Family Fellows

The Family Fellows Program

Whether they are new to Northeastern or alumni themselves, parents are an integral part of our community because they directly advance and elevate the student experience. Family Fellows are parents and family members who commit an annual gift of $10,000 or more to support the university while establishing their family legacy and modeling philanthropy to their students. They can designate their gifts to support areas of the university that align with their interests and are meaningful to them.

“Joining the Family Fellows Program in our daughter’s first year made this large university more intimate, and we found our own fit within Northeastern. We met new friends and formed connections that will last well beyond her graduation. Plus, we learned how Northeastern is a gamechanger for our students, and we could choose how we wanted to direct our philanthropic support.”

—John and Nicole Nadolenco, PNT’24, co-chairs of the Family Fellows 

Benefits for Family Fellows

As a member of the Family Fellows Program, you will enjoy:

A community of peers and opportunities to network with other parent leaders

Exclusive access to senior-level administrators, deans, and faculty via in-person gatherings and virtual conversations, including:

  • The Family Fellows Reception during Family and Friends Weekend in October
  • The Family Fellows Summit, Men’s Beanpot Semi-Final, and Pre-Game Presidential Reception in February
  • Special events like “Family Fellows at Fenway,” which offers box seating at a Red Sox home game
  • Regional and global Northeastern networking events
  • Personal assistance from the Family Philanthropy team to facilitate university connections and engagement within areas of interest for you or your student

Reserved seating at Commencement

A dedicated newsletter and personal communications

The annual Institutional Accomplishments brochure

Meaningful impact at Northeastern through your philanthropy and engagement

Join a Growing Community

Geography

Family Fellows hail from
21 states and 8 countries

Growth

Member families have
doubled in three years

Spotlight:

Family Philanthropy Boosts Co-op

Our unique cooperative education model has given Northeastern graduates an edge since 1909. While most of the university’s co-op employers compensate students working in full-time, professional roles, certain organizations—startup companies, public service agencies, and nonprofit organizations, to name a few—are unable to offer full salaries.

Northeastern families have opened professional doors for students by hiring co-op students, connecting students to employers in their networks, and supporting co-op through their philanthropy.

The Chapus family, in honor of their son Nicolas’ graduation from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, generously pledged $250,000 to endow the Chapus Co-op Fund to allow students to accept unpaid or underfunded co-ops. The family is delighted to help expand these opportunities for undergraduates.

Philanthropic gifts to support co-op can make possible an immersive work experience at a startup, a research opportunity in the sciences or humanities, an international placement with high travel and living costs, or a transformational time in the public services.

1

The Journey Begins

Make an initial gift to the university to become a Family Fellow, and take advantage of all the benefits of being an active Husky family. Parents who are interested in volunteerism can explore ways to provide co-op opportunities, host events for other families, and become advocates for Northeastern.

2

Explore Your Family’s Passions

Work with the Family Philanthropy team to explore your interests and passions. Meet with faculty and university leaders to deepen your engagement. Make an investment in the programs that are meaningful to you where you can see the impact of your giving.

3

Realize Your Impact

Explore opportunities to honor your student’s legacy by creating an endowed fund, capital commitment, or special project related to your interests. Consider getting involved further by donating your time and contributing your talents to the university.

4

Continue the Relationship 

As your student’s time on campus begins to wind down, consider including them in the philanthropic conversation and making a gift in honor of their graduation.

5

The Journey Beyond Commencement

Northeastern will continue to support you and your student throughout your lifetimes—through networking opportunities, career support, and more. We encourage you to remain involved as a Husky family.

 

Want to learn more about the Family Fellows Program?

Contact us!