Alumni Stories & News

UNI campus

University of Northern Iowa’s Our Tomorrow campaign surpasses $200 million raised

An outpouring of philanthropic support from donors has pushed UNI's Our Tomorrow campaign closer to the goal of raising $250 million by 2026. 
Kurt Warner speaks at Boy Scouts event in Des Moines

Kurt Warner delivers keynote speech for Boy Scouts

NFL Super Bowl MVP and former Northern Iowa Panthers’ quarterback Kurt Warner delivered the keynote speech at the Boy Scouts' annual Governor’s Luncheon in Des Moines. The event was a homecoming of sorts – it was held in what used to be known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium, where Warner played for the Iowa Barnstormers before making his way to the NFL. 
Beth Howard

UNI alum Beth Howard’s ascent to COO of Colorado’s famous Vail Mountain

Beth Howard's 38-year career with Vail Resorts starts as a UNI intern and culminates in her being the first woman to lead Vail Mountain.
Bob Dorr

Bob Dorr’s 50-year radio career began in the basement of UNI’s Maucker Union

Bob Dorr credits his successful career in radio to two things — luck, and the opportunities he encountered while at UNI. 
From politics to baseball, UNI connections constant for Iowa’s new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

From politics to baseball, UNI connections constant for Iowa’s new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

UNI alum Grant Menke graduated with a degree in political science and has since worked with some of the state's top politicians and major agencies. Most recently, Menke was named Deputy Secretary of Agriculture with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Deb and Kevin Hemmen

Local couple commit $750,000 to UNI-Dome renovation

Kevin and Deb Hemmen – both longtime Dike, Iowa residents – have pledged $750,000 to ensure the UNI-Dome remains a vibrant facility for the community for the next 50 years.
Aaron Dzaboff and twin brother at Super Bowl

The Super Bowl became part of the job for UNI alum Aaron Dzaboff

When we last spoke with him, Aaron Dzaboff had his hopes to attend a Chiefs Super Bowl party. He got his party… and then some.
Nick, Ben and Justin Jensen

Graduating from UNI was a family affair for the three Jensen brothers

While the three Jensen brothers have taken very different career paths, they can all trace their educations back to UNI.
UNI Day at the Capitol in Des Moines very successful

UNI Day at the Capitol in Des Moines very successful

Faculty, staff, students and alums from the University of Northern Iowa gathered at the Iowa State Capitol on Feb. 14 to celebrate the many ways UNI's programs, facilities and resources support the education of future generations, as well as industry and workforce needs across the state. 
A family of Panthers: Love for UNI runs three generations deep in Langstraat clan

A family of Panthers: Love for UNI runs three generations deep in Langstraat clan

A family tradition and love for Panther basketball led Hayley Langstraat to become the team's assistant director of basketball operations.