Distinguished Awards Celebration

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation honors notable graduates and loyal supporters through the Distinguished Awards Celebration. The annual ceremony includes the President's Philanthropy Awards and the UNI Alumni Association's Heritage Honours Awards.

Four President's Philanthropy awards are presented by the UNI Foundation each year:

Purple and Gold Award

This award is the most prestigious award for lifetime giving that the University of Northern Iowa Foundation bestows on behalf of the university. This award recognizes the extraordinary, long-time support of an individual or couple who have had a significant and inspiring impact on UNI.

Faculty and Staff Award

This award recognizes an individual or couple currently employed by or retired from the University of Northern Iowa who has provided philanthropic support, dedicated long-term service and creative leadership to the university.

Emerging Philanthropist Award

This award recognizes an individual or a couple, no older than 50 years of age, who have provided philanthropic support and creative leadership to the university.

Corporation and Foundation Award

This award is presented to a corporation, foundation or organization that has demonstrated generosity to UNI through significant leadership giving, dedicated long-term service and assistance to UNI students and faculty through recruitment opportunities and/or programming support.

2022 Distinguished Awards Recipients