UNI turns 150
UNI turns 150
Sesquicentennial Celebration: August 2025 - October 2026
Starting this fall, the University of Northern Iowa will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary, marking a century and a half of transformation and impact.
This milestone is a special opportunity to share the UNI story – a story created by the thousands of students, faculty and staff, graduates and friends who have passed by the Campanile.
Here we preview the events and activities planned for UNI’s 150th celebration. We ask you to dust off your scrapbooks and reflect on your time at UNI. What are your favorite memories? How has UNI impacted you? And how have you influenced UNI? Let us know!
We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with all Panthers wherever you are!
Celebrating a legacy: UNI’s past, present and future
From our beginnings as a Soldiers’ Orphan Home to the Iowa State Normal School in 1876 ... becoming the Iowa State Teachers College in 1909, founding a storied legacy of preparing future educators … the State College of Iowa in 1961, and finally becoming the University of Northern Iowa in 1967, our legacy continues.
We’ll begin our sesquicentennial recognition when we welcome UNI’s 150th class this fall. Our anniversary celebration will showcase UNI’s continued dedication to shaping future leaders and developing innovative programs that benefit Iowa, the nation and the world.
Vibrant, memorable sesquicentennial events and activities will showcase our achievements and the successes of our graduates and faculty, while bringing us together on campus, throughout the Cedar Valley, the state of Iowa and beyond.
We’ll also observe significant campus milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 50 years of the UNI-Dome and the 100th anniversary of the Campanile, while creating new traditions on campus that will carry forward to the next generation of Panthers.
UNI 150: People you should know
This sesquicentennial series will spotlight 150 individuals and groups whose leadership, innovation and excellence have been instrumental in building and shaping the University of Northern Iowa and exemplify our aspirations. Their contributions have created an educational community that stands strong and never stands still.
Who should be featured in our 150 list?
UNI’s 150: People You Should Know will be selected from nominations from alumni, the campus community, friends and historical record.
Help preserve our history
Do you have memorable items from your time at UNI?
University Archives at Rod Library seeks to capture more aspects of student, student organization and alumni experiences to fill gaps in UNI’s historical record. Examples include: diaries and correspondence; photographs and scrapbooks; ephemeral materials such as dance cards, flyers, programs and posters; student organizational records; and materials reflecting extra-curricular activities like music, athletics, theater and art.
For more information about making a donation, contact the University Archives at libarchives@uni.edu or 319-273-6307.
Tell your UNI stories
To celebrate the University of Northern Iowa’s 150th anniversary, we are collecting stories and memories from our alumni, faculty, staff and larger UNI community. Stories will be shared through the 2025-2026 Sesquicentennial celebration across various UNI platforms such as the UNI Alumni Magazine, Inside UNI (insideuni.uni.edu), the Northern Iowan, UNI and UNI alumni social media channels and more.
Sign of the times
Over the past 150 years, as our institution’s name has evolved, so have the symbols used to represent the spirit and essence of our Panther community. From the formal university seals and word marks to the initials and Panther logos, these cherished visuals reflect our identity, history, culture and legacy.
Cats who Care: Spring into service
Service is in the DNA of the University of Northern Iowa. Throughout our history, UNI has strived to serve our communities, our state and each other:
- UNI students contributed over 500,000 hours of service in 2023-2024.
- Approximately 60,000 backpacks are assembled by over 2,000 volunteers during the annual MLK Day of Service.
- 81 faculty/staff and 59 community partners have co-created service projects that support student learning and positively impact our community.
- UNI’s Business and Community Services annually reaches all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
To strengthen and elevate our historical commitment to giving back, the sesquicentennial celebration will include “Spring into Service,” in the spring of 2026. Throughout the semester we will call on alumni and UNI faculty, staff and students to join other Panthers in giving back. Alumni Clubs will host days of service throughout the semester. And on Wednesday, April 8, all Panthers will be invited to volunteer in their community. Together we will demonstrate the power of Panther Nation’s collective impact. We hope you will join with other Panthers to demonstrate we are “Cats Who Care.”
Save the dates for our Sesquicentennial
September 29 - October 5
Homecoming 2025
Enjoy a packed schedule including UNI Athletics, student activities, alumni reunions, an outdoor concert, a parade and more to celebrate UNI’s past, present and future.
October 25, 2025
TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa
Experience thought-provoking talks, performances and demonstrations designed to inspire, surprise and engage.
April 8, 2026
Day of Service
UNI faculty, staff, students and alumni will give back by volunteering in their communities, demonstrating the power of Panther Nation’s collective action.
October 5 - 11
Homecoming 2026
The spectacular culmination of the sesquicentennial celebration and the conclusion of the Our Tomorrow campaign.
