UNI Foundation Stories & News

UNI Campanile and the outline of the state of Iowa made of yellow lines

UNI Foundation marks second consecutive record fundraising year

For the second consecutive year, the University of Northern Iowa broke its record for highest annual fundraising total in history, raising $43.1 million.

“We are grateful to the more than 9,300 alumni and donors who gave to support UNI in another record year,” said Jan Bittner, outgoing chair of the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees. “The continued fundraising success shows the commitment and dedication the Panther family has to UNI and its students.”

UNI campus

UNI Center for Violence Prevention to be renamed in recognition of Northeast Iowa couple’s gift

In conjunction with its 10-year anniversary, the University of Northern Iowa Center for Violence Prevention will be renamed the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention in honor of her decades of work on behalf of survivors of abuse. 

Schindler Education Building

Kern Family Foundation Grant supports UNI Institute for Educational Leadership Training

The University of Northern Iowa’s outreach to Iowa educational leaders has received a major boost thanks to a grant from the Kern Family Foundation.
UNI Campanile and the outline of the state of Iowa made of yellow lines

John Deere Waterloo location invests in UNI Industrial Technology Center renovation

The University of Northern Iowa’s project to renovate and modernize the Industrial Technology Center received a $750,000 commitment from John Deere Waterloo, one of the largest recruiters of UNI Department of Technology graduates. The investment is the lead industry gift to date to the capital project.

Rod and Heidi Foster with the children

Couple Finds Creative Ways to Amplify Their Impact

There comes a time in our lives when we are given the chance to take a step back and reflect on the early experiences that shaped us. For Rod and Heidi Foster, their time at UNI was one of those pivotal moments.
Gallagher Bluedorn

Gallagher Bluedorn receives $2 million gift for renovation and expansion

A recent donation from the Pauline R. Barrett Charitable Foundation to help fund a planned $14.9 million renovation and expansion to modernize the space of the iconic performing arts center.
UNI Campanile and the outline of the state of Iowa made of yellow lines

Master Builders of Iowa invests in UNI’s Industrial Technology Center

The University of Northern Iowa has announced a $250,000 gift from the Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) for the Industrial Technology Center renovation and modernization project.

A rendering of a new practice football field.

New practice field part of $4 million investment in Panther football

UNI celebrated a generous donation by Doug and Ann Goschke that will lead to the construction of the The Doug and Ann Goschke Outdoor Practice Facility - In Memory of Junean Goschke on Tuesday. The modernized field will include an oversized turf field, lights and fencing and is part of more than $4 million in investments in UNI football that are currently in progress and are scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2021.
UNI alum Micalla Rettinger

Scholarship honors alum's legacy

Following her death in 2019, a memorial fund was established in memory of Micalla "KK" Rettinger.
Two UNI students working with a syndaver

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust Surpasses $20 million in Giving to UNI

30 consecutive years of philanthropic support makes the Carver Trust one of UNI’s largest, longest and most impactful private donors