Alumni Stories & News

Pictured above, from left: Cole’s father (“Daddy Cornstar”), Cole and his younger brother, Cooper. (Photo by Stalzer Photography

UNI alum's path from corn farmer to YouTube star

It’s a classic Iowa story — UNI graduate Cole was raised in small-town central Iowa, where he watched his dad and grandfather work his family’s farm together. At age five, he was sitting on his father’s lap while he drove tractors across the corn fields. Within three years, he started driving the tractors himself. It was a given that he’d grow up to take over the farm’s operations someday.

UNI graduate student Athena-Sade Whiteside sings at commencement.

Music shines light on UNI student’s life

After running away from an abusive home environment in high school and ending up in a youth homeless shelter, this student found solace in music at UNI.
UNI diploma

Meet the next generation of Panthers

Our graduating seniors found a place where they belonged at the University of Northern Iowa. Their tireless academic preparation, strong relationships with faculty and other students, and wide variety of out-of-class experiences have helped create a strong foundation for their future. These are but a few of our promising fall 2019 graduates:

UNI graduating senior Megan Kooker.

Name: Megan Kooker

Hometown: Pella

UNI alumna Christine Stewart

Pushing an appreciation of prose

UNI alumna Christine Stewart is on a mission to spread to enjoyment of poetry as the new poet laureate of South Dakota.