CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The University of Northern Iowa Foundation raised $29.28 million in support of the university during the 2024–25 fiscal year, as alumni and friends continued to invest in the success of UNI students and the future of the institution.

“Each gift represents a belief in what UNI stands for — our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and to prepare students to lead with purpose,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “Our alumni and friends once again rose to the occasion, helping us build a brighter tomorrow for every Panther.”

In fiscal year 2025, 8,464 donors contributed to advance UNI’s priorities of access, excellence and opportunity. Of that total, $8.63 million supported student access and success, establishing 58 new scholarships and bringing the campaign’s overall scholarship total to $92.8 million — keeping students firmly at the center of Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI.

“Our donors are shaping what’s next for UNI,” said Jim Jermier, vice president for University Advancement and president of the UNI Foundation. “From new scholarships to strengthened academic programs and facilities, these gifts are creating opportunity that will endure for generations.”

In the past year, alumni and friends of UNI also:

• Gave $5.24 million in support of academic programs and faculty, bringing the total support for those areas to over $100 million since the start of the Our Tomorrow campaign.
   
• Created 38 new endowments to provide long-term support for UNI’s mission; and
   
• Helped grow the Foundation’s endowment to $231.6 million, ensuring sustainable excellence for the university’s future.

The 2025 fundraising results come as UNI celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of tradition meeting tomorrow. The milestone reinforces UNI’s legacy of putting students first — then, now and always while inspiring the next generation of Panthers to achieve beyond.

The Our Tomorrow campaign — now in its final stretch toward a $300 million goal — continues to transform the university through investments in scholarships, academic innovation, athletics and iconic campus spaces.

“Every gift tells a story of impact,” Jermier added. “Together, we’re honoring 150 years of excellence while building a foundation for the next 150.”

To learn more about Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI or to support the University of Northern Iowa, visit ourtomorrow.uni.edu