UNI Foundation Stories & News

Distinguished Awards at UNI

Lisa Bluder, Ron Steele among honorees at UNI’s 2025 President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration

Lisa Bluder (’83), David Johnson (’15) and Ron Steele will be recognized alongside other outstanding alumni and friends of the University of Northern Iowa during the President’s Distinguished Awards Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
Wide drone shot of the UNI Campanile during summer

UNI launches new giving feature for donor-advised fund contributions

With the new DAFpay feature—powered by GiveCampus—donors can now make gifts directly from their donor-advised funds (DAFs) through a simple, secure and tax-friendly online process.
A UNI student talks through his research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Program Symposium

Student Research Symposium Highlights Growth Through Discovery

Student researchers move beyond the classroom to apply what they’ve learned in new ways and share the results of their work with the campus community.
The state of Iowa in purple with South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska highlighted in yellow

Vision at Work: Donors Drive Bold Tuition Initiative

With support from the UNI Foundation, the Neighboring State Rate expands access, strengthens the workforce and moves UNI forward
Female UNI student standing in front of the Wilson College of Business.

Donor support helps launch Finance and Real Estate Analytics Lab

The generosity of 32 donors has made possible the new Finance and Real Estate Analytics Lab at UNI, equipping students with professional-grade technology and industry-standard software to build real-world skills in finance and real estate.
Students on bridge wearing Cat Pack t-shirts

Newest TC’s Tee from UNI boasts of the “Cat Pack”

Back for the third year in a row, the University of Northern Iowa’s newest iteration of TC’s Tee is headed to store shelves. Its theme is Cat Pack.
Northern Iowa Wrestloing 1980-81 media guide cover

A tradition that runs deep: Alum shares special bond with UNI wrestling program

Alum Julie Stoll shares a special bond with UNI wrestling program. Julie Stoll’s connection to Panther wrestling spans decades — first as a young fan in the stands, then as a student assistant working alongside coaches and athletes, and now as a donor supporting the program’s 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.
Laura Bush speaks at the 2019 Joy Cole Corning Lecture Series at UNI

How donor support powers campus dialogue

Across UNI, donor-funded lecture series are creating transformative learning experiences by bringing renowned scholars, thought leaders and professionals to campus. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, these lectures spark curiosity, enrich classroom learning, foster interdisciplinary dialogue and challenge students to see the world through new lenses.
Doctorate students panel on a table with UNI faculty

GROE College & Jackson Family Launch Doctorate Dissertation Award

The GROE College launched a Doctorate Dissertation Completion Award, sponsored by the Jackson family, tailored to UNI EdD students so they can finish their impactful dissertations.