UNI 150 Stories & News

Neesa Striegel and Ann hold up 150 years sign

Students gather UNI history through the memories of alumni

One University of Northern Iowa class spent their fall semester learning about the history of UNI through the memories of some older alumni.
Black and white image of a packed UNI-Dome during a wrestling meet

Happy 50th birthday to the UNI-Dome

On February 7, 1976, the first official event inside the UNI-Dome brought the University of Northern Iowa wrestling team face-to-face with the University of Iowa. 
Photo of David Wilson in front of Curris Building.

David Wilson

The largest donation in institution history established the first named college at UNI.
Picture of Dwight Curtis holding a book.

Dwight Curtis

As one of the national leaders in the development of student teaching, he “wrote the book” on student teaching, before the practice became a nationally required step of teacher education.
Creators of The Interlude

Creators of The Interlude

An unlikely song with unique choreography became an anthem for Panther Pride.
Homecoming Bash 2025

Save the date: UNI Homecoming 2026 marks sesquicentennial finale

Mark your calendars for UNI Homecoming Week, set for Oct. 4-10, as the University of Northern Iowa celebrates its annual showcase of Panther Pride.
Headshot of Maude Gilchrist

Maude Gilchrist

At just 16 years old, the first woman to graduate from our institution is also the youngest known graduate!
Pack the Dome volunteers packing food into bags

Nearly 2,000 volunteers “Spring Into Service” at annual Pack the Dome event

Nearly 2,000 faculty, staff and students from UNI joined organizations and businesses from across the Cedar Valley to assemble more than 70,000 food bags during the 2026 Pack the Dome event.
Gary Kelley smiling in his studio.

Gary Kelley

An artistic journey beginning at UNI led to magazine covers, murals, book illustrations and professional sports.
Headshot of James Gilchrist.

James Gilchrist

The first leader of the Iowa State Normal School in 1876.