DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Day in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary.

The proclamation recognizes UNI’s history of service to Iowa, beginning with the opening of the Iowa State Normal School on Sept. 6, 1876, and continuing through the university’s contributions to education, workforce development and communities across the state.

The recognition comes on the 150th anniversary of the day UNI welcomed its first class of 27 students.

Read the full proclamation below.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the University of Northern Iowa was established on September 6, 1876, in Cedar Falls as the Iowa State Normal School with a mission to prepare teachers and strengthen public education throughout the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, throughout its distinguished history, the institution has evolved from the Iowa State Normal School to the Iowa State Teachers College, the State College of Iowa, and ultimately the University of Northern Iowa in 1967, while remaining steadfast in its commitment to serving Iowa students, families, communities, and employers; and

WHEREAS, for 150 years, the University of Northern Iowa has educated generations of leaders, educators, business professionals, health care providers, artists, entrepreneurs, and public servants whose contributions have strengthened the educational, economic, cultural, and civic vitality of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, the University of Northern Iowa continues to advance Iowa's future by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality public higher education, fostering innovation, preparing a skilled workforce, and serving students, employers, and communities across all 99 Iowa counties; and

WHEREAS, during its sesquicentennial year, the University of Northern Iowa also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Campanile, an enduring campus landmark that has become a cherished symbol of the university's history, traditions, and generations of Panther pride;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2026, as:

University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Day

in Iowa, and encourage all Iowans to recognize and celebrate the University's 150 years of service to the people of Iowa and its enduring contributions to education, workforce development, innovation, and the prosperity of our state.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED. DONE AT DES MOINES THIS 3RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX.