/NORTHERNIOWAN
WWW.NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
@NORTHERNIOWAN
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42
PAGE 2
NEWS AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
The Northern Iowan welcomes you to campus As the school year begins, we want to offer you a warm welcome to UNI. Whether you’re a returning student, a first-year student stepping foot on campus for the first time or a transfer student seeking new opportunities, we want you to know that you belong here. We also want to recognize the faculty and staff on campus who keep this university alive and running. The professors who dedicate hours outside of class to support their students, the custodial staff that keeps our campus in tip-top shape and the food service staff who provide us with the fuel to go throughout our days. Not to forget the various accessibility services on campus that keep the community informed, safe and employed throughout the
university. The Northern Iowan is a solely student-run newspaper, originated in 1892, with the mission to inform the campus community while supporting student voices. Our news is delivered with honesty and free for all both in digital and print formats. As the voice of the students, we want you to feel comfortable and included on campus and know that we are always an organization willing to support every diverse background and body that enters our newsroom. All stories matter in this publication and yours may be the next to make a difference on our campus.
~ Northern Iowan Staff
NISG leaders get focused for new year Mental health funding and reining in tuition increases are key priorities
By Jenna Westendorf
and that will stick around long after we’re gone.” With the new school year Other priorities include starting, NISG president Gabriel multicultural programming, Salazar and vice president Dee student safety and free speech Dee Benton welcome students training/civic duty, and tangible to campus. Salazar is a fourthresources to give back to year student majoring in digital students. NISG also plans to media production and political put on large events such as the communication, and served as Multicultural Fest, promoting the NISG vice president during inclusion and celebrating the the 2024-25 school year. Benton many backgrounds of UNI is also a fourth-year student, students through food, music with majors in political science, and culture. political communication, and Salazar and Benton also psychology. encourage students to take Many of Salazar and advantage of resources available Benton’s initiatives for the to them. Salazar explained the academic year are continuations resources available to students of initiatives started by Salazar as the service circle and the and former NISG president Alli Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan networking circle. “The biggest Webster last year. A main issue Gabriel Salazar and Dee Dee Benton are the new NISG leaders of the 2026-2027 academic year. thing about connecting students is the mental health ask – a to services is connecting them to Another initiative the two hope to address at request for $1 million more mental health funding from the Capitol is affordability and supporting current others. UNI feels more alive, it’s a lot friendlier the state. The ask had been proposed in some previous and future students. Tuition is continuing to rise for place, and we’re able to get more done when we’re administrations, however last year during Webster and universities around the country, including UNI, and has all involved on campus,” Salazar said. “Whether it’s Salazar’s term it was amended by student Regent Lucy been on the rise for many years. a student org fair or a panther book club meeting, it’s Gipple and added to the Board of Regents Budget “Our biggest challenge right now is that it’s an what makes all the difference when we see panthers out Request. election year,” stated Salazar. “But the biggest thing for and about. And that’s something we really want to hit This version of the mental health ask was unique us is to keep pushing and reminding people that ‘hey I on.” as UNI jointly made the request with the University get it’s dollars on paper, but to one of us it’s whether or Salazar encouraged students to get involved. “That’s of Iowa and Iowa State University. The three schools not someone goes to college.” the whole difference of going to school and experiencing also joined together for their first Regent’s Schools The two are also hoping to create other tangible school is that experience of getting involved,” he said. Day at the Capitol, where the request was presented to resources to give back to students. “We saw success Benton agreed that students should be open to all legislatures. opportunities. with the ‘Paws and Reset’ box from [Division of] The mental health ask at UNI specifically focuses Student Life, and we thought that Student Government “Take that leap of faith and cherish the time you on funding the TELUS 24/7 mental health app, staff could do something similar,” said Salazar. “We’re have,” she said. “Your time at UNI is going to go so for the counseling center, and overall mental health thinking about doing things that are student focused, incredibly fast, so just take every opportunity you can resources for UNI students. because you never know where it will lead you.”
Managing Editor
NORTHERN IOWAN L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu 319.273.2157
LILY MUNNIK
Executive Editor munnikl@uni.edu 319.529.0526
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor westejac@uni.edu 515.776.0176
EDITORIAL STAFF
FAITH VANDENBURG News Editor vandenbf@uni.edu
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor spahnm@uni.edu
CARTER LUST
PRODUCTION STAFF JENNA WESTENDORF Webmaster westejac@uni.edu
HOLDEN FROMM
Assistant Digital Editor frommh@uni.edu
NAZIYA CRISP
Assistant Sports Editor lustc@uni.edu
Social Media Manager crispnaa@uni.edu
ZACH MINEART
ADVISERS
Spanish Editor mineartz@uni.edu
OLIVIA HARRINGTON Assistant News Editor harringo@uni.edu
ULYANA KARPLYUK Assistant News Editor karplyuu@uni.edu
ANELIA DIMITROVA anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu
CHRIS MARTIN
christopher.martin@uni.edu
CIRCULATION ELIJAH HEITBRINK Circulation Manager
The Northern Iowan is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the Northern Iowan under the auspices of the Board of Directors of the Northern Iowan. Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees. All material is © 2026 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northerniowan@uni.edu.
SEND US STORY IDEAS
Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu. Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.
PAGE 3
NEWS
LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
10 trustworthy tips from a former first-year By Alexa Farrell Staff Writer
1
Find a study spot that works for you - even if it doesn’t work for your friends If you work well in louder environments or with others, find a group who feels the same way, and maybe study somewhere like Maucker Union or the main floor of the Rod Library. But if you get more done on your own, be honest about it and find a quiet place like a study room. Even if you feel left out for the moment, being able to actually get your studying done will give you more free time and peace of mind later. Discover unique reci pes to make in the dining hall - besides eating a different kind of pizza everyday Two things are for sure. One: UNI Dining has some great food. Two: after a couple months, it can start to get repetitive. But not to fear! You might just have to invent a little. Combine food from different stations and ask others what their favorite creations are: then you’ll be satiated all year long. Get involved right away – and don’t be afraid to cut down later. There are over 200 organizations at UNI. In other words, there will be a num-
2
3
ber of commitments that look familiar or fun. Trying a bunch is an awesome option, but sticking with 10+ might not work for everyone. So do just that! Try literally all that you want to now - then you can make the best informed decisions about where to spend your time later. Keep your email up to date because your inbox will start to fill up fast All the emails coming in can be super stressful, but a lot of them have good information that’s important to read. Setting up even just twenty minutes every day or two to read and respond to emails is a helpful way to keep them manageable throughout the semester. Make small plans to look forward to each week - not including bedtime College can be busy, and sleep is very necessary, but it shouldn’t be the only part of your day worth looking forward to. Clubs, intramural sports, Greek life, and more are great things to get excited about, but fit in time with friends or time for your own hobbies too. Your mental health will thank you for it.
4
5
6
Keep a calendar or planner or reminder app - and actually look at it. A notebook planner isn’t best or everyone, but whether it’s a whiteboard in your dorm or just an Apple Calendar, you’ll want something to keep deadlines and time commitments in order. Then, consider choosing a daily or weekly time to check and update it. Take advantage of all the free things - specifically the ones you actually want. Everyone knows college students love anything free, and UNI offers a bunch of free items and activities throughout the whole year. Take advantage of the food, the stuffed animals, and especially the free tickets for all sorts of sports and fine arts events (but if you don’t need any more pens, you don’t have to take every one passed your way). Find all there is to love at UNI - and in the Cedar Valley. Clearly, the UNI campus has awesome organizations and fantastic events, a lot of them even free, but there is so much more to see and do throughout Cedar Falls,
7
Waterloo, and the surrounding area. When you’re able, try a new restaurant or coffee shop, check out a park or walking trail, or volunteer in the community. A lot of places have student discounts too! Try all kinds of new things - and hold onto your old favorites too. College is definitely a great opportunity to open yourself up to new experiences or let go of bad habits, but despite what the movies might show, there is no reason to totally reinvent yourself. Whatever you enjoyed doing before you got to UNI, there is probably
9
a way to continue to enjoy it while you’re here! And you can look for new things to enjoy at the same time! Talk to anyone and everyone - because you never know who could be your new best friend. There is no harm in some small talk that doesn’t pan out the way you imagined. But it would be worse to miss out on a conversation with someone that you could really connect with! Even if starting conversations isn’t your favorite thing, this is the time to push yourself outside your comfort zone. You never know how
10
8
Alexa Farrell/Courtesy Photo
Left to right: Alexa Farrell, Karlee Strong and Kyla Karnes during freshman year at UNI.
Campus locations (that aren’t your dorm) By Theo Trimble Staff Writer
If you’re a freshman or transfer student moving on campus this semester, it can be hard to find locations to visit in a brand new area. Sometimes, it can get to a point where you’re so unsure about where to go, you tend to just stay in your room until class time. Take it from me, I did the same thing last fall, and ended up losing some valuable out-of-dorm time. Taking the time to visit a new location, even if you’re not initially a fan, can help in the long run. With that, here are some locations, on and off campus, for you to check out during your time at UNI! Rod Library This may seem like the most obvious choice, but honestly, I don’t see many people taking advantage of Rod Library as much as they should. It’s a cozy, comfortable spot on campus where students can study. There are even different floors to suit your noise levels, with the first being the loudest and the fourth being the quiet zone. My personal favorite is the first floor, since I like having background noise when I work. With the addition of the Book Bistro, Rod Library is a great place to hang out with friends, find resources for projects and overall chill out after a tough day. Communication Arts Center Less obvious, but one of my other favorite study locations on campus is the Communication Arts Center, or the CAC. Part of the Arts Triangle, the CAC is known for the Department of Communication Disorders, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, and the
Sub City UNI Dining Hall food is pretty good in general, but you’re always going to get tired of the same song and dance every day. If you’re looking for cheap eats near campus, I would point you to Sub City, a chain originally starting in New Jersey. Voted Best Subs in Cedar Valley, the restaurant is popular among the UNI community, giving a different taste to Cedar Falls.
Karla DeBruin/Northern Iowan
Rod Library is located in the center of UNI’s campus and often a spot for students to study or meet with friends.
radio stations. There’s also a cozy spot on the first floor for studying, having several places to sit near a large window that gives off the best ray of sunshine. There’s even food and drink vending machines so you don’t have to worry about feeling hungry. Gallagher Bluedorn The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center isn’t a place you go and hang out every day. But it’s known for churning out high-quality stage productions, orchestras and other events related to the arts. I had the opportunity to perform on the stage last year during the Varsity Glee Club Christmas Show, and it was an incredibly gratifying experience. All UNI students get two tickets free, so check out one of the shows coming up! I personally will be seeing Clue!
Mohair Pear I really enjoy Mohair Pear as a store, even if it is a little pricey. It offers a collection of vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, jewelry and accessories for all ages. They’re also known for their piercings, and they even do a raffle for free piercings every month on their socials! The staff is always incredibly friendly and is willing to answer any questions you may have! Moo’s Bakery I can’t talk about College Hill without mentioning Moo’s Bakery, possibly the most well-known food joint around. A bakery that uses 100% plantbased ingredients, Moo’s is run by UNI alum Maddie Palmersheim, who wanted to create an allergen-friendly option for those in the Cedar Valley area. The shop has been taking off since then, and will be celebrating its second anniversary in December. Some of the most popular items include cookies, cinnamon rolls and cheesecakes. I personally love their lemonades!
PAGE 4
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor
ZACH MINEART Spanish Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
‘El futuro es morado’
El Homecoming de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa termina la celebración del 150th aniversario
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan Estudiantes de la banda de marcha tocando durante el partido de fútbol americano del Homecoming de 2025. Escrito por Lily Munnik Zach Mineart, Editor de Español
Para una universidad que celebra 150 años, el Homecoming de este año será más que su semana típica de fútbol americano y tradiciones: será la última gran celebración del Sesquicentenario y de la historia de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa. El tema del Homecoming de este año, “El Futuro es Morado”, mira hacia el futuro de la universidad a medida que cierra su celebración del Sesquicentenario de todo el año y la campaña de recaudación de fondos, Our Tomorrow. La semana tendrá tradiciones familiares del Homecoming, junto con varias nuevas. La celebración se intensificará el 9 y el 10 de octubre con el Homecoming Bash, el desfile en el centro y el partido de fútbol americano de la UNI. “El fin de semana del regreso al hogar a la Universidad del Norte de Iowa siempre es especial, pero nuestra celebración de 2026 está llamada a ser
verdaderamente histórica”, dijo Pete Morris, director de las Relaciones Universitarias de la UNI. “El Homecoming de 2026 es el momento perfecto para empezar a enfocarse en los próximos 150 años de la UNI”. Gira histórica del Sesquicentenario y el Homecoming Bash El Homecoming y lasactividades finales del Sesquicentenario de la UNI comenzarán el domingo, el 4 de octubre, con una gira histórica del Cementerio de Fairview, dirigida por estudiantes de honor en historia de la UNI. Los estudiantes guiarán a los invitados por el cementerio, contando historias sobre ellos que han moldeado la universidad. El Homecoming Bash el viernes 9 de octubre tendrá música en vivo de The Schmitt Brothers, una banda formada por antiguos estudiantes: Stephen Schmidt (‘20), Sam Schmidt (‘21) y Gabe Schmidt (‘24). El grupo ejecuta una mezcla de música que abarca géneros y décadas y tiene más de 20 años de experiencia combinada en ejecución. En adición a la música en vivo, el Bash incluirá
camiones de comida, hinchables y el cielo de la tarde terminará con un espectáculo de luces de drones. Cientos de drones iluminados llenarán el cielo, creando un diseño con la temática de la UNI en relación con el 150.º año de la universidad. “He estado trabajando en el espectáculo del dron para la noche del viernes de las últimas semanas, y este es el único elemento de la celebración al que Panteras no deben faltar”, dijo Sarah Craw, la asistente de dirección de las Relaciones de Antiguos Alumnos. Un desfile histórico La fiesta de Homecoming continuará el sábado 10 de octubre, con el desfile anual a través del centro de Cedar Falls. Los grandes mariscales de este año serán la familia del difunto Gary Kelley, un graduado de 1968 de la UNI y un artista reconocido internacionalmente. El desfile también reconocerá a Katie Mulholland (‘69) y Dave Takes (‘81), quienes han servido como copresidentes de la campaña Our Tomorrow y son miembros de la Junta de Síndicos de la Fundación
de la UNI. Los descendientes de James Gilchrist, el primer director de la Iowa State Normal School, también servirán como los dignatarios del desfile, incluyendo el tataranieto de Gilchrist, Thad Nelson, quien es un graduado de 2020 de la UNI. Mirando hacia los siguientes 150 años Fundada en 1876, la universidad ha operado bajo varios nombres a lo largo de su historia, incluyendo el Iowa State Normal School (1876-1909), el Iowa State Teachers College (19091961), el State College of Iowa (1961-1967) y ahora la Universidad del Norte de Iowa. La celebración del Sesquicentenario empezó el otoño pasado y ha incluido eventos y actividades que reconocen la historia de la UNI y el impacto en la comunidad. El aniversario de 150 años también coincide con otros dos hitos notables del campus: el 50 aniversario de los primeros eventos celebrados en el UNI-Dome y el 100 aniversario del Campanile. “El Sesquicentenario nos ha dejado celebrar dónde
hemos estado como una institución y soñar sobre dónde vamos en los próximos 50 o 150 años”, dijo Craw. Ese futuro está empatado en la conclusión de la campaña de Our Tomorrow, que ha recaudado más de $320 millones de más de 30.000 donantes. La campaña ha contribuido a más de 500 becas nuevas, apoyando el éxito de los estudiantes y los espacios del campus. Moris también señaló los esfuerzos de la universidad para expandir su alcance fuera de Iowa. Aunque la UNI seguirá atendiendo a estudiantes de todo Iowa, la tarifa de Estado Vecino de la universidad está diseñada para hacer que asistir a la UNI sea más asequible para los estudiantes de los seis estados vecinos de Iowa. “Cuando decimos ‘El futuro es morado’, expandir el alcance y el impacto de la UNI a través del Medio Oeste será un objetivo significativo en los años venideros”, dijo Moris. Puede encontrar el horario completo del Homecoming en homecoming.uni.edu.
LILY MUNNIK
PAGE 5
NEWS
Executive Editor
AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
‘The Future is PURPLE’
UNI Homecoming to cap off 150th anniversary celebration
Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
UNI students in the UNI-Dome during the 2025 Homecoming football game.
By Lily Munnik
Executive Editor
For a university celebrating 150 years, this year’s homecoming will be more than your usual week of football and traditions — it will be the final major celebration of the Sesquicentennial and UNI’s history. This year’s homecoming theme, “The Future is Purple,” looks ahead to the university’s future as it closes out the yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration and the Our Tomorrow fundraising campaign. The week will host familiar homecoming traditions along with several new ones. The celebration will ramp up on Oct. 9-10 with the Homecoming Bash, downtown parade and the UNI football game. “Homecoming weekend at the University of Northern Iowa is always special, but our 2026 celebration is shaping up to truly be historic,” said Pete Moris, director of UNI University Relations. “Homecoming 2026 serves as the perfect time to start focusing on UNI’s next 150 years.” Sesquicentennial Historical Tour & the Homecoming Bash Homecoming and final UNI Sesquicentennial activities will begin Sunday, Oct. 4, with a History Tour of Fairview Cemetery, led by UNI history honors students. Students will guide guests through the cemetery, telling stories of those who have shaped the university. The Homecoming Bash on Friday, Oct. 9, will feature live music from The Schmidt Brothers, a band made up of UNI alumni Stephen Schmidt (‘20), Sam Schmidt (‘21) and Gabe Schmidt (‘24). The group performs a mix of music spanning genres and decades and has
more than 20 years of combined performing experience. In addition to the live music, the Bash will include food trucks, inflatables and the evening will end with a drone light show. Hundreds of illuminated drones will fill the sky, creating UNI-themed designs related to the university’s 150th year. “I’ve been working on the drone show for Friday night for the past several weeks, and that is the one element of the celebration Panthers should be sure not to miss,” said Sarah Craw, assistant director of Alumni Relations. A historic parade Homecoming festivities will continue Saturday, Oct. 10, with the annual parade through downtown Cedar Falls. This year’s grand marshals will be the family of the late Gary Kelley, a 1968 UNI graduate and internationally recognized artist. The parade will also recognize Katie Mulholland (‘69) and Dave Takes (‘81), who served as co-chairs of the Our Tomorrow campaign and are members of the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees. Descendants of James Gilchrist, the first principal of the Iowa State Normal School, will also serve as parade dignitaries, including Gilchrist’s great-greatgreat-grandson, Thad Nelson, who is a 2020 UNI graduate. Looking toward the next 150 years Founded in 1876, the university has operated under several names throughout its history, including the Iowa State Normal School (1876-1909), the Iowa State Teachers College (1909-1961),
the State College of Iowa (1961-1967) and now the University of Northern Iowa. The Sesquicentennial Celebration began last fall and has included events and activities recognizing UNI’s history and impact on the community. The 150th anniversary also coincides with two other notable campus milestones: the 50th anniversary of the first events held in the UNI-Dome and the 100th anniversary of the Campanile. “The Sesquicentennial has allowed us to celebrate where we have been as an institution and dream about where we are going in the next 50 or 150 Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan years,” said Craw. For the 2025 UNI Homecoming Parade, UNI’s float was a large That future is also cake in honor of the university’s 150th. tied to the conclusion of the Our Tomorrow to make attending UNI more affordable Campaign, which has raised more than for students from Iowa’s six neighboring $320 million from over 30,000 donors. states. The campaign has contributed to more “When we say ‘The Future is Purple,’ than 500 new scholarships, supporting expanding UNI’s reach and impact across student success and campus spaces. the Midwest will be a significant objecMoris also pointed to the universi- tive for years to come,” said Moris. ty’s efforts to expand its reach beyond You can find the full homecoming Iowa. While UNI will continue serving schedule at homecoming.uni.edu. students throughout Iowa, the university’s Neighboring State rate is designed
PAGE 6
LILY MUNNIK
NEWS AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
Executive Editor
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
New semester, new detours
Students navigate returning to campus as construction continues By Jenna Westendorf Managing Editor
With the new school year in full swing, students are excited to be on campus, reunited with friends, and getting into the groove of the school year. However, getting into the groove is harder with so much construction around UNI and Cedar Falls affecting students' navigation around campus and Cedar Falls. Key areas affected include the Highway 20/Hudson Road interchange construction and detours on/near campus.. Many road/sidewalk closures are affecting students' abilities to get to class efficiently, causing frustration across campus. Kenadi Fay, a senior living on campus in Panther Village, said the construction has affected her already difficult walk to campus. “I actually have chronic knee pain, and so the quickest easiest route is what I’m always looking for,” Fay said. “But with the construction on campus, I can’t always get that. The quickest route for me…is taken away because of the construction on campus.” Some students have
Jenna Westendorf/Northern Iowan W. 23rd Street in front of Lawther Hall continues to be closed as contractors repair the road and finish demolition on Campbell Hall.
defaulted to cutting through the grass near construction projects. However, even that solution comes with its frustrations. “Many times I have to go through the grass to get around the construction,” said senior Michael Cifuentes. “But that's not always really ideal, especially when it rains.” Despite the frustration across campus over construction, it will be
Jenna Westendorf/Northern Iowan Road closures around campus lead to frustration amongst students, leading many to have to take detours to get to campus.
continuing into the fall months. Below are some the key areas affected by ongoing construction: Highway 20/Hudson Road interchange The Iowa DOT is continuing construction of Highway 20 in the Cedar Valley. As you arrive in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, there are many road closures/ detours to be aware of. Drivers arriving from the east (Dubuque, Cedar Rapids) should be aware that Exit 224 at Hudson Road is currently still closed to westbound traffic. Use Exit 225 to access Cedar Falls via Highway 58. Drivers coming from the west (Des Moines, Omaha, Sioux City) can still use Exit 224 at Hudson Road as the eastbound exit remains open. Other road closures near campus Construction is still underway on the south side of campus near the Applied Engineering Building. The portion of Campus Street south of University Avenue between the Applied Engineering Building and
Jennings Drive is still closed. The parking lot driveways for the AEB North and West lots are now open and accessible from University Avenue, and the south AEB lot is accessible via Jennings Drive. However, drivers should turn onto Jennings Drive at the University Avenue/ College Street intersection or University Avenue/S Main Street if needing to access ROTH/Jennings Court buildings. Ohio Street is closed for construction between University Avenue and W. 27th Street. Drivers accessing GBPAC, Rider Hall or Shull Hall should enter campus via Campus Street. Drivers accessing Panther Village should enter from Hudson Road onto W. 31st Street. The Student Health Center and its parking lot remain accessible. However, W. 23rd Street from Lawther Hall heading east to Campus Street is still closed for reconstruction following demolition of Campbell Hall. Drivers approaching the SHC lot and the parking lot for the towers (Dancer Hall/
Bender Hall) and Lawther Hall should arrive from W. 23rd Street off of Hudson Road. Those accessing the Multimodel Parking ramp should turn onto W. 23rd Street off of College Street. W. 22nd Street between Merner Avenue and College Street is also still closed for reconstruction. Additionally, there is no left turn onto Hudson Road from 19th Street. Access from the Towers lot to Hudson Road and the North Dome lot is available. Upcoming construction for fall semester As the summer construction slowly comes to a close, there are a few projects that will begin this fall. Roof replacement on the Communication Arts Center (CAC) will begin in September and close off the north side of the building. McCollum Science Hall East roof replacement will also start in September, closing Wisconsin Street and surrounding sidewalks. Finally, Schindler Education Center (SEC) roof replacement will also start in late September (depending on the weather).
LILY MUNNIK
PAGE 7
NEWS
Executive Editor
AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
Farewell to two campus landmarks
Campbell Hall and the Alumni House have been demolished By Lily Munnik
Executive Editor
Editor’s Note: Historical information and archival photos are provided by UNI’s Special Collections. For generations of University of Northern Iowa students, campus buildings become more than just brick and limestone; they become places where friendships form and traditions begin. This summer, two longtime UNI landmarks reached the end of their lives on campus. Campbell Hall, once home to generations of students, was demolished after 70 years. Nearby, the building known as the Alumni House also came down, closing the chapter on a structure that served UNI in many roles for more than a century. Campbell Hall: A postwar response Campbell Hall was conceived after World War II, when Iowa State Teachers College faced growing enrollment and limited student housing. The college not only experienced returning veterans and their families, but changes in elementary teacher certification requirements meant students had to spend longer on campus, with women making up the majority of those studying elementary education. After delays from inflation and construction, the plans for the new women’s dormitory were approved. The $1 million building was originally named North Hall and was designed to house about 300 women.
sphere, was then closed in 2000 and was later turned into a campus bakery. In 2000, Campbell Hall also became a coed dorm, which was divided into 14 houses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as the designated residence hall for students needing to quarantine or isolate. Afterward, the building sat empty for nearly three years. By 2025, Campbell Hall needed extensive repairs to meet modern building codes. It lacked a fire suppression system and a passenger elevator and did not meet all ADA requirements. In January 2025, the BOR approved its demolition. The decision ended the physical life of a building that had housed generations of Panthers, but it also avoided the millions of dollars that would have been spent on major renovations. The decision evoked many to share memories of their time at Campbell Hall. “I lived in Campbell Hall and worked in the dining room,” said Karen Kelley Hoffmeier via Facebook. “I met my husband Bruce, as he was a busboy in the women’s dorm.” Alumni House: A century of change The building that became Alumni House had already lived several lives before it received that name. Constructed in 1906 for $6,800, the house was initially the residence of UNI’s Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. Its first resident, James E. Robinson, also designed the building and lived there until his retirement in 1931. In 1953, the house was remodeled for the Department of Home Economics and became the Home Management House. Students lived there for part of a semester as part of a course that taught them to share household responsibilities. Many of the students kept scrapbooks during this time, sharing their experiences in the home and the events they would regularly host.
University Archives Campbell Hall dorm room in April 1988.
In May 1952, the Board of Education renamed North Hall to Campbell Hall in honor of Sadie B. Campbell, who was retiring after 23 years as Dean of Women. Campbell had helped develop UNI’s residence hall system and student government. Women first moved into Campbell Hall in fall 1952 after construction delays. The new residence featured both double and single rooms, living rooms with fireplaces, a library, recreation space and its own dining room. Campbell was also the first campus residence to have telephones in every dorm room. Campbell Hall continued to grow as did UNI’s enrollment. In 1962, dining facilities and space were added for hundreds more women, as well as residence expansion in 1964. “Campbell Hall residents were the envy of girls in other dorms — they could go to the dining room in robes and rollers,” said Sandy Gowdy via Facebook. Over the decades, the building adapted to changing campus life. Students fought for 24-hour visitation, which was eventually approved in 1979. The dining center, known for its cozy atmo-
was approved for demolition in April 2026. In a previous Northern Iowan article from 2021, BOR member David Barker said, “...students need places that feel like home. Perhaps these structures could serve and function like that.” This feeling was mutual for many throughout the community as the decision received overwhelming feedback urging the university to preserve the historic building. Unfortunately, the words of the community did not convince the university, and in July 2026 the building was demolished.
Jenna Westendorf/Northern Iowan Campbell Hall demolition site on Aug. 25, 2026.
What remains The loss of both buildings marks the end of two different chapters in UNI history. Campbell Hall represented the university’s response to the postwar growth of higher education. It evolved alongside changing expectations about residence life, visitation and coeducation. Alumni House reflected more than 100 years of institutional change, serving as a residence, classroom, administrative office and alumni gathering space. The buildings may be gone, but the stories can continue to be shared through the abundance of materials in UNI’s archival space. “University Archives has photographs and documents of both buildings so future Panthers can continue to learn about their history,” said Tessa Wakefield, UNI Archivist and Special Collections Coordinator. Although buildings disappear, the communities they house and the memories created can endure through photographs, records and stories passed from generations of Panthers.
University Archives Home Management House (Alumni House) in 1981.
After that program ended in 1984, the building became the Development House, housing the Office of Development and UNI Foundation, later becoming the International Services Center. In 2005, International Services moved out, and the Office of Alumni Relations and UNI Alumni Association moved in. Hence, its most recent name, the Alumni House. Its final use was as a call center for Alumni Relations, but that operation moved to a more accessible location in fall 2022. After more than a century of hosting various departments, the Alumni House
Lily Munnik/Northern Iowan Alumni House demolition site on Aug. 25, 2026.
PAGE 8
MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
‘Great Feeling’ to put shinguards on again Three surgeries and one season later, soccer player suits up By Michael Spahn Sports Editor Returning from injury can be one of the greatest triumphs for an athlete. The number of hours rehabbing combined with the mental toll of being unable to play the sport they love, can be stressful. Nothing compares to the rewarding feeling of stepping onto the field again. For UNI soccer player Anya McKay, that feeling is a reminder of how far she has come. After missing the entire 2025 soccer season due to injury, the junior from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, played in UNI’s exhibition against Hawkeye Community College this summer and is set to return to action this soccer season. McKay was diagnosed with compartment syndrome in both of her legs, which, according to Cleveland Clinic, is a medical condition caused by rising pressure inside an enclosed muscle group. It wasn’t until she transferred to UNI that McKay first heard about the condition from UNI Athletic Trainer Troy Garrett. “I had symptoms that got really bad about the time I was a senior in high school and when I got to college at Nebraska,” said McKay. “My feet would go numb and I would have horrible pain on my leg. I wasn’t able to feel the ball or the ground.” McKay underwent sur-
Photo Courtesy/Anya McKay UNI soccer player Anya McKay eyes return to the pitch after underigoing three surgeries in the offseason.
gery on both of her legs in June 2025, which was scheduled to be a four-tofive month recovery, forcing her to redshirt the upcoming season. She also has a history of calf cramps dating back to her freshman year of high school. Along with her compartment syndrome diagnosis, she showed signs of popliteal artery entrapment, which, according to Mayo Clinic, is a condition where the blood vessel behind the knee is squeezed by surrounding calf muscles or tendons.
In December 2025, McKay had popliteal surgery in the back of her leg, where pieces of her calf were removed to open up the artery. In January 2026, McKay underwent her third surgery. “That recovery was pretty tough,” said McKay. “For me, it took a lot longer for my legs to come around, That one was going to be about a four-to-seven month recovery. I was still having a lot of pain, so they were basically about to go in and do another surgery for compartment syndrome, but we
ended up doing some injections instead.” Despite the long, challenging road to recovery, McKay stayed resilient and persistent throughout the entire process. Her support group also played a major role during the rehabilitation process. “A lot of people throughout the years were telling me I was being a wimp about it and that it was just calf cramps and that I just have to tough it out,” said McKay. “One person in particular that helped me a lot was my dad and having con-
versations with him, along with my mom and our team athletic trainer, Troy, who kept me encouraged.” The UNI soccer team has already completed four of 17 regular games in 2026. McKay is back healthy and ready to make an impact for the Panthers this fall. “It was just such a great feeling to even put my shin guards back on,” said McKay. It’s been about two years since I even played in a game. I’m excited to see if I can get some of my touches back and try and get back on the field.”
MICHAEL SPAHN
PAGE 9
SPORTS
Sports Editor
AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
Panther cross country sets sights on MVC title
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics UNI women’s runners make their way down the course at the 2025 Cyclone Preview. The Panthers will compete in five meets during the 2026 season before pstseason play begins.
By Carter Lust Assistant Sports Editor After a promising 2025 season on the grass, the University of Northern Iowa men’s and women’s cross country teams enter this fall with new but familiar groups and hopes of claiming a Missouri Valley Conference title. The UNI men return their top runner, Colin Lille, who is coming off impressive indoor and outdoor track seasons last year. Lillie broke the 5K school record on the oval with a time of 14:20.39 and continued his breakout campaign into the summer. The incoming redshirt junior represented Team USA at the 2026 FISU International Games, where he came home with a silver medal in the 10K. Joining Lillie are fellow redshirt juniors Chase Lauman and Carson Owens, both of whom are returning from injuries that kept them off the course last year. Lauman’s mid-distance kick and Owens’ aerobic engine provide the Panthers with much-needed depth entering 2026. Additionally, regular scorers Micah Rees, Ty Getz, and Ethan Olds will all don the purple and gold again this season. With such an experienced backbone, the Northern Iowa men also welcome two freshmen to the squad: Cooper Erickson and AJ Willey. Erickson, a four-time state cross country champion from Stevens Point, Wis. joins another decorated athlete in Willey. The former
Bettendorf Bulldog placed fifth at the 2025 Class 4A state cross country meet before capturing the 3,200-meter state title in a new Iowa record of 8:49.65 later that spring. On the women’s side, UNI looks to replace the void left by graduating senior Millie Hill, who was the Panthers’ most consistent frontrunner last season. Luckily, sophomore Lindsey Sonderman appears ready to fill the gap, having been the team’s top finisher on multiple occasions in 2025. Juniors Meghan Wheatly and Clare Wright also bring back valuable placing experience along with seniors Kaylee Woolery and Brooke O’Brien. Likewise, the women have three first-years joining them in the fall: Abbi Durow, Izzy Harden and Lucy Murphy. Durow attended Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska where she was a four-time cross country AllState runner in the state’s largest class. Harden and Murphy both hail from eastern Iowa, where they also saw great success on the course. Harden was a runner-up at the Class 3A state meet as a senior while Murphy also claimed All-State honors in 14th. The Panthers enter their fourth year under head coach Alex Teubel and are looking to continue building on the momentum in her previous seasons. The men and women begin their racing slate on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Hawkeye Invite. Looking ahead, the Panthers set their sights on the MVC Championships on Oct. 30, aiming to peak at the A.H. Blank Golf Course in Des Moines.
PAGE 10
SPORTS AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
Year two of Stepsis Coaching era set to begin
Can the football Panthers bounce back from 3-9?
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics Todd Stepsis leads his team onto the field against Wyoming last season. Stepsis will begin his second season as head coach for UNI in 2026.
By Michael Spahn Sports Editor The University of Northern Iowa football team is set to begin year two of the Todd Stepsis coaching era in 2026. The Panthers retained most of their roster from 2025 and are poised for a bounce-back season. After finishing 3-9 in 2025, head coach Stepsis is determined to right the ship in Cedar Falls. “There’s a lot that didn’t go well when thinking about the result of the (2025) season,” said Stepsis in his media day press conference. “Something I talked about to the team is being a part of this community is really special. People really care about the football Panthers here, and we have to give them a winner. We have to give them something to cheer about.” The Panthers will rely on their veteran returners on the roster to propel them to a successful season. Graduate student Jaxson Daily is set to lead the Panthers’ offense at quarterback after stepping into the starting role in 2025. The Pleasant Hill, Iowa, native threw for 823 yards and seven touchdowns in four games a season ago for the purple and gold.
UNI will have big shoes to fill at the running back position in 2026 after graduating Harrison Bey-Buie and Bill Jackson, who combined for 942 yards in 2025. Expect Florida Atlantic transfer Xavier Terrell to get a heavy dose of carries, with junior Titus Cram and sophomore Christian Collins also getting plenty of opportunities. The Panthers also return two of their three receiving leaders from a season ago. JC Roque Jr. returns for his senior year after a stellar 2025 season that included seven touchdown catches and 595 yards. Aydan Price is back after catching two touchdowns for the Panthers along with 20 receptions last season. Jaiden Ellis-Lahey rounds out the receiving room, returning to the field after missing the previous campaign due to injury. “That receiver room can be pretty dynamic,” said Stepsis. “The neat thing is there’s names in there that we were counting on a year ago that missed the season. They’re all looking really good right now, and offensively to have those guys as weapons will be awesome.” On the defensive side of the ball, expect safety Calvin Jaworski and linebacker
Kolben Miller to be the veteran leaders of the defense. Jaworski had 18 tackles and an interception in 2025, while Miller produced 58 tackles under defensive coordinator Al Smith. Another name to watch is junior cornerback Isaiah Pinks, who ended the season with 22 tackles and a forced
fumble in 11 games played for the Panthers. The Panthers will play 11 regular-season games in 2026, including six conference opponents that are ranked inside the FCS Preseason Top 25. UNI will open its season on the road against Eastern Washington on Sept. 5. They will welcome
in-state rival Drake to the UNIDome on Sept. 12 for the home opener. Northern Iowa’s marquee road matchup will consist of a trip to Kinnick Stadium to face in-state rival Iowa on Sept. 19.
PAGE 11
MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS
Sports Editor
AUGUST 26, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
Is a 5-peat MVC championship possible? UNI volleyball team readies to defend title
By Michael Spahn Sports Editor The University of Northern Iowa volleyball team returns to the court in 2026 after securing their fourth straight Missouri Valley Conference championship in 2025. No familiarity will be lost amongst a tight-knit group that reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Bobbi Petersen returns 16 players from UNI’s previous campaign with hopes to defend their MVC title and make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. “I can’t even remember the last time I said we had more juniors and seniors then we do freshmen and sophomores,” said Petersen in her media day press conference. “That leadership from all those different personalities that can do different things for us has been very helpful.” One of the Panthers’ main strengths a season ago was their outside hitter unit. Seniors Cassidy Hartman and Lily Dykstra return after anchoring the position group in 2025. The two posted 875 kills in 2025, which contributed to the Panthers leading the entire
MVC in the statistic. UNI also returns junior Isabelle Elliott, who notched 201 kills in the previous campaign, along with graduate student Calia Clubb, who played in nine matches for the Panthers at opposite hitter. Molly Shafer rounds out the unit and will look to build off a successful freshman season with 123 kills. Northern Iowa also returns two of its top three setters from 2025. Reese Booth is back for her junior year after finishing fifth in the MVC in assists with 695. Sophomore Kate Shafer will also play a pivotal role in 2026 after contributing 227 assists a year ago. Junior setter Jadyn Petersen, daughter of head coach Bobbi Petersen, also returns after distributing 170 assists in 2025. Defensively, the Panthers bring back one of their top liberos from a season ago. Taryn Rice returns for her senior season after participating in 32 matches in 2025. Sophomore Sophie Buysse will also look to play a bigger role in 2026 after redshirting her first year on campus. Freshman Maggie Michaels will also join the position group and will look to make an impact in her first year as a Panther. The Panthers will head to Ames to open the season on
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics The UNI Volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point in a matchup against Belmont last season.
Aug. 28 to face Georgia Tech in the Cyclone Invitational. UNI is also set to face Loyola Chicago and in-state rival Iowa State at the event. The home opener for the Panthers will take place on Friday, Sept. 18 against Wichita State in the McLeod Center. Northern Iowa has one
of the tougher non-conference schedules in the entire Missouri Valley Conference. Along with the Cyclone Invitational, UNI will also play in the Rice Tournament, which includes nationally ranked No. 13 Creighton and No. 7 Louisville. Petersen prefers to play tough opponents early in
the season and thinks it will help the team in the long run. “I hope it puts us in a position that allows us to maybe have an at-large bid,” said Petersen. “Our goal is to be the best we can possibly be at the end of the season. Those preseason tournaments prepare us for the postseason and prepare
PAGE 12
ETC. AUGUST 26, 2026 |
CROSSWORD
Across
1) Wield a baton 6) It may be compact 10) Chang, to Eng 14) Ham's gear 15) Regarding 16) Supreme Diana 17) All thumbs 18) Jerusalem temple locale 19) Square footage 20) Seconds 23) Good place to live because it's free 24) Hammer end 25) Sudden transition 28) Rather in the news 31) Talked like Froggy 35) Office holders 36) Erie, e.g. 38) "Friends" star Matthew 39) Seconds 42) Hospital section, briefly 43) Yankovic parody 44) Shelley work 45) Highest in rank 47) Deighton or Dawson
48) Steams up 49) Bird feeder food 51) Has the wherewithal to 53) Seconds 60) Cosmetics name 61) Textbook chapter 62) One of the Osmonds 63) Russo of "Get Shorty" 64) Focal point 65) Papal proclamation 66) Walked on 67) Shot up 68) Classroom furniture
Down
1) Cut the fat 2) Peter out 3) Think tank nugget 4) Tears to pieces 5) Yoga position 6) Befuddled state 7) Fertility goddess 8) Bend down 9) Hold a meeting 10) Line from Lionel 11) Robin's quest 12) Sympathetic listener's phrase
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1
SUDOKU
13) Intelligence org. 21) Clerk of the 4077th 22) --- Dome scandal 25) Talkth like thith 26) Habituate 27) Colorado ski resort 29) Feed the kitty 30) Type of spray 32) Previous 33) Disappear gradually 34) Units of force 36) Lame excuse 37) Better than never? 40) Like some arrows or pens 41) Chop finely 46) Mounted again, as a picture 48) Attack 50) Enrico Caruso, for one 52) Gun-toting 53) State firmly 54) Inadvisable action 55) Coney Island attraction 56) Crockpot concoction 57) Pupil's place 58) Nolte of "Cape Fear" 59) Word with along or around 60) Columnist Buchwald
ANSWERS