Your Impact
Another record-breaking year
For the fourth year in a row, UNI alumni and friends came together with historic giving to support the students, staff, programs and spaces that make UNI such a vibrant community. The unparalleled $58.4 million raised in fiscal year 2022–2023 will translate to a multi-generational impact on UNI students, their families and the broader community.
As we reflect on this incredible year, we are reminded that every gift to Our Tomorrow shows your commitment to the future of UNI and the greater Panther family.
Thank you for all you do to build brighter futures for UNI students. Go Panthers!
Highlights
During fiscal year 2023, over $6.8 million in scholarship support was awarded by the UNI Foundation to 2,021 students.
David Wilson, '70, has pledged a $25 million donation that will chart a bold path for the future of the Wilson College of Business, fueling strategic initiatives and investing in faculty and students. The $25 million donation is the largest single gift in the history of UNI.
The Campanile now rings out with a newly restored set of bells, thanks to more than 600 donors to the historic renovation project. Refurbished by The Verdin Company of Cincinnati, 46 bells returned to campus during the first week of May along with nine new bells, equipping the Campanile carillon with a vastly expanded musical range.
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.
Myrna, '63, and Gary, '62, Floyd created funds that, through the years, have resulted in 94 scholarships and summer research fellowship awards for biology and science education students.
A special Our Tomorrow endowment incentive program enabled donors to create lasting legacies with an immediate impact. UNI Foundation funds matched a portion of donor gifts to engaged learning programs, allowing newly established endowed funds to provide immediate resources while the endowment grows.
Last June, UNI celebrated the expansion of the Irvine Prairie near Dysart. This was made possible thanks to a generous gift from Cathy Irvine, the prairie will increase from 77 acres to nearly 300 acres.
Rich and Dee James have always given their time, talent and treasure in order to make a difference. The James’ most recent gift will provide greater resources to support faculty teaching, research and service in the field of aging.
A gift to the UNI Botanical Center remembers Barbara Hetrick, Ph.D., a longtime member of the Department of Biology. The Hetrick family’s contribution of a new bench and funds for upkeep of the Hetrick Hosta Garden will ensure it remains a quiet place for relaxation and reflection for all to enjoy.
28-year-old alum Heather Knar created an endowed STEM scholarship. While establishing an endowed scholarship isn’t on everyone’s “Under 30” checklist, it was important for Heather and her future husband Rob to pay it forward one day, and this year they did.
The campaign to build tomorrow's UNI-Dome has surpassed $11 million raised thanks to leadership gifts from Panther alumni and friends in fiscal year 2023.
In June 2023, Friends of the Gallagher Bluedorn and donors gathered outside the facility to celebrate the groundbreaking of a major renovation and expansion of the performing arts center. The first phase of the $14.9 million project, upgrading Catherine Cassidy Gallagher Great Hall seating, was completed by summer's end.
UNI's Social and Emotional Learning Conference returned in the spring of 2023 to provide faculty, students and practicing professionals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of social and emotional learning competencies, trauma-sensitive practices and self-regulatory behaviors.
The Our Tomorrow Endowment Incentive program increased the impact of newly formed endowments by matching a portion of the donor's pledged gift and providing immediate resources while the endowment grows.
An incredible UNI Day of Giving, #LivePurpleGiveGold, saw record support from alumni, friends and donors. Total donors increased 72% from 2022 and total giving increased 27% from 2022.
Download the 2022-23 impact report.
$9,871,182
in direct support provided to help the university fulfill its mission.
$6,859,570
in scholarships and other financial support given to students.
9,402
donors came together to make an impact on the future of UNI.
2,021
students received UNI Foundation-funded scholarships.
12,115
alumni and friends attended UNI Alumni Association or UNI Foundation events.
1,903
donors raised $347,383 in just 24 hours on UNI's day of giving, Live Purple Give Gold.
2,170
first-time donors contributed to the campaign.
63
new program funds
55
new scholarship funds
Fundraising Results
Fiscal year ending June 30, 2023
Fundraising by Gift Type
Fiscal year ending June 30, 2023
