University of Northern Iowa Homepage Stories & News

United Way, UNI Center for Educational Transformation and Waterloo Schools partner on trauma-informed project

The everyday demands of school life can be difficult for many students – but some carry more than a backpack full of books when they show up for class each day. 

A student studies on UNI campus.

How to survive finals week: Study spot edition

Finals week is just around the corner, but warmer weather and a network of outdoor wifi access points mean students can study nearly anywhere on campus. 

InsideUNI asked students (finals week veterans all) for their favorite campus study spots. If you need more than just a great study spot, remember help is also available through the Learning Center and the Counseling Center

Nick Rafanello

UNI names new executive director for Housing & Dining

After a national search, the University of Northern Iowa has named Nick Rafanello executive director of Housing & Dining at UNI. He will begin his new role on May 1.

“With a rich history of building collaborative working relationships and effective community building in residential environments, Nick brings a broad level of expertise to the position,” said Michael Hager, UNI senior vice president of finance and operations. “Housing & Dining operations have been steadily improving and Nick is well positioned to keep the positive trajectory of helping students succeed.”

The 2021 Lux Service Award winners

Lux award winners leaving a legacy at UNI

The pandemic made this past academic year one unlike any other for University of Northern Iowa students.

But those challenges didn’t stop students from making an impact on campus.

The Lux Service Award is the most prestigious award given to graduating senior students each academic year to acknowledge the culmination of their overall involvement. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy upon graduation. 

This year, seniors Ayah Al-Durazi, Cassie Hendrix and Zoella Sneed were recognized with the award.

UNI diploma

Meet the next generation of Panther grads

Our graduating seniors continued to impress with their academic brilliance, strong relationships with faculty and other students, and wide variety of out-of-class experiences to create a strong foundation for their future. These are but a few of our promising Class of Spring 2021 graduates:

Emily LoomisName: Emily Loomis

Hometown: Carlisle, IA

UNI campus

Annual Student Leadership Awards honors campus leaders

For the second year, UNI’s celebrated the annual Student Leadership Awards with a four-part virtual ceremony. The ceremony, which runs from Monday, April 19, through Thursday, April 22, recognizes students from across campus for their contributions to key programs and campus culture.

NBA coach and UNI alum Nick Nurse

NBA coach Nick Nurse, a UNI alum, headlines Sunday virtual event

The University of Northern Iowa, in partnership with the University of Iowa, will host a virtual conversation Sunday with NBA coach Nick Nurse, a UNI Hall of Fame basketball star who led his Toronto Raptors to a 2019 championship.  

Nurse will discuss his rural Iowa upbringing, how he transitioned to find success throughout his career and the use of data analytics to drive decisions in the NBA. Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder, a UNI women's basketball standout and UNI Hall of Famer will host the virtual event from 2-3 p.m. April 25.

UNI junior graphic design major Roshan Subba

A portrait of life in the pandemic

At just 9 years old, Roshan Subba made the incredible journey from a refugee camp in Nepal to Des Moines. Though Subba has few memories of his time in the camp, one thing he remembers is watching other children practicing calligraphy. Subba dreamed of being able to create intricate art like that someday.

Now, he’s a senior graphic design major at UNI and his first solo art show, “Modernism,” is being showcased through June 23 by Waterloo community center COR 220 East.

Rod Library

UNI ScholarWorks surpasses two million downloads

A geology educator found information on St. Peter’s sandstone. An Australian researcher discovered an early paper on the physiology of oats. Both a Pennsylvania graduate student and a Colombian graduate student in France tracked down important research on education.

Nick Nurse

UNI to host virtual conversation with NBA championship coach Nick Nurse

The University of Northern Iowa, in partnership with the University of Iowa, will host a virtual conversation Friday with NBA coach Nick Nurse, a UNI Hall of Fame basketball star who led his Toronto Raptors to a 2019 championship.  

Nurse will discuss his rural Iowa upbringing, how he transitioned to find success throughout his career and the use of data analytics to drive decisions in the NBA. Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder, a UNI women's basketball standout and UNI Hall of Famer will host the virtual event from 2-3 p.m. April 25.