JPEC Stories & News

Owners of Grid Lounge, Zach Everman, Reese Reimer and Patrick Luensmann

JPEC connection leads to new sim racing business venture

Zach Everman transformed a basement hobby into Grid Lounge, Cedar Falls' sim racing destination, with the support of the University of Northern Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC). Leveraging JPEC's resources and guidance, Everman navigated the entrepreneurial journey to create a unique space for racing enthusiasts and beyond.
Wilson Presidents' Council Co-Presidents Grace Croat and Nathanial Madden emceeing Leadership Celebration.

Wilson College of Business Leadership Celebration honors outstanding students

The Wilson College of Business concluded its academic year with the annual Leadership Celebration, recognizing distinguished students for their outstanding achievements.
Wilson Presidents' Council Co-Presidents Grace Croat and Nathanial Madden emceeing Leadership Celebration.

Wilson College of Business Leadership Celebration honors outstanding students

The Wilson College of Business concluded its academic year with the annual Leadership Celebration, recognizing distinguished students for their outstanding achievements.
Davan Crooker holding check for $5,000 with Patrick Luensmann

University of Northern Iowa students among winners in the 24th annual John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Davan Crooker of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center emerged as a first-place winner at this year's Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition.
Randy Pilkington

UNI’s Pilkington recognized for lasting impact on the Cedar Valley

UNI's Randy Pilkington is the 2024 recipient of the Cedar Valley Legacy Award from Grow Cedar Valley.
Entrepreneur serving food to student in Rialto

UNI’s Rialto Dining Center hosts annual takeover with local food entrepreneurs

UNI Dining and John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center are proud to present the return of the second annual UNI Dining Takeover.
Emma Criswell and Hanna Saland standing in the hallway of UNI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

UNI-founded Iowa Chill business provides opportunities to the next generation of students

A business that was founded at UNI is now passing its knowledge and opportunities to the next generation of students. The Iowa Media Company, which owns and runs the viral social media accounts “Iowa Chill” and “Midwest vs. Everybody,” has brought on several UNI interns into the fold to learn and help grow the brand, providing students real-world applications for what they’ve learned in the classroom.
Patrick Luensmann

Luensmann appointed new director of University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Patrick Luensmann has been named director of the UNIJohn Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center following the retirement of former Director Laurie Watje.
Skyler Ramsey headshot

Skyler Ramsey's unique academic path fuels entrepreneurial drive

A short summary displayed on listings of news on InsideUNI and on the InsideUNI homepage if promoted to top of the front page.
Photo of Russel and Laurie with giant check

University of Northern Iowa alum wins first place and $40,000 at entrepreneurial venture competition

Russel Karim, a 2015 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), won first place and a $40,000 prize at the 18th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. Karim’s business, Dhakai, enables eCommerce and promotional apparel brands to move from idea to final delivered products ethically, sustainably and cost-effectively through a single technology platform.