Students first since 1876

Students first since 1876

A newspaper clipping of the Iowa State Normal School Class of 1878, the first class to graduate with the following graduates: D.K. Bond, Rome O. Benton, L. E. Churchill & Miss Maude Gilchrist.

A legacy built by thousands, celebrated by all

From our very first class in 1876 to today’s newest Panthers, UNI’s story has always been powered by the remarkable students who bring energy, ambition and heart to this campus. These class photos — taken nearly 150 years apart — show how far we’ve come and how brightly our community continues to shine. Each generation adds its own chapter, its own accomplishments and its own celebrations. Together, they form a legacy that continues to grow, year after year. Here’s to the students who started it all — and to every Panther carrying the tradition forward.

Clockwise from top:

  • Incoming class of 2016 photo in UNI-Dome.
  • Incoming class of 2025, UNI’s 150th class, pictured in front of the McLeod Center.
  • 1985 Commencement in the UNI-Dome.
  • Incoming State College of Iowa freshmen pose for the camera during summer orientation and registration in 1965.

‌Students spelling out UNI on the UNI-Dome field, students in the 1960s spelling out SCI, a snapshot of graduates in the UNI-Dome and a hand holding a phone with students spelling UNI in front of the McLeod Center.