Alumni Stories & News

Reception speech: Why David Wilson chose to donate $25 million to UNI

At a special luncheon celebrating his historic $25 million donation to UNI, David Wilson explains why this gift is so important to him.

David Wilson, 1970 UNI graduate and founder of Wilson Automotive

David W. Wilson considers his story to be emblematic of the American Dream. Through sheer determination and a belief in doing business the right way, he rose from a small-town Iowa kid with a lower middle class background to become chairman and CEO of Wilson Automotive, one of the country’s largest privately held auto dealerships.

David W. Wilson pledges $25 million donation to University of Northern Iowa

A historic gift to the University of Northern Iowa will mark a new chapter in the university’s renowned business college. 

UNI’s Fast Forward Digital Media Workshop returns Oct. 27

UNI’s Fast Forward Digital Media Workshop returns Oct. 27 for expert media panels and demonstrations. 

Jesús Lizárraga Estrada to be inducted to Iowa Latino Hall of Fame

The Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs will be inducting Jesús Lizárraga Estrada, PhD, into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame.

UNI names grand marshal of 2023 Homecoming parade

The University of Northern Iowa is proud to announce the grand marshal for the 2023 Homecoming parade will be Judith Finkelstein. 

Musician Justin Adams returning home to Panther Country

Country musician and UNI alum Justin Adams is excited to bring his high-energy honky tonk cowboy country music to UNI campus for Homecoming 2023.

From Russell Hall to the White House, armed with a trumpet

As a professional musician who got her start at UNI’s School of Music, Master Gunnery Sgt. Susan Rider uses her musical talents to hail the red, white and blue every day

Donors Doug and Dianne Whittle, ‘73, share the story behind the Evan Patterson scholarship

Donors Doug and Dianne Whittle, ‘73, share the story behind the Evan Patterson scholarship

Distinguished alumni couple pledge major gift to UNI-Dome renovation

A leadership gift from a north central Iowa couple will support the most comprehensive renovations in the history of the UNI-Dome.