"Without funding from the Graduate College I would not have been able to attend a national conference"
Dan, Chemistry
Imagine the impact of 16,000 donors each year. Their investment in students at the University of Northern Iowa touches lives on campus and across the world. Each donor has a story to tell. Here are a few...
Why I love UNI
We recently asked alumni what they love about UNI. Here are a few responses... [...read more]
No checkmate for UNI physics majors
Game of chess inspires new scholarship/mentor program Richard Jourdan, an avid chess player, has been fascinated at how learning and playing chess has helped improve the academic performance of at-risk high school students. That observation sparked the idea for a mentor program for physics majors at the University of Northern Iowa. Learn more… [...read more]
Commitment to social justice inspires gift; encourages tolerance
Dr. Melville Finkelstein and Dr. Judith M. Finkelstein Holocaust and Native American Education Project Dr. Melville Finkelstein and Dr. Judith M. Finkelstein came from very different backgrounds. However, during their marriage of 37 years, they shared many common interests. Their passion for social justice led Judith to commemorate those interests through a gift to the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education (CHGE) at the University of Northern Iowa. [...read more]
Memories Inspire Scholarship for Math and Science
For William Poston and Marcia Bottorff, 1961 was a very good year with memorable milestones. These college sweethearts graduated in 1961 from ISTC and married the same year. [...read more]
Great gifts mean great responsibilities
"I am forever grateful to the anonymous UNI alumni who were donors to the school. Because they gave back to UNI, I was able to experience a generosity that made a difference in my life." [...read more]
Professor Emerita Janet Rives makes estate gift
Dr. Rives said, "I would like to think that a scholarship recipient would feel both rewarded for past achievements and motivated to continue to study and to learn. I am committed to the notion that learning is the key to a happy life, and I hope that my gift embodies this commitment." [...read more]
Planned gift ensures UNI jazz program stays in full swing
"Jazz is America's only truly original art form, and we must keep it alive!" says UNI alum Phil Snyder. [...read more]
Robert Assink '62 designates bequest to UNI Theatre students
Lights, camera, action…a stage set for success for UNI Theatre students If Bob Assink’s life was a stage play, the first scene would be Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI), its characters would include a cast of creative high school students and the script would include words like volunteer, script writer and producer. Bob says, “My career and hobbies have all been made possible because of my college education.” [...read more]
Theatre major faces her fears through acting
“Ever since I was in sixth grade, I knew what I wanted to do with my life,” said Kenosha. “Knowing what I was determined to do with my life helped me face my fears…” [...read more]
Shining Stars: Girls Look Ahead
Hello, my name is Raeleta. Most people call me Rae. I am seven years old. I loved going to the Shining Stars Program because it was great for me and my friends. We loved going up to UNI, one of the best places ever. Some of my friends thought that those buildings (dorms) were prison living places. We learned that they were dorms. So now, I can't wait to grow up, go to UNI and live in one of those dorms and not a prison building. I like the way the program helped me learn to like myself better. [...read more]
Alum supports UNI from the ends of the earth
It is not unusual for retirees to head south. Paul Jones ’62 has taken that concept to the extreme—all the way to the South Pole. Find out what this retired science teacher is doing in Antarctica. [...read more]
History research grant honors former professors
Thanks to a $5,000 gift from Kevin (’84 History MA) and Deb Boatright, UNI undergraduate history majors can receive support to help meet costs associated with research projects and presentations.That may include expenses such as travel to conduct archival or field research, the costs to prepare presentations, and attendance at academic conferences. [...read more]
Former Olympic torch bearer says UNI influenced her life
"I think of the great respect I had for my professors at ISTC (Iowa State Teachers College) and their professionalism, says (Catherine)Kay Roberts. "My experience at ISTC was definitely a cut above that of other colleges I attended, and helped me a great deal throughout my chosen career of teaching." [...read more]
John Talley, a leader in the world of drug discoveries, establishes chemistry scholarship at UNI
John Talley’s high school buddies might be surprised to know that today he is a successful scientist and inventor. “Let’s just say I wasn’t in the advanced science classes in high school,” says John. In 1974, John graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in science. He went on to earn a PhD in organic chemistry and holds more than 200 US Patents. But that is not the course he had planned for his future. “My education at UNI completely changed my imagined career trajectory,” [...read more]
The Impact of a Campus Tradition
"I chose to support the Outdoor Recreation Program," says Dave Andersen, UNI maintenance/support coordinator, "because their mission mirrors my commitment to learn about survival in nature and help others develop an appreciation for the environment." [...read more]
Young Alumnus Pays it Forward
"I give back to the university because UNI provided me with a great education, a foundation for my career, many lifelong friends and many opportunities that I may not have had elsewhere." [...read more]
Endowed Lecture Series Honors Former Chemistry Head
Mary Sue Coleman, a biochemist and the lecture series' first speaker in 1997, said she is pleased to create an endowment that will continue to recognize the contributions her father made to UNI and his field. [...read more]
Legacies of a Teacher
"I thought why not continue my work in some way," said Mildred. "I've worked so hard in Iowa to develop teacher education. I want it carried on." [...read more]
International Scholarships Make an Impact
John '40 and Charlene '41 Muir met and fell in love at ISTC. Married 63 years, John and Charlene in many ways represent the ideals and values of UNI graduates. [...read more]
Love a Donor 2013
UNI students showed appreciation to donors by writing thank you notes at the "Love a Donor Thank-a-thon."
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden is located east of Maucker Union and is the main entrance to the Center for Multicultural Education. The garden features benches, arbors, trees, plants, flowers...