Growing connection and Panther Pride in Story County
Growing connection and Panther Pride in Story County
In the heart of Story County, Iowa, patrons have been coming to Berry Patch Farm in Nevada for more than 50 years to pick their own berries, apples and pumpkins.
“Connections are a big part of our farm,” said Joe Wakeman, who owns the farm with his wife, Kristin. “We want to provide lasting connections, other than just a place where you might stop to pick some blueberries.”
The Wakemans both attended the University of Northern Iowa, with Joe majoring in computer science and Kristin in music. Even with another state university just down the road, they continue to connect with the Panther community and the farm’s patrons over a love for purple and gold.
“Weekends and especially Saturdays are big days for us on the farm when we get people that travel from all around the state and even outside of the state,” said Joe. “Often, it’s either we’re wearing UNI gear or somebody else is wearing UNI gear. We strike up that conversation because we’ve got that shared connection.”
While their paths didn’t cross at UNI, the fact that they were both Panthers was an instant point of connection for Joe and Kristin when they met online. Kristin was still living in Cedar Falls after graduation, and Joe traveled from Webster City to meet her on campus for their first date.
“Campus felt like home for us,” said Joe. “We had just spent several years there, being on campus, and it still feels like home when we return.”
They both look back fondly on their time as students. Joe remembers enjoying humanities classes and getting real-world experience working in Information Technology Services, preparing him for his eventual role as the director of technology and communications for the Nevada School District where Kristin also works.
“My time at UNI was just an awesome experience overall,” he said. “Between professors and everybody being just super down to earth and wanting to help you and really providing that individual experience to you as the student.”
Joe and Kristin have two children, who also enjoy helping out on the farm. “Hopefully, they will want to be Panthers someday too.”
The Panther connection now has a visible home at Berry Patch Farm, where a barn now carries a simple message: “Wherever You Go, UNI.”
“The sign has been up for a couple of weeks now, and we've had several people out to take family pictures by it and post things by it,” he said. “It's been a cool connecting experience for people to be able to stop by and show their Panther Pride too.”
