Alumni Stories & News

GOLD & Bold

UNI announces 2026 GOLD & Bold award recipients

The University of Northern Iowa Alumni Association has named DaQuan Campbell and Heather Knar as the recipients of the 2026 GOLD & Bold awards.
Barry Wilson and Becky Wilson Hawbaker

Family ties

Two faculty families -- the Wilsons and the Cryers -- are among those faculty who found a home at University of Northern Iowa and helped shape the history of the College of Education through two generations.
Ashlyn Metcalf working with student

A new era: special and inclusive education BA broadens options

Earlier this year, the Iowa Board of Regents approved a new Bachelor of Arts degree in special and inclusive education. For students who find themselves drawn to this field, it's a new era and opportunity to fulfill dreams and meet an ongoing need.
Len Froyen

Len Froyen: A story of gratitude

Len Froyen has spent a lifetime studying, shaping and sharing a story of gratitude that connect with University of Northern Iowa and, eventually, the College of Education, for nearly half of its 150 years of history.
UNI campus

UNI receives approval for Chuck and Barbara Grassley Center focused on public engagement, civic learning and archival stewardship

The new center will honor the legacy of Chuck and Barbara Grassley while expanding opportunities for civic learning, scholarship and public engagement
2026 Scholarship Benefit Concert

UNI School of Music to host 45th Annual Scholarship Benefit Concert

"Something Old, Something New" will be the theme of the 45th Annual Scholarship Benefit Concert, hosted by the UNI School of Music.
The Schmidt Brothers performing live

The Schmidt Brothers return home for the 2026 UNI Homecoming Bash

For the Schmidt Brothers, performing at this year’s UNI Homecoming Bash isn’t just another stop on their busiest touring schedule yet — it’s a return to the campus all three brothers once called home. 
Graduates in the UNI-Dome during a 1985 Commencement

Students first since 1876

A legacy built by thousands, celebrated by all
Matt Townsley, associate professor, left, and Mary Sult, assistant professor of practice who also leads the Institute for Educational Leadership, right, present the 2026 Legacy Award to Robin Foster

Principal and alum Robin Foster receives UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award

Robin Foster, principal of West Elementary, part of the Mid-Prairie Community School District, has received the 2026 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award from the University of Northern Iowa.
Joyce Levingston at UNI Commencement

A thriving career in leadership: From GED to EdD

Without the affirmation of a University of Northern Iowa professor, Joyce Levingston may not have realized how smart she was as a 20-something undergraduate student studying family services whose previous experiences led her to drop out of high school.