Artwork that was once enjoyed by the University of Northern Iowa community has now found a permanent home at the National Ukrainian Museum of Chicago. Scott Charles Ross, a Waterloo native and Des Moines artist, has used his artwork to draw attention to Russia’s destructive war in Ukraine and fundraise for eight Ukrainian students studying at UNI. At the opening gallery exhibition on UNI’s campus during Family Weekend 2023, these students spoke of their personal experiences, giving guests a very tangible way to help those impacted by the war. Ross himself has given financially to help these students.

Learn more about the Ukrainian students at UNI

Many of these Ukrainian students initially came to Iowa during their junior years of high school to study. When war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022, they found themselves unable to return home when planned. They stayed in Iowa for their senior years, but what would happen after that was uncertain. That all changed when a cross-department effort came together at UNI to help these students further their educations at the University of Northern Iowa. 

UNI staff were able to identify merit scholarships as well as secure contributions from local donors to help provide support to off-set some of the cost of tuition and fees. Even with scholarships, students still are responsible for their remaining tuition, books, and room and board. This is why community support for the students has been crucial. Led by David Zwanziger, a retired orthodontist, approximately $100,000 has been raised or pledged for the Ukrainian Student Scholarship Fund.

You can support the Ukrainian students by giving to the Ukrainian Student Scholarship Fund.