Alumni Association Stories & News

Sydney and Paige Hollingshead

Double the creativity: UNI sisters teach art education together

Sisters Sydney and Paige Hollingshead share an alma mata, an employer and a profession as art educators.
The Iowa State Fair Butter Cow.

UNI alum’s Butter Cow headed to the Smithsonian

One UNI family’s artwork — the iconic Iowa State Fair Butter Cow — is going all the way to the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. 
Gary Keenan, chainsaw artist at the Iowa State Fair.

Meet UNI alum Gary Keenan, chainsaw artist at the Iowa State Fair

Keenan, a 1979 UNI graduate originally from Grinnell, has been carving wood for more than 25 years. What started as a weekend hobby has turned into a fairtime fixture, with Keenan serving as the lead carver for one of the fair’s most crowd-pleasing attractions.
Aerial view of Homecoming parade in downtown Cedar Falls

UNI Homecoming 2025 announces live entertainment, parade dignitaries

The University of Northern Iowa is gearing up for an especially monumental Homecoming this fall, complete with special guests and exciting entertainment to paint the town purple. The week of festivities will mark the official kickoff of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will continue for more than a year, as the university honors its proud past and bold future.
Northern Iowa Wrestloing 1980-81 media guide cover

A tradition that runs deep: Alum shares special bond with UNI wrestling program

Alum Julie Stoll shares a special bond with UNI wrestling program. Julie Stoll’s connection to Panther wrestling spans decades — first as a young fan in the stands, then as a student assistant working alongside coaches and athletes, and now as a donor supporting the program’s future.
Mark and Sharon Hannasch out biking in their UNI gear.

For these UNI alums, RAGBRAI is a tradition that keeps them coming back

For UNI alumni Mark and Sharon Hannasch, RAGBRAI - the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa - has been a cherished tradition that spans more than 30 years.
Jake Schaefer

Renewing workplace culture

Jake Schaefer, ’01, ’08, builds on his UNI education to transform mental health counseling and leadership coaching, helping individuals and organizations thrive.
Bikers on RAGBRAI including one woman wearing a UNI jersey

RAGBRAI is coming to Cedar Falls this summer - here’s how UNI will be involved

Cedar Falls is getting ready to welcome thousands of RAGBRAI bicyclists, support teams and fans who will make their way into town this summer.
Students at Homecoming bash

UNI announces 2025 Homecoming theme “Panthers Through Time”

The theme pays homage to UNI’s storied past, drawing inspiration from the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will officially launch during Homecoming week.
Tom Nordstrom  holding his award, alongside his wife, Art Cox and Brett Olsen

Des Moines UNI Real Estate Alumni Reception honors Thomas Nordstrom, program growth

The Wilson College of Business awarded Tom Nordstrom the inaugural Arthur T. Cox Real Estate Champion Award at the second annual UNI Real Estate Alumni Reception and Award Presentation, held Thursday, April 24, at the DMACC Urban Campus.