UNI 150 Stories & News

Gary Rima broadcasting a UNI game.

Gary Rima

"OH, BABY, I LOVE THIS TEAM! KABOOM!" is the signature call of the longtime voice of UNI Athletics.
Headshot of Pete Voorhees in 1991.

Pete Voorhees

Through strong leadership and dedication to family legacy, he has grown his family’s business into a leading force spanning six continents.
Headshot of Elinor Crawford

Elinor Crawford

Her advocacy for gender equity shaped the future of women’s sports at the University of Northern Iowa and collegiate athletics nationwide.
Students at UNI Commencement

UNI celebrates nearly 1,500 graduates at spring commencement ceremonies

90% percent of the students are Iowa residents, representing 93 counties in the state. Nearly a third identify themselves as first-generation college graduates.
People in purple for UNI Homecoming Parade

UNI announces 2026 Homecoming theme “The Future is Purple”

Panthers near and far will gather in Cedar Falls this October to celebrate “The Future is Purple” for the University of Northern Iowa Homecoming.
Headshot of Patricia Geadelmann.

Patricia Geadelmann

She was the external face of UNI, assisting four presidents and helping to secure funding for world-class facilities and programs that continue to elevate the university.
Headshot of Tatum Buse.

Tatum Buse

After graduating from UNI, she went on to become the first female Chief Financial Officer at one of the nation’s largest suppliers of aerospace and defense products.
1995, Coach Mark Farley talking to football players during a game.

Mark Farley

The “walk-on from Waukon” never looked back, becoming the winningest coach in the Missouri Valley Football Conference's history.
Juanita Wright in 1994 sitting at her office desk.

Juanita Wright

Once one of only five Latinx students, Juanita Wright later built programs that would open the door to a UNI degree to thousands who followed.
Nick Nurse with Coach of the Year trophy.

Nick Nurse

A story of tireless work and Panther Pride carried all the way to basketball’s most sought-after trophy.