CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025
UNI Athletics posted $3.2M loss in FY 2025, Regents report shows
By Lily Munnik News Editor
The Uni-
versity of Northern Iowa’s athletics program overspent its budget by more than $3.2 million in the last fiscal year, according to new financial reports released last week by the Iowa Board of Regents.
For the year ending June 30, 2025, total athletics expenses exceeded the original budget by $3,236,113 — a 22% overrun. UNI allocated an additional $963,645 in institutional support to help cover the shortfall driven by rising expenditures and revenue gaps.
According to the report, “New leadership in athletics with many staff changes in FY 2025 continues to review the budget in order to maxi-
mize revenue-generation opportunities and limit expenses to work toward a sustainable balanced budget.” UNI made a similar pledge “to work toward a sustainable balanced budget” in athletics in its FY 2024 report, FY 2023 report, FY 2022 report and FY 2021 report.
The report shows that several high-profile sports outperformed expectations.
Ticket sales, concessions, game guarantees, foundation contributions and postseason payouts pushed revenues for wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, football, women’s volleyball and other women’s programs above budget, contributing to roughly $500,000 in additional income.
Overall, athletics revenues actually finished $300,000 above the budget. However, the boost was tempered by declines in other areas, notably alumni/foundation support and NCAA revenue distributions, which prevented the department from closing the gap amid rising expenses.
The cost overruns were driven largely by team operational expenses running higher than planned across both men’s and women’s sports. According to the Regents’ report, postseason travel, a byproduct of competitive success, also contributed to rising costs.
A significant portion of the excess spending stemmed
from unbudgeted personnel expenses, including bonuses awarded under coaching contracts in volleyball, wrestling, men’s track and field and men’s and women’s basketball.
Overall, UNI Athletics received $5,447,481 in general university support, along with $1,793,176 in student fee revenue.
The Board of Regents has not yet indicated whether additional oversight or financial requirements will be imposed, but the fiscal pressure highlights the growing complexity of funding college athletics in an era of rising costs and evolving NCAA structures.
Zury’s Taco Bar on the Hill to close doors
Competition, high prices, employee shortage are factors
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
After a year and a half of serving customers on the Hill, Zury’s Taco Bar has announced that the restaurant will permanently close its doors next week. The business had just celebrated its first year in June — marked with a ribbon cutting in front of the restaurant.
Before the opening of their restaurant on the Hill, Zury’s operated as a food truck, called Zury’s Cuisine and Tacos. Owner Itzury “Zuri” Arestegui had found success in the food truck world — and
with an empty space on the Hill, thought that owning a restaurant was worth a try.
The restaurant space on the Hill had remained empty since the Other Place closed in 2021. Three years later, the building became the home of Zury’s Taco Bar.
After countless hours and dollars spent on this business, Arestegui has decided to find a new dream. This comes after the restaurant closed briefly a year ago — due to their negative financial
standing.
“The economy is tough right now, and that’s the honest truth,” Arestegui said. “Everything keeps getting more expensive, and with so many Mexican restaurants everywhere, it feels harder and harder to keep going.”
Amigos, Los Cabos and Pablo’s are three of the eight Mexican restaurants in Cedar Falls alone. Amigos and Carlos O’ Kelley’s are by College Square Mall, within two miles of Zury’s
See BASKETBALL, page 11
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics
The FY 2025 report shows that several high-profile sports outperformed revenue expectations, including UNI football.
See ANA, page 3
NEWS Meet Ana Chavez a first-year student at UNI majoring in both finance and accounting.
OPINION
As fall break approaches, managing editor Jenna Westendorf writes about the long stretch since Labor Day and the much needed week off.
See BREAK, page 5
SPORTS UNI men’s basketball defeated the Furman Paladins on Friday, Nov. 14, in a 70-54 victory.
ZURY’S
continued from page 1
“The competition isn’t just about food anymore,” Arestegui added. “It’s also about finding good employees, and trying to keep up with rising payroll.”
Without the proper number of employees, Zury found herself working seven days a week — sometimes 16 hours a day.
There was no other choice for her — without help, the future of her business was in her own hands. To keep Zury’s running, it was up to her to do the work.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m carrying everything on my shoulders,” she said.
When Zury’s closed briefly a year ago, it was because the business “couldn’t get out of the red.”
According to Arestegui,
Zury’s still hasn’t seen much profit in the one year they have been open.
“I just want to make the right decision before falling into a deep hole of debt,” Arestegui said. “This is the reality so many small business owners live every day, and sometimes it feels overwhelming.”
While the sit-down era of Zury’s has ended, Arestegui hasn’t confirmed whether or not she will return to serve the Cedar Valley. She said she may eventually return to her food truck, as it has lower expenses.
“I think it’s time to let go and bring this chapter to an end,” said Arestegui. “But for now, we just need to close this chapter and finally breathe.”
Redeker Center, Trailside Apartments to see updates
BOR approves $7.4 million ask for facility improvements
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
At the Nov. 12 Board of Regents meeting on the Iowa State University campus, UNI requested $3.4 million for improvements to Redeker Center and $4 million for Trailside Apartments. Both requests were approved by the Board of Regents.
Michael Hager, senior vice president for finance and operations at UNI, spoke on behalf of the university at the meeting. He briefed the board on the positive values of students residing on campus — for example, the higher graduation rates of students who live on campus for two or more years.
“We had a good year in the resident system for those extra funds to be reinvested back into the system,” said Hager.
Updates to Redeker Center, specifically Piazza, would include reconfiguring several of the food venues and seating, creation of an allergen-free grab-and-go, replacement of both skylights and updates to lighting. The dining center has not been renovated in over 20 years.
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“We tend to be a national leader in food service, and that pattern continues,” said Hager. “Partially because of this type of investment in the facilities.”
Hager said that these updates will “improve student flow.”
Construction in Redeker will run from May 2027 through August 2027. For Trailside apartments, UNI is aiming to replace the existing siding, windows, patio and main entrance doors on all 10 apartment buildings in the complex. The plan also includes adding electronic access to all exterior main entrance doors.
The replacement of these amenities was intended to be a phased project. But, Hager said, “We’ve had such a good year that we’re just going to move forward all at once.”
Construction on Trailside will run from Spring 2026 through Summer 2027. Both requests were passed, with no questions or comments from any board member.
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LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Courtesy Photo/Cedar Falls News Hub Zury is not afraid of hard work. Her courage shined bright as she navigated the challenges of establishing and running a restaurant on the Hill. This portrait was taken prior to the day of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Courtesy Photo/AJ Brown Imaging Updates to Redeker Center will be specifically in Piazza, including reconfiguring several of the food venues and seating, creation of an allergen-free grab-and-go, replacement of skylights and updates to lighting.
UNI pushes for 12-month nursing degree and termination of the Anthropology program
The University of Northern Iowa brought forward three significant academic proposals, ranging from a new accelerated nursing program to departmental restructuring and a program termination, at the Iowa Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Committee meeting held Nov. 11-13, 2025.
UNI is seeking approval to launch an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), a one-year pathway designed to fast-track qualified students into Iowa’s high-demand nursing workforce.
The university introduced its traditional four-year BSN program in fall 2024. The pro-
posed addition, set to begin in August 2025, would allow individuals who already hold at least 70 college credits and have completed general education and prerequisite coursework to earn a BSN in just 12 months.
The accelerated track is tailored for students who already have a college background and want an efficient path to becoming registered nurses. According to the proposal, the curriculum will run yearround, including summer and winter terms, and will meet all required licensure and accreditation standards.
The Council of Provosts and Board staff reviewed the program and recommended its
approval.
UNI is also proposing an administrative restructure that would move the Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development from the Department of Learning, Leadership and Community into the Department of Political Science.
The shift, expected to be implemented in 2025, stems from a faculty-driven effort to increase resource efficiency and enhance collaboration among programs focused on public and nonprofit service. UNI leaders say combining the programs under one unit will enable shared coursework, coordinated recruiting and stronger academic syner-
gies.
While students are not expected to see immediate changes, the university anticipates that the move will strengthen long-term opportunities through improved access to faculty expertise and consolidated resources. No courses or academic requirements will change and the same faculty will continue teaching in the program.
In most severe proposal of the meeting, UNI requested to terminate its Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The program, housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, has faced falling enrollment and shrinking faculty due to retirements, deaths
150th Class SPOTLIGHT
and internal relocations.
Despite the program’s long history at UNI, administrators said the contribution is no longer sustainable. The anthropology minor will remain available for students interested in the discipline’s foundational concepts.
Nineteen students are currently pursuing the major. UNI has created individualized teach-out plans to ensure each student can complete their degree. Faculty will continue offering necessary courses for the next two years.
The termination would take effect immediately upon Board approval.
First-generation student Ana Chavez is a violinist in the Mariachi Panteras
By Kaylynn Ruffin Staff Writer
When Ana Chavez arrived on the University of Northern Iowa’s campus for a summer visit, she instantly felt what she’d been searching for: a place where community and opportunity came together.
Now a first-generation college student from the Quad Cities and a member of UNI’s 150th class, Chavez is diving into a double major, new organizations and the supportive network that first drew her to UNI.
Chavez, a Davenport native, found that UNI’s business program checked all of her boxes, especially the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.
She chose to pursue a double major in finance and accounting, along with
a minor in Spanish-to-English translation. During her visit for her intended major, she immediately noticed that “it seemed like UNI was above other schools in terms of networking and community building.”
Like many incoming freshmen, Chavez was nervous about the academic workload and “learning how to study more effectively.” She said UNI advisors helped ease those worries by holding meaningful workshops that guided students through navigating the MyUniverse enrollment portal, building a course shopping cart and making schedule adjustments in advance.
Chavez is a first-generation college student, following in the footsteps of her older sister, who also attends UNI.
“Don’t let yourself be discouraged,”
said Chavez, who has found a sense of home in her classes and student organizations.
She joined the Mariachi Panthers to continue playing violin.
“It’s really fun,” she said. “It is not as serious or time-consuming,” which made it feel manageable alongside her double major. Chavez wanted to stay connected to music but wasn’t sure at first whether she’d have enough time to commit.
Through on-campus organizations, Chavez has come to appreciate UNI’s ability to create environments where students can meet new people and build lasting friendships.
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Courtesy Photo/InsideUNI
The accelerated nursing track is tailored for students who already have a college background and want an efficient path to becoming a nurse.
This sense of community adds to her feeling of belonging and makes UNI feel like home.
Courtesy Photo Ana Chavez is a first-generation college student, joining her older sister, who also attends UNI.
Alex Place Thomas contratada como directora técnica del equipo femenil de futbol de UNI
jugadoras y tenía mucho orgullo Panther”, comentó.
“No quería dejar ningún ‘qué hubiera pasado’ sobre la mesa”.
Cuando Alex Place
Thomas fue nombrada directora técnica interina del equipo femenil de fútbol de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa en junio, marcó un punto de inflexión tras un capítulo difícil en su carrera como entrenadora. Acababa de tomar la difícil decisión de dejar el Wartburg College, donde el agotamiento le había cobrado factura. Poco sabía que una llamada inesperada sobre el puesto en la UNI reavivaría su pasión por entrenar y le daría un sentido de propósito.
“No solicité originalmente este trabajo”, dijo Place Thomas. “Estaba agotada y había decidido alejarme del fútbol en Wartburg en mayo. Luego, un viernes por la tarde, recibí una llamada inesperada preguntándome si estaba interesada en entrenar en UNI. Me tomó por sorpresa. Pasé el fin de semana pensándolo y, para el lunes, dije que sí”.
Aunque dudó al principio, especialmente por equilibrar el entrenamiento con la crianza de su hija de dos años, Place Thomas vio esta oportunidad como algo que no podía dejar pasar.
“Conocía a algunas
Así comenzó su camino para liderar un programa que ya había logrado avances significativos, pero que aún no alcanzaba su máximo potencial.
Cuando Place Thomas tomó el mando, heredó un equipo que había recorrido un largo camino. Apenas cinco años atrás, el fútbol femenil de UNI ni siquiera tenía campo propio. Ahora, el programa cuenta con vestidor y una identidad definida. Pero para Place Thomas, esto es apenas el inicio.
“Quiero que este programa sea un destino buscado, especialmente en Iowa”, afirmó. “Quiero competir por los mismos reclutas que Iowa y Iowa State”.
Construir una cultura centrada en la familia, el amor y la comunidad es el núcleo de la filosofía de Place Thomas.
“Mi visión es crear un ambiente hogareño”, explicó.
“Aunque nuestras jugadoras provienen de todo el país y algunas internacionalmente, cuando pisas el campus de UNI, debes sentir que eres parte de algo más grande.
Aquí se trata de familia”.
Para fortalecer ese vínculo, Place Thomas fomenta pequeñas tradiciones, como el juego diario de fútbol-tenis
antes de la práctica, que las jugadoras han adoptado plenamente.
“Estoy aquí primero para ellas”, aseguró.
Para Place Thomas, la misión va más allá del fútbol. Quiere que sus jugadoras salgan de la UNI con más habilidades atléticas mejoradas.
“Quiero que sepan que son amadas por mí”, dijo. “Mis valores están arraigados en el amor, la familia y la fe, y espero que lo vean en todo lo que hago. Quiero que se sientan parte de nuestra familia futbolística”.
Este enfoque es evidente en sus acciones. Con frecuencia lleva a su hija y a su esposo a los eventos del equipo, integrando su vida personal en la experiencia colectiva.
“No se trata solo de fútbol para mí”, señaló. “Se trata de construir relaciones y asegurar que estas jóvenes se sientan apoyadas, dentro y fuera de la cancha”.
Antes de asumir su rol actual, Place Thomas ya tenía un historial de éxito, especialmente en la preparatoria Cedar Falls, donde transformó el programa de fútbol a los 22 años.
“Cuando empecé, el JV y el Varsity ni siquiera entrenaban juntos”, recordó. “Para cuando me fui, la cultura había cambiado por completo. Estoy muy orgullosa de eso”.
Sin embargo, su mayor
logro personal, admite, es ser madre.
“Tener a mi hija fue una experiencia que cambió mi vida”, dijo. “Ahora, al traerla con el equipo, siento que también la estoy impactando positivamente. Eso es muy importante para mí”.
En cuanto a su filosofía de entrenamiento, se mantiene firme en ser fiel a sí misma, incluso en medio de los retos.
“El entrenamiento tiene altibajos y nunca harás feliz a todos”, comentó. “Pero me mantengo fiel a mis valores centrales. Lidero con amor y la familia siempre es primero”.
De hecho, hubo un tiempo en que dudó de su capacidad para equilibrar el entrenamiento con su vida personal.
“Una de las razones por las que dudé en aceptar este trabajo fue porque estaba agotada”, confesó. “Pero ahora he encontrado equilibrio. Este rol me ha dado el espacio para perseguir lo que amo”.
Su pasión por el acondicionamiento físico es una de esas búsquedas. Actualmente se prepara para un maratón en enero en beneficio de la Sociedad Americana contra el cáncer, inspirada por las batallas personales de su familia contra la enfermedad.
“He tenido cuatro familiares que lucharon contra el cáncer”, compartió. “Es algo
que me toca muy de cerca”. En cuanto a su futuro a largo plazo en la UNI, Place Thomas se muestra optimista.
“Si mi plan a cinco años incluye quedarme aquí, eso me haría muy feliz”, dijo. “Trabajaré duro para hacer de este programa el mejor que jamás haya sido. Y espero que mostrarme como mi verdadero yo sea suficiente”.
El momento definitorio de la gestión de Place Thomas llegó durante una emocionante victoria 4-0 sobre Western Illinois. El triunfo fue notable no solo por el marcador, sino por la manera en que cada jugadora contribuyó: cuatro goleadoras distintas, cuatro asistencias diferentes. Después del partido, el equipo celebró con un baño de agua para su entrenadora, un momento que inicialmente la hizo sentir incómoda.
“Al principio me dio pena porque en mi mente aún tenemos muchos más partidos por ganar”, dijo. “Pero cuando vi el video, no me enfoqué en mí. Me enfoqué en las jugadoras, en lo emocionadas que estaban. Han pasado por mucho, sin saber hacia dónde iba el programa. Ver a todas involucradas en esa victoria fue especial. De eso se trata todo”.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
“Trabajaré duro todos los días para hacer de este programa el mejor que jamás haya sido.” – Alex Place Thomas
Lily Munnik, Editora de Noticias
Luis Alvarez, Editor de Español
Students are stressed, stretched, and still showing up for classes
57 days later, and UNI students are burnt out: A mid-semester break is key to major change
from classes
By
As we approach fall break at UNI, students, faculty, and staff alike are anxiously anticipating a week off from classes and work, and the effects of not having had a break since Labor Day are beginning to take a toll.
With finals week looming, I am certainly feeling the effects. I’m consistently tired, stressed, my brain is fried and I have been counting down the days until fall break for weeks now.
Adding a mid-semester break in addition to the already existing fall break will lessen stress levels for myself, as well as other students. An early break from classes will present the opportunity for students to regroup mentally, so they can finish out the semester strong. Everyone experiences some level of stress in their life, and college students are no exception. In fact, college students may experience higher levels of stress than the average individual. Dr. Rodney Pennamon of Southern New Hampshire University reports that “high stress levels can cause cognitive overload, making it hard-
er for students to pay attention and retain information during lectures or while studying.”
He adds that “Chronic stress without relief can lead to burnout, where students feel mentally exhausted and lose motivation to engage with their studies.”
College students across the country are also seeing an increase in mental health struggles. The Healthy Minds Network reported in 2013 that more than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem. As the semester goes on, and the days get shorter and colder, mental health struggles typically increase.
Oftentimes, these mental health issues can be reflected in students’ ability to focus on academics or put an adequate amount of effort into their assignments.
Nearly 70% of undergraduate students and 55% of community college students have reported emotional stress as the reason they considered dropping out of college.
I can definitely attest to this. Compared to my motivation levels at the beginning of the semester, it feels like it takes a lot more brainpower
to do even the simplest of assignments. I have definitely had my fair share of moments contemplating dropping out.
Excluding weekends, UNI students have attended 57 days of class without a break. At the end of the day, making students attend classes for 13 weeks straight, in addition to time for homework and possible jobs, is not going to work anymore.
People who work for months without a break are more likely to develop fatigue, illnesses, and depression. For a normal working individual, the weekend may be their time for a break. However, for most college students, the weekend is not a break, but rather the time to complete assignments and catch up on homework. Students of all ages can benefit from an additional break. New students can use this time to adjust to college life, while upperclassmen can ward off burnout. Some schools even already offer this additional time off.
Drake University has a twoday break in the middle of October that falls right before the midpoint of the semester.
In turn, their Thanksgiving break is only three days, but
compromises like this can allow for a short break — and gives students the time needed to rest and reset.
Many UNI students can agree that an additional fall break is needed. One freshman shared that the extra break would allow students to relax and be at home more often.
Junior Lola Jessen said that UNI needs another break because “students experience a lot of burnout after going 13 weeks without even one day off.”
She also said that the break would improve mental health and increase their work ethic.
Harrison Kirschenmann, a junior, also shared his frustrations of not getting a mid-semester break. “It is so exhausting being a student, and I just want a break…it is such a long time between the one day we get off and then three months of exams and studying…man there needs to be a break in between [Labor Day and Thanksgiving].”
Given that most universities, UNI included, get a week off in March for spring break, why not do the same in the fall?
Yes, I understand the logis-
tics of having two entire weeks off in the fall, not including winter break, may not work, but the university can find a middle ground. Unlike for public K-12 schools, the state of Iowa does not have a required number of active learning days for colleges in the state.
This gives universities the ability and flexibility to create their academic calendar, and with that, add additional breaks or days off where they feel necessary.
The implementation of a mid-semester break isn’t just for “convenience” — or to give students days off for fun. It is necessary for academic success and improved mental well-being in college students. I believe with a few compromises, UNI has the ability to rework its academic calendar in a way that can benefit students without compromising vital learning time.
By adding a short break midway through the fall semester, students would likely be healthier, more engaged and better prepared for academic success.
Jenna Westendorf Digital Managing Editor
Courtesy/UNI Photoshelter Thanksgiving break is approaching quickly for 2025. Digital Managing Editor
Celebrations recorded as far back as 1878 A look back: Thanksgiving at UNI
By Gerald L. Peterson Former University Archivist at UNI
The earliest report of a Thanksgiving celebration at UNI comes from the student newspaper, The Students’ Offering, in 1878, just two years after the school’s founding:
“At ten o’clock, the students assembled at Normal Hall, and listened to a very able and appropriate sermon . . . At noon, all were happy in the prospect of dinner, and none were disappointed. Such a dinner! Col. Pattee and Mrs. Parsons, bless their generous souls, entirely surpassed themselves on this occasion, producing a dinner never to be forgotten by those who enjoyed it. Altogether, the day was a very pleasant one.”
In those early days, the school had just one main building. It was then known as Normal Hall, and later known as Central Hall. The building served as the home for all school functions.
It held classrooms and meeting rooms. Most students and faculty lived and dined there.
Colonel Pattee, the Steward, was in charge of the school’s physical plant. Mrs. Parsons, the Matron, was in charge of the school’s rooming and boarding facilities.
The Thanksgiving holiday consisted of just a single day; regular recitations were held on the Friday following the holiday. Consequently, unless their homes were quite close to Cedar Falls, most students stayed on campus for the holiday. But, a number of former students as well as friends of current students came to campus to celebrate.
In 1879, The Students’ Offering glanced at a Thanksgiving dinner menu that looks familiar to most of us today: “the customary turkey and all the auxiliaries of cranberry sauce, celery, coffee,
mince pie, etc.”
Students spent Thanksgiving afternoon and evening with musical entertainment and refreshments.
At the Thanksgiving evening entertainment in 1883, the students presented Principal Gilchrist and his wife Hannah with a gold-headed cane and a clock.
In 1895, students inaugurated a “Hare and Hound” race to be run on Thanksgiving Day. This seems to have been a kind of intramural cross country race run in the College Hill area between two teams of twelve students. The winner was the team with the better average time in running the course. 1895 also afforded the opportunity to show off the new Administration Building to campus visitors.
This building, the third major college structure, was situated just east of where the Maucker Union now stands.
The Administration Building was demolished in 1984.
In 1913, the YWCA hosted a Thanksgiving party for students who did remain on campus for the holiday. In 1914, in a possible echo of the Hare and Hound competition of the 1890s, there was a cross country run for members of the athletic teams. The course ran east on 27th Street (now University Avenue) to Main Street, south two miles on Main Street (probably to what is now known as Viking Road), west to Hudson Road, and then back to campus.
The 1920s were marked with consistent complaints about an alteration in the academic calendar that scheduled classes on the Friday after Thanksgiving and ended the fall term on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
So, once again, most students were forced to celebrate Thanksgiving on campus. At that time, many students lived in rooming houses on College Hill. The newspaper reports on one Thanksgiving celebration at the Ferguson Hall rooming house in 1920, where 16 women
and several guests gathered to enjoy a turkey dinner as well as treats sent from home.
In 1941, with World War II underway in Europe, and the attack on Pearl Harbor just a couple of weeks away, the newspaper interviewed students, faculty, and staff regarding things for which they were thankful. The resulting list had strong patriotic themes. Over half of the students and staff mentioned their thankfulness for living in a free, democratic country. The editorials shortly before Thanksgiving in 1942 also continued in a serious tone.
Despite the war, students on campus in 1942 did enjoy an all-college Thanksgiving party with dinner and singing. And, for the first time in many years, final examinations for the fall quarter were given before the holiday, so that students could go home for several days before the start of the winter quarter.
Observation of Thanksgiving in the late 1940s seemed quiet, perhaps due to the no-nonsense attitude of the many veterans who returned to campus, or perhaps due to post-war austerity.
In 1950, the academic calendar changed again, but it did preserve the Thanksgiving break. Classes ended at noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and started again on the Monday after the holiday. In 1953, for the first time, the college declared that the day after Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas were holidays for staff members. Prior to that time, these had been ordinary workdays.
Reports on campus Thanksgiving holiday celebrations during the 1950s were limited, though a College Eye writer in 1959 did express disappointment that the national
cranberry contamination scare would mean that few people would have this welcome dinner treat.
During the Vietnam War era, the Northern Iowan was quiet about Thanksgiving, but in 1973 it reported on a Hagemann Hall project that provided food for needy local families. In that same year, however, a student lamented that the holiday seemed to have lost its meaning: people were concerned only with eating and getting ready for Christmas.
In 1988, the Northern Iowan published a two-page spread on Thanksgiving cooking, and, in a bow to the rising interest in physical fitness, also offered tips on avoiding over-eating.
References to Thanksgiving in the 1990s are predictable and decidedly secular. Recipes, histories of the holiday, and humorous lists of things for which to be thankful have predominated. The 1996 recipes recognized the increasing numbers of vegetarians and included several non-meat alternatives. A 1994 list of things for which to be thankful included infomercials, general education classes, the Home Shopping Network, and certain campus sculptures that seemed to invite decoration with underwear.
A more serious list from 1998 added freedom of speech and the opportunity to go to college to the things for which to be thankful. A columnist in that same year offered a fond look at his family’s traditional Thanksgiving celebration.
How will future Thanksgivings be celebrated and noted at UNI? Almost certainly we will continue to see histories of the holiday, recipes, calls for adjustment of the academic calendar, fond memories of home, and lists of things for which to be thankful.
In the event of war or other national crisis, will we see a return to more traditional celebrations and traditional, serious values?
If the university adopts a calendar that calls for an entire week’s vacation around Thanksgiving, will the holiday simply disappear from sight on campus?
If the past 150 years of UNI history are any indication, the holiday will still center around good and plentiful food, reunions with family, entertainment, and at least a few moments of thoughtfulness about the welfare of ourselves and others.
Editor’s note: Peterson wrote this historic article in 2001.
Courtesy/University Archives Dinner at Rownd Hall boarding house, undated. This photo is part of the University of Northern Iowa photograph collection.
College Eye, 1915/University Archives
CAB Flavor Fest: Adding gourmet spice to campus life
By Kaylynn Ruffin Staff Writer
Campus Activities Board hosted an event for all University of Northern Iowa students on Friday, Nov. 14 in Maucker Union. Students attended the flavor fest to discover and indulge in new sweet delights.
The CAB After Dark Flavor Fest offered a wide array of activities to meet all students’ interests with the lineup.
Inside the evening festivities, students had the options to choose between cookie decorating, color by number crafts, chili tasting, trivia, Panther Hot Ones, e-sports longe gaming, Panther tabletop games, Chef Egg handson workshop, cereal bar and the movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”
These events allowed participants to get out of their comfort zone on campus in the span of three hours. “I think this is a really great way to have UNI students come together. I’m most excited because I think trivia is fun! Just because it is a fun collaboration with another student organization on campus,” said CAB member Leah Obsorn.
The goal and purpose behind the event was “to help students get access to a variety of food and make meals,” said CAB member Anna Garza. “We know students struggle to know what to make in their room and need more new ideas of what to make.”
Participants – many whom are a wide variety of majors –tried the warm chili, and decorated a holiday sugar cookie.
The night also featured celebrity student guests. Attendees were able to hear from upper class student leaders Shamira Turks and Lance Schmitt. The event was emceed by alumn Jefferson Fosbender, who asked interview questions live during Panther Hot Ones.
As Fosbender introduced the top ten hot sauces from the Hot Ones series, students engaged in conversation regarding study tips, organization techniques and navigating campus life as leaders.
Turks shared what it was like to be a campus celebrity.
“Being a “celebrity student speaker” at Panther Hot Ones was honestly such a fun and unexpected experience. I’ve gone to the event twice before just to watch, but sitting in the hot seat this time brought a whole new level of excitement and heat! It was hilarious trying to keep a straight face and hold a conversation with the audience while tasting ten different hot sauces— each one spicier than the last.” said Turks.
For business administration and financial management major Azucena Rodriguez, the night combined two of her favorite things: spice and wings.
“The experience was great!” said Rodriguez. “My favorite sauce was the Hot Ones Los Calientes Rojos, because it had a sweet tang which is perfect for wings, Mexican salsa flavor, but yet had such an intense spice.”
Throughout the night, Chef Egg gave a live cooking demonstration in the Mauck-
er Ballrooms. Students were taught how to fill the room with the aroma of fried rice and fresh Thai summer rolls.
Everyone watched how to prepare the items properly, and serve a dish to friends with love.
In the demonstration, students learned how to check the temperature, add protein with vegetables and how to save money in the grocery store.
Chef Egg reminded students that they do not need to spend buckets of money at a restaurant to enjoy their food, but instead to ultilize leftover items in their fridges and cabinents to create nutritious meals in the kitchen.
“It gets people out of their dorm room to make something,” said Garza. “My favorite event was Panther Hot Ones because I love watching the real show. It is even better getting to do it with people I know.”
Students who attended also received trivia prizes, hot sauces and food knowledge to take home. Towards the end of the night, many students were seen sharing smiles, sweat and tears.
The atmosphere gave viewers the feeling of high intensity and a mixture of emotions. “One of the best parts was recognizing so many familiar faces in the crowd,” said Turks. “Knowing that people I’ve interacted with across campus were there cheering us on made the whole experience feel supportive, personal, and ten times more special.”
Bagel Steak: Cedar Falls’ chaotic band of rockers
By Josue Villatoro Staff Writer
Cedar Falls is home to many things. From Panther football games to traditions such as campaniling – one thing that students have come to appreciate in the following year has been the rise of the local student band, Bagel Steak. Since February 2025, Bagel Steak has been performing in the Cedar Falls area. The five band members are all University of Northern Iowa sophomores – Ian Shelton on keys and vocals, Breven Biermann on guitar and vocals, Leo Burchett on bass guitar and vocals, Braden Sabin on guitar and vocals and drummer Cyrus Guizar.
The band’s iconic name emerged during a rehearsal, when one of the bandmates overheard someone exclaiming “Bagel Snake” but misheard it as “Bagel Steak” and liked it too much to change it. The name is illustrative of the band’s sense of humor and self-awareness
that shines through in person. All members of Bagel Steak have musical inspirations including bands. The sound that Bagel Steak works to produce is oriented around their major inspirations, from ’00 indie and
alternative rock groups — like Cage The Elephant, Ween, The Beatles, Beach Boys and many more. Their journey has taken them from performing at the Beta Nu cookout at Russell
Hall last May all the way to College Hill and the Cedar Valley area. They aim to get more in touch with the local music scene, and expand all over the state of Iowa. Burchett has ex-
pressed wanting to play UNI events, including CAB After Dark, due to the opportunity of playing at UNI’s Homecoming Bash this October.
Bagel Steak plans to release around seven original tracks later in the fall. Bierman himself has recently put in work for the release of his own album on Spotify under the title of “August 2025: There Will Rain Soft Jams…”, under the name of Beeven, which also features other members of Bagel Steak.
This group of rockers certainly brings back the good ol’ days of jamming out, bringing refreshing nostalgia based around classic shredding and immaculate vocals. When asked about the significance of the band’s presence amongst UNI students, senior Erin Hamlett exclaimed “It’s just an experience you can’t replicate without going to see them live!”
Courtesy photo Students who participated in the Panther Hot Ones challenge showing off their chicken wings.
Courtesy photo Students gearing up for trivia and coloring by number activity in Maucker Union.
Courtesy photo Students watching and learning how to make steaming fried rice from Chef Egg.
Courtesy/ Josue Villatoro Guitar and vocalists, Braden Sabin (left), Breven Biermann (right), and bass guitar and vocals, Leo Burchett (middle) shredding together as the rock band, Bagel Steak.
No. 1 North Dakota State runs over UNI, 48-16
By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The University of Northern Iowa Panthers (3-7) traveled to Fargo, North Dakota, on Saturday to take on the topranked North Dakota State Bison (10-0). The undefeated Thundering Herd took care of business early, holding Northern Iowa to just 2 points in the first half. The second half was better for the Panthers, who found the end zone twice before ultimately
falling 48-16 to the reigning FCS champions.
UNI quarterback Jaxon
Dailey threw 23 passes, completing 9 for a 39% completion rate. He finished with one touchdown and two interceptions. NDSU quarterback Cole Payton went 15-for-17 and threw for one touchdown.
The Bison outgained the Panthers on the ground, rushing for 209 yards to UNI’s 100. Running back Harrison Bey-Buie led UNI with 9 carries for 62 yards, aver-
aging 6.9 yards per carry. Bill Jackson added 13 carries for 37 yards, and Christian Collins had 4 carries for 20 yards.
NDSU used nine different rushers. Payton led the way with 10 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Barika Kpeenu had 12 carries for 56 yards and two rushing scores, and Nathan Hayes added one carry for 34 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers were also
outgained through the air. NDSU threw for 268 yards, while UNI finished with 99.
UNI’s leading receiver was JC Roque, who hauled in 3 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Tyson Kershaw had a 19-yard reception, Derek Anderson recorded 2 catches for 16 yards, Bill Jackson had a 15-yard catch and Ian Collins added a 7-yard reception.
NDSU’s leading receiver was Bryce Lane, who caught 8 passes for 131 yards and
a touchdown. Owen Johnson and Kpeenu each had two receptions, with Johnson totaling 43 receiving yards and Kpeenu finishing with 41.
The Bison remain perfect on the year, improving to 11-0 as they look to contend for back-to-back FCS championships. Northern Iowa drops to 3-8 and will look to bounce back against Youngstown State in its final game of the season.
MSG Mayhem: Title shakeups and stunning knockouts
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
On Saturday, Nov. 15, one of the most anticipated UFC cards of the year took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Highlighted by two championship bouts, the card was stacked with talent. Not only did the fights provide high-level entertainment, but the athletes delivered some of the wildest knockouts of the year on the sport’s biggest stage.
Hopefully you didn’t blink, because you might have missed the opening fireworks. Benoit SaintDenis made quick work of veteran lightweight contender Beneil Dariush. The fighters immediately exchanged heavy shots, with Dariush briefly hurting Saint-Denis. But as Saint-Denis rose from the canvas, he delivered a powerful left hook
that ended the fight instantly. The bout lasted just 16 seconds — the sixth-fastest finish in UFC lightweight history. Saint-Denis is now on a three-fight win streak, all by finish (two submissions and one knockout). He is expected to face another highly ranked opponent next, and a title shot could soon be within reach.
Another fighter who won by knockout may get that opportunity even sooner.
Carlos “The Nightmare” Prates took on former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards in a matchup fans expected to deliver fireworks. The opening round was competitive, with both fighters landing meaningful strikes. Edwards used his wrestling to secure two takedowns and finished with more total and significant strikes. But Prates, one of the “Fighting Nerds,” proved that fighting isn’t all about the numbers. He
landed a devastating straight punch that knocked Edwards unconscious — the first knockout loss of Edwards’ UFC career. Prates climbed atop the cage and gestured for a championship belt, a clear message about the fight he wants next. With a finish like that, a title shot wouldn’t be surprising. The knockouts kept coming. Welterweight Michael Morales made quick work of championship contender Sean Brady. From the opening exchange, Morales’ power was evident, hurting Brady early. Brady attempted to hang on, but Morales’ pressure overwhelmed him. Morales secured a knockout at 3:27 of the first round, extending his win streak to 19-0. Entering the fight, Brady was ranked No. 2 in the welterweight division, while Morales sat at No. 8. And with Carlos Prates (No. 9) knocking out Leon Edwards (No. 4) earlier in
the evening, the rankings appear destined for a major shake-up. Whether Morales and Prates end up facing one another remains to be seen.
One of the most anticipated women’s fights of the year featured Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili. Weili vacated her strawweight title to move up to flyweight in pursuit of becoming the second woman in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions. She had dominated the strawweight division, making the move up appear inevitable. But Shevchenko is far from an easy test.
One of the greatest women’s fighters of all time, she entered the bout with a 10-1-1 record in title fights. Her elite grappling was on full display Saturday, as she controlled Weili across all five rounds with five takedowns. The size difference was apparent: Shevchenko is an inch taller with a 3.5-
inch reach advantage. While the bout wasn’t as actionpacked as many expected, it delivered a clear answer: Valentina Shevchenko remains the top women’s fighter in the sport.
In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena was expected to be the toughest challenge Islam Makhachev had faced so far. For the first time in years, many doubted Makhachev’s chances. He had repeatedly proven himself as lightweight champion before vacating the title to pursue a belt at 170 pounds. Even after breaking the UFC lightweight record for most title defenses (four), it was clear he struggled to stay at 155 pounds. But Saturday night showed that the transition to welterweight suited him perfectly. To read the rest of the recap of the maincard, visit our website at www.northerniowan.com.
Photo Courtesy/Maci Swanson
The Panthers finish their season on Saturday vs Youngstown State.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers will look to build off a strong year for the 2026 season.
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
Following a strong showing at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships, the University of Northern Iowa men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships. The regional meet serves as the qualifying competition for next week’s national championships. The Greiner Family XC Course at Oklahoma State University has previously hosted the 2020 and 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships, and many athletes consider it one of the most challenging courses in the nation. With its long hills and often chilly conditions, the Panthers had their work cut out for them against some of the country’s top teams.
The UNI women took to their starting box minutes before 9 a.m., facing the longest opening straight on any NCAA cross country course.
More than 900 meters separated the starting line from the course’s first curve, giving runners over half a mile to jostle for position. Sunny skies and temperatures around 60 degrees, however, made for ideal conditions, and UNI looked to capitalize.
Northern Iowa placed 18th out of 32 teams, many of which were Power Five or nationally ranked programs.
Senior Millie Hill led the Panthers, clocking 21:42.8 over the 6K distance to place 52nd — her best finish at a regional meet. Freshman Lindsey Sonderman was 73rd in 21:59.8, dipping under the 22-minute mark. Leah Klapatauskas and Meghan
Wheatley ran together for much of the race before Klapatauskas pulled away with about 2K remaining. She finished 86th in 22:13.9, with Wheatley close behind in 95th at 22:20.1. Senior Melody Ochana was UNI’s final scoring runner, placing 129th in 22:44.8 in her last regional championship. Kaylee Woolery finished 187th in 23:31.0, and Clare Wright closed out the Panthers’ season with a 23:42.8 effort for 194th.
Isca Chelangat of Oklahoma State claimed the individual Midwest Regional title in 19:48.4. Oklahoma State also easily won the team championship with 55 points. Oklahoma State and Northwestern secured the region’s two automatic qualifying spots for next week’s NCAA Championships.
The UNI men awaited their 10 a.m. start under similar conditions. Facing the same lengthy start and moving from their usual 8K distance to 10K, the Panthers settled in before finishing 30th out of 30 teams.
Micah Rees was UNI’s top finisher, placing 147th in 34:00.5. Ty Getz followed in 157th with a time of 34:11.6.
Caleb Kass ran 35:24.8 for 184th. Freshman Ethan Olds finished 191st in 36:17.7 in his first regional race. Teammates Jonas VanDis and Drew Dombrosky ran together for most of the race, finishing 193rd (36:52.9) and 194th (37:00.2), respectively. Colin Lille, UNI’s top runner throughout the season, did not finish.
Denis Kipngetich of Oklahoma State won the men’s individual title in
29:42.8. Oklahoma State also secured the team win, narrowly defeating Iowa State 38-41. Both teams earned automatic bids to the NCAA Championships and enter the meet ranked No. 1 and No. 2 nationally.
The NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships will take place Nov. 22 at the Gans Creek Golf Course in Columbia, Missouri.
As the 2025 UNI cross country season comes to an end, the Panthers look to build on their young core before returning next year. Both the men’s and women’s teams battled injuries and setbacks throughout the year but showed resilience that will serve them well in seasons to come. Thank you for following Northern Iowa cross country coverage this fall.
UNI finishes perfect MVC season
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
UNI volleyball opened the weekend with a trip to face the Murray State Racers, where the Panthers dominated the opening set and kept their foot on the gas. Cassidy Hartman, Maryn Bixby and Lily Dykstra each had three kills in the frame, while Reese Booth and Bixby added two aces apiece to help Northern Iowa secure a commanding 25-9 first-set win.
The Racers found their rhythm in the second set, which featured nine ties and four lead changes. Molly Shafer had five kills, while Hartman and Dykstra each added four to push
UNI to a 25-21 win in set two. Shafer and Hartman finished with five kills each in the third
set as well, helping Northern Iowa close out a 25-15 set three win and complete a 3-0 sweep
of the Racers.
Northern Iowa faced a tougher challenge against the Belmont Bruins, who brought the energy early in the match. The opening set included 15 ties and six lead changes in a back-andforth battle. Isabelle Elliott had four kills, while Hartman and Lindsay Oldendorf each added three, but it wasn’t enough to outlast the Bruins, who took the set 25-22. UNI responded in the second set with early aces from Dykstra and Bixby to build a 7-4 lead. The Panthers later used a 4-0 scoring run to go up 18-13 and held off a late Belmont rally to take the set 25-22 and even the match
at 1-1.
Set three saw the Panthers take control as they forced Belmont out of rhythm, holding the Bruins to just four kills. Sydney Golden added an ace on set point to give UNI a decisive 25-11 win and a 2-1 lead in the match. Belmont came out strong in the fourth set, jumping to a 10-4 lead, but Northern Iowa steadily chipped away and eventually tied it at 19-19 before taking the lead on a Booth kill. The Bruins forced extra points, but the Panthers closed the match with backto-back kills from Elliott and Hartman to seal a 26-24 win and a 3-1 match victory.
Photo
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics The Panthers secure a perfect regular season in MVC play.
Panthers off to first 3-0 start since 2019-20
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team defeated the Furman Paladins in a statement 70-54 victory Friday night. The McLeod Center welcomed its best men’s basketball crowd of the season with an attendance of 3,585.
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson liked what he saw from his team.
“Tonight we played really hard defensively, and we passed the ball well again,”
Jacobson said. “Anytime you’re playing against an established program, you have to play the best way you can.”
The Panther offense got off to a hot start with Trey Campbell knocking down a 3-pointer, followed by a Ben Schwieger layup to make it 5-2 UNI.
The game remained highly contested until the 10-minute mark of the first half, when the Panthers went on a 10-0 run. Leon Bond III made a
pair of free throws and a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 18-12, followed by a Will Hornseth layup to make it 20-12.
With UNI leading 27-19 at the under-four mark, Schwieger connected on a 3 to make it 30-19 Panthers.
Tristian Smith and Bond III added two-point baskets to close the half with a 36-24 UNI lead.
In the second half, Campbell scored the first four points for the Panthers on two
free throws and a jump shot. Bond III and Hornseth added baskets of their own to make it 43-28 UNI with under 14 minutes to play.
The most electrifying moment of the night came with just 10 minutes left. After knocking down two free throws, RJ Taylor tossed Smith a lob, which he dunked to send McLeod Center into a frenzy.
The Panthers held their lead the rest of the way, winning 70-54. Campbell led
UNI with 18 points, and is now just 54 points away from the 1,000 career point club. Schwieger contributed with 14 and Bond III added 13. Northern Iowa is off to a 3-0 start, its first since the 201920 season. It is the Panther’s sixth time starting 3-0 in the Jacobson era. The Panthers return to action Saturday against UC Irvine. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on the Panther Sports Radio Network.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers have snatched 50 steals through the first three games of the season, while also holding opponents to just 56.3 points per game.
BY RYAN SALES
SUDOKU
Across
___ leches cake found in PIazza
45) Salty expanse
46) Measures of acidity
47) "Absolutely!"
55) What Sean Kingston says somebody should call
56) "Dies ___" (hymn)
57) Looped handles 58) Elvis's middle name
59) Socialist Eugene 60) What "The Shoe Doc" saved, himself with 36a 61) Hightails it
62) Back talk
Down
1) Spanish aunts
2) Judge's garment
3) Mtn. stat 4) Postpaid enc. 5) Dos, e.g.
6) "___ the loneliest number": old song lyric
7) Minor dent
8) Actor Rogen 9) Many 10) Samurai without a master 11) CNN anchor Burnett
12) "The Bookseller of Kabul" author Seierstad
13) Soak, in dialect
19) Words of resignation
21) India's first prime minister
24) River to Lyon
25) Sleep disorder
26) Roman routes
27) Where Samson wielded a jawbone, in Judges
28) Shore birds
29) Tech whiz
30) Couches
31) Actress Lenya
32) Eyelid woes
34) Soccer star ___ Dzeko
35) Newton fruit
37) What pie-eyed people feel?
38) Goethe classic
43) Nixes
44) Lusters
45) Move stealthily
46) ___ Penh, Cambodia
47) Hokkaido native
48) Etched: Abbr.
49) Blue-green
50) 1/3 of a WWII movie title
51) Frees (of)
52) ___-formaldehyde resins
53) Bar bills
54) Pianist Myra Collar
We can stop HIV, Iowa—
ANSWERS by protecting our sexual health when we talk , test, treat .
talk
Talk with your partner before having sex.
Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life. Ask them about HIV and STI testing—including what tests you need and how often
test
Get tested! It’s the only way to know for sure if you have HIV or another STI.
Many STIs, including HIV, don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know
If you’re not comfortable asking your regular provider for an HIV or STI test, find a clinic that provides confidential testing that is free or low cost.
treat
HIV and all other STIs are treatable.
If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the right treatment.
If you test positive for HIV, your provider or testing location will help connect you to treatment & resources! Successful HIV treatment can prevent the passing of HIV to partners. It also protects your own health.
Ask about partner services to get your partner tested and treated. Avoid having sex until you and your sex partner both complete treatment.
Scan the QR code or visit stophiviowa.org for testing locations, prevention resources & more
