This year's UNI graduates have the opportunity to collect their diplomas in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In their own words, two graduating seniors share what they've learned after a year of unprecedented challenges — and unexpected opportunities.
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:
A gift from Robert and Annette Morden, both two-time graduates of UNI, supports campus initiatives that promote cultural acceptance, collaboration, awareness and education. Two new projects – a student-driven film from the theater department and an art project about Indigenous land rights – are underway with help from the fund.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
Name: Ayah Al-Durazi
Name: Emily Loomis
