UNI Foundation Stories & News

Inside the bellfry of the UNI Campanile

New digital exhibit opens the doors to UNI’s Campanile

A new digital exhibit now lets website visitors explore the historic UNI Campanile from perspectives they may never have seen before.
An image of a document that says State of Iowa executive department with language from a proclamation

Governor proclaims Sept. 6 University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Day

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Day in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary.
President Nook speaking at podium at sesquicentennial event

University of Northern Iowa’s 150th anniversary arrives Sept. 6

UNI will formally recognize the sesquicentennial milestone later this month, with a day of celebrations honoring the university’s 150-year history and its tradition of public service.
Black and white image of central campus

True in spirit, strong in knowledge: 150 years at the University of Northern Iowa

The 150-year history of the University of Northern Iowa is featured in the September/October 2026 issue of Iowa History Journal, thanks to an article submitted by Assistant Professor of History Kevin Mason. You can read an excerpt of the story here on Inside UNI!
Photo of the mysterious plaque.

The UNI mystery of the Campanile's "World Grand Prize"

For decades, a bronze plaque on UNI’s Campanile claimed that the historic tower clock mechanism had won the “World’s Grand Prize” at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. There was just one problem… the prize had never existed.
Road work ahead sign

Heading back to UNI? Here’s what to know about construction

UNI, the City of Cedar Falls and others in the community have been working diligently to make improvements across campus to make your experience even better this fall. While much of that work is already complete, please note that some projects are still ongoing. 
Customer selecting produce at farmers market

Local Veggie Vouchers Program marks 10 years serving Cedar Valley families and farmers

As farmers market season hits full stride in the Cedar Valley, a local program connecting families with fresh, locally grown food is celebrating a major milestone with UNI's Veggie Vouchers Program.
Mary Kaiser Smith

Then and Now: At 100, Mary Kaiser Smith reflects UNI’s tradition of teacher education

The sound of the Campanile ringing outside her window remains one of Mary Kaiser Smith’s most enduring memories of student life in the 1940s.
Students celebrating Live Purple Give Gold

UNI community celebrates record day of giving during milestone year

The University of Northern Iowa marked a record-setting day of giving as 2,174 donors came together for Live Purple Give Gold, surpassing the goal of 1,876 donors set in honor of the university’s founding year and sesquicentennial celebration.
Speech-language pathology student working with young client

UNI Speech-Language Pathology graduate program ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools

The University of Northern Iowa has been recognized in the 2026 edition of U.S News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, with its Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology earning a place among the nation’s top programs.