Northwestern Athletic Communications
“Together We Win” – More Information
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (NUDAR) has launched its “Together We Win” campaign to raise awareness to the department’s ongoing commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community that fosters belonging and celebrates authenticity.
As part of the campaign, one home competition for each of Northwestern’s 19 varsity programs during the 2021-22 academic year will be featured as a “Together We Win” game.
“Northwestern Athletics and Recreation is built upon a foundation intent on making every Wildcat feel safe, supported and capable of pursuing their goals,” said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. “Collectively, we will continue to activate our community members in this pursuit because this is not the work of one but the responsibility of all. ‘Together We Win’ is a mantra that has been used to represent our department inclusion statement, written by student-athletes, staff and campus partners. This statement hangs in all 19 locker rooms and will continue to serve as our compass as we remain focused on our journey to enhance our culture.”
Northwestern Department of Athletics and Recreation Inclusion Statement
In order to provide a world-class experience, the Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation strives to build an inclusive environment where students, coaches, administrators and staff actively and intentionally engage with difference. Through this engagement, we seek to educate our community and help people thrive academically, socially, athletically and professionally. With this declaration, each individual will have a role in making others feel safe, welcomed and supported.
Goals of the “Together We Win” Campaign
- Raise awareness of NUDAR’S commitment to advance the culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Provide opportunity for education and engagement that seeks to build community and cultural competence.
- Lift the voices and experiences of historically marginalized community members.
Elements for the “Together We Win” campaign include both in-game action and continued internal education and conversations that will take place over the course of the academic year. In-venue actions include:
“Together We Win” Video – student-athletes, coaches and staff collaborated on a video that reflects Northwestern’s commitment. The video will be played pregame for program’s designated “Together We Win” game, at NU venues with video boards.
“Together We Win” Wearables – A shirt design that features a negative space ‘Block N’ athletics logo progressively assembles itself from multiple pieces into one final purple ‘N’ represents the “Together We Win” mantra. Shirts will be worn by student-athletes during pregame warm-ups.
Rainbow wristbands engraved with “Together We Win” represent Northwestern’s commitment toLGBTQ+ inclusion.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” – The song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will play before the “Star Spangled Banner” during program’s designated “Together We Win” game. This action serves as a reminder to acknowledge the past, celebrate the progress and empower our community to create a better tomorrow.
Community Leader Spotlight – During each “Together We Win” game, programs will recognize community leaders who are making notable strides in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion though their efforts in the workplace and in the community.
Community Youth Group Spotlight – In addition to inviting youth groups out to attend “Together We Win” games, groups will have the opportunity to go on facility tours, attend meet-and-greets and panels with Northwestern coaches and student-athletes.
Fall Sports “Together We Win” Games
- Women’s Soccer: Oct. 24
- Men’s Soccer: Oct. 24
- Football: Oct. 30
- Field Hockey: Oct. 31
- Volleyball: Nov. 19
