College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine
ENGINEERING EDUCATION EXPANDS AT UNI
STUDENTS STUDY WATER QUALITY IN JAPAN
ALUM FINDS PASSION IN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING
Clockwise from upper left: two engineering students working in a lab in the newly remodeled Applied Engineering Building; UNI speechlanguage pathology graduate students work with residents at Pillar of Cedar Valley care facility to create ‘life boards’ that foster healthy communication; UNI students benefit from new Next Step professional readiness program; and TESOL alum Elizabeth Rench travels the globe teaching English.
MESSAGE from the DEAN
As the new Dean of the UNI College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences, I’m both honored and excited to join a community so deeply committed to making a difference — not only on campus, but across Iowa and around the country. I’ve seen firsthand how our college lives out its mission of empowering students to connect their learning with real-world impact.
These values are reflected in this year’s edition of Communiqué, where you will find stories about our college’s impact both near and far.
Here on campus, our Department of Theatre is growing its community engagement initiatives through expanded youth programming and innovative theatre experiences for older adults. These initiatives bring the arts to new audiences while helping our students explore the transformative power of theatre beyond the stage.
Out in the local community, our Speech-Language Pathology students are making meaningful connections with residents at the Pillar of Cedar Valley care facility — gaining invaluable clinical experience while enhancing the lives of older adults in our community.
Across the globe, our Earth & Environmental Sciences students participated in a workshop on water quality in Japan – broadening their perspectives and building new skills while working towards solutions to global challenges.
I’m truly energized by these initiatives and look forward to championing them in the years ahead. Together — with our students, faculty, alumni and community partners — we are making a tangible impact on people’s lives, strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of leaders.
I hope you will enjoy hearing our stories in this year’s edition of Communiqué. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences family. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next.
Warmly,
Mary M. Black Dean, College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences
GIVING BACK TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
UNI alumni and educators pave the way for more teachers through scholarships and gifts
As lifelong educators, UNI alumni Gary and Myrna Floyd have shaped thousands of students’ lives over their careers. And though they’re retired now, they’re still finding ways to help students through scholarships, fellowships and other gifts to UNI, their alma mater.
Over the years, the Floyds have created funds that have resulted in more than 90 scholarships and summer research fellowship awards. Much of their giving focuses on helping future teachers and scientists – like they themselves were.
Myrna, who graduated from UNI in 1963, taught junior high for more than 30 years, and Gary, who graduated in 1962, taught high school science before moving on to teach biology at Ohio State University – eventually becoming Dean of the College of Biological Sciences.
“As we went on, Myrna and I realized we have a chance to help other people – especially ones who want to do good for society by becoming public school teachers, or taking part in science and research,” Gary said. “We wanted to give back to UNI, and help future students because we got so much from our time there. The interaction with caring faculty was critical to our success. As educators, we know how important that is, and it’s something we both enacted throughout our whole careers.”
For their support of students and programs, the Floyds received the UNI Foundation’s first Presidential Philanthropy Award in 2012.
But more important than awards, the Floyds find value in seeing the impact they can make on students’ lives.
“We’ve worked with so many students over the years – and there are all kinds of people who need a little assistance,” Myrna said. “When I was at UNI, I was lucky to have scholarships to help with the cost. But a lot of people I went to school with didn’t get to graduate when I did. They had to leave and work a year, then come back, then leave again to work another year before coming back. We knew we wanted to help make things a little easier for future generations.”
The Floyds added that gifts of all levels – no matter how big or small – can make all the difference for the student receiving it.
“We’re proof that you can make a little bit of money go a long way when you’re giving,” Gary said. “We’ve gotten to the point where our fund is a pretty good size. It’s not big corporation money, but it’s something that can help. And a little bit can go a long way.” n
Engineering Future THE
UNI ramps up commitment to engineering education
DEMAND FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS CONTINUES TO GROW.
UNI is stepping up to meet that need – adding new programs, unveiling new spaces and welcoming a new leader for engineering on campus.
In January of 2025, UNI welcomed Stewart Carter to the role of chief applied engineering administrator. Carter will oversee the development of the Department of Applied Engineering (formerly the Department of Applied Engineering & Technical Management) at UNI, and foster industry partnerships to establish robust career pathways for students in these quicklygrowing career fields.
Carter brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the newly-established Department of Applied Engineering. “I am very excited about the creation of Applied Engineering at UNI and being selected to lead this effort,” Carter said. “The field of engineering has continued to grow over the last decade and is expected to grow at an even faster pace in the future. With the addition of the Applied Engineering department, UNI is now well positioned to be a part of this growth.”
UNI offers a variety of engineering-focused degrees, including automation engineering technology, electrical engineering technology and manufacturing engineering technology. In the fall of 2024, UNI welcomed students to its three newest programs: mechanical engineering technology, materials science engineering technology, and materials science & engineering.
These engineering programs are housed in UNI’s newlyrenovated Applied Engineering Building, which recently underwent a $44 million renovation and modernization project. The project expanded the size of the facility by nearly 50% – adding state-of-the-art labs, equipment, and learning spaces for students in the Department of Applied Engineering.
Soon, the building will be home to the most modern metal casting foundry in the United States – a unique opportunity for students to learn and work in cutting-edge facilities.
“My vision is to leverage the success the program has had in the past, while charting a future that ensures the majors offered at UNI are relevant with industry requirements, both today and in the future,” said Carter. “I want prospective students to see UNI as an engineering university that offers a variety of engineering and technology majors. UNI’s Applied Engineering program is a student-friendly learning environment that consists of hands-on application, smaller class sizes, state of the art labs and world class instructors.”
Carter, an alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa’s MBA program, holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University A&M and began his academic journey at Iowa State University. He has dedicated 34 years to John Deere in various leadership roles across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain and logistics. In
addition, he has been a committed advocate for education and community development, serving on advisory boards for the Wilson College of Business, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley and the National Society of Black Engineers.
“We extend a heartfelt welcome to Stewart Carter as he joins the UNI community,” said University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook. “Applied engineering is another example of how UNI is evolving to provide the academic programs our students will need today and in the future. Stewart’s professional experience at John Deere, combined with the investment in UNI’s applied engineering by the state of Iowa and the business community demonstrates the continued collaborative spirit of helping UNI meet the ongoing workforce needs in our state.”
With Carter’s leadership and UNI’s state-of-theart facilities, the University of Northern Iowa is poised to meet Iowa’s engineering workforce needs now, and well into the future. n
Above: Two engineering students work in the electronics lab in the newly-renovated Applied Engineering Building.
Upper left: Stewart Carter, Chief Applied Engineering Administrator and head of the Department of Applied Engineering.
Lower left: the exterior of the newly-renovated Applied Engineering Building.
Right: Two engineering students utilizing equipment in the automation lab.
UNI Environmental Science students attend water quality research program in Japan
MAKING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
WATER QUALITY IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR WORLD, AND ONE THAT LEADERSHIP AROUND THE GLOBE HAS BEEN BATTLING FOR DECADES.
As two UNI Environmental Science majors learned on a recent trip to Japan, the key to addressing these issues starts with collaboration.
Last summer, Starr Claussen and Ramsey McGrew, two senior Environmental Science majors at UNI, attended the International Water Research Exchange Program at the University of Yamanashi, Japan.
As part of the trip, Claussen and McGrew spent a week in Kofu, in the Yamanashi prefecture of Japan. There, they met with representatives from Yamanashi University, along with other student attendees from partnering universities in Cambodia and Ghana. Throughout the week, the group toured the University of Yamanashi labs and facilities, took part in classes and workshops, and gave presentations on water quality issues.
Fostering collaboration
For Claussen and McGrew, it was the experience of a lifetime –one that left them inspired by the collaboration and connections between environmental science students and professionals from around the globe.
“One of the best parts for me was learning with, and from, the students from the other universities,” Claussen said.
During one of the exercises, the group learned about some realworld case studies, and were challenged to come up with our own solutions to the issues at hand.
“It was interesting to learn about some of these different issues, and how different people’s solutions could be applied to other countries’ water quality problems,” Claussen said. “It shows how important collaboration is between different universities and different nations. The more we collaborate, the faster we can solve some of these issues.”
Making new connections
Another byproduct of the collaboration was discovering unexpected connections.
“It was interesting to me that some of the stuff we were talking about during the classes and discussions at Yamanashi were things that my Hydrology class at UNI had just covered,” McGrew said. “It was neat to already have that background info and experience from my time at UNI.”
And while you might expect water quality issues in Japan to be very different from water quality issues in America, and in Iowa, that’s not exactly the case, says Claussen.
“In Iowa, one of our main water quality issues is pollution from agricultural run-off, and Japan actually has similar issues with their own farm run-off,” Claussen said. “You wouldn’t think there would be a ton of similarities, but their country is dealing with a lot of the same water quality issues that we are, which I didn’t really expect coming into this.”
McGrew and Claussen said the trip challenged them to think about the issue of water quality differently – not just on a global scale, not
just on a hyper-local scale, but across a variety of different scenarios and contexts.
Experiencing new cultures
Aside from learning more about water quality and environmental science, the trip was also a great cultural experience for both McGrew and Claussen – who appreciated learning about different cultures during the trip.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, and this was the perfect opportunity because I’m really into water quality, and I have a minor in hydrology, so it made a lot of sense for me,” McGrew said. “One of the highlights was getting to know the culture in Japan, as well as getting to meet people from different countries, and learning about their cultures.”
Claussen, who had recently returned from a study abroad trip in Italy, embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a new and different culture.
“We got to explore some of the city in the evenings, and even stayed at a Buddhist hotel for a couple nights which was such a unique experience,” Claussen said. “We got to see this morning ceremony the Buddhist monks do each morning at 5:15 a.m., where they perform chants and walk up a mountain – it was definitely worth getting up early for.”
A community of support
McGrew and Claussen agreed they are grateful for the experiences they’ve had here at UNI, and for the chance to attend the International Water Research Exchange Program in Japan.
“The trip to Japan, and all of the other opportunities I’ve had as a college student at UNI, wouldn’t have been possible at a different university,” McGrew said. “There are so many opportunities here that just don’t exist anywhere else. Coming in as a freshman, I didn’t expect to do undergraduate research at all, but I’m now involved in some water quality research with one of my professors where we’re analyzing water samples from Dry Run Creek. I also didn’t expect to have four different minors, but I’m able to do that here because the professors are so accommodating, and so willing to help you pursue your interests and goals. I’ve been lucky to do a lot of different things during my time here.”
For Claussen, who is now in her second year of geology research with a professor from her freshman year, it’s the same story.
“I really wasn’t even sure I was into geology, but a professor I had my freshman year invited me to do research and I was like ‘I guess I’ll do it,’ but I ended up liking it so much, I’m now in my second year of
Ramsey McGrew (right) and Starr Claussen (second from right) are shown with fellow exchange program participants.
the research project,” Claussen said. “The connections you get with the professors here is something that you don’t find anywhere else. They really care about your learning, and they want you to love what you’re learning. Their passion is contagious and it makes you excited to learn.”
“Sometimes I joke, ‘this is college, it’s not supposed to feel so fun!’ But it is,” Claussen added. “We get there in the morning, and we stay here all day –working on projects, going to class, or hanging out with classmates in the lounge area. It’s just such a good environment for learning and having fun – it’s a really special community that you’d never find in a bigger department or a bigger university, and I’m really grateful for it.” n
UNI Environmental Science majors Starr Claussen and Ramsey McGrew pose for a photo in front of a mountainside in Japan.
THEATRE THAT TRANSFORMS
How UNI students are making a lasting impact through community engagement
Through a growing slate of community engagement initiatives, the UNI Department of Theatre is bringing the transformative power of theatre to new audiences, while helping students redefine what it means to
be a theatre artist.
“Theatre is by its very nature collaborative and experiential,” says William Hickman, head of the UNI Department of Theatre. “It’s something that we want our community to engage with, be a part of, and create together. It’s an expressive art that requires creative problem solving and communication – it teaches one to listen as well as to speak out. As a part of the Cedar Valley, our goal is to deepen TheatreUNI’s connection to the area, its people, and to the needs of the community.”
That philosophy has guided UNI Theatre’s recent outreach efforts — from free youth matinees to collaborative performances with older adults in senior care facilities.
For students, these experiences offer more than a chance to perform; they provide meaningful insight into how theatre can educate, advocate, and unite.
“Participation in community engagement projects is critical in order to prepare UNI students for their ethical, reciprocal, and quality partnerships in the future,” says Kendra Kahl, assistant professor of Theatre for Youth and Communities at UNI. “We want them to go out into the world and be prepared to
work in a variety of theatres, communities, and contexts. Additionally, sometimes students don’t know all of the places that theatre can go. One of my favorite things as an educator is seeing their ‘aha’ moments when they are working with children or community members. The work we do is vital for the longevity of community-based theatre.”
One of the department’s recent community outreach initiatives is the “Timeless Journeys” project. This project was developed in partnership with the UNI Department of Theatre and Western Home Communities care facility. The project paired UNI students with residents from Western Home – including those living with dementia – to co-create a play based on their conversations and shared histories. The result is a rich, multi-generational storytelling experience that honors memory, celebrates life, and fosters understanding between generations.
That philosophy also extends to UNI’s free student matinee programs. Recent productions like Suzette Who Set to Sea, Gretel! The Musical, and The Tempest have welcomed local school-aged students to campus for live theatre experiences — often their first. To break down barriers, the department offers
Above: A cast photo from TheatreUNI’s spring 2024 production of Suzette Who Set to Sea.
free tickets and provides contextual play guides developed to help educators connect the content to classroom learning.
“Accessibility is always front of mind,” says Kahl. “We know that many children can’t access high-quality arts programming because of cost, transportation, or lack of awareness. Our free tickets and learning resources are one way we can uphold our commitment to creating inclusive, accessible theatre.”
Looking ahead, the department is preparing for a groundbreaking devised Theatre for the Very Young production in December 2025, called POPPED! The show will be created in collaboration with local preschoolers, and is designed for audiences ages 0–6. The participatory production will offer sensory-rich, mostly nonverbal performances — an effort to make theatre both age-appropriate and inclusive. UNI students will help facilitate ‘play labs’ to develop the show, learning to adapt their artistic practices to serve the youngest of audiences.
For students like those working on the POPPED! project, community-based theatre opens new doors. While many UNI Theatre graduates go on to traditional stage careers, others pursue roles as teaching artists, arts administrators, community engagement directors, nonprofit leaders, and more — fields where communication, creativity, and empathy are essential.
“The transferable skills we develop in our program are vast,” Kahl says. “Theatre students are trained to listen to others, empathize with different situations, and take an abstract idea or two-dimensional script and turn it into action. We give students the tools to articulate an idea; plan, prepare, and design the idea; mobilize others to help execute the idea; and successfully facilitate or perform the idea for a public audience. Those are the hallmarks of changemakers and engaged citizens.”
Beyond enriching students and the community, the Department of Theatre’s outreach initiatives are about sharing the transformative power of theatre – an art form that celebrates humanity, teaches us powerful lessons, and brings us together.
“Theatre is distinctly human,” says Kahl. “In a world of AI, video streaming, and social media, theatre reminds us what it means to be in the same place as others, to empathize, to appreciate the abilities of others. Ultimately, I believe that theatre is for everyone, and because of this, theatre artists have a great responsibility to create meaningful art that can be enjoyed or engaged with by all different community members. At the heart of what theatre should be is a desire to serve our community by entertaining them, challenging them, and reminding them of their humanity.” n
Above: Students from the UNI Department of Theatre worked with residents at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls to co-create a play based on their conversations and shared histories.
A journey of discovery
How research, mentorship, and a community of support helped UNI student Haley Harms discover her future in Physics
When Haley Harms arrived at the University of Northern Iowa, she wasn’t planning on becoming a scientist. In fact, she had her sights set on law school.
But, that all changed when she took her first tour of the UNI Department of Physics. “I had always loved math and science, but it wasn’t really on my radar as a career choice at that point. When I visited the physics department at UNI, it all clicked,” she said. “The experience was so personal. Dr. Shand, the head of the department, actually sat down and talked to me about what I was interested in. That made a huge impression. I felt like they were really listening.”
At UNI, Harms quickly found that she didn’t have to choose between her interests. With guidance from faculty, she was able to pursue both a Physics major and a Political Science major, and has even found intersections between them, like science communication and patent law.
Now, three years later, the Okoboji-native is not only double-majoring in Physics and Political Science — she’s also blazing trails in undergraduate research, leading the UNI Physics Club, presenting at conferences, and exploring the frontier of particle physics.
Big science, early access
One of the things that drew Harms to the physics program at UNI was the opportunity to put theory into practice through hands-on research experiences. “At a lot of schools, undergraduates don’t even get to touch research until their junior or senior year — if at all. Here, I was invited to conduct research in a lab in my second semester,” she said.
Harms’ early entry into research came when Physics Professor Dr. Andrew Stollenwerk invited her to conduct research in his materials science lab. “I was brand new and didn’t know much,” she recalls. “But he sat with me, explained things patiently, and helped me build confidence in my abilities. We would meet one-on-one often multiple times a week.
Opposite page:
Haley Harms conducting research in a physics lab
Above: Harms prepares a sample for analysis
That kind of mentorship doesn’t just make you a better student—it makes you feel like you belong in science.”
Harms’ research with Dr. Stollenwerk focuses on low dimensional material systems, and studying how materials interact. The results aim to optimize storage on computer chips through looking at new and emerging materials. “It helped me realize how much I love research,” she said. “You’re not just learning what other people discovered. You’re building your own theories, testing them, and contributing to something new. Being able to dig into research and author your own scientific papers has helped keep me excited about what I’m studying and to see the real-world application of what we’re learning.”
Furthering the field of physics
Harms’ ongoing involvement in materials science research is only just the beginning of her journey, though. Her dedication and growing skill set helped her land a spot in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Minnesota – a highly-competitive 10-week summer research program.
Here, she was a part of a research group focused on high-energy particle physics. “It was a totally new area for me since we don’t do particle physics at UNI,” she said. “But it ended up being the perfect challenge.”
Over the course of the summer, Harms worked with a team studying neutrinos – subatomic particles that are everywhere, but rarely interact with anything. Detecting and understanding them could offer insights into gaps in the Standard Model of particle physics, including phenomena that current theories can’t fully explain. “We were working on how to monitor a neutrino beam to make sure it’s functioning properly,” she said. “Since the detector is deep underground, if something breaks or misaligns, it could go unnoticed for a long time. I helped develop a visualization tool to flag when something might be off.”
It was complex work, involving not just physics but programming, data analysis, and creativity. “Every
piece of that experience was amazing,” she says. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me how much I’m capable of. It was such a great experience that gave me the opportunity to try something I couldn’t have otherwise, and to really contribute to the field of science and make a difference.”
Sharing science, building confidence
Back at UNI, Harms has continued her research and shared her work at multiple conferences across the country, such as the American Physical Society March Meeting and Women in Physics events. She’s presented at three of the four conferences she’s attended, and has contributed to four publications, including being first author on two.
While presenting can be nerve-wracking, it’s something she’s grown to love. “It’s such a great feeling when someone hears what you’re doing and gets just as excited about it,” she said. “You want to know your stuff well enough to answer any question someone might throw at you. But it’s also really rewarding to see people get excited about what you’re doing. That’s what science is about — sharing ideas, inspiring others. It’s important that science feels accessible. That’s a big part of what I’ve learned at UNI.”
As president of UNI’s Physics Club, Harms is passionate about science communication and outreach. The club collaborates with other science departments to organize events like Halloween House, where they engage local children with fun, hands-on physics activities. They also host events, and get involved with visits to the department.
A big goal of Harms’ through the Physics Club is to help make physics more approachable for future students interested in STEM. “Physics can seem intimidating or overwhelming, especially to people who think you have to be a genius to get it,” she said. “But it’s really just the study of how the world works. If you’ve ever wondered why something does what it does, you’re already thinking like a physicist. I think it’s important to change the mindset that physics is
Harms working side-by-side with Andrew Stollenwerk, Professor of Physics at UNI
not approachable – using whatever outlets we can. Because honestly, at UNI, all you have to do is get someone in the door, and they will see that all the professors want is for their students to succeed. That’s why they’re here – that’s their one goal. No matter what level you’re at, they’re going to make sure you’re supported and make sure you reach your goals.”
Mentorship that matters
Throughout all of the experiences she’s had as a student here, Harms credits UNI’s tight-knit physics department with creating an environment where undergrads aren’t just included, but actively encouraged to take the lead. “There’s such a culture of support here,” Harms said. “And that’s so special, because it gives every student the opportunity to succeed to the level they want to. I don’t think if I had gone to school anywhere else, I’d be in the same position I am now.”
Aside from Dr. Stollenwerk, Harms credits other professors like Dr. Paul Shand and Dr. Ali Tabei with her success – helping her refine her presentation skills, explore new topics, and prepare for summer research experiences. “I always felt like I had a team behind me,” she says. “It’s a place where professors
aren’t just teachers—they’re partners in your success. Students have real access to their professors, and there’s room for everyone to get involved. I think that’s what makes UNI special.”
Looking ahead
As she looks to the future, Harms is leaning toward graduate school in materials science engineering. She wants to continue the kind of research she’s doing now—but also be part of the process that turns discoveries into real technologies. “I like being able to see a project all the way through,” she said. “Not just studying a material in the lab, but seeing how it can be implemented in something new. I’m really interested in working with companies that develop those technologies from start to finish.”
No matter where she ends up, Harms is confident that the foundation she’s built at UNI — through research, mentorship, and a community that truly supports her — will carry her far. “I’ve had opportunities here that I might not have had anywhere else,” she said. “Because UNI is smaller, I wasn’t just another student. I was someone people invested in. That’s made all the difference.” n
CARING CONVERSATIONS
UNI Speech-Language Pathology Students Bring Connection and Communication to Cedar Valley care facility
At the Pillar of Cedar Valley care facility in Waterloo, Iowa, a small group of UNI graduate students are making a big impact — one conversation at a time. Throughout the spring semester, four students from UNI’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate program spent one morning each week at the Pillar of Cedar Valley’s Willowood Unit, an area dedicated to residents with cognitive diagnoses such as dementia. Their mission is simple but powerful: promote healthy social interaction, foster connection, and support communication in a community that’s often underserved and under-resourced.
The partnership is part of a broader initiative by the UNI Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders to embed students in real-world clinical settings early in their education. While every student gains experience through UNI’s on-campus Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic, the department also focuses on placements in the community – at local schools, hospitals, nursing homes and more. The Pillar of Cedar Valley collaboration provides a unique opportunity for students to work with adults facing both behavioral and cognitive challenges. “This experience is unlike anything students get in a traditional clinic,” said Dr. Sarah Diehl, a faculty member from the department. “They’re learning how to redirect behavior, ask meaningful questions, and interact in ways that are both supportive and dignified.”
Each student was paired with a resident for the semester, spending time learning about their life stories — family, work history, and personal memories — and helping them organize these details into a visual “life board.” These boards were then presented at the end of the semester, offering residents a tangible, celebratory reflection of their lives and fostering positive self-expression.
For the residents, the program offers much-needed social engagement in a structured and consistent way. Many do not receive frequent visitors, and structured therapeutic conversations can offer both comfort and stimulation. “The residents light up every single time the students walk in,” Diehl said. “That shows how meaningful these social interactions are.”
For students, the benefits go beyond clinical credit hours. They gain hands-on experience navigating real-life clinical situations that require flexibility, empathy and quick thinking. Learning how to support individuals with dementia or behavioral diagnoses helps them build skills they’ll rely on throughout their careers.
Hannah Krejci, one of the Speech Language Pathology graduate students involved in the collaboration, says the placement was a great experience for her, and has opened up new interests and new career path possibilities for her. “My favorite part about the experience was building rapport with my clients,” she said. “It was so cool getting to see their faces light up when I arrived. It truly made me feel like I was making a difference in their lives. I have always wanted to work at a clinical pediatric setting as that’s the setting I volunteered at in high school. After this placement, it has truly made me consider branching out a little bit. These individuals I worked with were so kind. They helped me learn and grow, and I want to continue to learn and grow in the speech-language pathology field so I can help as many people as possible. I’m glad I got the opportunity to be a part of this and am excited to be at a similar location during my internships in the fall.”
The partnership with Pillar of Cedar Valley is just one example of UNI’s commitment to intentional, community-based education. Faculty members continue to seek new placements, ensuring students gain a wide range of experiences across the lifespan and the care continuum.
As for the future? The team is already excited to return to Pillar of Cedar Valley in the fall. “Our residents have deeply benefited from their compassionate, individualized attention and are truly grateful for the positive impact,” said Kelli Rokusek, Marketing/Admissions Director for Pillar of Cedar Valley. “We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration with UNI and building stronger connections that support the well-being and communication abilities of those we serve.” n
Above: Marley Whitefish, UNI SpeechLanguage Pathology graduate student, works with a resident to create a ‘life board’
Right: UNI Speech-Language Pathology graduate student Lauren Rotherham chatting with a Pillar of Cedar Valley resident
WORKING
AROUND the WORLD
Making a global impact as a UNI-educated TESOL teacher
A UNI TESOL/FRENCH TEACHING DEGREE HAS TAKEN ELIZABETH RENCH AROUND THE GLOBE.
Last year, Rench spent time in Irbid, Jordan, where she taught English and provided teacher training through a Department of State fellowship. She was one of just 175 U.S. citizens selected for international teaching through the 2024-25 English Language Fellow Program.
“I think it was meant to be that I ended up at UNI because I’m not sure I would be doing what I’m doing now if UNI had not introduced me to this pathway into international teaching,” said Rench.
No matter where her teaching journey has taken her, Rench has always welcomed the adventure of working in an unfamiliar environment.
“I love being immersed in new experiences and new languages and something unknown,” she said.
Rench was born in Chicago and primarily grew up in the Midwest, frequently moving around. She started her higher education journey at a private university in Missouri, but only completed one year of studies. By the time she left, her parents had moved to Iowa. It was a colleague of Rench’s mom who first suggested she go to UNI, sharing all about her positive experiences on campus. Rench was set
on being a teacher at this point, and she knew UNI would be a great place to make that dream happen.
As a student, Rench gained experience helping international students with their English as a conversation partner through the Culture & Intensive English Program. She thought she might ultimately teach kindergarten, but a study abroad experience in France changed the trajectory of her career. Rench loved France so much she stayed there for a year and worked as an au pair after finishing her academics. She also did some tutoring.
Upon returning to the U.S., Rench declared her majors in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and French, with dreams of international teaching.
Rench was able to get into international classrooms right away, even before she graduated. One of her student teaching experiences was in Casablanca, Morocco. Because UNI had thoroughly prepared her for this experience, she felt ready for her own classroom.
“By that point, I had already been in multiple classrooms with multiple different teachers in different settings, different subjects and different schools in different cities in Iowa,” she said. “After
Elizabeth Rench, above, poses during a hike.
“IF YOU’RE AT UNI, YOU’RE DEFINITELY AT THE RIGHT PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING.”
this range of classroom experiences and support from my professors, I felt prepared to take on the challenges of first-year teaching.”
According to Rench, it’s unusual for teachers to get placed in schools internationally in their first few years of teaching, but this student teaching experience helped pave the way. In fact, her first real teaching job was in the school in Casablanca where she student-taught.
“If you’re at UNI, you’re definitely at the right place for international teaching,” she said. “I feel like I got a jumpstart because of the number of classroom experiences I had prior to my semester-long student teaching experience, in addition to my final international placement at Casablanca American School.”
After her time in Casablanca, Rench returned to the United States to obtain her master’s degree. In the years that followed, she taught in Thailand, Turkey, Colombia and Taiwan. She met numerous American
co-workers who were introduced to international teaching positions through the UNI Overseas Teaching Fair.
Her latest opportunity came along when she received an email from the English Language Fellow Program through the Department of State, looking for applicants who might be interested in being paired with teaching projects around the world. At the time, Rench had no idea where she might be placed. She was accepted into the program and shortly after matched with her position in Jordan.
For Rench, there is excitement in experiencing a culture, country and education system she previously knew nothing about. She has loved getting to know her students and the people of Jordan.
No matter what she does next, Rench knows she has many more international adventures ahead of her, and she is eager for what each one holds. n
UNI professor provides students “Next Step” for after graduation Ready
The transition to life after college can be intimidating for new graduates, filled with new experiences like job hunting, salary negotiations, insurance and saving for retirement, all while navigating a newfound level of independence. Most graduates entering the “real world” are left to figure out these things on their own… until now.
Nikki Harken, Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Communication and Media, is changing that for students at UNI through the Next Step Program. “I just want students to know that we care about them as much on the way out as we cared about them on the way in,” said Harken. “I want them to leave here feeling like we did all we could do to make the transition to that next step go as smoothly as possible.”
Toward the end of their time at UNI, communication and media students who are completing an internship meet once a week to hear from Harken and guest speakers on topics that will prepare them for life after college. Students learn about everything from the logistics of relocating for a job to filing their own taxes for the first time. Seeing its impact, the university is exploring expanding the program beyond the department.
Harken has looked for similar programs at other colleges and universities. Although she says there are pockets of education on these topics, she has yet to come across a similar coordinated effort. UNI is ahead of the game in this area. “The thing that I think is really important about this program is we don’t go too in-depth, but we sort of do a cursory review of all of these things,” said Harken. “So, what are the five to seven most important things about retirement that someone should know when they’re graduated from college?”
Creating the Next Step Program was personal for Harken, who was a first-generation college student. After her older brother graduated from college, he chose a career on the family farm. So when Harken graduated from UNI with her undergraduate degree and entered the workforce, she didn’t have a close family member to advise her about life in corporate America. This was her first inkling of the need college students have for guidance following graduation.
Years later, Harken entered higher education. She noticed trends among her former students. While they often felt prepared to do their jobs, they were surprised about how challenging other aspects of the transition were. They didn’t know how to navigate choosing an insurance plan or saving for retirement. “I feel responsible because
I’m a teacher and I’m human, and I want our students to transition out of here in really great ways and live full lives — not just in their career, but socially and financially, I want them to have that success,” she said. “So when I saw that while they were having that career success, these other areas of their life were causing issues, I wanted to help.”
Paige Beck, who just graduated with a degree in public relations, is grateful for the Next Step class and the way it has increased her confidence about entering the workforce. “Nikki’s class has given me that next step after graduation, and I feel more prepared to do some of the adult things like taxes,” she said. “We’ve talked about so many different things that might otherwise scare me, but I feel a lot more prepared after taking this class.”
Bennett Ludwig, who graduated this spring with a degree in digital media journalism, agrees that it has been worth the time and homework. “Before I took the Next Step Program, I felt a little bit confident about heading into the real world after I graduate college, but after taking that class, I’m really ready for it now because I have all the skills I learned and now I know I can do more things on my own,” he said. For Ludwig, one of the most helpful sessions was learning how to build a personal budget. He also enjoyed learning about how to polish his online presence for prospective employers and has already applied the tips he’s learned to his LinkedIn profile.
Perhaps one of the most critical sessions in the program is about navigating and negotiating a job offer. Harken provides a helpful guide for how students can negotiate for better pay, benefits and an overall better compensation package. Harken says alumni of the program have told her the first thing they do when they get a job offer is look at her materials. Some of these alumni can boast successfully negotiating for better offers.
There is a demand for Harken’s work. After being named a winner of the Intellectual Property and Innovation Disclosure Competition II, she used the award to create a nationwide survey of more than 4,000 college students, asking them if they would participate in such a program. The results overwhelmingly showed there was interest.
In the last two years, the program has become a formal part of the internship program for hundreds of communication and media students. Whenever Harken is approached with a new opportunity, she said she always asks herself, “Is this good for students?” With the Next Step Program, the answer is obvious. n
BUILDING A BODY OF WORK
How UNI faculty are helping to reshape anatomy education across the US
State-of-the-art health education isn’t just for med school. At the University of Northern Iowa, future doctors, nurses, athletic trainers and other health professionals can look forward to working hands-on in their very first semester.
In what’s known as the syndaver lab, the opportunities are so cutting-edge that UNI faculty are literally writing the book that’s been adopted at other institutions across the United States and potentially around the globe.
A “syndaver” is a synthetic cadaver. They’re lifelike human models – no emotional shock, no formaldehyde – just a clean introduction to human anatomy for biology and other health majors to gain a foundational knowledge of the human body.
“The flesh feels like real living flesh. If you use real cadavers, the flesh doesn’t feel real,” says Sheree Harper, assistant professor of anatomy and physiology.
The hands-on experience is accompanied by a custom-designed lab manual, created by Mary McDade, UNI instructor of anatomy and physiology for 35 years, who’s worked closely with the anatomists behind the syndavers. The manual is believed to be the only one of its kind and is now being adopted by
other institutions using the syndavers. “It was a lengthy process,” McDade said, “but it’s been well worth it. It gives students something they can follow, step by step, as they study.”
This approach has also produced academic benefits. A statistical analysis conducted by McDade showed significant gains in student test scores after switching to synthetic cadavers: a 12-point improvement on the muscle exam and an eight-point boost on exams involving vessels, nerves and organs.
“Mary’s manual does a great job of fanning out the muscles, so that you can see both superficial and deep muscles,” says Harper.
The consistent and replicable design of the models ensures that every student sees the same anatomical structures — unlike real cadavers, where variation can sometimes confuse beginners.
“At a basic introductory level, it’s nice that everybody is looking at the same thing to get the foundation,” says Jim Gronewold, instructor of anatomy and physiology at UNI.
Students use the syndavers throughout much of the semester, often working in small groups that allow for more individualized,
hands-on learning. The program at UNI stands out in Iowa for owning four of the models, more than any college or university in the state, as most institutions either have just one or continue to rely on animal dissection. Faculty hope to acquire more in the near future.
Made from a mix of chemicals that mirror the proportions found in human tissue, syndavers offer students the chance to study muscles, nerves, vessels and organs in realistic detail. For first-year students in particular, the difference is not only practical but emotional.
“To come in and find a real cadaver can be pretty traumatizing,” says McDade. “There are a lot of emotions involved. Sometimes they can’t even focus.” Syndavers provide a more approachable alternative, giving students the chance to engage deeply with the material without the sensory and emotional parts of traditional dissection.
Each synthetic cadaver can be updated annually, with UNI’s lab sending them back to the manufacturer for improvements yearly. New arteries, veins, nerves and organs are added as the company continues to refine its models.
“Every time they come back, it seems like they have something new,” says McDade. n
Pictured below are UNI Department of Biology faculty members Jim Gronewold (left), Mary McDade (middle) and Sheree Harper (right).
DOUBLE the CREATIVITY
Two sisters – both UNI alums – teach art education together
Sydney and Paige Hollingshead have been following in each other’s footsteps for years. Both of them have always had a passion for art. They both attended the University of Northern Iowa to study art education. And now they are both teachers in the Southeast Polk Community School District in central Iowa, each passing their love of art onto the next generation.
“Art is a really good way to practice that creative mindset, even if you don’t become an artist,” said Sydney. “The world absolutely
“I always knew UNI was the teachers college, and I wanted to be an art teacher, specifically because of my elementary art teacher growing up, and she is a UNI alum,” said Paige. “So I was able to talk to her about her experiences in the program. I knew she got a good education, and UNI would be a good place for me to go.”
“There’s a big reason why it’s known as the teacher school,” Sydney echoed. “So many amazing educators come from UNI and the art education program, specifically.”
Before her freshman year, Paige submitted her artwork for scholarships on campus and met professors/instructors Samantha Goss and Wendy Miller in the art education program. She knew it was the right fit for her.
Goss and Miller were highly influential on both of the alums’ time at UNI.
“Dr. Goss and Dr. Miller do an amazing job of prepping everyone,” said Sydney. “You practice making different types of lesson plans. You practice making different types of curriculum maps, and they make it a priority to get students out there for different types of field experiences before they even start student teaching.”
“Something I love about UNI is they value getting students out into the workforce and getting experience to prepare you as much as you can before student teaching,” said Paige.
At UNI, both sisters had the opportunity to attend the Art Educators of Iowa Conference, and Paige presented at UNI’s Social and Emotional Learning Conference. They also got to work on lessons for a Waterloo school even before their field experiences.
These strong professional relationships forged at UNI have
Right: Sydney and Paige Hollingshead.
Below: Sydney and Paige at UNI’s Teacher Education Convocation Ceremony.
continued even after the Hollingsheads graduated. Wendy Miller invited Sydney to speak on a panel about her experiences during her first year teaching.
“I just felt really honored,” said Sydney. “It makes me feel really special thinking about how Dr. Miller still remembers me, and she sees the growth and potential in me. It was such an honor sharing my teaching experiences.”
Now, within the same school district, Sydney teaches junior high school, while Paige teaches elementary students. Their experiences at UNI continue to help them in their classrooms. They also certainly share an enthusiasm for their profession.
“Today in my class we were doing something as simple as cutting out stars, and when a kid who was struggling did it for the first time, seeing his face light up — it’s something I could see 1,000 times and never get tired of,” said Paige. “My favorite part about teaching is just getting to be that person who helps students get from point A to point B, and even if I’m just one small step in their life, just being able to be a part of their lives and help them experience new things and to help them grow. It’s just such a wonderful thing I always cherish with my job.”
How math alumna Brittni Donaldson turned a passion for numbers into an NBA coaching career
FROM CALCULATORS TO THE COURT
Brittni Donaldson made headlines as the first female coach hired by the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA franchise’s history. It’s her experience playing the sport and understanding the data behind wins – two skills she honed during her time at UNI – that got her to where she is today.
Brittni Donaldson was a Panther, scoring points on the basketball court and crunching numbers in the classroom as a statistics and actuarial science major. She grew up in Sioux City where she developed a knack for math early in life.
“There was something about finding patterns and using logic that came easy to me,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue after my college basketball career, so I decided to choose a path that I knew would interest me as well as support me with a wide range of future opportunities.”
Today, Donaldson is one of just 15 women who have worked as fulltime assistant coaches in the NBA’s 70-year history. But being one of the few women in the room isn’t something new. Mathematics has typically been a male-dominated field, but some of Donaldson’s most impactful professors at UNI were females. One professor who Donaldson credits as being particularly inspiring to her is Dr. Adrienne Stanley – who still teaches at UNI.
“Professor Stanley was a breath of fresh air for me – she was ridiculously smart, funny, charismatic and a fantastic teacher,” said Donaldson. “Calc II and III were not easy courses, but she made them fun and engaging. I don’t doubt that I’ve subconsciously taken some inspiration from Professor Stanley’s teaching methods and weaved them into my coaching style.”
Just as Stanley was an inspiration for her, Donaldson is no doubt an inspiration to women and girls in her own right. She’s part of the leadership team for the Global Women in Basketball Coaching Network. “It’s been an invaluable experience connecting with so many brilliant and inspiring women across the globe who are pursuing the same path I am,” she said. “Sometimes, the coaching profession can feel isolating – especially when you are the only woman in the room. So having a community of people that I can lean on and talk to that can understand my experiences and further help validate my experiences is something I don’t take for granted.”
In September of 2025, Brittni Donaldson was promoted to the position of director of basketball development, methodology, and integration within the Atlanta Hawks organization.
Donaldson also participated in the Women in Sports Data Symposium in September 2023, which included professionals working in basketball, hockey and baseball. She describes it as one of her favorite annual conferences.
“Not only is it incredibly valuable to learn from other professionals in the sports analytics industry who are making waves in nearly every pro sport across North America, but it is instrumental to give women a real platform – not just to talk about being women, but to talk about our expertise and our work in this space,” she said. “It’s insanely useful to cross-pollinate with other sports and learn how they have been using data and technology to innovate in player development, roster construction, coaching decisions and the like. Collaboration is key!”
Although Brittni’s role today is very different from when she was a player, she reflects fondly on her time as a two-year starter at guard for the Panthers.
“My favorite memory is probably beating a ranked Wichita State team on our home court in February of 2014,” she said. “They were on a 20-
game winning streak and ranked 25th in the country – and we were able to pull out a gutsy team win in front of a great home crowd!”
Donaldson’s playing career was not without its challenges. She underwent four knee operations during her collegiate career and, as a result, was often sidelined. Now, she sees the positives in that experience.
“This forced me to become more cerebral with how I saw and understood the game and also forced me to figure out ways to be an impactful teammate even when I wasn’t on the floor,” she said.
“Because of my extensive experience both playing at a high level and also being injured and having to figure out ways to contribute intangibly, I’ve never believed that there is only one way to view or experience the game.”
No matter what challenges may have met her as a player, Donaldson has clearly overcome them and is thriving as she lives out her dreams in the NBA. n
Quick
campus stories with big impact
NEWS IN BRIEF
UNI Physics leads $1 million NSF grant to advance quantum research
The University of Northern Iowa Department of Physics has been awarded a $340,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead a collaborative research project exploring the magnetic properties of advanced materials with potential applications in quantum technologies. The highly competitive award supports a project led by UNI associate professor of physics Pavel Lukashev, principal investigator, with professor of physics Paul Shand serving as a co-principal investigator. UNI is the lead institution, partnering with researchers from South Dakota State University and the University of Virginia. The overall award for the three institutions is over $1 million. The research centers on topological magnetic materials, which behave differently from ordinary magnets by forming unusual magnetic patterns that are naturally stable. Because of this, they could become the building blocks for future technologies like quantum computing and advanced data storage. The project’s long-term goal is to identify new materials with robust magnetic structures that could serve as reliable building blocks for future quantum technologies.
UNI becomes new home for Iowa’s Migratory Education Program
The University of Northern Iowa has partnered with the Iowa Department of Education to become the new statewide hub for the Iowa Migratory Education Program — a federally funded, state-administered initiative that supports the education of nearly 4,000 children of migratory agricultural workers across Iowa. The program provides essential services to eligible students who have recently moved across school district lines due to seasonal or temporary agricultural work. With a growing population of migratory children — which has doubled over the past decade — these students are among the most vulnerable in the state. Frequent moves and high levels of poverty often create significant barriers to education for migratory families. A coordinating team at UNI has worked closely with the Iowa Department of Education over recent months to establish the program within UNI’s Department of Languages & Literatures.
UNI Science Education earns $118,000 NSF grant for teacher preparation research
UNI Director of Science Education and Professor of Physics & Science Education, Lawrence Escalada, received a Noyce Track 4 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for $118,728. The project titled Collaborative Research: Investigating the Impact of Video-based Analysis of Classroom Teachers on STEM Teacher Preparation, Effectiveness, and Retention aims to explore effective strategies for teacher preparation and retention. The research is designed to investigate the impact of videobased approach on STEM teacher effectiveness and retention in high-need schools. The
project will include future and current STEM teachers in video-based analysis through teacher preparation programs at seven institutions geographically spread across the country including the University of Northern Iowa, Vanderbilt University, Texas State University San Marcos, Teachers College Columbia University, West Chester University, Louisiana State University, and Kennesaw State University.
Two UNI alums awarded Yager Outstanding Teaching Award
Two Iowa teachers earned recognition for their service to the field when they recently received the University of Northern Iowa Dr. Robert E. and Phyllis M. Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. The award, sponsored by the Robert and Phyllis Yager Education Fund for Excellence, is intended to recognize exemplary teaching in K-12 schools by University of Northern Iowa alumni. Awardees are nominated by UNI faculty and selected based on documentation of outstanding teaching and learning. Recipients of this year’s award include:
• Matthew McLellan, Director of Orchestras at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa
• Emily Borcherding, Virtual Mathematics Teacher at Expo Alternative Learning Center in Waterloo, Iowa
The awards were conferred during a ceremony on October 31, 2025, held on the UNI campus. This award is sponsored by the family of the late Dr. Robert Yager, a UNI alum and nationally recognized science educator.
UNI mathematics alum awarded top national honor for science and mathematics teachers
In January of 2025, the Iowa Department of Education announced that six Iowa educators have been named as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST award is the highest honor dedicated to K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science teaching in the U.S. Among the awardees is Stephanie Steines, UNI Department of Mathematics alum who teaches at Decorah High School in Decorah, Iowa. Each PAEMST recipient receives a $10,000 award sponsored by the National Science Foundation and a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend
recognition events and professional development opportunities. All awardees also receive a signed certificate from the President of the United States. PAEMST awards up to 110 teachers annually and traditionally alternates each year between elementary and secondary teacher honors. The most recent list of awardees represents PAEMST teachers who were nominated for 2021-23, with a total of 306 teachers honored nationally.
UNI Department of Philosophy & World Religions to host 55th reunion
The Department of Philosophy and World Religions is celebrating more than 55 years of excellence alongside UNI’s sesquicentennial.
Alumni and Friends of UNI’s Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Ethics programs are invited to attend a Reunion Weekend May 1-2, 2026 on campus.
UNI kicks off sesquicentennial celebration
The University of Northern Iowa is kicking off its sesquicentennial celebration– commemorating 150 years of transformation and impact. Starting in 2025 and culminating in 2026, the university will honor its legacy and dedication to students, while celebrating the past, present and future. Special events will be hosted throughout the year, and the UNI Museum has curated a special exhibit in honor of the sesquicentennial. This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases artifacts, photographs and stories from every chapter of UNI’s history — from its 1876 founding to today’s thriving campus community.
Gallagher Bluedorn celebrates its 25th anniversary
In the Fall of 2025, the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center marked 25 years of bringing world-class performances and community together. In early November, the university hosted a rededication ceremony celebrating the completion of the center’s renovation and expansion project. The Gallagher Bluedorn’s original opening was the result of more than half a century of persistence and belief that arts belonged at the heart of campus life. Finally, the project began work in 1997 and was ready for visitors three years later, with its official grand opening in April 2000. Today, as the Gallagher Bluedorn celebrates 25 years, it stands not just as a building but as a living testament to decades of vision, generosity and shared belief in the power of the arts.
Alumni updates from across the nation
CLASS NOTES
1950s
‘53 Carolyn (Cummings) Haurum, BA, Crystal Lake, IL, is 90 years old and started teaching in 1953. Her husband, Harlan Haurum ‘52, was in the first masters class at UNI.
‘56 Robert Lang, BA, Canton, GA, is 90 years old and has moved to a retirement village. He received his masters from George Williams College in Chicago, taught for 22 years, worked in marketing for 18 years and plans to live until he’s 100!
1960s
‘60 Carole (Johnston) Gardner, BA, Concord, CA, is still singing with the Diablo Women’s Chorale in Walnut Creek, CA.
‘65 Larry Gabe, BA, Salem, SC, was named to the Marquis Who’s Who in America for 2024. He ran Sales Staff Surveys for 10 years and took it from a small independent company to a very profitable group. He published a book about baseball fundamentals titled “Little Things Win Big Games” and a book about the people of Powersville, Iowa, titled “Farm Life in Rural America Powersville, Iowa, 1940’s 1950’s.”
‘67 Joseph Robinson, BA, MA ‘71, Castle Rock, CO, was inducted into the Oklahoma Career Tech Hall of Fame in Oct. 2024. This award honors outstanding Oklahomans for their exemplary achievement, leadership and service in the field of career and technology education. This is the highest honor bestowed by the Oklahoma Career and Technology Education system.
1970s
‘70 Jym Ganahl, BA, Westerville, OH, retired from WSYX (ABC6) on 5/15/2024 following 60 years in weather forecasting in central Ohio.
‘70 Charlie Lakin, BA, Minneapolis, MN, received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in June 2024. He earned his Ph.D. from Minnesota in 1981 and his career focused primarily on disability research, policy and advocacy.
‘71 Steven Ainsworth, BA, MA ‘75, Pensacola, FL, retired from teaching in Dec. 2023 after teaching music for 52.5 years. He directed bands in Gilman and Perry in the 1970s before moving to Pensacola, FL. In 2004, Steve moved to Wilson, NC, and spent the next 11 years developing a thriving band program at Wilson Christian Academy. During his career, he has been a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, directed several all state band clinics across the country and been an adjudicator at various music competitions. The past eight years Steve has been an adjunct professor of music education at Pensacola Christian College. He trained future music teachers, prepared students for undergraduate and graduate instrumental recitals and taught graduate instrumental conducting students. Steve’s love and passion for music education will live on in his students. In addition to his UNI degrees, he also earned an E.D in music education from Florida State University in 1989. He and his wife enjoy traveling, working in their church, and most of all spending time with their children, and 10 grandchildren and their spouses.
‘73 Craig Perman, BA, MA ‘77, Denver, CO, was presented the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. In addition to his success as a scientist in the environmental services industry, he authored 20 patents and 23 publications.
‘73 Laura (Noehl) Schmitz, BA, Ionia, received the 2023 Immaculate Conception Elementary School Hall of Fame Award. She taught 3rd grade for 44 years.
‘76 Rocky Agan, BA, Knoxville, was intrigued by Dr. Goodman’s courses related to transportation and became the distribution analyst at a 3M Company manufacturing facility where he was responsible for all facets of transportation of products and hazardous materials. He has returned to UNI to speak with the students about his career.
‘78 Pamela (Jenkins) Connell, BA, Peoria, IL, published a book titled “Portal or Hole: Meditations on Art, Religion, Race and the Pandemic.”
1980s
‘80 Randy Pilkington, BA, MA ‘98, Waterloo, received the 2023 Cedar Valley Legacy Award from Grow Cedar Valley. He is recently retired as the executive director of Business and Community Services at UNI.
‘81 Bill Coontz, BA, Atlanta, GA, is CEO of Dalton, a brand and communication agency.
‘81 Richard Dobson, BA, Cedar Falls, is a career financial services professional, an industry keynote speaker and authored the books “Make Simplicity Your Superpower” and “The Trusted Professional.”
‘83 David Schroeder, BM, New York, NY, has been the director of jazz studies at NYU for 16 years and chair of the department of music for three years. He presents lectures/performances around the world to music students and jazz fans and has published two books of jazz artist interviews. He also hosts a popular jazz interview series on YouTube.
‘85 Russ Adams, BA, Orange City, was named director of the master of education program in educational administration and assistant director of the Center for Innovation & Leadership with Northwestern College.
‘85 Joel McCrea, BA, Des Moines, is the vice president for client strategy and service with Strategic America.
‘85 Susie (McIntee) Schwieger, MA, Waterloo, serves on the UNI Emeritus Association Advisory Council. She retired from UNI in 2021 after 32 years of service
in Career Services and the Graduate College.
‘86 Julie Kraft, BA, Robins, was named to the Top 50 Women Leaders of Iowa for 2024 by Women We Admire. She is the chief strategy officer for Kraft Co.
‘86 Bobbie Williams, BA, Port Saint Lucie, FL, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.
‘87 Jeff Lorber, BA, Springfield, IL, retired as vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Illinois Springfield and senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation.
‘87 Craig Miller, BA, Bernalillo, NM, leads worship for the recovery ministry at the Albuquerque West Campus of Sagebrush Church and leads worship at the Santa Fe campus. He has been a worship pastor for 23 years. He also has a music business where he performs 2 3 nights a week singing and playing acoustic guitar, classical guitar, ukulele, mandolin and cigar box slide guitar.
1990s
‘90 Scott Slechta, MA, Saint Simons Island, GA, received the honor of having the Fairfield High School Auditorium named
after him on 5/5/2024. He taught English and led the drama department from 1984-2017.
‘91 Tracey (Ewing) Hulme, BA, Traer, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is a culinary arts teacher at the Waterloo Career Center.
‘91 Lisa Raine, BA, MA ‘95, ASC ‘97, Vancouver, WA, retired from the Washington Education Association after 30 years of service as the labor union director for educators.
‘91 Kim (Meyer) Rathmell, BS, Nashville, TN, was sworn in as the 17th director of the National Cancer Institute on 12/18/2023. She previously led the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as physician in chief and chair of the Department of Medicine.
‘91 Rodney Zehr, BA, MA ‘02, Mason City, received the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Community Colleges for Iowa. He was nominated by North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa.
‘93 Jennifer (Diller) Brown, BA, Ocala, FL, received the 2024 Golden Apple Teacher Award from Marion County Public Schools in Florida and was a finalist for their Teacher of the Year Award.
CLASS NOTES
‘93 Dean Eyler, BA, Minneapolis, MN, was appointed by the Governor of Minnesota as district court judge in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.
‘93 Aimee (Weld) Hospodarsky, Monticello, is a K-5 school counselor consultant with Grant Wood AEA.
‘94 Denise (Steines) Forney, BA, West Des Moines, was named vice president of talent and organizational development with the Iowa Corn Growers Association. She heads up Leadership Enhancement and Development (I Lead) and the Collegiate Advisory Team (I CAT).
‘96 Tatum (Teut) Buse, BA, MBA ‘01, Marion, was named to the Top 50 Women Leaders of Iowa for 2024 by Women We Admire. She is the chief financial officer at Collins Aerospace.
‘96 Matthew Kingsbury, BA, Vinton, was named the 2024 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa. He is the principal at Vinton Shellsburg High School.
‘97 Michael McTaggart, BA, Des Moines, was named police chief of Des Moines. He is a 25 year veteran of the department.
‘97 Jennifer (Cameron) Paulsen, MA, Cedar Falls, was named the 2023 Iowa History Teacher of the Year. She is a 30 year veteran social studies teacher at Holmes Junior High School.
‘98 Brad Beaman, BA, Ankeny, was elected shareholder at Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. He works with clients in both public and private law with a focus on litigation, construction law and procurement/contracting.
‘99 Keith Anson, BA, Lafayette, IN, retired in Apr. 2024 from the US Air Force after more than 23 years of service.
‘99 Tiffiany (Spates) Evans, BA, MA ‘14, Waterloo, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is a librarian at Irving Elementary.
‘99 Suzanne Shontz, BS, Lawrence, KS, received the 2024 James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication from the Krell Institute. The award recognizes mentoring and leadership on the campuses she’s served and in the broader research community. She is a professor and associate dean at the University of Kansas.
2000s
‘00 Blake Hammond, BA, Des Moines, was named the 2025 Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year. He is a science teacher at Merrill Middle School.
‘00 Susie Stark, BA, MA ‘07, Marion, was named the 2025 Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year. She is a teacher at Viola Gibson Elementary School in Cedar Rapids.
‘00 Kelli (Sitzmann) Zimmerman, BA, Waterloo, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is an English language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Gilbertville.
‘01 Raychelle Burks, BS, Washington, DC, received the Morton Bender Prize during the 2024 American University faulty award ceremony. She is an associate professor of chemistry.
‘01 Marc Dickinson, BA, MA ‘03, Des Moines, published a book titled “Replacement Parts,” a collection of short stories following characters over three generations in small town Iowa. Much of the book began as a UNI student.
‘01 Andrea (Callies) Hottle, BA, Waterloo, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is a 2nd grade teacher at Hudson Elementary.
‘01 Nino Sanikidze, MM, Houston, TX, was a head coach for the Domingo Colburn Stein Young Artist Program with the Los Angeles Opera before moving to Houston to join the faculty at Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. She is also a faculty artist at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA.
‘03 Mark McConnell, BS, Pella, was called as pastor of discipleship and leadership development at Federated Fellowship Church.
‘03 Jennifer (Meyer) Schlader, BA, Cedar Falls, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is a Pre-K teacher at Lowell Early Childhood Center in Waterloo.
‘04 Katy (Broshar) Susong, BA, Cedar Falls, was named president and CEO of Grow Cedar Valley.
‘06 Brenda Liddle, BM, Marshalltown, is the 6-12 grade band director at East Marshall Schools.
‘06 Kiersten (Crowell) Maertens, BA, Urbandale, was named one of the 40 under 40 by the Des Moines Business Record for 2024. She is managing director of account strategy for Flynn Wright.
‘08 Dan Black, BM, MA ‘17, ASC ‘18, Council Bluffs, was named a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year. He is a music teacher for Council Bluffs Community School District.
‘08 Rachael (Halse) Holland, BA, Cedar Rapids, was named one of the 40 Under 40 for 2024 by the Corridor Business Journal. She is vice president of growth and sales with AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising.
‘08 Mitch Leahy, BA, Cedar Rapids, was named to the 40 under 40 Class of 2024 by the Corridor Business Journal. He is a vice president and general manager with GreatAmerica Financial Services.
‘08 Robbie Schwenker, BA, North Liberty, was named to the 40 under 40 Class of 2024 by the Corridor Business Journal. He is a pharmacist with NuCara Pharmacy.
‘09 Melissa (Kilfoy) Anderson, BA, Naples, FL, started Coharbor Electric & Coharbor Plumbing with husband Jacob, serving the southwest Florida markets. They also partner with Russell Construction for nationwide commercial real estate development for the government.
‘09 Jed Batterson, MA, Cedar Falls, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. He is a 4th grade teacher at Aldrich Elementary.
‘09 Jonathon Hummel, BA, Grimes, was named one of the 40 under 40 by the Des Moines Business Record for 2024. He is vice president of commercial banking with West Bank.
‘09 Leann (Schroeder) Pederson, BA, Polk City, was named one of the 40 under 40 by the Des Moines Business Record for 2024. She is a senior partner with RDG Planning & Design.
‘09 Keith Worner, BA, Coal Valley, IL, was named one of the 40 Under 40 for 2024 by the Quad Cities Business Journal. He is the president of Fortress Bank.
2010s
‘10 Liz Cooney, BA, Des Moines, was named one of the 40 under 40 by the Des Moines Business Record for 2024. She is a manager of performance and capability management with F&G.
‘11 Jamie (Pope) Cornish, BA, Waukee, was named chief audit executive with Federal Home Loan Bank. She was previously with EY from 2011 2024.
‘11 Charlie Cowell, BA, Des Moines, is an urban planner and partner at RDG Planning & Design.
‘11 Ashley (Hermansen) Johnson, BA, Cedar Falls, was named one of the Cedar Valley’s 20 under 40 by the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier for 2024. She is the executive director of the Cedar Valley Sports Commission.
‘11 Darrin Sersland, BA, Denver, CO, joined the Denver office of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP as a senior litigation support coordinator.
‘12 Jordan Stokes, BS, Altoona, was named one of the 40 under 40 by the Des Moines Business Record for 2024. He is a self perform work leader with the Midwest region for Ryan Companies US, Inc.
‘13 Jessica (Morosky) Dunnick, BM, Hiawatha, received the Dr. Robert E. and Phyllis M. Yager
Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. The award aims to highlight UNI graduates who have gone on to excel as a K 12 educator. Dunnick was also accepted to present at the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) conference in Nov. 2024.
‘13 Faith Hall, BM, Baton Rouge, LA, was appointed assistant professor of music education at Louisiana State University.
‘13 Alicia Herzog, BA, Des Moines, is a master garden coordinator and received the staff 2024 Early Achievement Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
‘13 Rachael (Swisher) Hoffman, BA, Waterloo, was named one of the Cedar Valley’s 20 under 40 by the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier for 2024. She is a private wealth advisor with U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management.
‘13 Timothy Hopper, BA, MA ‘24, Waterloo, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. He is a social studies teacher at Central Middle School.
‘14 Nicole Schroeder, BA, West Des Moines, was named a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year. She is an elementary teacher with Saydel Community School District.
CLASS NOTES
‘15 Brianna (Aust) Slutts, BA, Davenport, was named one of the 40 Under 40 for 2024 by the Quad Cities Business Journal. She is the marketing director with the McCarthy Bush Corporation.
‘15 Megann (Savereide) Tresemer, MA, Cedar Falls, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. She is an English teacher at Holmes Jr. High School.
‘15 Hayley (White) Vanderpool, BA, Ankeny, published a book titled “Playing Santa” in 2023. The book began as an extra credit project for an early education class while at UNI.
‘15 Daniel Vorwerk, BA, MA ‘17, North Liberty, was promoted to assistant director of events and stewardship with International Programs at the University of Iowa.
‘16 Stevan Krickovic, BA, Waterloo, was named one of the Cedar Valley’s 20 under 40 by the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier for 2024. He is the founder of enVision Soccer training.
‘18 Christopher Tims, MA, Waterloo, received a 2024 Gold Star Outstanding Teacher award in Black Hawk County. He is a history teacher at Waterloo East High School.
‘18 Jacob Van Essen, BA, Denton, TX, is a flight instructor in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area.
‘19 Lexi Forstrom, BM, Yantai, China, has been teaching band at an international school in Yantai, China, for the past four years. She was hired to pioneer a band program which has been an adventure. In a city of 6 million people, the school has the only formal school band program. Acquiring resources has been quite a challenge in this area, but the results have been priceless. Students now have the opportunity to learn to play band instruments for the first time, and they are building a band culture in the school. She hopes each student takes their love for music with them in their futures as they spread around the world. She loves living in China! The people, the food and the fascinating culture makes life an adventure every day. She previously didn’t realize there were many opportunities to live and teach abroad as a musician, but is finding that there are so many opportunities across the world!
‘19 Ashley (Richardson) Wright, BM, Hubert, NC, My husband, Austin Wright (also a UNI alum. Class of ‘17), and I got married on August 7th, 2019. Having a spouse that’s also an alumnus of UNI is the best because we can share our love for Panther Country! He and I used our music degrees from UNI to enlist in the United States Marine Corps as musicians his enlistment starting in October 2019, and mine in October 2022. We’re now stationed in North Carolina where we share music with people all over the world while serving our country!
2020s
‘20 Julia Jorgensen, BA, Madison, WI, earned a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Sex Therapy focus from the University of Wisconsin Stout in 2023 and is a couples and family therapist for Edges Wellness in Minneapolis, MN. Their work focuses on the intersections of disability/neurodivergence and sexuality and also work with gender expansive clients to counter sexual shame and navigate polyamory in relationships.
‘21 Brenda (Elvik) Kaufmann, MA, Traer, was named a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year. She is an elementary teacher with North Tama County Community School District.
‘23 Jacob Kuhn, BS, Hudson, is a full stack developer with TruStage.
‘23 David Phetmanysay, BM, Waterloo, presented at the Fall 2023 DePaul Musil Symposium discussing former CSO composer in residence John Corligiano’s Symphony No. 1 and the historical aspects of Chicago during the AIDS Crisis. He volunteers for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was the social media content creator for the College Night in November 2024. He provided original photography coverage during the CSO student event and works as a freelance photographer helping musicians obtain headshots and portraits for professional use.
STORIES Unbound
MARIAN, OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD OCT. 24 – NOV. 2, 2025 POPPED! DEC. 6 – 13, 2025
