Alumni Stories & News

UNI grad trailblazes as first female president at Western Illinois University

Kristi Mindrup's passion for higher education started at the University of Northern Iowa. Now she's a university president.

Public service, history and a new chapter for Black Hawk County auditor Grant Veeder

After 43 years in public service, UNI alum and Black Hawk County auditor Grant Veeder is headed for retirement and ready to start a new chapter.

Distinguished Awards Celebration honors notable UNI alumni and friends

University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook, the UNI Alumni Association and the UNI Foundation honored alumni and friends of the university Friday, November 22 at the President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration. The annual award ceremony included the UNI Alumni Association’s Heritage Honours Awards and the President’s Philanthropy Awards presented by the UNI Foundation.

Friendship fuels UNI alums to first place in film competition

Five UNI alums gathered in Des Moines this summer to create a short film in just 48 hours. Their efforts won them first place out of nearly 50 entries.

$100,000 gift honors former UNI Alumni Association president, supports new wrestling training facility

UNI has received a generous $100,000 gift from Dick Smith, ‘65, in support of a state-of-the-art training complex for the UNI wrestling program.

One year of making history as the David W. Wilson College of Business

It’s been one year since David W. Wilson made history with a $25 million donation to UNI — the largest gift to the institution to date.

UNI alums in The Pork Tornadoes look forward to Homecoming Bash

UNI campus will be overtaken by “beard pop” at this year’s Homecoming Bash when The Pork Tornadoes perform their take on current music hits.

Building a Titan: Ralph Ockenfels on a 34-year NFL career shaped by UNI values

35 years after earning his UNI degree, Ralph Ockenfels is celebrating the culmination of a 34-year career in the NFL, including 26 years with the Titans.

Bettendorf family honored at UNI Family Weekend as 2024 Forever Family

UNI celebrated the Lemons and Waggoner family from Bettendorf as the 2024 Forever Family during its annual Family Weekend, held Oct. 4-6.

Meet the seven Panthers teaching third grade in the same district

The seven teachers that comprise the third-grade team in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District share a special bond as UNI alums.