The University of Northern Iowa has named the Fowler family of Urbandale and the Hakes family of Mason City Forever Families, recognizing their commitment to UNI. The university recognized these two families as part of Family Weekend, Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

Amanda Fowler, a junior majoring in business, nominated her family for the award. “Panther Pride is a large part of my family’s identity, and UNI brought my family together,” she said. 

The tradition started with Fowler’s grandmother, who went on her first date with her future husband at the UNI Commons more than 50 years ago. Years later, their daughter attended UNI and also met her future husband. Amanda Fowler recalls that before she even left the hospital after she was born, her parents decked her out in Panther gear. Over the years, she’s experienced the overflow of Panther Pride from her parents, so much so that UNI was the only college she imagined herself attending. Today, she is proud to carry on the Panther tradition.

Zoey Hakes, a first-year student majoring in psychology, nominated her family as well. Zoey is the first person in her family to attend a four-year university, and the Hakes family is brand-new to the Panther family. Her parents and siblings love being active on campus for events like Family Weekend. “My family constantly tells me I am doing great and that I picked an amazing place to fulfill the career I have always wanted to do,” she said.

Both the Fowlers and the Hakes were recognized at the welcome event and during the UNI football game on Saturday. 

Family Weekend is an annual event at UNI when students invite their families onto campus for a variety of activities. This year’s schedule included the School of Music Scholarship Benefit Concert, Teacher Convocation, family pictures and sporting activities.