Dyshaun McDaniel is a member of the sesquicentennial class at the University of Northern Iowa. She is a freshman psychology major who was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the first in her family to attend the University of Northern Iowa.

“I love Madison; it’s my home and always will be,” said Dyshaun. “But when you’re there for so long, you eventually want to get out and explore other things, which is why I chose UNI.”

She almost didn’t choose UNI, though. 

Before Dyshaun officially decided to be a student here, she thought she wanted to attend Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 

“I’m so glad that I am able to be on a campus where I can just be myself,” McDaniel added. “I began to realize that if I attended an institute such as Viterbo, I wouldn’t be able to be the person I felt I was – and am today.”.

Another reason Dyshaun chose UNI is because of the neighboring state initiative – which was announced during the summer, and launched this academic year. As a part of this initiative, Dyshaun pays the same tuition amount as an in-state student.

For her future at UNI, Dyshaun is looking forward to becoming her true self, and finding comfort within her own being. 

Dyshaun said, “I believe we as humans can be so much and accomplish so much, and where we’re at in our lives right now is only the starting point for the growth, potential, and possibilities that lie ahead.”

Dyshaun is part of the sesquicentennial class, which will be graduating in 2030.

“Just knowing that we are continuing on the legacy of the alumni that came before us is awesome – and I think is something really special.”

Beside her studies, Dyshaun is an avid reader and social media user. “I feel like social media has kind of always been integrated in my life, just because I was given a phone at such a young age.”

Like many students, Dyshaun is active on TikTok. Dyshaun and her friends recently created a video that went viral. “We did this trend where you pose, and then knock on someone’s door, and when they open, we pose – then they have to join you at the next door.” Dyshaun said. “It actually went viral and has over half a million views and 114k likes.”

Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the Sept. 3, 2025 issue of The Northern Iowan.