Longtime educators and UNI alumni, the Floyds have continued supporting students after retirement by funding scholarships and research fellowships. Having created more than 90 awards focused on future teachers and scientists, they aim to give back in gratitude for the support they once received.
Registration is now open for the University of Northern Iowa’s annual Pack the Dome event, held on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Edward Gee Miller saw potential where others didn’t — transforming an old orphan home into Iowa’s first normal school, the seed of today’s University of Northern Iowa.
In a time when opportunity was scarce for African American women, Vivian Smith and Murda Beason opened the doors of higher education — and walked through them together.
The University of Northern Iowa's Wally the Alligator, located in McCollum Science Hall, recently settled into a brand-new home after UNI's biology department received funding through its UNI Sesquicentennial celebration.
The morning after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, teacher Jane Elliott walked into her classroom determined to confront hate head on — and the lesson she gave would impact her students and the nation forever.
Before “The Bridges of Madison County,” Robert James Waller was shaping minds as the founding dean of UNIBusiness and was instrumental in establishing UNI economic development outreach in communities across Iowa.
Irene Eaton knew everyone at UNI by name — and everyone adored her for it. Crowned “Most Favorite Girl” and welcomed into the l-Club alongside the top athletes, she was the heart of campus life.
As university carillonneur, a role he held for more than 30 years, Byrnes filled the air with music. At the same time, he took the helm of the UNI Men’s Glee Club, transforming it into a vibrant, flourishing ensemble.
