CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa is preparing for a memorable Homecoming celebration this fall, with new entertainment, honored guests and special events that will also mark the conclusion of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration and the conclusion of Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI, the institution's largest fundraising effort in history.

With this year’s Homecoming theme, “The Future is Purple,” the university will celebrate the next chapter of UNI while looking ahead to the next 150 years of Panther excellence. 

This year’s Homecoming Bash, held on Friday, Oct. 9, features live music from The Schmidt Brothers. Made up of UNI alumni Stephen (‘20), Sam (‘21) and Gabe (‘24), the group is known for their high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing mix of music spanning multiple genres and decades. With more than 20 years of performing experience, the brothers have built a reputation for bringing a big-stage concert experience to audiences across the Midwest.

The Homecoming Bash will also include food trucks, inflatables, a pep rally and family-friendly activities, making it an event for Panthers of all ages.

The evening will conclude with a spectacular drone light show, a first for the UNI campus. Hundreds of illuminated drones will fill the night sky with animated, UNI-themed designs celebrating Panther Pride and the university’s 150-year legacy. 

Homecoming continues on Saturday, Oct. 10, with the annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Cedar Falls.

This year’s parade grand marshals are the family of the late Gary Kelley (‘68), a world-renowned artist and UNI alum whose work appeared in Time, Rolling Stone and the NBA. Kelley has also created several works for UNI Athletics, including cover illustrations for books dedicated to Panther Athletics history.

Parade dignitaries include Katie Mulholland (‘69) and Dave Takes (‘81), co-chairs of the Our Tomorrow campaign and members of the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Also serving as dignitaries are descendants of James Gilchrist, the first principal of the Iowa State Normal School. Among them is 2020 graduate Thad Nelson, Gilchrist’s great-great-great-grandson.

Community members, alumni, students and Panther fans are all invited to take part in this year’s Homecoming celebration. To register parade entries, attend Homecoming events, see the complete schedule and event information, visit homecoming.uni.edu.

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