ESPAÑOL
After more than 26 years of leadership at the University of Northern Iowa, Steve Carignan will retire in January 2026.
See STEVE, page 4
SESQUICENTENNIAL
Registration for the University of Northern Iowa’s annual Pack the Dome event on Jan. 19, 2026, is now open.
See PACK, page 6
SPORTS UNI women’s basketball secured two victories last week, defeating both Illinois State and Toledo.
See BASKETBALL, page 9
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025
By Ty Helmon Staff Writer
“You can’t beat a class where you get to play in the dirt,” said Donald Gaff, UNI professor of anthropology. Standing on a quiet stretch of Jennings Drive, it’s hard to imagine that the grassy, uneven field before him was once the site of the Hillside Courts
Apartments — 278 units of bustling student life, built in 1972 and home to generations of UNI’s non-traditional students.
For more than five decades, Hillside Courts served families, international students, veterans and married couples seeking an affordable yet semi-independent living
space. The apartments were furnished with refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners, offering privacy while remaining close enough to campus. But Hillside’s charm came with cracks… literally. The buildings were consistently troubled by floods, insects, sinking foundations and a list of structural issues well docu-
mented in past editions of the Northern Iowan.
By 2018, the cost to repair the aging complex far outweighed its value. UNI made the difficult decision to demolish Hillside, closing the book on half a century of student memories.
Or so it seemed.
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Moo’s Bakery is celebrating a milestone that’s been a long time coming. In early December, the plantbased bakery marked one full year since opening the doors to its College Hill storefront, just steps away from the UNI campus that shaped founder Maddie Palmersheim’s entrepreneurial journey.
During the week-long celebration, Moo’s shared daily reflections on social media about its first year in the space, revealing the challenges and growth behind the scenes while also thanking a community that has shown up in more ways than one.
Customers were also treated to birthday-week specials, such as a free slice of cake with every order.
Palmersheim moved Moo’s Bak-
ery to College Hill in 2024 after years of keeping an eye on the vacant shop tucked away next to Sharky’s.
“I always saw the potential in this little location,” she said. “I love the patio, the pathway and the general pushed back placement of the building.”
That hidden-gem atmosphere has become part of the bakery’s identity, showcasing the same slow-and-steady mindset that has defined the business since Palmersheim first developed Moo’s original menu item, deluxe brownies, in 2021.
As the bakery looks back on the past 12 months, Palmersheim shared something far more personal — the emotional toll of experiencing a tragedy last spring.
See HILLSIDE, page 2 See MOO’S, page 2
continued from page 1
For UNI’s archaeology program, Hillside’s end became a rare opportunity. In 2022, Professor Gaff saw potential in the empty landscape. The former apartment grounds, he realized, offered a perfect real-world excavation site for aspiring archaeologists.
The decision launched an on-site field experience where students learned the techniques of digging, documenting and piecing together small traces of the past. Gaff says the site “provides hands-on learning opportunities to students interested in careers in archaeology,” a chance to move from classroom lecture to dirt-covered practice.
picks and perhaps the most mysterious, a small rock etched with the word “beans.”
This year’s students are no exception. With trowels, screens and muddy boots, they’ve uncovered an array of what Gaff jokingly calls “ancient” Hillside artifacts, including chunks of concrete and asphalt, porcelain fragments, plastic flowers, toy parts, guitar
MOO’S continued from page 1
For many students, digging at Hillside becomes more than just an academic exercise; it turns into a connection to UNI’s history.
“I think it is really exciting to be excavating the site, to be able to learn about the history of UNI and to hear the voices of former UNI students
“In April, I experienced a loss that affected me emotionally and physically. Work was very difficult during this time,” she wrote in one of the anniversary reflections. “Our community was there for us a lot. I’m grateful. I’ve learned a lot about myself this year and have gained a lot of empathy for those who experience this.”
Palmersheim is known for interacting with customers and keeping a high profile on social media.
Honesty and transparency have become trademarks of Moo’s social presence, a mindset that formed while Palmersheim was a student at UNI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurship Center. There, she
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For Lucas Waldstein, the passion for anthropology began long before he held a trowel at Hillside.
“Archaeology has been an interest of mine since I was a kid, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a top-three movie of all time,” he said. Waldstein found his academic home after taking a Bones and Stones course. “I love learning about people. I initially wanted to study psychology, then criminology and later added anthropology.”
Hillside isn’t just teaching excavation techniques; it’s helping launch careers.
through the items we find,” said UNI student Sarina Carrillo. “It makes me wonder if sometime in the future, someone will find items that show we were here at UNI.”
Others simply enjoy the surprises the site offers.
“I would say the most interesting thing we have found is a small plastic decorative flower,” said student Maycie Bartholomew.
learned not just business strategy but also how personal life inevitably intersects with entrepreneurship.
That community support was on full display during the bakery’s birthday week. On day five of the celebration, something unexpected happened.
“Around 6:30 a.m. this morning, Chase (Maddie’s partner) announced we had our first friend waiting in line. None of us believed him,” she said. “And then our line grew to the end of the walkway and then around the fence and then down the sidewalk.”
With an opening time of 8 a.m., the team called the turnout “magical,” adding, “Thank you, this is really magical to experience for our team. We had so much fun serving you this morning and this past year.”
Palmersheim’s story started years before College Hill – inside classrooms, workshops and student entrepreneurship programs at UNI. Those experiences gave her not only a business foundation but also mentors, encouragement and a belief that Moo’s was worth building carefully, even slowly.
“Slow and steady has been the model for my business from day one,” she said.
That model has now expanded beyond the bakery doors. With a growing team and a consistent customer base, Moo’s has begun contributing to the revitalization of College Hill itself, something Palmersheim always envisioned.
From a home bakery to now having lines down the sidewalk, Moo’s isn’t just celebrating a year in business; they’re celebrating resilience, community support and the kind of growth that happens when entrepreneurship and authenticity come together.
“Thank you for being there through all the phases,” she said on social media. “I mean that too. You trust us with your drinks and sweet little treats
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Gaff proudly recalls former students whose time at the site shaped their paths.
“One student who dug at Hillside Courts got their dream job working at a nature center,” he said. “Another is finishing a master’s thesis on a colonial French fort and I just ran into another student who got into grad school recently at a conference. That is very gratifying.”
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Sirens sound and roles are quickly assigned as responders rush to a patient in crisis. A football player is suffering heatstroke in the middle of a game –– and every second counts. Paramedics, EMTs and nurses are on the scene, along with UNI athletic trainers, who work together to help the player in distress. It’s a fast-paced situation that involves all hands on deck.
Luckily, this is a training exercise –– offering students from the University of Northern Iowa’s master of athletic training program hands-on experience that mirrors the pressure and teamwork required in actual health emergencies.
In the emergency scenario, UNI students joined nursing students from Allen College and EMT students from Hawkeye Community College. And while the experience was simulated, the event delivered the stress and urgency that comes with real-life events. “I’ve never been in this kind of situation before so the fear of the unknown made me a little overwhelmed,” said a UNI athletic training student.
Students stepped into their professional roles and learned how health care providers from different fields communicate during high-stakes moments.
For UNI’s athletic training students, the simulation was an opportunity not only to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom but to better understand their role within a broader health care team.
“One of our biggest takeaways from this is that other health care professions can learn about our scope of practice as athletics trainers and then it also puts students in a real-life scenario,” said Tricia
Schrage, professor of athletic training at UNI.
“When you hand over the patient, you never really get to see what happens next. And so whether or not in real life they truly will be a part of the transition, it puts their mind at ease to know if they do
have to be in the transition, they know what to expect and what their role may be — and then what it’s like going into the ER.”
Throughout the simulation, UNI students worked alongside student nurses, paramedics and EMTs, experiencing not only how to respond in an emergen-
cy but how each profession relies on another. Athletic trainers are first to respond, as they’re typically present during sporting events. Nursing students quickly joined the scenario, offering additional information and assisting the athletic trainers as they cared for the patient. Once called to the scene, EMT students arrived to provide emergency care and transportation.
The fast-paced simulation pushed students to communicate effectively and recognize how each role plays a crucial part in delivering comprehensive patient care.
Hands-on opportunities like this are central to UNI’s master of athletic training program, since athletic trainers are often first to respond when injuries and health emergencies occur during practices and competitions.
From their first year, students begin practicing real-time emergency care and assessment, skills they’ll rely on when treating athletes on the field. As they progress, coursework expands into clinical experience and preparation for the Board of Certification exam, building confidence for situations they’ll face throughout their careers.
UNI also offers a 3+2 blended program, enabling students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and master of athletic training in just five years — an efficient pathway into a career where they can make a meaningful impact as health care professionals. By the end of the simulation, students walked away with a new confidence, a deeper understanding and a clear sense of how their future roles will intersect with others in the field.
By InsideUNI
The University of Northern Iowa is launching a new minor and related certificates in esports administration for fall 2026. The new options let students turn a passion for gaming into skills supporting real-world careers, including in the fast-growing multi-billion dollar esports industry as well as other settings including recreation and education.
UNI expects incoming and current students will find this new area of academic emphasis beneficial, particularly those with interests in communications, marketing, digital media, public relations, event planning, education and coaching.
An increasing number of children and adults are playing video games on a weekly basis. Esports – compe-
titions among gamers who compete to move through levels of various video games, such as Fortnite or Dota – is growing faster than traditional sports, with double-digit gains year over year. Since the Iowa High School eSports Association was launched in 2019, it’s seen ten-fold growth in clubs across the state. UNI’s active Panther eSports club was launched in 2016.
“We’re not preparing gamers, but we are connecting an understanding of gaming with best practices when planning or promoting or managing an event or, from a different perspective, coaching a youth esports team,” said Ron Rinehart, department head of Department of Leadership, Learning and Community in the
College of Education, who will oversee these interdisciplinary offerings also supported by the Department of Communication and Media.
The 18-credit-hour minor is a combination of core coursework plus a choice of one of two new nine-credithour certificates: esports administration or esports coaching. Students can start with their minor coursework or complete a certificate first and then go on to the minor. They can also gain additional credentials by completing both certificates. Coursework spans the fields of learning technology; educational psychology; recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership; and communication and media.
“Gamers are serious about play. But not every serious gamer will go
on to compete professionally. We are creating options that keep them in the game,” Rinehart said.
One of the program’s new courses, Playgrounds to Pixels: Meaningful Gaming, is also accepted as part of UNIFI, the general education sequence at UNI, and open to all majors.
“People don’t realize how broad the esports umbrella is,” Rinehart said. “For example, we can have students completing this class apart from the minor or certificates just because it’s a great class and is now part of UNIFI.”
Request more information via the esports minor and esports certificates webpages or reach out to academic advisor Mike Tate, mike.tate@uni.
Después de más de 26 años de liderazgo en el Centro de Artes Escénicas Gallagher Bluedorn de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa, Steve Carignan se retirará de su cargo como director ejecutivo en enero de 2026.
Carignan ha dirigido el Gallagher Bluedorn desde sus primeros días, ayudando a transformar el centro de una visión ambiciosa en un recinto de artes escénicas de primer nivel que sirve al Cedar Valley y al
estado de Iowa. Cuando la instalación abrió en el año 2000, marcó un momento transformador para la universidad y la región. Durante las siguientes dos décadas y media, Carignan amplió la programación, fortaleció el alcance educativo y profundizó el compromiso comunitario, consolidando el papel del Gallagher Bluedorn como piedra angular cultural.
“Gracias a su liderazgo constante, creatividad y compromiso con la excelencia, Steve ha moldeado no solo un edificio, sino una experiencia que ha inspirado a generaciones de estudiantes,
artistas y público”, señaló Mary Black, decana de la Facultad de Humanidades, Artes y Ciencias de la UNI.
audiencias y recibir artistas de alto nivel durante las próximas décadas. “Nuestras instalaciones han
Ha sido un honor trabajar junto a un personal, artistas, patrocinadores y miembros de la comunidad tan dedicados, que creen en el
poder del espectáculo en vivo.”riminación por género,
STEVE CARIGNAN
D irector de GBPAC
“El impacto del Gallagher Bluedorn en nuestro campus y en nuestra región refleja directamente su pasión y visión.”
Durante su gestión, Carignan también supervisó un importante proyecto de renovación y expansión, modernizando el recinto y mejorando la accesibilidad, las comodidades y los espacios de reunión tanto para el público como para los artistas. Estas mejoras han asegurado que el centro pueda seguir sirviendo a futuras
cambiado y crecido, pero la misión siempre ha sido la misma: reunir a las personas a través de las artes”, dijo Carignan. “Ha sido un honor trabajar junto a un personal, artistas, patrocinadores y miembros de la comunidad tan dedicados, que creen en el poder del espectáculo en vivo. Estoy increíblemente orgulloso de lo que hemos construido juntos.”
Además de presentar giras nacionales, producciones de Broadway, sinfonías y artistas reconocidos, Carignan
destacó la importancia de la programación educativa y comunitaria. El Gallagher Bluedorn ha brindado innumerables oportunidades a los estudiantes de la UNI mediante prácticas profesionales, presentaciones y aprendizaje práctico, al mismo tiempo que ofrece programas de alcance que introducen a miles de jóvenes en las artes escénicas cada año. Carignan también guió al centro en tiempos de retos y cambios, incluyendo la pandemia de COVID19, encontrando maneras de mantenerse conectado con el público y continuar apoyando a los artistas cuando los eventos en vivo se vieron interrumpidos.
“El liderazgo de Steve ayudó al Gallagher Bluedorn no solo a resistir, sino a salir fortalecido”, agregó Black. “Su legado es de resiliencia, innovación y una fe inquebrantable en la importancia de las artes en nuestras vidas.”
En los próximos meses comenzará una búsqueda nacional para seleccionar al próximo director ejecutivo del Gallagher Bluedorn.
By Theo Trimble Staff Writer
Being part of the sesquicentennial class at UNI is a milestone and honor in and of itself, but what about the other anniversaries people are a part of on campus?
The Varsity Glee Club is currently marking a 138-year anniversary, almost as old as the university itself. The Glee Club was founded 12 years after the university first opened its doors. On Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, the Glee Club performed their annual Christmas Variety Show, which is 48 years in the running.
There was something for everyone within the show, including a Christmas play featuring several copyrighted characters, a ballet performed by members of the Glee Club, and several appearances from other music groups on campus (UNITUBA, Sing Pins, UNI Percussion, etc.).
I was a performer for the Christmas Variety Show this year, joining the Varsity Glee Club for my first semester here at UNI. Although I was
only in the “Glee Club” section of the performance, I found great joy being on the Great Hall Stage.
It’s been a while since I’ve has the chance to sing and perform for this large of a crowd, as
“I found great joy being on the Great Hall Stage.”
– Theo Trimble Staff Writer
my last time was at the Iowa All-State Music Festival. We had been practicing our acts for months, and it was obvious we were all happy and excited going into it.
But, I found myself very nervous before the first performance, even though our group had
been doing well with both music and choreography. Maybe it was performing for that big of a crowd in general, or the fact that I had a solo during one of the songs that I had just gotten two weeks prior. But I never found out the answer.
All I know is that my Glee Club Brothers helped me through those pre-show jitters. I remember after each run-through, I would get a good amount of compliments, and pats on the back from the members, boosting my ego through the roof for the next show.
That’s what Glee Club is all about. Sure, the music and practice are a huge part of the group, but brotherhood is the main factor that holds everything together. The way everyone hypes each other up before a performance or rehearsal makes our music more personal and intertwined.
I am unable to do Glee Club for the next semester, but looking back on all the rehearsals, seminars, and performances, I can tell you one thing: it’s worth it.
Brothers, Sing On!
By InsideUNI
Registration is now open for the University of Northern Iowa’s annual Pack the Dome event, held on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Volunteers from area businesses, schools, campus departments, student organizations and the general public are invited to participate. Spaces fill quickly, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
One of the area’s largest volunteer efforts, Pack the Dome is hosted inside the UNI-Dome in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. Together, volunteers will work to package thousands of meals for families across the region to be distributed through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in support of its Backpack Program.
This year’s event also marks the official kickoff of Spring Into Service: Cats
Who Care, a semester-long service initiative recognizing UNI’s 150th anniversary. Spring Into Service highlights UNI’s commitment to community engagement throughout its sesquicentennial celebration.
“Pack the Dome is one of UNI’s most powerful traditions because it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to make a meaningful impact,” said UNI President Mark Nook.
“As we continue our sesquicentennial year, this event is a reminder of the spirit of service that has shaped UNI for 150 years.”
“The MLK Day of Service and the event, Pack the Dome, reminds us that service isn’t just an action but rather a commitment to showing up for our community when it matters most,” said Lauren Finke, executive director of Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley.
Volunteers can now register at https://vccv.galaxydigital.com/ Courtesy/Inside UNI UNI students and the
By InsideUNI
As the University of Northern Iowa celebrates its 150th anniversary, the campus community is marking the milestone not only through tradition, but also through service.
Spanning throughout the spring semester, “Spring into Service: Cats Who Care” will unite UNI students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to give back to the communities that have supported the institution for generations.
The initiative, held in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, reflects UNI’s deep commitment to service and community engagement.
Throughout the semester, Panthers everywhere are encouraged to participate in volunteer projects and service events that highlight the university’s collective impact.
“Service has always been part of UNI’s identity,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “As we celebrate 150 years, we’re proud to continue that legacy by making a difference together.”
Signature events during the spring semester include:
MLK Day of Service – The annual Pack the Dome kicks off the semester on Monday, Jan. 19 and is open to all UNI students, fac -
ulty, staff, alumni and friends, in addition to area schools, businesses and other organizations.
UNI Day of Service – Wednesday, April 8: A campus-wide day dedicated to community connection through engaged learning embedded in academic coursework.
Community Engagement Celebration Day – Friday, April 24: A day to celebrate UNI’s partnerships and recognize the positive impact of Panthers in their communities.
The UNI Alumni Association will also lead volunteer efforts, offering graduates the opportunity to take part in service projects wherever they live. More information about alumni-led events will be announced soon.
As the 2025 fall semester comes to a close, the Entrepreneurs Club has invested into developing an event dedicated to networking and bringing together students of the Wilson College of Business, under the title of “The Best in The Business Holiday Party.” On Dec. 4, this seasonal celebration brought forth a laidback student-led party dedicated to business majors.
The event was hosted alongside other student-led business organizations to showcase the involvement of students.
Guest speaker Russell Guay spoke on topics such as leadership, the importance of student involvement, and overall growing leadership skills.
Planning events can prove challenging. But, the Entrepreneur’s Club expressed that participating in a gathering such as this can lead to well established resumes, better preparation and proficiency in being a member of an organization.
A gingerbread house building competition as well as an ugly sweater competition was hosted for students. Students also received miscellaneous prizes. This organization saw an opportunity to allow students to network, and get in touch with others pursuing the same path.
Although there was much for students to gain benefit from, the Entrepreneurs Club took the opportunity to incorporate giving back to the community — in the form of card decoration for those in nearby hospitals, or to those who are unable to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones.
Local businesses also provided sponsorships that allowed students to create tie-dye blankets for homeless shelters in the Cedar Valley.
President of the Entrepreneurs Club, Lane Kruger, expressed that hosting an event such as this is a good opportunity for students to develop their careers, especially if one may find themselves unsure on what they are looking to pursue.
“It adds to that resume of team building skills, preparation, planning, budgeting,” Kruger said.“Everything goes into an event from accounting to marketing to just overall connection and communication.”
The Entrepreneurs Club highlighted that they wanted to make the attendees feel a sense of inclusivity — regardless of their interests and background, by helping students develop experience in creative development, and increasing outreach.
The balance between creating a professional, formal event and social get-together was key to
the coordination of this party, and it seems that this club found a sense of camaraderie as they brainstormed vast ideas for this night of fun.
Olya Helga said planning the event helped improve her path into entrepreneurship.
“As a starting entrepreneur, I received some knowledge on coordinating, business planning, and event planning, which helped me identify the key points I haven’t known before,” she said.
Helga expressed how learning about the funding portion of social events gave her a concise understanding on how to apply for grants when running her own business.
The Entrepreneurs Club said that they aim to bring more events such as this in the upcoming semester. Their next event, "Business Breakthrough” will take place in February.
The club’s recent business ventures have led to an increase in attendees, both within their activity based events and as a whole organization.
This student-led organization has proven to be one of the most engaging and prominent UNI clubs that promises great social interaction, and chances of success in the field of business.
“It brings a smile to my face to see so many clubs from the college of business to not only get together but give back and leave a lasting impact this holiday season,” Kruger said.
By Dyshaun McDaniel First-year student
I knew I’d miss my family when I came to UNI, but I didn’t realize how much. Back home, I have my mom, my stepmom, and three siblings (two younger brothers and a younger sister), which basically means our house was NEVER quiet. Someone was always yelling about something, whether it was about not doing a chore correctly — or one of my siblings messing with each other. It was sometimes chaotic, but I really do miss it.
College has a different kind of noise; people yelling in the halls on a random Monday night past quiet hours, or people randomly banging on your door while you’re sleeping. But none of it will ever be the same as hearing my mom’s voice from the kitchen — or my siblings arguing about something. I even miss when one or all of my siblings would barge into my room to tell me about a random thing they’d just accomplished.
Being away from home has made me realize how much my family fills the space around me. My mom is the heart of it all — the one who somehow keeps everything running, even when the Wi-Fi, schedules and attitudes all crash out at once. Talking to her on FaceTime helps, but it’s not the same as being able to talk and see her face-to-face. I’m sure that’s something we can all agree on.
So yeah. I’m ONE MILLION percent enjoying college and the independence it brings. I believe it’s what I truly needed. But if I could teleport home just to eat dinner with my family or listen to my sister tell me about the things she watches on YouTube, I would in a heartbeat. Turns out, “home” isn’t just a place, it’s the people who make it loud, messy and full of love.
The community is invited to a festive afternoon of holiday shopping at the first University of Northern Iowa Student Small Business Holiday Market on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The event, presented by the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) and Northern Iowa Student Government, will feature 21 student-owned businesses.
This free, family-friendly event invites the Cedar Valley community to discover and shop a variety of student-made products like handcrafted goods, apparel, artwork and bakery items — just in time for the holiday season. Located in the Gallagher Bluedorn lobby among holiday trees, participants can expect live music and festive treats.
“We’re thrilled to launch our very first Holiday Market,” said Patrick Luensmann, director of the UNI JPEC. “Our students are incredibly creative and driven, and this event gives them a chance to share their products with the community while gaining real-world experience as entrepreneurs. We’re excited to welcome the Cedar Valley to campus to support them.”
As part of its mission, the UNI JPEC provides education, mentorship, funding opportunities and hands-on experiences to empower the next generation of innovators. The Holiday Market marks an exciting new annual tradition in support of student entrepreneurship.
For more information about the event and featured student vendors, visit jpec.uni.edu/programs/holiday-market.
Walking to class on a cold January morning, your notebooks and textbooks are clutched under your arms. Temperatures are below freezing. As you pull on the northeast door of Sabin Hall, a gust blows through and slams the door shut.
Your belongings fly over the railing, into the snow-covered bushes. Your hands are freezing as you try to rescue your valuable books from the snow.
Finally, you make it to class, five minutes late, shivering and out of breath. As awful as it sounds, this has happened before to some unsuspecting students at the University of Northern Iowa.
“Walking to Sabin Hall is impossible, sometimes the door will slam shut on you while you’re walking inside,” says Mia Katter, a senior at UNI. “I’ve been blown over walking to class before.” “I’ve seen squirrels falling out of trees,” says Av-
ery Paulson, another senior at UNI. “It’s super windy outside of Maucker Union, it’s like a wind tunnel.” What makes UNI’s campus such a vulnerable spot for high winds? Could UNI’s campus be one of the windiest college campuses in the country?
Alan Czarnetzki, professor of meteorology at UNI, says, “That’s actually a common— I don’t want to call it a misconception— about our campus. I have actually heard that a number of times throughout the years: that ‘we are the windiest college campus in the country,’”
Czarnetzki says, “But are we windier here, on campus, than it is outside of town? I would not expect to find that.”
However, there are a few factors that may intensify the wind in some way, according to Czarnetzki. “The center part of campus is elevated a bit above at least other parts of the campus, maybe not above the whole thing. And generally, when you’re high-
er up you’re going to experience faster winds,” Czarnetzki says.
This elevation exists around the central part of campus, including Rod Library and Maucker Union. Whether the elevation difference is truly impactful is another question, but that’s not the only factor that affects the campus’s windiness.
The greatest factor in UNI campus’s wind is not surprising. According to Czarnetzki, the wind that exists on UNI’s campus is inherent in our cold, windy region. “You don’t have to go outside of Cedar Falls very far to realize that we’re surrounded by countryside,” says Czarnetzki.
“That’s one of the things that makes winds faster, is if you don’t have many obstacles blocking the wind. And that’s kind of generally true of Iowa, that we don’t have as many obstacles as a state that has more terrain or a state that has more trees.”
UNI’s campus garners a
lot of wind, because, like the area around it, it is very susceptible to high speed winds, lacking sufficient obstacles to divert them. While the campus may not be much windier than the area surrounding it, it still may come as a shock to students from out of the area who may be experiencing their first winter at UNI. Should the campus wish to reduce wind speeds on campus, what could they do?
Nathan Compton, the campus architect at UNI, says, “Planting trees would be the main thing in alleviating the wind in this area. We already have a lot of trees started, along with a lot of developed trees. That’s always helpful when creating wind blocks.”
Professor Czarnetki agrees, saying, “The more trees that are planted, that’s going to definitely make a difference. Trees present an obstacle to the wind, so more trees would definitely be a solution.”
As far as how UNI ranks
among the windiest college campuses, or if it’s the windiest campus in the country, we don’t really have a consensus. “I can’t disprove that, but I also can’t prove it,” says Czarnetzki. “You’d have to have wind observations at every campus in the country, and then you’d have to rank them all.” While UNI does have its own wind measurement system, it would be unwise to assume that every college campus does. Even then, it would be a nightmare to compile every campus in the country’s wind data.
Czarnetzki does acknowledge that UNI’s wind is noteworthy, saying, “My wife and I came here in 1992 for the job interview. That was one of our first impressions, is that, man, it’s windy here. But I think, again, it’s probably true for a lot of places in Iowa, not just on the UNI campus. But it’s certainly an experience that I’ve heard a lot from different people over the years.”
Northern Iowan/Maci Swanson
The Panthers’ win over Toledo marks the program’s first win over the Rockets.
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The Northern Iowa women’s basketball team secured two victories last week, defeating both Illinois State and Toledo and improving to 4-4 on the season.
The Panthers opened on an 11-0 run against the Redbirds, highlighted by back-to-back layups from Bri Robinson. Around the three-minute mark, Taryn Wharton hit a 3-pointer to extend the UNI lead to 18-5.
With the Panthers maintaining a 21-12 lead midway
through the second quarter, Jenna Twedt connected on a 3-pointer to push the lead to 24-12. Abby Tuttle and Robinson each hit a 3-pointer in the final minute of the half, giving UNI a 37-25 advantage at the break.
UNI went on a 4-0 run to start the fourth quarter with layups from Twedt and Wharton to make it 56-40.
After Illinois State cut the deficit to 10, Twedt drained another 3-pointer to extend the lead to 61-48. The Panthers held on for a 68-54 win. Twedt led the team with 16 points, followed by
Robinson with 15 and Ryley Goebel with 13.
Robinson emphasized that the team’s defense was a major factor in securing the victory.
“We knew getting them frustrated early would be really good for us,” Robinson said postgame. “We were just trying to get out on the shooters, and I think we did a really good job with that.”
Against the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, the game opened as a tightly contested matchup. Robinson had four early baskets, while Kaylynn Janes buried a 3-pointer, contrib-
uting to an 11-11 tie at the end of the first quarter. Early in the second, Elise Jaeger and Wharton each scored on layups, giving UNI its largest lead of the day at 17-13. With the game tied at 23 in the final two minutes of the half, Goebel scored back-to-back layups to give UNI a 27-23 halftime lead.
The Panthers came out of the break with urgency, going on a 6-1 run to push the lead to 33-24. After the Rockets cut the advantage to two, UNI responded with two free throws from Jaeger and a layup by Twedt to make it
37-31.
Leading 45-43 entering the fourth quarter, Twedt scored seven straight points to put UNI up 53-44. Northern Iowa went on to win 68-52. Goebel led the Panthers with 17 points, followed by Wharton with 11 and Jaeger and Twedt with 10 each.
UNI returns to action Wednesday, Dec. 10, against South Dakota State in the McLeod Center. The game will stream on ESPN+ and air on the Panther Sports Radio Net.
Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers fall to 28-30 against Wichita State all time, suffering their fourth loss in a row.
By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team hosted the Wichita State Shockers on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The game was close throughout the first half. Going into the second half, Wichita State led by seven points. The Panthers tied the game at 59-all at the end of regulation. Overtime was low scoring, but Wichita
State put up 15 points to UNI’s 10 and pulled out a 74-69 victory.
The Shockers shot 43% from the field and 36% from 3-point range. They went to the free-throw line 17 times and shot 76% from the stripe. UNI shot 44% from the field and 16% from beyond the arc. The Panthers shot 54% from the free-throw line.
The Shockers outrebounded UNI 38-30 but committed 13 turnovers to the Panthers’ eight. Despite that, they won the game and improved to
6-4 on the year. Freshman guard TJ Williams led Wichita State in scoring. He shot 58% from the field and finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Senior guard Michael Gray Jr. added 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Kenyon Giles, a senior transfer from UNC Greensboro, scored 12 points. Dre Kindell scored 10 points off the bench, shooting 100% from both the free-throw line and 3-point range. He also
had five rebounds and two assists. Wichita State will face DePaul University in its next matchup.
UNI’s leading scorer was Tristan Smith with 16 points. He shot 50% from the field and 66% from the freethrow line. Will Hornseth scored 15 points and added eight rebounds and four assists. Senior guard Trey Campbell had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals — a busy day for the Cedar Falls native. Leon Bond III scored 11 points,
pulled down six rebounds and shot just under 50% from the field.
The Panthers added another loss to their record (7-2), only their second of the season under head coach Ben Jacobson.
The team will have a week off before hosting Oakland University. The Golden Grizzlies are 5-5 and are coming off a 98-97 win against Toledo. The game will be played in the McLeod Center at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
After dropping
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
The Panthers opened the tournament in the first round against the Utah Utes in what turned into a five-set thriller. Utah started strong in the first set with a 6-0 run following an ace to open the frame. UNI struggled offensively, hitting .000 in the set as the Utes used that to their advantage and rolled to a 25-15 win in set one. Cassidy Hartman and Isabelle Elliott each had two kills.
Northern Iowa came out fighting in the second set and used a 4-0 run to tie the frame at 10-10 before Utah answered with a 3-0 run of its own. The Panthers tied the score at 18-18 thanks to a 4-0 run and a kill by Molly Shafer, as well as back-to-back aces and a kill from Jadyn Petersen. Despite the push, it was not enough as the Utes pulled away and took the set 25-21 to go up 2-0. Lily Dykstra had five kills as Hartman added three.
Set three saw the tide turn for UNI in a back-and-forth frame that featured 10 ties and four lead changes. Reese Booth notched an ace, and Maryn Bixby added a block to give Northern Iowa a 9-7 lead. The Panthers continued to fight as Dykstra tallied eight kills, with Hartman adding four, to survive bonus points and take the set 26-24.
Momentum continued for
the Panthers as they opened set four with a 6-0 run and led from start to finish, with Dykstra adding an ace for a 9-1 lead. The Utes attempted to chip away, but eight kills from Dykstra and five from Hartman secured the set for UNI and forced a decisive fifth.
UNI carried its grit into the fifth set with an early 5-1 lead before Utah closed the gap. The Panthers maintained control throughout and closed on a 3-0 run, which included an ace from Sydney Golden to bring up match point, with Hartman securing the winning point in a 15-10 victory to complete the reverse sweep.
In the second round, Northern Iowa faced No. 11 Creighton. The Panthers split the first 12 points of the set, but the Bluejays pulled away. Hartman and Dykstra each had five kills in the frame, though UNI dropped the set 25-18.
The Panthers answered with a strong showing in the second set, grabbing an early 5-1 lead thanks to an ace from Dykstra. Creighton continued to chip away at UNI’s lead as the Panthers held a one-point edge in a tightly contested frame. The Bluejays tied the set at 20 and 21, but Northern Iowa held strong for a 25-23 win to tie the match 1-1. Dykstra notched eight kills while Hartman added six.
Set three featured another back-and-forth start before
UNI pulled ahead 10-6 and then 14-8 using a 4-0 run. Creighton rallied to take a 16-15 lead, but the Panthers fought back to a 20-18 advantage on a block assist from Dykstra and Bixby. The Bluejays, however, scored six
of the final seven points for a 25-22 win and a 2-1 lead, despite four kills from Elliott.
Riding the momentum, Creighton opened set four with a 3-0 run as the Panthers struggled offensively. Northern Iowa worked its way back with a 6-0 run to get within one at 18-17, but the Bluejays closed out the set 25-21 to win the match 3-1, ending UNI’s tournament run. Hartman tallied seven kills in the final frame.
BY RYAN SALES
48) Shipping route
50) Captains
53) Neither Rep. nor Dem.
54) Wrapping weights
55) Western treaty grp.
56) Dutch town
57) "Last one ___ a rotten egg!"
58) Gamblers' mecca
61) Singer Simone
62) First Nations tribe
63) Red as ___
64) Practical jokes
65) Like some tea
66) Bros
Down
1) Sprouts source
2) Some are under plates
3) Computer adapters
4) Movie-rating org.
5) Night school subj.
6) Some patches
7) "Give it ___!"
8) Fib
9) Hefty Cinch___ bags
10) Rigel or Spica, by spectral type
11) How office directives may be relayed
12) Vehicle maintenance
13) Frightened
18) Commotion
22) Crunch targets
24) "The Things ___ for Love"
25) Suffix with switch
26) "Meeeeeeeeow!"
28) Have the nerve
32) GPS lines
33) Locomotive fuel
35) Wings
36) Thin, savory Indian food
37) "A miss ___ good ..."
38) Snitch's activity
39) South Pacific region
40) Manner of behavior
43) Headwaiter
44) Longtime "General Hospital" actress
45) Spots in some gun sights
47) Capp and Capone
48) Ready for dinner
49) Gaelic tongue
51) Flat-topped hills
52) Gift recipient
56) "Elephant Boy" boy
58) Sprint rival
59) Tolkien monster
60) Scoundrel
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