Alumni Stories & News

Nicole Roder

UNI-trained principal earns Iowa Principal of the Year recognition

Given the esteemed reputation of UNI teacher education, it’s no surprise this year’s Iowa Principal of the Year, Nicole Roder, is a UNI graduate.
Mike Schreurs

UNI grad built a successful marketing firm from the ground up

Mike Schreurs started out as a UNI student in the 60s. Today, he retires from the roles of chairman and chief strategist of Strategic America, the successful marketing firm he built from the ground up.
UNI Homecoming parade

2025 UNI Homecoming Week set for Sept. 28-Oct. 4

UNI Homecoming Week is a chance for current students, alumni, faculty, staff, fans and community members to come together to celebrate everything that it means to be a Panther. 
Kip Elliot, executive vice president for the Minnesota Twins.

Accounting careers in the wide world of sports

The sports industry's projected future expansion, over four times the expected growth rate of S&P 500 companies, provides plenty of job opportunities for accounting professionals.
Isaac Campbell

UNI welcomes Isaac Campbell, artist and alum, for Hearst Lecture

The University of Northern Iowa Department of Communication and Media will host guest speaker Isaac Campbell, UNI alum and nationally-known artist, as part of the Hearst Lecture Series.
Elizabeth Rench in front of sign that says Irbid

Making a global impact as a UNI-educated TESOL teacher

A TESOL/French teaching degree from UNI helped pave the road to international teaching for alum Elizabeth Rench.
Kristi Mindrup

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.
Grant Veeder

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.
UNI President Nook speaks at the 2024 Distinguished Awards dinner

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.
Austin Hansen, Blake Ruane and Jefferson Fosbender holding their awards

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.