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MARQUETTE -- The athletics community at Northern Michigan University was one of just a few in the country to meet a $10,000 fund-raising goal for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Just 16 schools in NCAA Division II raised the necessary funds to host an on-campus Make-A-Wish reveal as it helps grant a wish for a child and their family, according to a news release from NMU Sports Information.
Nationally, Division II raised in excess of $270,000 in the 2025-26 academic year to support Make-A-Wish, including more than $221,000 from the D-II schools and more than $51,000 from the division's championships and enforcement fine allocation.
Going back more than two decades to 2003, Division II membership has donated over $7 million to Make-A-Wish and helped grant more than 700 wishes for children with critical illnesses.
"As NCAA Division II student-athletes, we emphasize the life-in-the-balance philosophy among college academics, athletics and community outreach," said Rachel McCool, an Ashland University women's soccer student-athlete and national chair for the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"It is fundamental to give back and to serve the communities that continue to support college athletics. As an official Division II partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been an integral part of the development of student-athletes. We see the amazing impact that this foundation has on the families it serves.
"This serves as a reminder for our student-athletes that there is more to life than the games we play, and it is part of our mission to help make a positive change in our communities.
"I am excited to continue this partnership with Make-A-Wish and help raise money to support their impactful and moving mission."
Fundraising during the 2026-27 athletic season is underway, with fans having the opportunity to donate at several home events, including two that have been set for the near future:
• Saturday, Nov. 14 -- football vs. Saginaw Valley State, with a donation table and Miracle Minute
• Friday, Dec. 4 -- hockey vs. Michigan Tech, with a Miracle Minute
Those who would like to make an online donation can do so at https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/StudentWishMakers/Make-A-WishMichigan?pg=team&team_id=61754&fr_id=7809.
Story contents based on a Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the news. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee's email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.