NIU Foundation honors two local leaders for volunteerism   In a season known for giving, DeKalb residents Robert Boey and John W. Castle are being hailed as NIU Foundation Outstanding Volunteers and exemplary members of a new donor recognition program.   Northern Illinois University President John G. Peters and his wife, Barbara, greeted Boey and Castle and nearly 200 other people at NIU-Naperville for the NIU Foundation’s second annual recognition dinner in October, where the donor recognition program was introduced. Foundation officials also honored four friends of NIU, including Boey and Castle, for their commitment to the improvement of the university.   The donor recognition societies acknowledge annual gifts of $1,000 or more, cumulative lifetime gifts of $50,000 or more and all deferred gifts to the university. The societies are named after NIU landmarks and NIU’s founding figures.   “Beyond thanking donors and recognizing them for their thoughtful gifts, the donor recognition program also will provide increased communications and opportunities for involvement in university activities,” said Mallory M. Simpson, president of the NIU Foundation. “Because of our donors’ involvement as alumni, volunteers and friends, our university continues to reach new milestones and achieve excellence.”   Boey, former chair of the NIU Board of Trustees, and local businessman Castle joined Wheaton residents Donald G. and Helen Gum Westlake in earning special recognition in a year when total gift income surpassed $12 million.   “Support of donors like Bob and John has been a big part of NIU’s success,” said David A. Nelson, chair of the NIU Foundation Board. “I consider them members of a core group of volunteers and donors who have played an important role in making Northern what it is today.”   Boey, who served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 1997 to 1999, also serves on the NIU Foundation Board of Directors and is the trustees’ liaison to the NIU Foundation Board.   Under his leadership, the Board of Trustees completed several significant projects, including the creation of an innovative tuition plan that encourages students to graduate more quickly. He also oversaw the addition of more than 200 acres to the west campus, the planning and implementation of the West Campus Master Plan, securing $20 million for the restoration of historic Altgeld Hall and the launching of the Convocation Center and NIU-Naperville projects.   “Bob continues to set a wonderful example as a volunteer on behalf of the university and the foundation,” Simpson said. “He is tireless in his efforts and volunteer spirit.”   Castle, a long-standing member of the NIU Foundation Board of Directors, served for 13 years as treasurer and chair of its investment committee. During that time, the endowment experienced dramatic growth.   More recently, he served as the first chair of the Foundation development committee. His willingness two years ago to step into the crucial leadership role came as the foundation began to strengthen its fundraising programs.   The development committee charted a new course for the foundation’s fundraising program by guiding major policies and program efforts such as charitable gift annuities, donor recognition societies and gift acceptance policies. Gift revenues grew by leaps and bounds during his tenure as development committee chair.   “John continues a family tradition of volunteerism started by his great-grandfather,” Simpson said, “and continues to freely invest his time and talents in creating a better community and a strong university.”   More news ...