Alumni

UNI alum Yulia Dannen

Building a life

Panther alum Yulia Dannen, a Russian immigrant and single mother who has built a successful accounting business, recently won a statewide entrepreneur of the year award. “(They) said UNI’s accounting program is the best and now I know it is,” she said.
UNI alum MaKayla McDonald

Rising opera star returns home

UNI alum and classically trained singer MaKayla McDonald never envisioned a place in the industry for a young, Black queer singer. Now the dynamic, up-and-coming soprano - who performs Friday through Sunday as Ida B. Wells in “The Suffragist” at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center - is winning lead roles in opera houses across the country. 
Rod and Heidi Foster with the children

Couple Finds Creative Ways to Amplify Their Impact

There comes a time in our lives when we are given the chance to take a step back and reflect on the early experiences that shaped us. For Rod and Heidi Foster, their time at UNI was one of those pivotal moments.
UNI alum Jeff Mochal

Corporate veteran found his passion at UNI

Jeff Mochal, the new head of corporate communications for MGM Resorts International, credits his undergraduate experience at UNI with helping him decide the career path he didn’t want.
UNI student Ariane Hakizamana

Fighting for her goals

Running past bullets and crossing oceans to escape genocide in her home country, Ariane Hakizimana grew up in survival mode. But at UNI, she found a supportive community that helped give her the skills to thrive — and keep fighting for her goal of helping others.
UNI graduate Sarah Boury

UNI grad beats the odds and rare condition to graduate

Sarah Joanne Boury overcame huge challenges that few can imagine to walk the stage May 7 for her diploma and to turn the tassle on her graduation cap.
UNI campus

Seniors reflect on challenges, lessons of unprecedented year

This year's UNI graduates have the opportunity to collect their diplomas in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In their own words, two graduating seniors share what they've learned after a year of unprecedented challenges — and unexpected opportunities.