UNI 150 Stories & News

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.
Joy Corning

Joy Corning

Joy Corning led with heart and action, transforming Iowa’s schools, government and communities while fighting for equality and opportunity for all.
Stan Sheriff

Stan Sheriff

Every time the crowd roars inside the UNI Dome, it reverberates through a vision that Stan Sheriff turned into a reality. What some viewed as an impossible dream, turned into a campus icon.
150 years - established 1876

“Tradition Meets Tomorrow” for UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration

The University of Northern Iowa welcomes all to celebrate its 150th year as an institution, announcing the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, kicking off more than a year of activities and signature events.
A jersey from when UNI was known as the Iowa State Teachers College

Stepping into history: Exhibits taking shape for the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration

UNI Museum staff are orchestrating opportunities to enjoy university history through several projects both on and off campus.
Students participate in Pack the Dome

Day of Service planned as part of UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration

The University of Northern Iowa is planning for perhaps its biggest coordinated volunteer effort to date — one that may even rival the annual Pack the Dome event. This special Day of Service will take place on April 8, 2026 as part of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.