Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern University Athletics and Recreation Embodies the “Stronger Together” Spirit
12/5/2025 10:31:00 AM | General
Our student-athletes from all 21 programs came together to define what it means to represent Northwestern.
EVANSTON, Ill. — Within Northwestern University Athletics and Recreation, Stronger Together is more than a phrase — it's a mindset, a unifying principle, and the foundation of who we are. Our greatest strength is each other.
Led by Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Mark Jackson, Stronger Together represents a renewed focus on culture, collaboration, and connection across the department.
"When I arrived at Northwestern a year ago, I wanted to ensure that every student-athlete, coach, and staff member felt seen, supported, and valued," said Jackson. "Stronger Together captures that belief — that our success is built on unity, trust and the pride we share in representing Northwestern."
Rooted in shared values of excellence, connectivity, and community, this philosophy aligns student-athletes, coaches, and staff under a common purpose — to rise to every challenge, celebrate every success, and grow together, strengthened by pride, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose.
From the annual Kick-Off Event to everyday interactions across our teams, facilities, and offices, Stronger Together serves as the guiding framework for how we unite, celebrate, and elevate all of NUDAR. It is a daily reminder that our culture is built on connection — and that progress happens when we move forward as one.
At the heart of Stronger Together is The Wildcat Standard — developed by our student-athletes, for our student-athletes. To bring this vision to life, a Wildcat was selected from every program — each embodying the Stronger Together spirit. Together, they crafted a message that reflects the pride, humility, and determination that unite all Wildcats. Each of our 500+ student-athletes across all 21 varsity sports signed the Wildcat Standard, affirming their shared commitment to one another and to the values that define Northwestern Athletics.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Wildcat Standard
The Northwestern Student-Athlete standard is the relentless pursuit of excellence rooted in humility, grit, and integrity.
We invite challenges, embrace growth, and persevere through adversity.
We celebrate our individual and collective success.
We take pride in honoring those that came before us and strive to elevate the foundation for future 'Cats.
United in purpose, we are Stronger Together.
This is the Wildcat Standard. This is our Legacy. This is Northwestern Athletics!
_______________________________________________________________________
To ensure that Stronger Together continues to thrive across all facets of the department, Northwestern Athletics and Recreation is launching a series of internal committees dedicated to advancing this work. These committees will focus on enhancing engagement, recognition, and collaboration within the NUDAR community.
The initiative will be guided by three advisory groups:
- Community Engagement
- Onboarding & Recognition
- Special Projects
Each group will include approximately 5–6 members and will play an active role in bringing the Stronger Together philosophy to life through new ideas, shared experiences, and departmental initiatives.
Together, these efforts represent our collective commitment to each other — and to the enduring excellence that defines Northwestern University Athletics and Recreation.
Led by Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Mark Jackson, Stronger Together represents a renewed focus on culture, collaboration, and connection across the department.
"When I arrived at Northwestern a year ago, I wanted to ensure that every student-athlete, coach, and staff member felt seen, supported, and valued," said Jackson. "Stronger Together captures that belief — that our success is built on unity, trust and the pride we share in representing Northwestern."
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— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) December 5, 2025
Our student-athletes from all 21 programs came together to define what it means to represent Northwestern ?????https://t.co/5lhg6jJtTE pic.twitter.com/16feisA7DH
Rooted in shared values of excellence, connectivity, and community, this philosophy aligns student-athletes, coaches, and staff under a common purpose — to rise to every challenge, celebrate every success, and grow together, strengthened by pride, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose.
From the annual Kick-Off Event to everyday interactions across our teams, facilities, and offices, Stronger Together serves as the guiding framework for how we unite, celebrate, and elevate all of NUDAR. It is a daily reminder that our culture is built on connection — and that progress happens when we move forward as one.
At the heart of Stronger Together is The Wildcat Standard — developed by our student-athletes, for our student-athletes. To bring this vision to life, a Wildcat was selected from every program — each embodying the Stronger Together spirit. Together, they crafted a message that reflects the pride, humility, and determination that unite all Wildcats. Each of our 500+ student-athletes across all 21 varsity sports signed the Wildcat Standard, affirming their shared commitment to one another and to the values that define Northwestern Athletics.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Wildcat Standard
The Northwestern Student-Athlete standard is the relentless pursuit of excellence rooted in humility, grit, and integrity.
We invite challenges, embrace growth, and persevere through adversity.
We celebrate our individual and collective success.
We take pride in honoring those that came before us and strive to elevate the foundation for future 'Cats.
United in purpose, we are Stronger Together.
This is the Wildcat Standard. This is our Legacy. This is Northwestern Athletics!
_______________________________________________________________________
To ensure that Stronger Together continues to thrive across all facets of the department, Northwestern Athletics and Recreation is launching a series of internal committees dedicated to advancing this work. These committees will focus on enhancing engagement, recognition, and collaboration within the NUDAR community.
The initiative will be guided by three advisory groups:
- Community Engagement
- Onboarding & Recognition
- Special Projects
Each group will include approximately 5–6 members and will play an active role in bringing the Stronger Together philosophy to life through new ideas, shared experiences, and departmental initiatives.
Together, these efforts represent our collective commitment to each other — and to the enduring excellence that defines Northwestern University Athletics and Recreation.
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