2014-15 DONOR GUIDE2014-15 Donor Guide

TThank you for taking the time to learn more about supporting Northwestern Athletics. Your contribution allows us to provide each of our nearly 500 deserving student-athletes with a world-class experience, enabling them to succeed academically, socially, and athletically. Fulfilling this mission is at the core of our daily actions and through private support we are able to achieve success.

This past year, we launched a rebranded Wildcat Fund with the goals of providing increased opportunities for NU student-athletes and increasing engagement from our supporters. We are thrilled to report back that we have set records for both funds raised and participation. This was possible because of YOUR commitment to the success of Northwestern – thank you! There is a better destination ahead for the Wildcats but we are overjoyed with the tremendous support so far from our NU faithful.

Your investment will help continue the tradition of academic and athletic distinction at Northwestern University. Not only does your gift allow all of our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom and in competition, but it also prepares them to have an impact in their communities long after they have graduated from our distinguished university.

Northwestern competes at the highest level in everything we do and it is critical to appropriately fund our programs so they remain national leaders. In the end, we must be able to attract the best and brightest student-athletes in the country.

By investing in our talented and dedicated young men and women, you are ensuring that every current and future Northwestern student-athlete will have the tools to accomplish his or her goals. You will forever be an important part of our university’s legacy and in the lives of our student-athletes.

If you are a current Wildcat Fund member, thank you for your generous support. You are making a remarkable difference in the lives of all of our student-athletes. If you are not currently contributing to the Wildcat Fund, I encourage you to do so. Your gift is truly needed to define our future.

Again, THANK YOU for your support of Northwestern Athletics. Your dedication has an enormous impact every day on the lives of so many exceptional Wildcats.

Go ’Cats!

James J. Phillips, PhDVice President for Athletics and Recreation

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MATTHEW HARRISBecause of his claim as the most slender member of Northwestern Football’s 2013 freshman class, Matthew Harris turned a few heads when he made the biggest on-field impact of any newcomer last fall. The quiet demeanor and effusive smile that characterized Harris around his teammates began to give way to a fast and fearless style of play on the gridiron. Harris earned a starting spot at cornerback and as a kick

returner midway through the season—making him one of just two true freshmen to see the field in 2013. Harris grew up in south suburban La Grange and Oak Park as one of eight children in a single-parent household where it was often a challenge to make ends meet. In the midst of tough times, Harris found refuge in football and track and field as a youth athlete, embodying a work ethic and can-do attitude that made him a coach’s dream. Those attributes also helped him catch the eyes of the Northwestern coaching staff, eventually resulting in what Harris describes as a life-changing scholarship offer. Still early in his Northwestern career, it’s apparent that Harris intends to make the most of his time in Evanston, be it in the classroom, on the field or in the community. Perhaps the most exciting part is that, like most of Harris’ dynamic kickoff returns, only he knows what path he’ll take to succeed.

RACHEL WEATHEREDGrowing up in nearby Naperville and watching her older brother graduate from Northwestern, Rachel Weathered always pictured herself wearing purple. So after earning admission to NU, the next step was to contact cross country head coach April Likhite to declare her intentions to walk on to Likhite’s up-and-coming program.

Fast forward two years, and you’ll find Weathered excelling in all aspects of her Northwestern career. Weathered is a biomedical engineering major and, although she is just halfway through her Wildcats tenure, has already completed internships with Argonne National Laboratory, NorthShore University Health System and the Mrkisch Group, learning the ins and outs of the medical research field. At the same time, Weathered is commended by Likhite for her day-to-day reliability and the infectious positive attitude she brings to grueling running workouts.

“It takes a lot of discipline to balance running with my studies in the classroom,” Weathered says, “but it makes me a better learner and a more focused person. Being able to work with people who come from different disciplines gives you the ability to challenge yourself and challenge your peers in return.”

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILDCATS

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We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern seeks to build on our momentum.

As we look to the future, we seek to maintain excellence both on the athletic field and in the classroom, and to build our capacity to develop student-athletes into better individuals, more successful professionals, and future leaders in their communities. In order to achieve these goals, the University must continue providing student-athletes with the resources they need, while also ensuring that everyone at Northwestern has opportunities to improve health, gather as a community, and cheer on their ’Cats.

To compete at the highest level requires major investments — focusing support so that each of our varsity sports is as competitive as possible; providing scholarships and support services to student-athletes; improving our athletic facilities; and increasing funding to all sports and programs. As a result of this Campaign, the future of Northwestern Athletics and generations of student-athletes will know no limits.

To learn more, visit SupportTheCats.com

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The Lakefront Athletics Complex will be located on the north end of Northwestern’s Evanston campus, close to many residence halls and academic buildings, thereby fully integrating student-athletes with the University community. With spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the new complex will include more than 400,000-square feet of new or renovated athletics and recreation space that will serve not only intercollegiate athletics and recreational activities, but also provide space for major University-wide events.

LAKEFRONT ATHLETICS COMPLEX

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Your gift to any athletics team or fund makes you a member of the Wildcat Fund and earns you Purple Points.

*Order determined by Purple Points within Tier. **Order determined by Purple Points within giving level. #Contributions must be made to the Wildcat Excellence Fund to receive these benefits.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND BENEFITSGIVING BENEFITS WILDCAT LEGENDS WILDCAT CHAMPIONS PURPLE & WHITE NU FAITHFUL

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION $17,500 $12,500 $6,000 $2,500 $1,000 $600 $250 $100

MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION $1,459 $1,042 $500 $209 $84 $50 $21 -

Behind-the-scenes gameday experience for the sport of your choice

Opportunity for two to attend exclusive Football (or other sport) practice event

Exclusive event for two on the evening before a home Football game

Invitation to annual Donor Appreciation Event

Thank you gift

Member of Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC)

Eligible for Football parking*# RESERVED RESERVED TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 3

Eligible for priority Men’s Basketball parking*# RESERVED RESERVED TIER 1 TIER 1 TIER 1 TIER 1

Wildcat Fund keychain

Eligible to purchase priority Football away game and bowl game tickets**

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TAX BENEFITS Northwestern University is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. To maximize the tax deductible portion of your gift, you may decline to receive any benefits when you make your gift to Northwestern. If you choose to accept your benefits, we are required to inform you your charitable contribution will be reduced by the value of those benefits. Please consult your tax advisor for further clarification.

BENEFIT EXPLANATIONSNULC: The purpose of the NULC is to strengthen the relationship between Northwestern and its donors, reaffirming the value of annual support at the leadership level. The NULC fosters a vibrant community of engaged philanthropists who provide a broad base of support for Northwestern, its students and its initiatives.

PRIORITY FOOTBALL AWAY GAME/BOWL GAME TICKETS: Members of the Wildcat Fund will have priority access to purchase special event tickets. Tickets will be allocated based on Purple Points within giving levels (i.e. Wildcat Legends). Please note that in some cases, tickets may not be available to the general public.

EXCELLENCE FUND & SPORT SPECIFIC GIVINGThe Wildcat Excellence Fund is an unrestricted annual fund which supports nearly 500 Northwestern student-athletes in 19 sports. Contributions to the Excellence Fund are allocated to areas such as academic services, sports performance and sports medicine that provide support for all of our student-athletes. By giving to the Excellence Fund, you are making a difference for every Northwestern student-athlete to ensure that they have a world-class experience.

You also have the opportunity to direct your gift to one of our 19 varsity sports. Your contribution to a specific program provides coaches with the supplementary financial resources they need to pursue Big Ten and national championships.

PURPLE POINTS

ALL MEMBERS RECEIVE:

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

CAR DECAL

LAPEL PIN* (*only for new members)

To learn more, visit SupportTheCats.com

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The Purple Points system is designed to recognize Wildcat Fund members who have demonstrated their loyalty through season ticket purchases and contributions. The point system ensures benefits such as preferred seating, parking and special events are allocated in a way that rewards our most dedicated supporters.

Example:Willie Wildcat (WCAS ’95) has been a Wildcat Fund member for five consecutive years and plans on giving $1,000 this year. He will give $600 to the Wildcat Excellence Fund to be eligible for football parking and $400 to the men’s tennis program, his former team. Including his current year gift, he has given $10,000 to Northwestern Athletics in his lifetime. Willie has also been a football season ticket holder for 18 years.

Willie’s Purple Point total:

POINT EARNING CRITERIAAMOUNT/ YEARS GIVEN

POINT ALLOCATION

POINTS EARNED

Wildcat Excellence Fund, current year $600 5 per $100 30

Designated athletics fund, current year $400 3 per $100 12

Consecutive years of giving to Athletics 5 years 3 per year 15

Cumulative giving to Athletics since 1975 $10,000 4 per $100 400

Consecutive years as a season ticket holder 18 years 3 per year 54

Alumnus/a one-time bonus 30 points 30

Letterwinner one-time bonus 50 points 50

Season ticket holder one-time bonus 18 years 175

TOTAL PURPLE POINTS 766

SYSTEM

Factor Points Increments

Wildcat Excellence Fund, current year 5 $100

Cumulative giving to Athletics since 1975 4 $100

Designated athletics fund, current year 3 $100

Consecutive years as a season ticket holder 3 PER YEAR

Consecutive years of giving to Athletics 3 PER YEAR

One-Time Bonus

Letterwinner 50

Alumnus/a 30

Faculty/Staff Member 20

One-Time Season Ticket Holder Bonuses

20 consecutive years of purchase 200

15 consecutive years of purchase 100

10 consecutive years of purchase 50

5 consecutive years of purchase 25

PURPLE POINTS

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The Otto Graham Society serves as the leadership annual giving program to support Northwestern Athletics. This program is philanthropic in nature, and its members are invested in the continued enhancement of Wildcats Athletics. These contributions are critical to the continued growth of Northwestern Athletics’ nationally competitive program by providing additional resources to deliver a world-class experience academically, socially and athletically for all Wildcats student-athletes.

The influence of the Otto Graham Society will be felt by generations of NU student-athletes and will impact every coach and program for years to come. Preliminary projections show that upwards of $1,000,000 in additional annual support for NU Athletics can be realized through this program.

To learn more about the Otto Graham Society, please contact the Wildcat Fund office at (847) 467-4321.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONSEach member of the Otto Graham Society pledges to contribute his/her support for a five-year period to Northwestern Athletics.

■ The Otto Graham Society begins with an annual gift of $25,000 and offers a second tier of giving at $50,000.

■ Fifty percent of the contribution will be allocated to the Wildcat Excellence Fund while the remaining 50% may be designated to the athletic area(s) of your greatest interest (i.e. football, lacrosse, VP’s Fund, etc.).

Charter members of the Otto Graham Society are honored during the 2013 football season.

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Interested in Stadium Club, Wildcat Den or Box Seats? Each of these premium seating areas requires a minimum per seat contribution to qualify. Making the minimum per seat donation does not guarantee assignment in one of these premium areas since assignment is based on Purple Points within giving level and availability. All premium seating areas were sold out for the 2014 season. The Wildcat Fund cannot project the necessary Purple Points to obtain seating in these areas until after the ticket renewal deadline. We can, however, provide historical information as a reference.

To learn more about premium seating opportunities, please call 847-467-4321.

FOOTBALL TICKETS

STADIUM CLUBLocated on the west side of Ryan Field, the Stadium Club is enclosed and has soft, cushioned chairs. The climate-controlled space is located between the 30-yard lines and features private restrooms, flat-screen televisions and a buffet including hot food, cold sandwiches, dessert, beer and wine. A $1,500 per seat annual contribution is required for each Stadium Club ticket in addition to the cost of the season ticket. This location is only available on a season ticket basis.

WILDCAT DEN“Den” seats are located on the west side of Ryan Field below the press box. These chair-back seats are open to the atmosphere of the stadium, but feature heaters, private concessions and private bathrooms. A $1,500 per seat annual contribution is required for each Wildcat Den ticket in addition to the cost of the season ticket. This location is only available on a season ticket basis.

BOX SEATSBox seats are located on the east and west sides of Ryan Field between rows 18-23. Box tickets feature chair-back seating close to the action and are segmented into groups of four (4) or eight (8). A $750 per seat annual contribution is required for each Box Seat ticket in addition to the cost of the season ticket. This location is only available on a season ticket basis and sold in multiples of two (2) seats.

To purchase non-premium seating locations, please visit NUsports.com/tickets. 10

The Wildcat Fund recognizes that parking is a very important component of the game day experience. As a result, the Wildcat Fund offers members different opportunities for preferred parking locations. Parking lots are located in the Evanston Hospital parking structure, on the Canal Shores Golf Course (formerly Peter Jans) and adjacent to Ryan Field in the East and West parking lots. Lot assignments are allocated based on parking tiers and Purple Points. In order to qualify for parking, donors must make their gifts to the Wildcat Excellence Fund. Parking is available only to season ticket holders and must be requested when purchasing season tickets.

FOOTBALL PARKING WILL BE ASSIGNED BASED ON TIER:

TIER 1 - $6,000 +

TIER 2 - $2,500 - $5,999

TIER 3 - $600 - $2,499For donors at $12,500 and above, we will provide a reserved, numbered parking space in the West Lot adjacent to Ryan Field. Donors who give $6,000 or more will be ranked by their Purple Points and will have their first choice of parking lot. Once all donors at $6,000 have received parking, donors at $2,500 will have the opportunity to select the lot of their choice. Finally, donors at $600 will have the opportunity to select their parking location.

FOOTBALL PARKING ISABELLA ST.

CENTRAL ST.

N

RYANFIELD

WELSH-RYAN

ARENA

WILDCATALLEY

PURPLE LINESTATION

ASH

LAN

D A

VE.

RID

GE

AV

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NO

RT

H S

HO

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CH

AN

NEL

GIR

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GIR

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1

3 

4

5

6

2

1. West Lot

2. Handicapped Season Parking

3. East Lot

4. North Golf Lot

5. South Golf Lot

6. Covered Lot (Hospital Lot)

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Welsh-Ryan Arena features two types of premium seating:

BASKETBALL TICKETS

Season parking passes are available to all season ticket holders. Wildcat Fund members at the Purple & White level and above will be eligible to purchase priority reserved locations in either the East or West parking lots. The reserved spaces will be held in the portion of the lot closest to Welsh-Ryan Arena and donors must indicate a lot preference at the time of their ticket renewal. In order to qualify for priority parking, donors must make their gifts to the Wildcat Excellence Fund.

BASKETBALL PARKING

To learn more about premium seating opportunities, please call 847-467-4321. To purchase non-premium seating locations, please visit NUsports.com/tickets.

COURTSIDE SEATSThere are two rows of courtside seats available for purchase in Welsh-Ryan Arena. A $3,000 per seat annual contribution is required for each courtside seat in addition to the cost of the ticket. This location is only available on a season ticket basis. These seats were sold out for the 2013-14 season.

PURPLE SEATSThe purple seats in Welsh-Ryan Arena feature soft cushions and chair backs. These seats are located in sections 101-106 and 202-206. Access to available seats will be based on Purple Points within giving levels.

ISABELLA ST.

CENTRAL ST.

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RYANFIELD

WELSH-RYAN

ARENAASH

LAN

D A

VE.

1

2

1. West Lot

2. East Lot

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GENERAL QUESTIONS:How can I become a member of the Wildcat Fund?Any contribution of $100 or more makes you a member of the Wildcat Fund. You can make a gift to either the Wildcat Excellence Fund or a designated athletics fund.

What is the impact of my donation to the Wildcat Excellence Fund?Your donation directly impacts the lives of Northwestern’s nearly 500 student-athletes. By making a contribution to the Wildcat Excellence Fund, you help support areas of need such as academic support, travel, equipment, sports performance, sports medicine, and general department expenses. It all adds up to provide our student-athletes with a world-class experience.

What is the Otto Graham Society?The Otto Graham Society (OGS) is multi-year leadership giving to Northwestern Athletics. OGS members are invested in the continued enhancement of Wildcats Athletics and commit to annual donations of at least $25,000 per year over a five year period.

What do I need to know about NCAA Compliance rules?Members of the Wildcat Fund are considered “Representatives of Athletics Interests.” For more information about what this means for you, please visit our website at www.nusports.com/compliance/

How long is my Wildcat Fund membership good for?Your Wildcat Fund membership is good for one year from the date of your gift.

What is the Vice President’s Fund?Gifts to the VP’s Fund may be utilized at the discretion of the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation for unforeseen and one-time expenditures that help advance Northwestern Athletics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSGIVING:When is the best time to make a gift to the Wildcat Fund?Today! Make your gift now to help support our student-athletes.

Is my contribution tax deductible?Yes! If you choose not to accept any benefits, your gift is 100% tax deductible. If you choose to accept your benefits, we are required to inform you your charitable contribution will be reduced by the value of those benefits. Please consult your tax advisor for further clarification.

How do I make a gift to the Wildcat Fund?You can make your gift to the Wildcat Fund by phone, mail, fax, or online.

When is my annual Wildcat Fund donation due?Your contribution is due prior to the one-year anniversary of your last gift.

Can I pledge my support and make multiple payments throughout the year?Yes! Our recurring giving option makes it easy to make contributions on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

If I give to a specific sport, am I considered a member of the Wildcat Fund?Absolutely! Any gift of $100 or more to a specific sport qualifies you as a member of the Wildcat Fund and entitles you to all corresponding benefits unless they are tied to seating location or parking. Gifts that are required for seating location or parking must be made to the Wildcat Excellence Fund.

What is a matching gift?Some companies are willing to match the amount of an employee gift to the Wildcat Fund. Check with your company’s foundation or philanthropic unit to determine if gifts are matched and what process that requires.

Can I do a payroll deduction? (open to NU employees only)All Northwestern University employees have the option to set up a payroll deduction. Please contact the Wildcat Fund office at wildcatfund@northwestern.edu for more information or to request a copy of the payroll deduction form.

BENEFITS AND PURPLE POINTS:How can I purchase tickets?Please visit our website at www.nusports.com/tickets/ or call the Northwestern Ticket Office at 888-GO-PURPLE (467-8775).

Are my Purple Points transferable?Purple Points earned through ticket activity are transferable to immediate family members. However, Purple Points earned for donations are not transferable.

Do all donations (regardless of fund designation) count toward my Purple Points?Yes! Any donation of $100 or more to the Wildcat Excellence Fund or a designated athletics fund counts toward Purple Points.

How do I qualify for football parking privileges and how are they

allocated?The Wildcat Fund offers members different opportunities for preferred parking locations. Parking lots are located in the Evanston

Hospital parking structure, on the Canal Shores Golf Course (formerly

Peter Jans) and adjacent to Ryan Field in the East and West parking lots. Lot assignments are allocated based on parking tiers and purple points. For more information about donation

requirements, please see our Football Parking information on page 11.

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RECURRING GIVING: Looking for an even easier way to give? Sign up through our recurring giving option and we can automatically charge your credit card on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

MATCHING GIFT: Check with your company’s foundation or philanthropic unit to determine if gifts are matched and what process that requires.

STOCKS OR SECURITIES: Marketable securities can be an attractive asset to contribute to Northwestern University. The donor who gives appreciated stock will usually avoid the capital gains tax on the stock’s appreciation and will receive a charitable deduction based on the market value on the date the stock is received by the University. Appreciated gifts of stock must be held more than 12 months to qualify for long-term capital gains. For further information on security gifts, please contact Catherine Eliasik in the office of Gift and Record Services at c-eliasik@northwestern.edu

The following information can be used by advisers in facilitating gifts of securities:

DTC Number: 2669 Account Number: 26-07242 Taxpayer ID Number: 36-2167817 Our Broker: Northern Trust Chicago

Please notify our office if you are transferring shares to Northwestern University. We need to know the name and numbers of shares being transferred.

ESTATES AND BEQUESTS: Consider making a gift through your estate plan, by means of a will, living trust or beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy or retirement account.

ONLINE: Make your gift today at giving.northwestern.edu/nu/athletics

MAIL: Send your check or pledge form to Athletics Development, 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois 60208

PHONE: Make your gift over the phone by calling 847-467-4321

FAX: Fax your pledge form to ATTN: Athletics Development at 847-491-7095

WAYS TO GIVE COMPLIANCENorthwestern University prides itself on the principle that the pursuit of excellence in intercollegiate athletics must be accomplished within the framework of an academic community dedicated to firm institutional control of athletics and unquestioned integrity. This tradition can only continue if the alumni, boosters and friends of the University foster and maintain the values and goals of the University and the athletic program. Donors to the Wildcat Fund are considered boosters, and once a donor is classified as a booster, they retain that title for life.

WITH PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES (PSA), BOOSTERS MAY:

■ continue to have contact with an established family friend or neighbor who is a prospect as long as such contact is not for recruiting purposes and is not initiated by a NU coaching staff member.

■ bring an outstanding PSA to the attention of the Northwestern University coaching staff by sending the coach information about the individual.

■ assist a PSA who signed a National Letter Intent with securing employment the summer before he/she enrolls at Northwestern University. All arrangements of employment must be reported to the Northwestern Athletics Compliance Office.

Boosters are prohibited from recruiting PSAs in any manner. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages and Internet postings until the PSA has signed a National Letter of Intent.

WITH CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENT-ATHLETES, BOOSTERS MAY:

■ have contact with enrolled student-athletes on campus.

■ invite a student-athlete(s) or the entire team for a meal at your home and provide transportation to the event. The meal, which may be catered, should be limited to infrequent or special occasions. Please seek permission from the Compliance Office first.

■ invite an entire team for a meal when they are visiting your city for an away from home athletic event. When the team is on the road, this meal may take place at the booster’s home or at a restaurant, but must include the entire team.

■ assist a student-athlete with securing employment. All arrangements of employment must be reported in advance to the Northwestern Athletics Compliance Office.

■ contribute to the Wildcat Fund.

For more information about compliance, please visit NUSports.com/compliance. If you have any questions, please contact the Northwestern Athletics Compliance Office.

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THANK YOUThank you for defining our future. Through your generosity, we are able to achieve greatness in the classroom, in the community and in competition.

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MISSION STATEMENT

THE WILDCAT FUND IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE NECESSARY

RESOURCES TO ALLOW NORTHWESTERN’S NEARLY 500 STUDENT-ATHLETES

TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE ACADEMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND ATHLETICALLY.

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