Dane Walkington, ’03, joined the College of Business in June as the director of advancement. Prior to this move, he worked in NIU Athletics as the director of advancement for six years. Before coming back to his alma mater, Dane worked in advancement roles for Illinois College, McHenry County College and Harper College.
Learn more about Dane through the following interview, conducted by the College of Business Marketing and Communications team:
Q: Where did you grow up and what kinds of things were you interested in?
A: I was born and raised in Woodstock, Illinois. My parents still live in the same house. I was very active in sports, sports and more sports! I played football, basketball and baseball in high school.
Q: How did you decide to go to NIU for your B.S. in education?
A: My older sister was a senior at NIU when I was transferring from McHenry County College, so it made it a safe decision for me to follow her here. I truly had a great experience at NIU. It helped me prepare for my future and get to where I am today. I received my B.S. in education, sports management, and I just loved the professors, the program and my classmates. It was a natural fit for me, being a student athlete.
Q: You worked for the Chicago White Sox out of college?
A: I interned with Competitors for Christ Sports Ministries, which was similar to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as a senior at NIU. This led to an internship at the Chicago White Sox. I was hired full-time in 2004 by the White Sox as the coordinator of community relations. I worked there until my wife Jackie and I had our first son in 2009.
Q: Tell us about your career after the White Sox:
A: I left the White Sox to be the director of the Centegra Hospital’s Foundation (now Northwestern Medical Hospital) in Crystal Lake, so I could be closer to my family. I then left there for a job in higher education at Harper College, as the director of annual giving and alumni, and then was recruited to McHenry County College as the director of their foundation for five years. I made a small stop at Illinois College as a major gift officer before NIU called for an interview for the role of director of advancement for athletics, which I started in 2017.
Q: How did you work in NIU Athletics prepare you for your current role as director of advancement in the College of Business?
A: I really enjoyed my time as the director of advancement for Athletics. Everything in athletics moves very fast, with no true off-season, so it’s a very demanding area, but it has to be that way to be as successful as they have been. With 17 sports programs, there are a lot of areas of need and a lot of donors to connect with. It was such a joy building lasting relationships with our athletics donors and seeing the significant impact that they have made at NIU and for our student athletes.
Q: What are your main goals and what do you spend your time on most in your new role?
A: I feel that my biggest challenge is getting to know the college, department chairs, faculty and staff and then helping them meet fundraising goals in support of them and our students.
Q: Why is this kind of work important and fulfilling to you? What are you most excited about in this role?
A: Being a major gift officer is such a gratifying job. Building relationships with our donors and alumni and helping them give back and make an impact in students’ lives is what is all about. That’s why I love my job!
Q: How did NIU influence your success?
A: I know it sounds cliché, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without my degree and life experiences that I gained at NIU. I’m forever grateful for my professors, guidance counselors and coaches that helped me succeed in the classroom and prepared me to succeed in my career. I’m so proud to be an NIU alumnus!
Q: Is there anything else you would like to mention?
A: I’ve been with my wife Jackie for 25 years and just celebrated our 18-year anniversary. We are blessed to have three boys, Liam (14), Nash (7) and Porter (4).
