Alumni

Out-of-state student finds home at UNI

As an out-of-state student, Bella Markley has found her passion and her community at the University of Northern Iowa. Find out more about her story!

Lisa Bluder, Ron Steele among honorees at UNI’s 2025 President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration

Lisa Bluder (’83), David Johnson (’15) and Ron Steele will be recognized alongside other outstanding alumni and friends of the University of Northern Iowa during the President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

Double the creativity: UNI sisters teach art education together

Sisters Sydney and Paige Hollingshead share an alma mata, an employer and a profession as art educators.

UNI alum’s Butter Cow headed to the Smithsonian

One UNI family’s artwork — the iconic Iowa State Fair Butter Cow — is going all the way to the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. 

A tradition that runs deep: Alum shares special bond with UNI wrestling program

Alum Julie Stoll shares a special bond with UNI wrestling program. Julie Stoll’s connection to Panther wrestling spans decades — first as a young fan in the stands, then as a student assistant working alongside coaches and athletes, and now as a donor supporting the program’s future.

A UNI teaching major took this student around the world

Tatiana Schaapherder’s UNI journey toward an art education degree spanned four continents — and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

UNI-trained principal earns Iowa Principal of the Year recognition

Given the esteemed reputation of UNI teacher education, it’s no surprise this year’s Iowa Principal of the Year, Nicole Roder, is a UNI graduate.

UNI grad built a successful marketing firm from the ground up

Mike Schreurs started out as a UNI student in the 60s. Today, he retires from the roles of chairman and chief strategist of Strategic America, the successful marketing firm he built from the ground up.