CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Alumni and friends of the University of Northern Iowa have made a considerable investment to help launch the university’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. 

As the university’s Our Tomorrow campaign closes in on its stretch goal of $300 million – having cleared the initial $250 million goal well ahead of the campaign’s 2026 end date – donors have rallied, giving more than $1.25 million for nursing students. 

The majority of gifts – approximately $775,000 – are for student scholarships. As a result, every student entering the BSN program within this academic year will receive a renewable $1,000 scholarship for up to three years. 

“Philanthropy drives the quality of education we are able to deliver at UNI,” said Jim Jermier, president of the UNI Foundation. “We’re grateful to our many donors for their generosity and their vision for a standalone nursing program at the University of Northern Iowa.” 

Approximately $375,000 will defray construction costs and provide instrumentation to enhance the nursing facilities. Remaining funds are designated toward broad programmatic costs. 

Phase one of the nursing facilities project was completed in time for the first class of 26 students arriving on campus for the fall semester. Additional phases are underway and will add specialized simulation labs to enhance students’ upper level coursework. 

Jermier stressed that while the $1 million milestone is cause for celebration, additional resources are needed to ensure the program continues to grow and serve the health care needs of Iowans. The UNI Foundation is seeking a total of $3.5 million within the Our Tomorrow campaign to support nursing.

“This program is critical to the university’s future and the future of our state,” Jermier said. “Donations to the UNI nursing program will make a tremendous impact not only on our nursing students, but on the lives they will impact over the course of their careers.”

For more information about how to support UNI Nursing, visit foundation.uni.edu/nursing.

Additional questions can be directed to Alissa Spidell, development director for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, at 319-273-5985 or alissa.spidell@uni.edu.