Faculty and Staff Award

2023 Distinguished Awards

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.

Joel & Linda Haack

Linda and Joel Haack, Ph.D., came to Cedar Falls in 1991 when Joel accepted the position of head of the Department of Mathematics. Joel served as an administrator at UNI for 20 years, including ten consecutive years as dean of the College of Natural Sciences and founding dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. Joel has always been a staunch supporter of UNI’s fundraising efforts, and Linda was at his side when he helped with donor events, college alumni gatherings and meetings with individual donors. Linda also provided two decades of leadership to UNIConnection during the time that it raised funds for scholarships for non-traditional students.

Joel & Linda Haack with UNI President Mark Nook

With more than 32 years of consecutive giving, Joel and Linda have been ardent supporters of UNI. Among their many gifts, two stand out to them. The first supported of the Wolff organ in Jebe Hall, given at a time when Linda was a leader in the Cedar Valley organ community. The second gift was given in honor of Linda’s mother Evelyn, an ISTC alum and lifelong kindergarten teacher, and provided 20 years of early childhood education scholarships.

The Haacks gave a major gift to the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and they are members of the GBPAC Ovation Society. Their numerous gifts to areas across campus — including the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, Tallgrass Prairie Center, McLeod Center, McCollum Science Hall, Campanile renovation, Panther Scholarship Club, School of Music, Varsity Men’s Glee Club and the Department of Mathematics — have helped countless students succeed by providing supportive learning environments.