Your Impact

Our Tomorrow: All in, all together

It was another incredible year as UNI alumni and friends have come to make a remarkable impact through the Our Tomorrow campaign. In 2024–2025, you contributed an impressive $29.28 million, supporting the students, faculty, programs and spaces that make UNI a thriving learning community.

As we look back on this extraordinary year, we are reminded that every contribution to Our Tomorrow reflects your unwavering commitment to UNI’s future and the Panther family. Thank you for the transformative difference you make for UNI!

Highlights

During fiscal year 2024, over $7 million in scholarship support was awarded by the UNI Foundation to 2,007 students.

UNI Nursing surpassed $1 million in fundraising through Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI.
The Legacy Era for Panther Athletics launched under the helm of new UNI Athletic Director Megan Franklin. More than $47 million has been given as of FY24 to support athletics facilities projects including the UNI-Dome, Wrestling Training Facility, the Mark Messersmith Outdoor Track & Field Complex and the Court Sports Facility.
Fueled by a $350,000 legacy grant from the Altoona-based Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, UNI@DMACC expanded both in-person and online degree programs to ensure greater access to higher education.
Phase one of the Applied Engineering Building renovation was completed, with more than $3 million in private donations from industry partners supplementing the $40.5 million in funding provided by the State of Iowa.

The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center renovation is on its way to completion in time to celebrate the center's 25th anniversary.
After completing a comprehensive upgrade of the carillon instrument — made possible by over 700 alumni and friends who gave to the project — the university now has its sights set on the Campanile Plaza portion of the renovation of this campus icon.
At Upward Bound, a federally-funded TRIO program coordinated by UNI-CUE and supported by John Deere and Transamerica, is enabling participants to find their "second family."
A three-year $425,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust will expand UNI's Center for Energy & Environmental Education's work, involving hundreds of students in the process.

Hear it from our students

Bilal Baig

Computer Science major

"Donor support has been crucial in easing the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on academics and leadership opportunities. A moment that stands out was making the Dean’s List while balancing multiple jobs. Scholarship support made it possible for me to stay enrolled and succeed during that challenging semester.

Donor gifts truly makes a difference not just financially, but in opening doors for students to focus on learning, leadership, and growth. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, and I know that every contribution directly impacts students’ lives and helps shape their future."

Delaney McArthur

Public Administration & Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership majors

"Last year I was able to found a new student organization on campus called Women in Public Service. Our mission is to prepare and empower students interested in working in the public sector. We provide career development workshops, volunteer experiences, and other uplifting activities. We now have over 40 members and have been able to increase the programming we provide to members. This year, I am the Vice-President and have taken on more responsibility within the organization. Through this opportunity, I have increased my knowledge of the public sector and have participated in activities that positively affect the Cedar Valley area.

The University of Northern Iowa offers a wide range of programs and organizations that our generous donors fund. I encourage anyone considering making a gift to explore the many ways you can get involved in these amazing programs. There is truly something here for everyone to feel passionate about."

McKenzie Riley

Elementary Education major

"Even as a freshman, I have been fortunate enough to see donor support impact my experience in many ways. One of these ways is through scholarships. I was beyond grateful to learn that I received the Panther Impact Award when admitted into UNI. This scholarship made a drastic, positive influence on my financial costs. Additionally, I received a specific scholarship coming directly from a donor, Wallace & Ida Mae Nyweide. These scholarships provide me with an opportunity to focus on getting an education, not on finances.

Donor support can change students’ lives. Whether the support is small or large, I can 100% guarantee it will assist a UNI student. Gifts go to fund academic programs, career readiness, and facility updates, all of which set UNI apart from other universities. Your gift will impact a student in a positive way, just as you were impacted during your time here at UNI."