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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Our Tomorrow Campaign raises over $342 million CEDAR FALLS, IA

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026

More than 34,000 donors contribute to a record-breaking total

Courtesy Photo/InsideUNI UNI announced the final results of the Our Tomorrow Campaign on Friday, Oct. 9 during the Homecoming Bash.

By Jenna Westendorf Managing Editor

As UNI’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration comes to a close, the final total raised for UNI’s Our Tomorrow Campaign was announced at the 2026 Homecoming Bash. With more than 34,000 donors contributing, the university announced that a record $342.8 million was raised. The university quietly launched the campaign in 2018, and the campaign was publicly announced in October 2022. With an original goal of $250 million, the goal of the campaign was to expand opportunities for students and build lasting support for the future of UNI. The Our Tomorrow campaign came to a close in June 2026, with the final total coming in at $342,842,222. “Throughout my time at UNI, I have been continually inspired by the Panther Family’s commitment to our students’ success,” said UNI President Mark Nook in a UNI press release. “A total of 34,031 alumni, employees and friends demonstrated that commitment by choosing to invest in UNI’s future, making the Our Tomorrow campaign the most successful fundraising campaign in UNI history.” Where is the money raised being distributed? A large portion of the money raised, over $108 million, will go towards funding scholarships for students. Nearly one in four UNI students now receives a donor-funded scholarship.

I have been continually inspired by the Panther Family’s commitment to our students’ success.” Mark Nook UNI President Nearly $7 million will support student opportunities, such as internships, clinical experiences, career preparation and other hands-on learning. Approximately $113 million is designated to support academic programs — including nursing, engineering, teacher education, business, the arts, sciences and humanities. The campaign also included the largest gift in the university’s history — a $25 million donation from David and Holly Wilson. This donation established UNI’s first named college, the Wilson College of Business.

M ore than $74 million will support UNI Athletics, reaching many athletics programs through team funds and training facilities. The total also included $18 million dedicated to student-athlete scholarships. Beyond supporting students, the campaign also committed $50 million to improving campus facilities. This includes the renovation and expansion of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, revamping the Campanile and major improvements to the UNI-Dome. The campaign also established 375 new endowed funds and committed $159 million to endowed support. T he conclusion of the Our Tomorrow campaign marks a defining moment in UNI’s history. Funds raised will allow continued support across all parts of the university and will continue to help future Panthers succeed. “Our donors have helped UNI meet the needs of students today while building resources that will support generations to come,” said Jim Jermier, vice president for university advancement and president of the UNI Foundation in a UNI press release. “At the beginning of this campaign, we asked, ‘What does the world need from us tomorrow?’ Our alumni and friends answered with a belief in our students and investments that will shape the future of UNI.”

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NEWS OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Avoid catching the campus flu By Kaylynn Ruffin Staff Writer

Next Vaccine Clinic Date Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Student Health Center

The weather starts to shift, pumpkin spice fills the air and the fall season is finally here. The student health clinic at the University of Northern Iowa is holding flu vaccinations on campus for students and staff to attend as the flu season begins. “The Student Health Clinic is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the UNI Nursing Program and Allen College to provide flu vaccinations to students, faculty and staff. The support and dedication of the nursing students make it possible for us to offer multiple flu vaccine clinics across campus, increasing access to this important preventive health service for the UNI community,” said Sarah Behrends, director of the Student Health Clinic. A flu shot is a more accessible and reachable way to help prevent influenza hospitalization and extreme illness and to protect others from the respiratory illness that occurs during the change of seasons. As well as helping students to stay engaged in events during the semester. In the prevention of having students miss class, meetings, and student organizations due to sickness. Staying healthy is very important to students’ success on campus. “The CDC indicates the best way to reduce your risk of seasonal influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year. Other preventative actions you can take in addition to receiving the flu vaccine include avoiding close contact with people who are sick and limiting contact with others if you are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and washing your hands,” said Behrends. UNI student health clinic hosts flu vaccine clinics in the fall, which are available to all staff and students. The next clinic is Thursday, Oct. 15, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the Student Health Clinic. Students are encouraged to check with their personal insurance provider to confirm coverage or any out-of-pocket cost. The cost of the vaccination is billed directly to the student’s or staff’s insurance. Call 319-273-2009 to contact the UNI Student Health Clinic.

Courtesy Photo/@uni_shc on Instagram In an Instagram post, UNI’s Student Health Center urges students to get their flu shot to avoid being bedridden.

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PAGE 3

NEWS

FAITH VANDENBERG News Editor

UNI Democrats work to increase political involvement on campus OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

By: Olivia Harrington Assistant News Editor

Courtesy Photo Director of events, Sydney Rose, is a sophomore studying Spanish education.

Courtesy Photo

Getting involved in politics can seem intimidating for college students, especially those who are still learning about elections and political issues. But the UNI Democrats hope to make that process easier by giving students a place to learn, meet others and become more involved in their community. The organization has been working to grow its membership after having only a few active members last year. This year, the club has seen its membership triple, with leaders focusing on making more students aware of the organization and what it offers. Vice President Zoey Carlsen said she first attended a meeting last year because of her interest in politics and wanted to bring that interest to campus. For Director of Events Sydney Rose, joining the club was also a way to become more involved at UNI. As a sophomore, Rose said she wanted to meet new people and find a group to be part of outside of her existing friendships. UNI has previously had a chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, but it is not registered with the university as a club. The organization’s account has not been active on social media since February 2023. UNI currently does not have a registered student organization specifically for Republicans. Both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University have student organizations for Democrats and Republicans. These include University Democrats and College Republicans at Iowa, along with College Democrats and College Republicans at Iowa State. UNI Democrats hopes to provide students with another opportunity to get involved in campus organizations and discuss political topics. Members said students do not have to be Democrats or have previous political experience to attend meetings. “You can come to a meeting and decide then if it is or is not for you,” First-Year Representative and Director of Events Gracyn Steckler said. Rose said the organization welcomes students who are interested in learning more about politics, even if they are unfamiliar with current

events or political candidates. “If you just want to learn, it’s a great place to learn from the people around you and get insights from a bunch of different people,” Rose said. The club also does not require students to attend every meeting or make a large time commitment. Members said students can attend when their schedules allow or participate in individual volunteer opportunities. “We’re very flexible,” Rose said. “If you want to be a member of the club, but you can only come once a month, that’s totally fine.” With the upcoming election, much of the club’s focus this semester is on helping students become more familiar with the voting process. Members said they plan to help register students to vote, share information about candidates and provide opportunities for students to volunteer. Political Engagement Chair Joe Leick said voter registration is one of the main ways the organization hopes to get students involved. The organization also has several events planned for the semester. On Oct. 12, the club planned to host Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand on campus. Members also participated in the Homecoming Parade and helped with Homecoming decorating. Following Homecoming, members plan to volunteer with Iowa Forward through activities such as door-knocking. Other planned events include an election watch party, Friendsgiving and fundraising opportunities. For students who want to get involved but cannot commit to regular meetings or off-campus activities, Leick said the organization also has shorter volunteer opportunities available. “If you want to be involved in any volunteering, but you don’t want to make the most massive commitment or can’t really do anything off campus, just contact the social media page for the UNI Dems,” Leick said. Students can volunteer for opportunities during the weeks leading up to the election without becoming heavily committed. Looking beyond this semester, the club hopes to organize a debate-style event next semester and potentially collaborate with other UNI stu-

dent organizations. Members said they want to create opportunities for students to discuss issues that affect them, both on campus and across Iowa. Some of the topics brought up during the club’s discussions include education, the economy, water quality, health care and the cost of living. With UNI having a large number of education majors, Rose said education policies are one area that may be especially important to students. Members also discussed how rising costs can affect college students who are becoming more financially independent. Along with discussing political issues, members said they want to help students understand how elections work and how they can participate. For some UNI students, the upcoming election will be their first opportunity to vote. The organization wants students to understand the importance of their voices and have access to information about voting, including absentee ballots, polling locations and candidates. Leick said having a political organization on campus also gives students an opportunity to discuss issues they care about with people who also care about those issues. “We are welcoming to everyone as long as you can be respectful towards those around you,” Rose said. For students who have never been involved in politics or are unsure about attending a meeting, members said there is no reason to feel intimidated. Students can attend a meeting to see what the organization is about without making a long-term commitment. “You don’t have to know anything,” Carlsen said. “It’s okay to have different opinions. You’re welcome here no matter what.” The club is open to new members throughout the year. “We’d rather people try it out once than be too scared to,” Steckler said.

Political engagement chair, Joe Leick, is a junior studying communication.

First-year representative and director of events, Gracyn Steckler, is a junior studying math teaching.

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N.I. EN ESPAÑOL

N.I. EN ESPAÑOL OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor

ZACH MINEART Spanish Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Los retos del mercado de trabajo moderno

¿Cómo pueden las especialidades en humanidades encontrar su lugar en el mercado laboral? Escrito por Ulyana Karplyuk Zach Mineart, Editor de Español

El valor de cuatro años en la universidad se mide últimamente por su relevancia en el mercado laboral. Cómo una especialidad en las humanidades puede empoderar a los estudiantes fue el tema de la conferencia inaugural el 21 de septiembre. “Prepararse para el éxito: hacer que su especialidad en humanidades funcione” fue presentado por Robert Townsend, quien señala los caminos al mercado laboral moderno para las especialidades en humanidades y la importancia de los programas de humanidades. Townsend es el director de los Programas de Humanidades, Artes y Culturas en la Academia Americana de las Artes y las Ciencias. También ha escrito más de 200 artículos sobre las humanidades, incluyendo la enseñanza superior, la historia y la publicación académica. La conferencia sirve como el evento inaugural del Humanities Hub nuevamente establecido. Financiado por una subvención de $2.4 millones de la Fundación Andrew W. Mellon. La meta del Hub es proveer a las especialidades del Colegio de las Humanidades, Artes y Ciencias de la oportunidad de una pasantía pagada en una organización no gubernamental en Iowa durante el año escolar. A través de estas pasantías, los estudiantes pueden aplicar su aprendizaje de clase en un entorno profesional, sacar experiencia en sus campos de trabajo y crecer profesionalmente y académicamente. “Una gran parte de su pasantía no es aprender cómo conseguir trabajo, es aprender cómo ayudar a los empleadores a entender sus habilidades… Nosotros [el Humanities Hub] vamos a dar a los estudiantes una oportunidad de obtener la experiencia del mundo real, incluyendo las habilidades que aprenden en el trabajo”, dijo Mark Nook, el presidente de la UNI, antes de la conferencia. Townsend empezó su conferencia compartiendo las estadísticas sobre las humanidades, los profesionales del trabajo y los estudiantes en

Courtesy Photo/University of Northern Iowa Robert Townsend es uno de los directores de la Academia Americana de las Artes y las Ciencias. .

el campo. Explicó que las especializaciones en humanidades se extienden ampliamente por los campos ocupacionales, desde la administración hasta los estudios de museos y bibliotecas. Townsend discutió que estos resultados vienen de las habilidades de la gente para “trabajar con la gente, lidiar con la ambigüedad y soportar la complejidad”. La conferencia también discutió la noción popular de que las especialidades en humanidades tienen empleos con pagos menores. Townsend notó que, en realidad, los individuos con las especialidades en humanidades ganan $63.900 cada año, similar a la gente con los títulos en otras áreas, como las ciencias sociales. Él discutió que algunos creen esta misconcepción porque se comparan los graduados de las humanidades con los graduados de la ingeniería. En realidad, los segundos son el caso aparte y superan a cada otra área de graduados en ingresos anuales, más cerca de $98.000. La mayoría de la conferencia se enfocó en cómo los estudiantes pueden aplicar sus títulos para ser contratados para sus trabajos preferidos y los retos que los traen. “Uno de los retos más

grandes que enfrentamos es que nuestras especialidades [de humanidades] son las menos propensas a ver una conexión entre su trabajo y su título después de la universidad”, dijo Townsend. Mencionó que solo el 28% de los graduados recientes veían una conexión entre su campo de estudios y carreras profesionales, según el Cengage 2025 Graduate Employability Report. El problema es que muchos graduados creen que están adquiriendo el conocimiento del contenido, no un conjunto de habilidades para un trabajo. Por ejemplo, una carrera en la informática puede desarrollar la experiencia en lenguajes de programación como SPSS, Python o Javascript que se usan en el campo profesional. Por el contrario, una carrera en la historia puede proporcionar un conocimiento extensivo sobre la Revolución francesa. Sin embargo, no todos ven cómo este conocimiento puede ayudarles a conseguir un trabajo en el mundo real. Townsend discutió que “el conocimiento de contento traslada a un camino más largo”, y que las carreras en humanidades necesitan considerar qué habilidades se desarrollan a través de sus carreras

académicas que pueden aplicar a una carrera profesional. Los empleadores frecuentemente buscan las habilidades que los estudiantes de especialización en humanidades aprenden en la universidad. “El pensamiento crítico, la habilidad de organizar información y la comunicación” son algunas de las cualidades que los estudiantes de especialización en humanidades poseen. Townsend discutió que los profesores también deben ayudar a sus estudiantes a entender el valor de estas habilidades, “así que los estudiantes no se piensen que solo han escrito un ensayo sobre la Revolución francesa, sino que entiendan que han completado pasos numerosos durante el camino”. Townsend también compartía perspectivas sobre la inteligencia artificial (IA) y su conexión con las humanidades. La implementación de la IA en el lugar de trabajo ha crecido en los últimos años y la gente tiene opiniones diferentes sobre su papel y la necesidad. Townsend parecía optimista sobre el tema. “Pienso que las humanidades tienen una historia mejor que la de la mayoría de los otros campus en respuesta

a lo que hace la IA”, dijo Townsend. Las habilidades en relación con la investigación, la comunicación escrita y oral y el pensamiento crítico pueden ser usadas para interpretar y mejorar la información que genera la IA. “Nosotros [especialidades y graduados de humanidades] llenamos un espacio grande, una debilidad de la IA. `Después de la conferencia, los miembros de la audiencia preguntaban a Townsend. Muchas comparten un tema similar, preguntando cómo los educadores pueden ayudar a las estudiantes de especialización en humanidades a realizar su potencial en el campo profesional. Townsend reforzaba la importancia de comunicar lo que los profesores buscan en las tareas de clase. Cuando se discute lo que los estudiantes reciben de la clase en términos del conocimiento aplicable que puede ayudarles a tener éxito en el mundo profesional, la calidad y organización de la información y la habilidad de un estudiante para expresar su punto deben estar a la vanguardia.

LILY MUNNIK

PAGE 5

NEWS

Executive Editor

Panther Esports levels up community & competition OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Courtesy Photo/Panther Esports Left to right: Cade Bonnette, Austin Mumm, James Mitchel, Dakota Dally, Brooke Bockelmann, Jarrin Robinson and Daniel Dietze.

By Delaney Von Ahsen Staff Writer

Panther Esports is hosting an esports tournament on Oct. 17, 2026, at the University of Northern Iowa. The tournament, as well as the sport, is important to everyone on the team because it’s a way for participants to build connections, get involved at UNI, and create a family-like atmosphere and community. Panther Esports is an UNI student-led organization with about 45 members. Origin of Esports The first real Esports competition was held in 1972 at Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. It was for the Intergalactic Spacewar! Olympics, where competitors competed on this relatively primitive game for a chance to win a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. The first “mainstream contest,” a National Space Invaders competition, was held in 1980. Thousands of competitors vied to top the high scores in the game and set new ones. In May 1997, the Red Annihilation Quake tournament was credited with moving Esports from competing for high scores, to actually competing head-to-head. A player named Dennis Fong beat his competitor in a first-person shooter game, ultimately winning $5,000 and a custom Ferrari. In 2000, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism established the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA), further legitimizing Esports’ role in mainstream culture. Esports Turning Mainstream Esports turned mainstream through broadcasting competitions and tournaments. Players can compete in tournaments using various gaming consoles such as Playstation, Xbox, and also PCs (personal computers). Tournaments are broadcast on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, and can also be watched in person. For example, in 2016, The League Of Legends World Championship Semifinals sold out Madison Square Garden in New York City. Regulations Esports doesn’t have many regulations, because

there is no central authority, so it’s left up to the organizations and competitions. For example, game developers, such as Activision Blizzard, organize independent competitions for their titles because they control the intellectual property needed to run a game-specific league What Draws People To Esports? A connection to other gamers, a strong sense of community online, and embracing video game fandoms all attract people to Esports. The Esports community is very active on social channels such as Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and YouTube, and they are always interacting with their fans during the stream, creating a bond. The constant interactions and connections built between streamers and their fans creates a sense of community and family online. Esports also lets fans of video games be a part of a unique experience, in getting to watch people compete playing games they love, whether online or in person. UNI Panther Esports The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), which now has over 200 college members across the United States and Canada, such as Albright College, Briar Cliff University, Central Michigan University, is where most of the college Esports teams stem from, except for Panther Esports. Panther Esports teams travel to neighboring states to play Local Area Networks (LANs), host community events, and on-campus tournaments open to anyone in the Midwest. They offer a variety of competitive teams, such as Rocket League, Overwatch 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow 6: Siege, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles + Crews, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe + Worlds, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Marvel Rivals, Deadlock, and Fortnite. “It was a lot of transitioning from high school to university,” Syla Perdrix, a former member of Panther Esports, said. “I still wanted to be part of a team. I’d been part of Smash Bros and Mario Park during high school. However, I started dying down

on Smash Bros, but kept going on Mario Kart.” “It’s inclusive, very open to improvement and feedback, and it’s a wonderful space to be in as long as you’re open to investing the time,” Perdrix said. Panther Esports isn’t just for fun, it’s also academically integrated into UNI courses. Beginning in Fall 2026, UNI now offers an Esports Administration Minor. This minor helps students who are passionate about gaming understand the functions of Esports across competitive, recreational, and educational settings, and explores topics such as communication strategy, event support, marketing, digital environments, coaching principles, and the fast-growing world of organized competitive gaming. Students can complete this minor by choosing either the Esports Coaching Certificate or the Esports Administration Certificate, and it’s open to any major. “I think it’s a good step forward, even though my initial thoughts were like, why are we doing this?” Cade Bonnette, president of Panther Esports, said. “Now that I look at it a bit, I recognize that it’s really important to grow that into the Esports community on campus because one way or another, if we as a club don’t push these esports academics, then we will never see a club promote to a varsity different program. We had to make sure the academic setting succeeded.” “It’s about building a family. It’s about creating team chemistry. It’s about finding people you want to hang out with,” Bonnette said. “The main focus when you do Panther Esports is finding a community you belong to. Not the competition side of things Because if your sole focus is winning everything, you are going to hate what you’re doing and you’re going to quit the game and you’re going to blame everybody except for yourself when your focus should be making a new family with your time at UNI.” For more information on the Panther Esports team, you can visit esports.uni.edu or follow their Instagram @unipantheresports.

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NEWS OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

‘I like to make weird music so people feel fine with being weird’ By Paisley Huiskamp Staff Writer

Cyrus Almity Guizar is a music student at the University of Northern Iowa studying music technology and music composition, originally from Waterloo, Iowa. “[Music composition is] a lot of studying the classic dudes, which isn’t really up my alley, but when it comes to my production and stuff like that, I like to incorporate as much composition into it, because I do a lot of electronic stuff,” Almity explained. He is the drummer of UNI student-led band Bagel Steak, and also has his own solo guitar career. He started playing music in middle school, where he played alto saxophone in band for class. “I listened to a lot of music in middle school and high school. And then it eventually kind of became my whole personality,” he said. Almity started playing guitar during high school, which broadened his music horizons exponentially. He believes that playing guitar was what got him into hearing music differently, focusing on each individual instrument instead of the song as a whole. Almity’s favorite guitarist is Thomas Erak from Fall of Troy, who is known for his unique style, including his intri-

cate guitar riffs and unpredictable shifting time signatures. He is also fond of Tosin Abasi from Animals as Leader, who is notable for his use of the eightstringed guitar and his use of the double-thumb, or thumping technique, a string-picking method adapted from the slap bass technique. From Almity’s high school playing, he found the opportunity to create a band of his own. “[Breven Biermann] used to be a music major, and we were both in the guitar studio and jammed a couple of times. Then Ian Shelton and Braden were like, let’s just do a band. And we just practiced in my grandma’s basement.” Bagel Steak’s name came from the group’s ex-bassist, who suggested the name Bagel Snake. The rest of the band misheard her, and she did not correct them until a month later, when they decided the name stuck. Starting from humble beginnings, Bagel Steak now performs several concerts, both on and off the UNI campus, showing not only the group’s musical proficiency, but resilience and determination. “For Bagel Steak, I try to play as much weird stuff as they let me get away with. We mostly do alternative indie rock and I’m coming from

Courtesy Photo Cyrus Almity Guizar studies music technology and composition at UNI.

a post-hardcore, kind of progrock background. I try to use as much of that language as I can in Bagel Steak, but sometimes they say I’m doing too much,” said Almity. Almity brings his own unique sounds to Bagel Steak, making the band stand out with his drumming sound and style that, while perhaps opposing the rest of the band, creates a sound that not many can say has been replicated before. With his own personal mu-

sic, Almity takes heavy inspiration from the golden age of the internet, a time when mobile apps, web communities and quirky content dominated. “I’m really inspired by a lot of the internet in the 2010s and a lot of video games. I spent a lot of time on that.” One of his major inspirations is a video game from 2017 that defined the future of graphic style and user interface design in video games even today.

“One of my favorite video games of all time is “Persona 5.” I love all the “Persona” games, but the most striking thing is obviously the user interface and the menu. I just love when boring things can be made cool, you know what I mean?”

Read more online at NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

LILY MUNNIK

PAGE 7

OPINION

Executive Editor

OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

AI is eroding our humanity. Are we concerned enough? An AI (Artificial Intelligence) sign is seen at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China July 6, 2023. REUTERS/Aly Song

By Ulyana Karplyuk

Assistant News Editor

Editor’s Note: Opinions written by staff do not reflect the entirety of the Northern Iowan, only the writer who shares their opinion. All opinions are welcome in the Northern Iowan as long as they do not promote hate or discrimination. We are all well aware that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been steadily claiming its place in our lives and in academia. Every syllabus has some variation of an AI policy; it’s become a topic of class discussion, and let’s face it, many of us have used it for everything from finding factual information to homework. Last spring, UNI announced a number of new AI academic programs. The Wilson College of Business and the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences now offer curricula focused on preparing students for applications of AI in the workforce and helping them understand the tool at a deeper level. While I am not a proponent of AI, I am all for getting educated on new technologies, especially when we have to deal with them almost every day. My biggest concern is that AI seems to be trickling into areas of human life that do not substantially benefit from it. Almost as if it’s being forced on those who don’t want to engage with it in any meaningful way. Remember how the Spring 2026 graduation season made its way into the news cycle? Speakers at ceremonies across the U.S. preached that AI would become an integral part of our future, and that young adults would just have to deal with it now. Those statements drew backlash from new graduates. You’ve probably seen clips of the University of Central Florida Commencement Ceremony, where students booed Gloria Caulfield as she claimed that “the rise of Artificial Intelligence is the new Industrial Revolution.”

I could definitely relate to the students’ reaction. With AI becoming the new normal in the workplace, it’s not hard to imagine how much of our personal lives will be at its mercy. For years now, AI has been marketed as a new, innovative tool, designed to make our daily routines simpler, our workplaces more efficient and education more engaging. But now, it seems that the very same tool, which had nothing to do with our individual human experience, is slowly but surely eroding it. This year, the list of required readings for UNI’s Cornerstone, a first-year-only oral and written communication course, includes three readings on AI. All of them discuss its connection to and impact on essential human experiences, like romantic relationships, or crucial educational outcomes, such as critical thinking. Reading through these articles made me wonder: have we reached a point where we cannot move through life without the assistance of artificial intelligence, something that is inherently antithetical to human experience? Why do some of us seek relationship advice from a machine rather than a friend or a relative? The phrase “did you use AI to write this?” is now used as both an accusation and a compliment. Many of us have felt that anxiety of thinking, “Does my work come off like I used AI?” when turning in an assignment. Non-native speakers’ writing is at a higher risk of getting flagged as artificially generated. And I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want someone to assume I didn’t go through the entire pro-

cess of creating something by myself. To be frank, I would much rather write a subpar draft, take it to an instructor, a friend, a classmate and make corrections based on their feedback. In the words of one of my professors, “If you don’t care enough to write a paper yourself, why should we read it in the first place?”

If you don’t care enough to write a paper yourself, why should we read it in the first place?” I encourage you to find a piece of writing you did in high school. Compare it to the most recent paper you wrote. I’m sure you’ll notice differences in style, pacing, organization or vocabulary. And doesn’t it feel satisfying to see how far you’ve come? How much do the two pieces differ yet still feel true to you? No one else can write, act, speak or think as you do. Not a person, nor a machine. And I think that is the point of it all: to leave a piece of yourself in everything you do as you move through life.

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MICHAEL SPAHN

SPORTS

Sports Editor

Down goes No. 4 OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

UNI football delivers a homecoming statement By Tyler Wood Sports Writer The University of Northern Iowa football team snatched another top-five victory on Saturday, Oct. 10, defeating the No. 4 ranked North Dakota Fighting Hawks 24-17 at the UNI-Dome. The victory marked UNI’s first homecoming win since 2017, and the first time that the Panthers had beaten two top-5 teams in the same season since their championship run in 2005. Northern Iowa is now ranked No. 19 in the Stats Perform Media Poll, and No. 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. It’s the first time UNI has been ranked in both polls since week four of the 2024 season. For a team that finished 3-9 a season ago, head coach Todd Stepsis knew a turnaround was coming. “I get a lot, really these last couple of weeks, you know, how surprised everybody was as far as us being able to win against some quality opponents. My answer every time was, well I wasn’t,” said Stepsis in his postgame press conference. The Panthers would score first, as kicker Max Bartachek made a 39-yard field goal to get three points on the board for UNI. On the Fighting Hawks’ next possession, a few good passes from quarterback Jerry Kaminski would land North Dakota into the red zone. Running back Charles Langama would run it in from the 8-yard line to score the first rushing touchdown of the day for either team. After a quick three-andout from North Dakota, the Fighting Hawks sent their punt unit onto the field. That’s when Panther linebacker Andrew Price broke free and blocked the punt, snatched the ball and ran it in for a touchdown to put the Panthers up 10-7. Following the blocked punt, North Dakota would regain possession, just for Kaminski to throw an interception to UNI linebacker Braden McShane. The UNI defense forced five turnovers in the contest, with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Stepsis credited that as the difference

maker in the game. “I thought the defense played lights out,” said Stepsis. “That was the best we’ve played defensively since I’ve been here. Amazing effort by them against a team that scores points in gobs, and for us to be able to force some turnovers and play like that, that’s what championship teams are built upon.” After forcing the turnover, the Panthers capitalized on offense after obtaining great field position. Quarterback Jaxon Dailey would find tight end Brady McCullough for an 18yard passing touchdown to extend the Panthers’ lead to 17-7. The score was the fourth time Dailey and McCullough have connected for a touchdown this season. North Dakota got the football back on offense, just for them to turn it over again after a fumble from Kaminski. McShane recovered the ball, giving UNI another short field which allowed them to score a touchdown. Running back Michael Bormann found the end zone on a two-yard carry to extend the lead to 24-7. The Fighting Hawks cut the lead to just seven points, giving them one last chance to tie the game with under three minutes left. Facing a fourthand-5, the UNI defense forced an incomplete pass to seal the upset victory. Dailey finished with only 81 passing yards on the day with one passing touchdown. His leading receiver was Taj Hughes, who recorded 31 yards. McCullough had 26 yards on two receptions, while Jaiden Ellis-Lahey had three receptions for 18 yards. Christian Collins led the Panthers in rushing yards with 64 yards on 11 carries. On defense the Panthers had one sack by senior defensive lineman Jaylen Pettus. The unit also had five tackles for loss and five passes defended, two of which were interceptions by Kolben Miller and McShane. UNI will play another ranked opponent in Youngstown State for their next matchup. That game will take place in Stambaugh StaCourtesy/UNI Athletics dium in Youngstown, Ohio, on Photo Andrew Price celebrates after blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown against North Dakota in the UNI-Dome on Oct. Saturday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m. CT. 10. Price was named MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.

MICHAEL SPAHN

PAGE 9

SPORTS

Sports Editor

OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Smikle ready for next chapter By Michael Spahn Sports Editor “I wanted to go to a school that was still a winning culture.” He came to UNI. West Palm Beach, Florida, native Ian Smikle was one of five transfer portal additions for the UNI men’s basketball team under first year head coach Kyle Green. Before entering the portal and committing to UNI in April 2026, Smikle spent two seasons at the University of Tulsa, appearing in 38 games for the Hurricane during the 2025-26 season, totaling 117 points and averaging 13.8 minutes per game. When the season concluded, Smikle knew it was time to find a new school. “I wanted to also, like, go to a school where I probably have a bigger role in terms of just helping the offense,” said Smikle, a 6-foot-9 junior forward. The Panthers were in need of some size this offseason after losing most of their minutes from their post players, making it a match made in heaven. “Coach Tut (Seth Tuttle) called my phone and he was like saying that’s exactly what we were looking for, and it’s been a great connection since then.” New head coach Kyle Green, coming from Iowa State, a program that recently

developed stand-out forwards Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson, knows how to get the best out of his post players. “Ian has the ability physically to control the paint on both ends of the floor,” said Green in a press release from UNI Athletics in April. “He is a high level offensive rebounder and finisher. He will punish teams around the rim and has the skill level to be a playmaker on the perimeter.” Having consistent production from forwards and centers has proved to be the secret weapon to a variety of Missouri Valley Conference teams over the years, from players like Robbie Avila at Indiana State, Darnell Brodie at Drake and Chase Walker at Illinois State. Smikle knows that he will be one of the go-to pieces in UNI’s offense this coming season. “We’re kind of like the quarterbacks, so to say,” said Smikle. “Our roles are kind of going to be the engine of the offense, so like when we get it, we go follow and that’ll allow other options to be open on the court.” For a team that lost all of its players from a starting lineup that won the conference tournament a season ago, gaining chemistry quickly with a new group is pivotal. Throughout summer workouts, Smikle has gotten familiar with the other transfers on the roster, including Greyson Uelmen, Tate Mc-

Cubbin and Carson Vis. “Just getting to know how they play, like... you know.. learn something about each one of them each practice,” said Smikle. “Tate [McCubbin], 6-8, tall, really like a guard. Like, I just realized, I did a pick and roll with him a couple of practices ago, and he really hammered the ball like a guard.” Smikle continued: “Just seeing how Greyson [Uelmen] gets to the line very easily, that’s going to be a really good weapon to have especially in the game situations moving forward,” said Smikle. “And like Carson, he’s just a dog, plays hard, and shoots the ball really well.” Smikle knows the long history of success with UNI basketball. Following a senior class that had so much success within the program sets the bar high, but Smikle is ready to uphold the standard. “I would love to do anything to help keep a team winning,” said Smikle. “That’s the standard that you guys [last year’s team] set, I would like to do my best to hold that standard and make it happen again.” Smikle and the Panthers will open the season on Oct. 26 with a matchup against Upper Iowa in the McLeod Center. UNI’s official regular season opener will also be a home matchup, welcoming in St. Thomas on Nov. 2.

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics

Ian Smikle poses with a basketball on his visit to UNI in April of 2026.

Late goal keeps UNI level with Valparaiso By Sam O’Hair Sports Writer The University of Northern Iowa women’s soccer team tied with the Valparaiso Beacons 1-1 in the Panthers’ fourth Missouri Valley Conference matchup on Sunday, Oct. 11, at the UNI Soccer Field. Before kickoff, the soccer program honored its first goalkeeper, Anne Marie Witko, with a jersey retirement. Witko earned all-conference honors in her senior season, capping a trailblazing career with the Panthers from 2000 to 2003. The first ten minutes of action saw both sides struggle to develop their attack until Panther midfielder Morgan Smith notched the competition’s first attempt on target in the 13th minute. A long-leading pass from

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics

The UNI soccer team celebrates after Kailey O’Brien tied the game against Valparaiso in the 83rd minute on Oct. 11 at the UNI Soccer Field.

Valpo’s Martha Goddard put attacker Sofia Raco through on goal in the 20th minute. Raco dribbled past Panther goalkeeper Hailey Luedtke and slotted her shot in to give the Beacons an initial 1-0 lead. The Beacons remained

threatening, putting another shot on goal in the 21st minute, only moments after their goal. UNI began to find their footing in the rest of the first period, creating two attempts on goal before the whistle blew for halftime.

The opening minutes of the second half saw both teams create threatening chances. As play developed, the Panthers found a change of momentum, outshooting the Beacons 13 to 6 in the second half. Luedke made a diving save in the 51st minute to deny a Beacons goal, before defender Torie Delgado and midfielder Shalee Franck each recorded shots on target in the 58th minute. Luedke finished with six saves. UNI’s aggressiveness eventually paid off in the 83rd minute when senior midfielder Kailey O’Brien floated in a free kick from distance to equalize 1-1. The Panthers held off the Beacons for the final minutes before the officials called full time. A draw means a point

shared between UNI and Valpo, bumping the Panthers to seventh in the MVC and a 1-9-2 record. UNI soccer Head Coach Alex Place Thomas was proud of her group’s resilience to pick up a point in conference play. “I was really happy with how our team responded through adversity,” said Place Thomas in her weekly coaches press conference. “We did conceded a goal first in the first half, but to come back in the second half, hold them to the one goal, and also have the equalizer in the last ten minutes of the game was just a really great testament to the fight that we have and the willingness they have to get the job done.” The Panthers will head to Evansville, Indiana, to clash against the Evansville Purple Aces on Thursday, Oct. 15.

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SPORTS OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

Behind the scenes: Vannorsdel helps UNI basketball thrive By Elaine Lund Sports Writer Many things happen behind the scenes of a collegiate sports team, things people often don’t recognize or credit. Managers spend just as much time, are just as busy, and work just as hard as athletes and coaches. So, why aren’t they recognized? UNI’s men’s basketball manager, Ben Vannorsdel, spoke about his experience and the importance of his role. He gets up bright and early for practice every day; he’s there at 6:45 a.m. to make smoothies for the team and set up practice. At 7:20 a.m., the team does a pre-practice workout, and around 7:50 a.m. they start full practice. Vannorsdel, a family services major, is very involved in practice, cheering the players on, clapping, bringing the energy, handing out towels, making sure the team has water and even wiping sweat off the floor. Practice typically goes until 9:30 a.m., but Vannorsdel leaves a half-hour early to pick up the team’s breakfast from IHOP. Vannorsdel shared how important the team breakfast is to him, saying that it’s “like a family.” Vannorsdel wants to become a college basketball coach. He’s coached high school basketball before, and

working with a college basketball team brings him closer to his ultimate goal. Managing the team helps Vannorsdel become familiar with “the coaching side of things, scouting and film,” and he loves getting to “learn from some of the best coaches in the country.” He also expressed admiration for the opportunity to work with people who have worked with NBA teams, thanks to Coach Green and his staff. Coaches have had a huge impact on Vannorsdel’s life, which has pushed him to want to coach. “I love sports, and I always say, basketball’s the outlet,” Vannorsdel said. “I want to help people, really, at the end of the day, but coaching and basketball is kind of my little outlet of doing that.” Vannorsdel’s desire to help people through coaching basketball extends to his care for the sport and the people who love it. Vannorsdel shared that he checks in on players, talks with them about their classes and lives, and makes sure they are doing well. “There would be a lot of times I would think to myself, I’d rather coach than be playing,” Vannorsdel said of his high school basketball playing days. “You can just pour into people, I feel like, more when you’re the coach.” Vannorsdel also managed the UNI women’s basketball

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics

Ben Vannorsdel poses for a headshot inside the McLeod Center. Ben is in his second year as a student manager for UNI.

team, which requires just as much time and effort as the men’s squad. “Whether you’re taking stats, doing film breakdown, coding, and even might be on mop duty,” he said. “You gotta be highly engaged during games cause things happen so fast – you don’t stop.” Relationships are important, especially when furthering your career. Vannorsdel looks forward to practice every day.

“They’re kind of like my brother’s away from home,” Vannorsdel said about the team. “[The coaches] invest so much into the managers, and I don’t even think they actually realize what they’ve done for us” Vannorsdel’s experiences as a manager show how important they are to a team. He shared how much they contribute to the team’s functionality and that without them it could be chaotic. Vannorsdel’s main

priority is taking extra stress off the coaches and players by setting up and tearing down practice, taking stats, coding, breaking down film and cleaning up. All the little things he and the other managers do let the coaches focus on coaching and the players focus on their growth. Vannorsdel not only makes their lives easier, but he also ensures they’re doing well outside of basketball.

UNI volleyball continues winning streak By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer The University of Northern Iowa volleyball team continued its strong start in Missouri Valley Conference play last week, earning victories over Drake and Southern Illinois to remain undefeated in conference action. The Panthers hosted Drake at the McLeod Center on Thursday, Oct. 8, sweeping the Bulldogs 3-0 in a hard-fought matchup. UNI took their winning pace on the road to face Southern Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 10, earning a 3-1 victory. The Panthers conference record currently sits at 6-0, and UNI is now only three MVC wins away from topping their

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics

Lily Dykstra (15) celebrates with her teammates after earning a point for UNI.

record of consecutive overall wins against league opponents. On top of that, Northern Iowa now holds both the longest ac-

tive regular-season conference winning streak (58) and overall conference winning streak (66) in all of Division I volleyball.

In the opening set against Drake, UNI broke ahead early with an eight-point lead. As the set continued, the Bulldogs rallied to make it a close contest. UNI held on and escaped the set with a 27-25 win. The Panthers maintained control in the second set with both offense and defensive clicking seamlessly, finishing with a 25-13 victory. Drake took an early lead in the third set, threatening the sweep and forcing UNI into their first uncomfortable situation of the day. But the Panthers battled through adversity and closed out the set 28-26, earning a tough sweep against a worthy opponent in Drake. Following the win, head coach Bobbi Petersen spoke

on the impact of the audience at the McLeod Center and the team’s ability to turn the game around when it mattered most. “It was an awesome crowd. It provided a lot of energy for us. So really taking an opportunity to feed off of that. And I thought we did a really good job of doing that,” said Petersen in her postgame press conference. “I’m just really proud of our ability to do that. I would give the crowd a lot of credit for that. They really got into points when we needed them to.” Cassidy Hartman and Lily Dykstra paved the way for the Panthers offense, recording 17 kills apiece. Read the full story on our website.

PAGE 11

MICHAEL SPAHN

SPORTS OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

Sports Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

‘Dairy bird’ takes flight

AJ Green enters fifth NBA season

Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics/Austin Hansen

AJ Green walks down the court while participating in a contest for the Milwaukee Bucks. Green is entering his fifth season in the NBA and averaged 10.4 points per game for Milwaukee during the 2025-26 season.

By Carter Lust Assistant Sports Editor “The four years here [at UNI] – I miss it,” said AJ Green at his jersey retirement press conference last February. “I miss it dearly.” Green may miss Cedar Falls and the McLeod Center, but he appears to be adjusting well to professional basketball as he enters his fifth NBA season. After a full collegiate career with the Panthers, Green declared for the 2022 NBA Draft but didn’t hear his name called. A few teams were interested in selecting Green and signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract, but he chose to remain undrafted and sign a twoway deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Although Green would split time with Milwaukee’s NBA G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, he appreciated the Bucks’ vision for him as a player “who can space the floor and make shots for them,” similar to Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen at the time. However, Green knew he had to take “advantage of

opportunities and continue to grow and develop” to prove he belonged in the NBA and earn a long-term spot on the team. In his 2022-23 rookie season, Green played under 9.9 minutes per game but shot nearly 42% from 3-point range. He also made 100% of his free throws, making him a valuable catch-and-shoot player and late-game closer. Milwaukee noticed Green’s prominence in spot minutes and offered him his first fully guaranteed NBA deal following the season. Green signed a $6.32 million contract with the Bucks in July 2023, making him a full-time NBA player. Green’s second season mirrored his first: he again played only 11 minutes per game but still shot over 40% from deep. Despite his efficiency, Green didn’t see much more playing time, largely because the Bucks traded for star point guard Damian Lillard in the offseason, adding to an already crowded backcourt. Nevertheless, Green remained patient. After two years in Milwaukee, Green saw his minutes increase substantially in

2024-25, partly because multiple injuries limited Lillard to just 58 regular-season games. Green averaged 22.7 minutes a night and served as the team’s backup two-guard. He also earned the nickname “Dairy Bird” because of his home in America’s Dairyland and his high-arching, high set-point shot resembling Larry Bird’s. Green backed up his new nickname by shooting a career-high 42.7% from beyond the arc and averaging 7.4 points per game. He started in seven of the 73 contests he appeared in, a number that would soon grow. With an even bigger role ahead, the Bucks wanted to keep Green in Milwaukee for years to come. He inked a 4-year, $45 million contract extension with the team in October 2025, just three days before the 2025-26 season began. “I’m so grateful and thankful for the Bucks,” Green told The Gazette. “They took a chance on me four years ago, undrafted, two-way, gave me opportunities to play, so I’m super thankful for them and just the people.” He also expressed deep appreciation for those who

helped him reach his current position. “I’m not here without the people going all the way back to my parents and coaches in AAU, high school, college,” Green said. “People make you who you are, believe in you, and give you an opportunity to have success. Grateful for them, grateful for the Lord. It’s all by his grace that I’m here. Just trying to glorify him.” Green saw another breakout campaign in 2025-26, averaging 29.1 minutes per game and starting 68 of 78 games. He averaged career highs in points (10.4), rebounds (2.7), and assists (1.9), while still shooting 41.9% from deep. He also made Bucks history on April 10, 2026, in Milwaukee’s second-to-last game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets. Green finished with a career-high 35 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and he also broke the franchise’s single-game 3-point record. Green finished with 11 triples, surpassing Milwaukee’s previous record of 10 set by Lillard and Ray Allen. Just two nights later, he also broke the Bucks’ single-season 3-point record

against the Philadelphia 76ers. Green finished the year with 232 made treys, breaking Allen’s 229 record from 2001-02. Now, Green is gearing up for his fifth NBA season amidst Milwaukee’s rapidly changing roster. Since the Bucks traded superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat this summer, Green is now Milwaukee’s longest-tenured player. Even after signing a contract extension last fall, Green may find himself in another jersey midway through the season. Milwaukee also acquired All-Star guard Tyler Herro in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. With another crowded backcourt and a likely poor 2026-27 record, the Bucks may offload Green to a contending franchise looking to make the playoffs or reach the Finals. Green’s emergence as a key rotational piece makes him an intriguing add for teams that need shooting and depth. Whether Green completes his fifth season in Milwaukee or elsewhere, he remains no stranger to staying the course and working for the next opportunity.

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ETC. OCTOBER 14, 2026 |

CROSSWORD BY NEW YORK TIMES

Across

1) ___ classic ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "Pulp Fiction," e.g.) 5) Spongy wetlands 9) Titleholder 14) Engrave 15) Dirt pie ingredient 16) Greek goddesses of the seasons 17) Optional mission in a video game 19) Gradually eat away 20) Selfless sort 21) Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl 22) – 23) Lie next to 25) Show on which Tina Fey and Seth Meyers have worked as head writers, in brief 26) Tropical cocktail with bananas, strawberries, rum and coconut cream 31) Go downhill fast 34) Feedbag contents 36) Shindig for someone settling into a new home 37) – 40) Flips, say 42) Skirt, as an issue 43) Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad" 45) Auction unit

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

ANSWERS

JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor

VOLUME 123, ISSUE 8

46) Cowboy's kerchief 48) Show stoppers? 51) Goes bad 52) Shindig for someone who's about to tie the knot 56) – 60) Like a dish of veal or chicken dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter 62) Surfers ride them 63) Lunchroom 64) Wolf in "The Jungle Book" 65) Initials on a map until 1991 66) Shindig for the cast and crew after filming is done … with a hint to entering this answer and three others in the grid 67) – 68) Boxing stats 69) Jazz singer Sylvia

9) Spotted African sprinters 10) Car's honker 11) Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly 12) Earned 13) Member of a jury 18) Ke Huy ___, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" actor 21) Boss, in Britain 24) Major Iraqi port city 27) Adversary 28) Quiet period 29) Scandinavian capital 30) Toward sunset 31) Mop, as the deck 32) Polynesian brew 33) Smooth out, as a wrinkled shirt 35) Talent broker 38) Mediocre, in modern slang 39) "’Tis entirely likely" 41) Those going along with others' unhealthy habits 44) Item worn with a hazmat suit 47) Negative connector Down 49) "Curses!" 1) ___ Millan, celebrity dog 50) Fibrous connecting trainer tissues 2) Handy 53) Second-largest city in 3) High-def flat screen, Northern Ireland for short 54) "Take me ___" 4) "Ay, ___ the rub" 55) Bounds 5) Broth that might come 56) Substitute from a dissolved cube 57) Ceremonial Maori dance 6) Magnetite and bauxite 58) Done 7) Whole that's greater than 59) Mark left by a whip the sum of its parts, 61) "Should that be true …" from the German 63) Word before "one's loss8) Barfly es" or "both ways"

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