LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Executive Editor greets Panthers
ESTELLE JOHNSON
Executive Editor
Welcome, Panthers!
My name is Estelle, and I am the Executive Editor of the Northern Iowan, UNI’s student-produced newspaper. I am a senior studying Communication and Journalism, and outside of the NI, you can find me with friends or playing video games. You can also often find me working in the Communication and Media main office, on the third floor of Lang Hall. To new and returning students – I am so thrilled to serve as your eyes and ears on campus. I’ve had the great pleasure of working with the NI for three years – first, as a staff writer, then as Campus Life Editor, onto Managing Editor, and now Executive Editor.
I never expected to fall in love with this organization and all it offers. When I joined as a staff writer, I
figured that writing a story would be a good way to boost my resume – and maybe get some grocery money. I hoped this organization would help me make some
friends, too! Soon enough, I was part of the editorial team, where I made lifelong friends who I will treasure forever. Through my college career, this organization has
opened up countless doors for me. I’ve had the chance to make multiple connections with UNI faculty and staff, students and UNI alumni. While the NI may
seem like it’s “just writing,” those of us who are in the NI, know it is so much more than that.
We are blessed to have such a diverse campus –each student has their own unique story to tell, and it is our job to tell it. If you or anyone you know has stories galore, please reach out to me at johnsecr@uni. edu! The NI is a great place to get involved, and I highly recommend it!
Unsure? Don’t be! We’ve got your back and will help you along your writing journey! The Northern Iowan is always looking for more writers – news, opinion, campus life and sports! Whatever your heart desires, we can make it work! I look forward to chatting with the UNI community on this special sesquicentennial academic year!
Have a great year, and ... Go Panthers!
Managing Editor welcomes readers
JENNA WESTENDORF
Managing Editor
Happy 150th Panthers!
Welcome to campus (or welcome back)! My name is Jenna Westendorf and I am the managing editor for the Northern Iowan this year. I am currently a junior, and the Northern Iowan has become an integral part of my college experience, and I hope it can soon become part of yours as well.
The Northern Iowan is a student newspaper run for students, by students, telling the stories that students, faculty, and the UNI community have to tell. In a time where the internet is at the forefront of our daily lives, the Northern Iowan
NORTHERN IOWAN
L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu 319.273.2157
ESTELLE JOHNSON Executive Editor johnsecr@uni.edu 319.290.4955
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor westejac@uni.edu 319.290.4955
has made it a priority over the past few years to display its stories via our website. That being said, our paper will still be published weekly on Wednesdays, and I encourage you to pick up a copy of the paper from stands around campus.
Over my last two years on campus I have come to call UNI my second home. UNI has a plethora of resources available for students, and I implore you to explore those resources as well as the numerous student organizations on campus.
Outside of my role as managing editor of the Northern Iowan, I am also a peer mentor for the Learning Center located in Rod Library as well as a buddy for Spectrum Project. Go find your group,
EDITORIAL STAFF
LILY MUNNIK News Editor munnikl@uni.edu
COHEN KAMAUS Sports Editor kamausc@uni.edu
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor Assistant spahnm@uni.edu
LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor alvarlaa@uni.edu
MACI SWANSON Head Photographer maciswan@uni.edu
even if you may feel uncomfortable at first. I promise, it will be worth it.
If you ever have a story you’d like the Northern Iowan to cover, feel free to reach out to myself westejac@uni.edu or our wonderful Executive Editor Estelle johnsecr@uni.edu
Have a great fall semester, Panthers! I look forward to what this year will bring.
Go Cats!
JENNA WESTENDORF Webmaster
ANELIA DIMITROVA anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu
CHRIS MARTIN christopher.martin@uni.edu
BETHANY WINGET Circulation Manager ADVISERS
The Northern Iowan is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 506140166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications. Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees. All material is © 2025 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northerniowan@uni.edu.
SEND US STORY IDEAS Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.
Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to
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Estelle Johnson is a senior studying Communication and Journalism at UNI. She has worked with the Northern Iowan for three years, and now holds the title of Executive Editor.
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Jenna Westendorf is a junior who has a passion for journalism. She will serve as Managing Editor for this academic year!
Student government welcomes Panthers back to campus
ALLI WEBSTER NISG President
GABRIEL SALAZAR NISG Vice President
Welcome to the new school year, Panthers!
We hope you had a summer full of fun, relaxation and Panther Pride!
A new school year brings on endless opportunities for success and growth. We hope that we can help highlight and bring these new beginnings to light! However, it is without a doubt that Panthers attract success – no matter what.
As your Student Body President and Vice President, we are so excited to get to work, not only for you, but with you. We have so much on the horizon for the future of the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) and for the campus at large. NISG is for the students, by the students. Established last year was the Multi-Cultural Council, representing and supporting Multi-Cultural organizations and initiatives on campus. Since then, the council has successfully put on a multitude of student programming. On Sept. 3, they will be hosting a multicultural fest in the center
for multicultural education.
In coalition with Green Dot, students, staff, and faculty can receive Gender Violence Prevention training materials. No idea is too big or
too small when it comes to supporting the student body. NISG exists to unify the student body and strives for the excellence of our constituents. We stand for and cel-
ebrate diversity in all forms. There is power and beauty in Panthers and their backgrounds. Our campaign platform is our promise to our constituents – Partnership,
Ambition, New opportunities, Talent, Helping others, Engagement, Resilience and Sustainability. This year, we aim to embody all of those pillars within NISG. As we start this semester, remember that we are for students, by students. May we enter this year strong as we unite and celebrate what makes each of us unique.
We urge everyone to make a difference on campus and get involved! There are plenty of student organizations that will set you up for leadership, connection and success. As a university we strive for involvement as it is the students after all that keep the flame of education burning bright. Together we make UNI what it is – home. So, as we enter the school year, we ask you to take a step out of your comfort zone. That one step may be the beginning of a long lasting journey. We are the future leaders of our world.
With Panther pride,
President Alli Webster
Vice President Gabriel Salazar
Provost José Herrera extends warm welcome to new and returning students
JOSE HERRERA Provost of UNI
Dear Panthers,
Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa! It is my pleasure to have you as part of our vibrant community and your home away from home. For those returning –welcome back! And to those joining us for the first time –welcome to a transformative journey.
Make the most of your time here. Invest in yourself and in your learning. Think critically and explore complex and complicated topics with your fellow Panthers, including other students, faculty, and staff. Resist viewing the world from one perspective and instead seek out the gray areas, the nuance, the more profound understanding. You will find others eager to engage in the art of thought-
ful and respectful dialogue in a diverse and intellectually rich environment. Take advantage of our larger community to challenge yourself to grow, serve and stretch your understanding. Start an internship, volunteer, or take a chance on a new friendship with someone you don’t know. Yes, there will be some uncertainty as you try to find your place here. The risk will be well worth it, and you will be rewarded with self-discovery, meaningful learning, and personal growth. This journey benefits you, but perhaps more importantly, it benefits the communities you inhabit. By undertaking this journey, you will meaningfully contribute and shape the future of your communities by becoming a more informed, wiser, and compassionate citizen. Your ideas, your collaboration, and your leadership will help
define the world we live in tomorrow.
I will leave you the same pithy advice I often give new and continuing students: If you encounter academic, social, or emotional challenges, please reach out. Your professors, advisors and support staff are here to help. And if you’re able to support a fellow Panther, please do. We are a community, and that means looking out for one another.
May your journey this semester be filled with curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Learn boldly, fellow Panther. Our collective future depends on it.
Jose Herrera, Ph.D. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
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Gabriel Salazar, left, and Alli Webster, right, will serve as vice president and president of the Nothern Iowa Student Government. Students are encouraged to attend council meetings and come to NISG with any concerns.
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Since 2021, José Herrera has served UNI as Provost and Executive Vice
Spanish Editor greets Panthers
LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor
Welcome back to UNI!
I hope you had a fantastic summer and found time to relax before diving into the new school year. My name is Luis Alvarez, and I’m excited to continue serving as the Spanish Editor for the Northern Iowan. I’m currently a senior majoring in Marketing Management and Digital Media Production, and this marks my second year working with the newspaper.
This year, I plan to write engaging and meaningful stories for the Spanish page—articles that students will not only enjoy but also find useful. One of our main goals is to foster a sense of community and create a welcoming environment for everyone at UNI.
Over the past four years, I’ve regularly read the Northern Iowan to stay informed about campus events and local news. I chose to join the team because I saw how committed everyone was to keeping students and the community informed, and I wanted to contribute to that mission.
I look forward to translating stories throughout the year and ensuring that every student at UNI can enjoy and benefit from reading the newspaper.
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Luis Alvarez is a senior majoring in marketing management and digital media production. He is excited to continue translating articles for the Spanish speaking community on UNI campus.
UNI welcomes Sesquicentennial class with energy and excitement
BY INSIDE UNI
UNI’s 150th class is now on campus! After first-year students moved into the residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 20, they met up at the McLeod Center for the Panther Welcome Kickoff, a high-energy event to make connections, and find out what it means to be a UNI Panther.
Students donned matching Panther Nation t-shirts with the official sesquicentennial logo and packed the student section of McLeod where they learned UNI traditions such as the Fight Song and the dance to “Interlude,” making them ready to get loud at events all year long. Students then made their way outside to fill in an outline of “U-N-I” on the lawn for a drone to capture a class photo.
The evening ended with a tailgate dinner followed by Panther Palooza, which introduced students to perks of the Wellness & Recreation Center, such as the leisure pool, racquetball courts and climbing wall.
We can’t wait to see all the things the 150th class accomplishes this year and in the coming years!
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New Panthers practicing “The Interlude,” a popular dance among the student section at the University of Northern Iowa. New students danced during the welcoming ceremony on Wed., Aug. 20. The incoming class marks the 150th year of UNI, making them the Sesquicentennial class.
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Above: New Panthers smile for the camera during the welcome ceremony on Aug. 20. Left: Students cheer during the ceremony.
A new tradition at UNI: THE RINGING OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL BELL
INSIDE UNI
This fall, a new sound will join the familiar rhythms of campus life — one that signals not just the changing seasons, but a deep connection to 150 years of history at the University of Northern Iowa.
When the Verdin Company brought their bell foundry on wheels to campus in the fall of 2022 to kick off the renovation of the iconic Campanile, a new commemorative bell was cast alongside nine bronze bells that were added to the carillon, the instrument contained within the Campanile.
This commemorative bell marks the exciting blend of tradition and transformation.
Now, it officially has a name: The Sesquicentennial Bell.
And on Monday, Sept. 29, it will ring for the very first time as the University of Northern Iowa formally kicks off its 150th anniversary celebration.
The First Ringing of the Sesquicentennial Bell will take place at Campanile Plaza, with music beginning at 10:30 a.m. and a short program at 11 a.m.
All students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to attend what organizers hope will become a lasting tradition.
“It is important that we mark this moment, not just with speeches or banners, but with a lasting symbol that can be heard and felt,” said UNI President Mark Nook.
“This bell celebrating our 150th year will become part of the rhythm of campus life starting this fall.”
The event will officially dedicate the bell as the Sesquicentennial Bell and introduce a new UNI tradition: ringing the bell to mark momentous occasions on campus each year.
The ceremony will include a carillon concert and reflec-
tions from President Mark Nook and others representing the past, present and future of the university.
Attendees at the casting of the Sesquicentennial Bell three years ago participated in its casting by passing ingots of brass that were melt-
ed down to create the bell.
At the ceremony this fall, attendees will be invited to be among the first to ring the bell as they pass through the plaza, adding their own note to this historic beginning.
Following the ringing, the celebration continues with a
free campus lunch on Lawther Field for students, faculty and staff, a lively student organization carnival, and a chance to participate in a group “150” photo commemorating the launch of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
News Editor says hello to students, campus
LILY MUNNIK News Editor
My name is Lily Munnik, and I am the news editor for the Northern Iowan. I started writing for the NI last semester as part of a credited class and ended up falling in love with the work and community within the paper.
I am a double major in digital journalism and textiles and apparel, so not only can I write a strong article, but I’ll also sew you just about anything.
Outside of the Northern Iowan, I am the university’s student content creator for its main social media accounts, and I also write articles for InsideUNI.
A few times a week, I head to Hy-Vee at 6 a.m. to prepare food before classes. I’ve been working there for about five years and can do just about anything in the food service department. No, I’m not that good at cooking, though.
I am also the co-editor-in-chief of Uprising
Magazine this year, a position I hold close to my heart. I’ve been involved in Uprising since my freshman year and was very active in the editorial committee before taking on this new role.
I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I’m usually going on a run, thrifting or taking a nap.
I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, which I believe is why I thrive in journalism. I’m hardly ever serious and especially love working on the French Fry issue of the Northern Iowan.
This semester, I am excited to help represent our campus during its 150th year and showcase the incredible people and opportunities this university has to offer.
If you have an organization, story or event you’d like highlighted, message me!
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The Sesquicentennial Bell is a commemerative memorial to every student, faculty or staff member that has walked or currently walks on UNI campus.
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Lily Munnik is a senior double majoring in journalism and textiles and apparel. Beyond the NI, she works for Uprising and HyVee.
Festival showcases student organizations on UNI campus
MACI SWANSON/NORTHERN IOWAN
The student organization festival was held on Aug. 21 on UNI campus. Hundreds of students showed up to celebrate student organizations, and their impact on campus life. Below left: Incoming students enjoyed the Northern Iowan table. Below right: Members of the American Chemical Society pose for a photo. Bottom right: AAF members show off the organization’s accomplishments.
PHOTOSTORY BY MACI SWANSON
Festival showcases student organizations on UNI campus
MACI SWANSON/NORTHERN IOWAN
The student organization festival was held on Aug. 21 on UNI campus. Hundreds of students showed up to celebrate student organizations, and their impact on campus life. Below left: student poses for a photo at the student organization festival. Below middle: New UNI Panthers pose for a candid on Aug. 21. Below right: Northern Iowan’s Estelle Johnson gives two thumbs up to the student organization festival.
Kamaus returns as Sports Editor
COHEN KAMAUS
Sports Editor
What’s up Panthers! My name is Cohen Kamaus and I will be serving as the Sports Editor of the Northern Iowan for the 2025-26 school year. I am back for my second year and am excited for what’s to come. I am a Junior majoring in Sports Public Relations. I grew up in Lisbon, Iowa, and have always had a pas -
sion for sports ever since I was a little kid. I grew up playing sports, watching sports and now covering sports. I started writing about sports in high school as part of the Lisbon INK newspaper, serving as a sports writer and later the sports editor. My favorite teams include the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles,
Chicago Cubs, Boston Celtics, Iowa Hawkeyes and of course the UNI Panthers. In my free time, I enjoy being active by working out, golfing, playing pickleball and competing in various intramurals. I also like to hunt and fish, hang out with my dog, and playing cards, especially euchre.
As Sports Editor, I write stories, lay out pages on
Tuesdays, and assign writing assignments to our sports writers. Some things I love about my jobs are the people I’ve met along the way, the opportunities I’ve been given and the experiences I’ve had since starting here. Some of my favorite moments include the Northern Iowan trip to the ACP conference in New Orleans last October, cover-
ing UNI wrestling’s historic 2024-25 season, and sitting in on postgame interviews. If you are interested in writing for the Northern Iowan or have a story idea, email me at kamausc@uni.edu. We are always looking for more writers and would love to be able to cover any and all things going on in the sports world. Here’s to a great year! Go Cats!
Spahn joins the sports squad
Hey there! My name is Michael Spahn, and I’ll be the Sports Editor Assistant for the Northern Iowan this year. I’ll be covering various UNI sporting events on all Northern Iowan social media platforms. I will also be contributing sports stories to each weekly issue. Here at UNI, I’m double majoring in Digital Media Journalism and Production, with minors in Sports Communication and Digital Media Leadership. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching football, exercising and playing video games. I’m excited to begin and hope to see everyone at UNI sporting events this year. Go Panthers!
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor Assistant
COHEN KAMAUS
CLASSIFIEDS CROSSWORD
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Across 1) Big dipper 6) It may be French 11) Pipe contents, sometimes 14) Wound up 15) Seasons with lots of singing 16) Certain flightless bird 17) It's not up for haggling
19) Some fraternity characters
20) Dairy fann declarations 21) Have an impact on 23) Persian governors 27) African pullover 29) Common chalet style 30) Ancient Greek theater 31) Unrefined
"_ well"
Second person
Many deer
Dead-on 39) Caroler's syllables
40) Cigar residue
41) It goeth before destruction
42) Muddies the water
43) Internet messages
45) Puddinglike dessert
46) Common office supplies
48) Listen, in literature
49) Be a parasite
50) Take care of yourself 51) Japanese sash
52) They're all rational 59) Came in first 60) Bouncing off the walls 61) Lofty home
Cabin type
Talk pompously
Military academy freshman
Down
1) Pastoral place 2) Mandela's party 3) Banned insecticide 4) Romanian currency 5) Japanese soybean 6) Proofers catch them 7) Belonging to both of us 8) Ryan's "Love Story" co-star 9) "Hold on a_!"
10) Dangerous African flies 11) Derby-winning filly 12) In a wild and crazy fashion 13) Type of bar 18) Bound along 22) Exclamation of surprise 23) Pelvic parts 24) Big dos
25) Clockwise from due north 26) Physics units
27) "La_ Vita"
28) Mine passageway
32) Angles between leaves and branches
33) Schoolboy
35) Ravel work (with "La")
36) German industrial city
38) Lake near Niagara Falls
39) Band's schedule
41) Sicilian capital
42) Old glove-compartment item 44) Automobile sticker fig. 45) List of dishes 46) Expression of displeasure 47) Off-limits 48) Beginning of a conclusion 50) Move quickly and lightly 53) Serving of corn 54) Santa in California? 55) _ canto
56) Before, in palindromes 57) Umbrella stiffener 58) "Wait" partner
