UNI Foundation Stories & News

UNI President Nook speaks at the 2024 Distinguished Awards dinner

Distinguished Awards Celebration honors notable UNI alumni and friends

University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook, the UNI Alumni Association and the UNI Foundation honored alumni and friends of the university Friday, November 22 at the President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration. The annual award ceremony included the UNI Alumni Association’s Heritage Honours Awards and the President’s Philanthropy Awards presented by the UNI Foundation.
Dick and Linda Wilson

$100,000 gift honors former UNI Alumni Association president, supports new wrestling training facility

UNI has received a generous $100,000 gift from Dick Smith, ‘65, in support of a state-of-the-art training complex for the UNI wrestling program.
Rendering of Dome renovation seating

UNI readies second phase of UNI-Dome renovation

Two years after UNI announced a major capital campaign to renovate the UNI-Dome, the first phase of the project is complete.
Confetti explodes around Wilson signage at announcement of $25 million donation

One year of making history as the David W. Wilson College of Business

It’s been one year since David W. Wilson made history with a $25 million donation to UNI — the largest gift to the institution to date.
UNI campus in the fall

UNI Foundation raises nearly $40 million in FY24, continuing university’s fundraising success

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation raised $39.9 million in support of UNI during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
High school students takeing part in SETT Camp at UNI

Philanthropy fuels UNI community engagement

Gifts from Veridian Credit Union, the R.J. McElroy Trust and others play a big role in the 600,000 volunteer hours UNI students log each year.
Stan Poe, Katy Harbaugh, and Andy Poe in front of the UNI-Dome

Poe family announces major gift to UNI-Dome renovation

A local family of multi-generational UNI graduates have announced a major donation to create a vibrant future for Panther Athletics.
Headshot of Landyn Mitvalsky

UNI awards full-ride scholarship to Cedar Rapids student who shines as leader, mentor

Landyn Mitvalsky, a senior at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, has been named the 2024 Noel Scholar and will attend the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa on a full-ride scholarship. The Noel Scholar program, now in its third year, covers all expenses, thanks to a donation from Rick and Lisa Noel.
The Fick family in UNI gear

Fick family pledges major contribution to UNI-Dome campaign

In honor of the family’s investment, the Ficks will be recognized with a premier named space in the new UNI-Dome facility.
Helicopter lowering materials onto UNI-Dome

Phase I of UNI-Dome renovation officially underway to replace fabric roof

In an endeavor to rejuvenate the iconic UNI-Dome, Phase I of its renovation kicked off on a sunny Sunday morning,