UNI 150 Stories & News

150 years of the University of Northern Iowa

UNI to kick off Sesquicentennial Celebration with weeklong slate of events

The University of Northern Iowa will officially launch its yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration on Monday, Sept. 29, with a week of events that coincide with the university’s annual Homecoming festivities.
Tyler Schuur plays bass line in the Panther Marching Band.

Tyler Schuur, member of 150th class, finds creative outlet playing drums in Panther Marching Band

Tyler Schuur is a current freshman and member of the 150th class.
Dyshaun McDaniel is a member of the sesquicentennial class at the University of Northern Iowa.

Dyshaun McDaniel, Wisconsin local, finds home at UNI

Dyshaun McDaniel is a member of the sesquicentennial class at the University of Northern Iowa.
Drone shot of Lang Hall on UNI campus.

Walking tours to explore university architecture as part of UNI Sesquicentennial launch

The University of Northern Iowa is partnering with the Cedar Falls Historic Preservation Commission to offer two special architectural walking tours as part of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
President Nook on stage

University Address sets tone for UNI’s 150th year

The University of Northern Iowa community gathered this fall for the annual University Address, marking a season of transition, celebration and forward momentum.
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.