UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration will feature many milestones
UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration will feature many milestones
The University of Northern Iowa is gearing up to celebrate its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of academic excellence, community engagement and cherished traditions.
The UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration will honor the vibrant history of the entire Panther community, with numerous milestones adding depth and excitement to the year-long celebration.
From programs and facilities reaching impressive milestones of their own to long-standing campus organizations celebrating their legacies, here’s a look at what’s to come!
Campus Living turns 150
In the earliest years of the new Normal School, nearly all of the school's activities took place in a four-level brick and limestone building. Students paid $2.65 per week for room and board. The basement of Central Hall contained the dining room. The first-floor rooms were remodeled into offices and classrooms. The second and third floors were used as dormitories. During the school's first year, 1876-1877, women lived on the second floor, and women and men, carefully segregated and closely supervised, lived on the third floor.
Men’s basketball celebrates 125 years
The Panthers will observe this milestone during the 2025-26 season. While the first basketball game at the Iowa State Normal School was played in March 1898, athletic conferences, games and practices were intermittent. Things became more regular in 1900, and the university did not field a team for two years during World War II.
Panther Marching Band observes 125 in 2025
The Cadet Band first came on the scene in 1900 with just 10 members. In the 125 years since, it has grown to be the largest student organization on campus, made up of students from dozens of majors across all colleges who show their Panther Pride at home football games and performances around the world.
Lang Hall turns 125 in 2026
The oldest surviving classroom building on the UNI campus! Construction on the Lang Hall was completed in December 1901. A dedication ceremony was held in the Lang Hall auditorium, where a number of visitors have delivered speeches in the decades to follow, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Salvador Dali, Kurt Vonnegut and Maya Angelou.
The Campanile turns 100 in 2026
Dedicated on September 19, 1926, UNI’s campus icon has served as a symbol of pride, tradition and a gathering place uniting Panthers across generations. Thanks to 700+ donors, the Campanile celebrates its 100th birthday with a makeover to the carillon instrument as well as the Campanile Plaza. The dedication of the renovated plaza will be celebrated during Homecoming 2025!
Orchesis turns 100 in 2026
Orchesis, a pre-professional dance company, was organized in 1925 by Dr. Monica R. Wild, head of the physical education department for women. The group’s first public appearance was in 1926 at the college’s 50th anniversary. The group holds an annual gala in the spring, featuring a range of dance styles from jazz to tap to contemporary and more.
Jazz program turns 75 in 2026
UNI’s first jazz band was formed and run by student musicians in the early 1950s. Soon, a formal jazz studies program emerged at the University of Northern Iowa. The program is nationally recognized for its large and small jazz ensembles as well its full curriculum of jazz studies courses.
UNI-Dome turns 50 in 2026
Fueled by the vision of athletics director Stan Sheriff and supported by philanthropic leaders from the Cedar Valley and across Iowa, the UNI-Dome opened its doors on February 7, 1976, with a wrestling match as its first official event. It was formally dedicated later that year on September 4.
Over the past 50 years, the UNI-Dome has become far more than its founders imagined — a vital venue for competition and a cornerstone of community life. As the UNI-Dome celebrates its golden anniversary, the stadium is getting a bold new look, thanks to the generosity of Our Tomorrow donors: Panther purple will soon define the interior, honoring the spirit and pride of UNI.
UNI Social Work celebrates 50 years of accredited programs
In 2025, UNI proudly celebrates 50 years of accredited social work education, marking a legacy that began with CSWE accreditation in 1975 in response to growing regional demand for professional social workers. Evolving from its roots within sociology and anthropology, the Department of Social Work has grown into a standalone, dynamic program offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees committed to preparing future leaders in the field.
UNI Women’s & Gender Studies celebrates 50 years
In 2026, UNI celebrates 50 years of its Women's and Gender Studies program, which began in 1976 through the efforts of Glenda Riley and Grace Ann Hovet. From its inception as a minor supported by a grassroots petition, the program has grown to also over a graduate degree and certificate, fostering challenging academic inquiry, global awareness, social equality and civic engagement.
UNI Suzuki School turns 50 in 2026
Since January 1976, the UNI Suzuki School, housed within the School of Music, has provided music education to the community. After starting with just one young student, the program eventually expanded to enrich the lives of both children and adults through music. Students share their music in brief concerts for area groups, fall and spring recitals, and an annual concert.
UNI ROTC turns 40
In 2026, the University of Northern Iowa will proudly celebrate 40 years as an authorized host of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Panther Battalion. UNI was first established as an extension center of the University of Iowa ROTC program in 1981, alongside beginning military science instruction. The first officers were commissioned in 1983. In 1987, the program was authorized host status, giving the UNI Panther Battalion equal status with the battalions at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
National Program for Playground Safety turns 30 in 2025
This nonprofit organization, based at the University of Northern Iowa, was established in 1995. The NPPS works to ensure safe environments and recreation spaces for children to play, noting that more than 200,000 children are injured on playgrounds in the U.S. each year. Check out our story.
Gallagher Bluedorn turns 25 in 2025
Decades of dreams of bringing a premier performing arts center for the Cedar Valley came to fruition with the construction of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The opening celebration featured a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 7, 2000 as well as performances from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and others throughout the month. Audiences this spring are seeing a preview of the exciting new amenities made possible through donations from alumni and friends through the Our Tomorrow campaign. Stay tuned for details on a formal dedication event for the Gallagher Bluedorn’s 25th anniversary season!
25 Years of the International MBA Program
In 2001, the Wilson College of Business took its MBA program global, launching its first international offering in Hong Kong. The program quickly gained recognition for its academic rigor and real-world relevance. Building on that momentum, the MBA expanded to China in 2014, strengthening UNI’s global footprint and cross-cultural partnerships. Since the MBA program has continued to rank on the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Part-Time MBA Programs, further cementing its reputation for excellence at home and abroad.
Final Thursday Reading Series prepares for its 25th anniversary season
Next year, the Cedar Valley’s monthly creative writing forum at the Hearst Center for Arts will feature special events to celebrate reaching the quarter-century mark. Look for upcoming details on musical performances, poetry paired with artisanal soaps, a reading by a national young adult novelist, and a live podcast recording. As always, creative writers are welcome to share their best five minutes of original work at the FTRS open mic. Watch for more information at finalthursdaypress.com
McLeod Center turns 20 in 2026
The facility for UNI basketball, volleyball and wrestling became a reality with a leadership contribution from Clark and Mary McLeod, what was then the largest single gift to University of Northern Iowa. A grand opening ceremony was held November 18, 2006. In the years since, the McLeod Center has played host to some of the most exciting moments in Panther sports history, has welcomed speakers and entertainers, is a regular host for statewide student competitions, and UNI commencement ceremonies.
Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention celebrates 15 years in 2026
UNI proudly celebrates 15 years of the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention, a statewide leader in advancing interpersonal violence prevention through education, research and strategic partnerships. Born out of over a decade of foundational work and national recognition, the center has impacted schools, universities, military institutions and communities across Iowa and beyond. Thanks to the enduring support of O. Jay and Patricia Tomson, including the establishment of an endowment in 2021, the center continues to empower students and professionals to create safer environments for all.
UNI celebrates 15 years of Arctic research
In 2026, the University of Northern Iowa celebrates 15 years of Arctic research excellence, marking the journey from the establishment of the Arctic Social and Environmental Systems Research Lab in 2011 to the founding of the Arctic, Remote and Cold Territories Interdisciplinary Center (ARCTICenter) in 2015. As a leading hub for interdisciplinary research, education and outreach on polar and cold regions, ARCTICenter has significantly contributed to global understanding of Arctic social-ecological systems, climate change, and Indigenous communities, while positioning UNI as a key player in international Arctic scholarship.
“The Interlude” dance turns 15
The viral dance’s origins are traced to the 4th floor of Campbell Hall. A how-to video, which quickly spread among students and even other colleges, was uploaded to YouTube on November 3, 2010 and has racked up nearly a million views since. The dance spread around the world, including military units overseas, the Iowa governor and the First Lady of the United States.
TK turns 15 in 2025
UNI introduced TK, the “little sister” of UNI’s mascot TC, during the homecoming football game in 2010. Since her debut, TK has become an integral part of UNI’s mascot team, sharing enthusiasm for supporting UNI school spirit! Go Cats!
Did we miss something? Let us know about your milestone and be part of this unforgettable celebration year! We’ll be sure to add to this story as more information is submitted. If you are planning a milestone event during the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, let us know by fillling out this form.
