Alumni Stories & News

The tradition of traditions

From a 1942 student handbook to today, UNI’s rich traditions — both enduring and bygone — continue to shape the Panther experience across generations.

The Origins of a UNI Anthem: Our "Alma Mater"

Since 1950, UNI’s cherished “Alma Mater,” written by neighboring alumni Bill Kloster and Arnold “Arnie” Grummer, has been a musical tradition for the campus community.

Panther time capsule

Discover the everyday objects and remarkable relics that reflect UNI’s 150-year story.

Now & Then

A Q&A with the current and past alumni presidents

Future doctors like Kyle Biscoglia get their start at UNI

Find out why future doctors like former triple major and student-athlete Kyle Biscoglia get their start at the University of Northern Iowa.

Helping others find their voice: The impact of speech-language pathology

Angie Glynn has spent 20 years helping others communicate more effectively through her work as a speech-language pathologist.

UNI teacher education program continues to boast high placement rate

It’s no wonder 98% of UNI’s teacher education graduates from fall 2024 to summer 2025 were employed or continuing their education in fall 2025.

UNI's Purple Pathway for School Administrators guides veteran teachers to educational leadership

Joni Armstrong is among the first graduates of the Purple Pathway for School Administrators, a partnership between UNI and Des Moines Public Schools.

Band directors swing back to UNI for Tallcorn Jazz Festival

For some UNI-educated band directors, attending the Tallcorn Jazz Festival with their students is a full-circle moment, as many of them helped organize and execute the event back in their college days.

TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa talk by Eshbaugh selected as TED “Editor’s Pick”

The TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa talk has been selected as a TED “Editor’s Pick,” a distinction awarded to only about 0.5% of TEDx talks worldwide.