UNI 150 Stories & News

Incoming UNI students pose in the shape of the U-N-I letters in front of the McLeod Center

UNI welcomes 150th class with energy and excitement

‌UNI’s 150th class is now on campus! After first-year students moved into the residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 20, they met up at the McLeod Center for the Panther Welcome.
Aerial view of Homecoming parade in downtown Cedar Falls

UNI Homecoming 2025 announces live entertainment, parade dignitaries

The University of Northern Iowa is gearing up for an especially monumental Homecoming this fall, complete with special guests and exciting entertainment to paint the town purple. The week of festivities will mark the official kickoff of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will continue for more than a year, as the university honors its proud past and bold future.
Sesquicentennial bell

A new tradition at UNI: The Ringing of the Sesquicentennial Bell

This fall, a new sound will join the familiar rhythms of campus life — one that signals not just the changing seasons, but a deep connection to 150 years of history at the University of Northern Iowa.
Purple 150 light-pole banner overlooking UNI-Dome

Signs of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration begin to appear in Cedar Falls

As the University of Northern Iowa prepares to mark 150 years of history, signs of celebration are already popping up across campus and the larger Cedar Valley community.
Zach Rogers taking a photo of a historic image using his phone

Tradition meets tomorrow, one historic image at a time

In perfect timing for the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration — which will honor the University of Northern Iowa’s 150-year journey — one exciting campus project lets people literally walk through history, bringing images from old scrapbooks, UNI Archives and photo collections into the present day.
Speaker takes the stage at TEDx event

What to expect at TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa

It's already taken more than a year to plan for the upcoming TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa event. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this signature event for the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
UNI students in a class

Campus projects and faculty research take shape to mark UNI’s 150th anniversary

The University of Northern Iowa provided opportunities for funding to provide public programming and research projects that align with the goals of UNI’s upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration. 
Historic image of UNI students on campus

UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration will feature many milestones

The University of Northern Iowa is gearing up to celebrate its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of academic excellence, community engagement and cherished traditions.
Students at Homecoming bash

UNI announces 2025 Homecoming theme “Panthers Through Time”

The theme pays homage to UNI’s storied past, drawing inspiration from the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will officially launch during Homecoming week.
Bill Smith

Bill Smith

Long before his name was officially added to the UNI wrestling mat, Bill Smith was a wrestling standout, a two-time NCAA champion, and became UNI’s first Olympic wrestling gold medalist.