in DeKalb coincided with some memorable moments in NIU Athletics history. He recalls attending thrilling football games and experiencing the pride and energy that came with being part of the Huskie community.

“I saw NIU Football beat Maryland at home in overtime, I watched on TV in the PSK house when NIU Football beat Alabama, and I had a ton of other great experiences during Homecoming and other campus events,” he said. “I'm excited about NIU's transition to the Mountain West Conference because it brings more Saturday games and allows students to enjoy the traditional college football experience that I was lucky to have.”

Years after graduation, a return visit to campus reignited his connection to NIU Athletics and inspired him to become more involved.

“I was fortunate enough to visit NIU for a home football game three years ago,” Edmundson said. “During that time, I met several members of the athletic staff and football players. My experience with everyone was amazing.”

What stood out most was the genuine commitment he witnessed from coaches, administrators, and staff toward helping student-athletes prepare for success beyond their playing careers.

“The focus at NIU on preparing student-athletes for life after sports is transformational,” he said. “The coaches, staff, and administrators are truly concerned with the success of every student-athlete.”

That commitment aligned perfectly with the values Jason and Colleen wanted to support through philanthropy.

“It was because of this that Colleen and I decided to make a gift,” he said. “We wanted to help in academically preparing young people for the real world.”

Their generosity has helped support scholarships for student-athletes, an area they believe creates a lasting impact on the lives of Huskies.

“We chose to direct our gift to help fund scholarship opportunities for student-athletes,” Edmundson said. “If we can provide the resources necessary to help lift the financial burden on these young people and allow them to focus on their academic and athletic careers at NIU, then we feel we are making a meaningful impact in their lives.”

For Jason, supporting NIU Athletics extends far beyond any single program or initiative. His support is rooted in the belief that a thriving athletic department strengthens the entire university.

He remembers the excitement that surrounded campus after major wins and the sense of pride that united students, alumni, and fans. Whether it was attending games against Maryland or experiencing the excitement following NIU's historic victory over Alabama, those moments created a unique energy across campus.

“The buzz on campus was incredible,” Edmundson said. “Whether you were walking to class, heading to the library, or spending time with friends, the entire campus felt different.”

He believes athletics remains one of the most powerful ways a university can elevate its profile and showcase its strengths to a broader audience.

“In today's modern era, there isn't another area within a university that can generate the amount of media exposure and positive visibility that athletics can,” he said. “Athletics helps bring light to the entire academic profile of a university.”

The pride Jason felt as a student has only grown as an alumnus. From NIU Football competing in the Orange Bowl, to the victory over Notre Dame and this past June watching Huskie Baseball defeat Coastal Carolina in NCAA Regional play, he continues to celebrate the achievements of current student-athletes and the positive attention they bring to the university.

“As an alumnus, I can't explain the pride I felt after the Notre Dame win or watching our baseball team beat Coastal Carolina in the NCAA Regional,” Edmundson said. “There is just something special about sports. They bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.”

His message to fellow Huskie alumni is simple: every contribution matters.

“NIU Athletics is something every alumnus should be involved in,” he said. “Support can come in many forms, whether it's making a financial gift or giving your time through mentorship. Every bit of support matters to NIU Athletics.”

Through their commitment to scholarships, student-athlete success, and the future of NIU Athletics, Jason embodies what it means to be Forever Huskies. Their family's investment is helping ensure today's student-athletes have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive long after their playing careers have ended while strengthening Northern Illinois University for generations to come.