Iowa Legislature recognizes 150 years of UNI

Iowa Legislature recognizes 150 years of UNI

Iowa legislature and UNI leadership
Left to right: Sesquicentennial co-chair Cary Darrah, Rep. Hans Wilz, Rep. Travis Sitzmann, Rep. Bob Kressig, Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, UNI President Mark Nook, NISG Vice President Gabriel Salazar, NISG President Alli Webster, Rep. Craig Johnson, UNI Chief of Staff Oksana Grybovych Hafermann, Rep. Derek Wulf, Rep. Joshua Meggers, Sesquicentennial co-chair Randy Pilkington

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Nearly 150 years to the day after the legislation establishing UNI took effect, the Iowa Legislature formally recognized the University of Northern Iowa sesquicentennial milestone on Wednesday, March 25 with resolutions read in both chambers. 

‌House Resolution No. 112 and Senate Resolution No. 111 honor the university’s 150 years of service to the state of Iowa. 

The original legislation establishing the Iowa State Normal School passed on March 14, 1876, signed into law on March 16, and took effect on March 26, 1876. The institution would later become the University of Northern Iowa.

The legislative recognition coincided with UNI Day at the Capitol, an annual event that brings students, faculty and staff to Des Moines to showcase the university’s impact across Iowa’s communities and economy. Today, the university continues its longstanding commitment to accessibility, affordability and workforce preparation, serving students from all 99 Iowa counties.

Member of the Iowa House of Representatives reads resolution recognizing UNI's 150-year milestone

The full resolution language is included below. The Iowa Senate passed a companion resolution with similar language:

House Resolution No. 112 

A Resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Northern Iowa.

WHEREAS, the University of Northern Iowa was established in 1876 in Cedar Falls as the Iowa State Normal School to educate teachers and strengthen public education in the state of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, the institution grew and evolved over time as the Iowa State Teachers College and the State College of Iowa before becoming the University of Northern Iowa in 1967; and 

WHEREAS, for 150 years the University of Northern Iowa has remained committed to educating Iowans and preparing graduates who serve communities across all 99 counties of the state; and

WHEREAS, the university aligns its programs with Iowa’s workforce needs, preparing students for high-demand careers that support the state’s economy and future growth; and 

WHEREAS, the University of Northern Iowa continues to prioritize accessibility and affordability, helping ensure that Iowa students and families have access to a high-quality public university education with manageable levels of student debt; and

WHEREAS, the year 2026 also marks the 100th anniversary of the university’s campanile and the 50th anniversary of the UNI-Dome, two landmarks that symbolize the history and spirit of the university community; and

WHEREAS, the University of Northern Iowa and its alumni have made lasting contributions to the educational, cultural, and economic life of the state of Iowa;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives recognizes and celebrates the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Northern Iowa and commends the university for a century and a half of service to the state of Iowa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives expresses its appreciation to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of the University of Northern Iowa for their continued commitment to educating Iowans and strengthening communities throughout the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the University of Northern Iowa in recognition of this historic milestone.