A bolder, brighter tomorrow
The Panther family has risen to the challenge. With more than two years remaining in the Our Tomorrow campaign, we surpassed our goal of $250 million!
Because of you, we’re seeing the future of UNI take shape in inspiring ways: campus spaces receiving significant upgrades, academic programs reaching new heights and students achieving beyond what they thought possible. More than a number, $250 million is transforming lives and making tomorrows brighter for so many.
Thank you to the 30,500+ alumni and friends who have said yes to Our Tomorrow. We hope you will join us in raising a total of $300 million by 2026 to chart a bolder, brighter future for the University of Northern Iowa.
Who we are
- 30,500+ unique donors
- 43% of donors are first-time donors to UNI
- 128,000+ gifts to the Our Tomorrow campaign
- 50 states and 17 countries represented
- $100 median gift
- 18,000+ alumni
- 10,000+ friends
Data last updated February 1, 2025.
$71M for scholarships
Over $71 million raised for student scholarships. During this time, 443 new scholarships and 264 new endowments were created.
The Our Tomorrow campaign aims to raise $75 million in scholarship support by 2026.
$54.2M for athletics facilities and programs
Moving forward, the Our Tomorrow campaign will raise funding for renovations to the UNI-Dome and the creation of a new Wrestling Training Facility.
56 new and restored bells
In May 2023, phase one of the Campanile project finished. These renovations preserved and enhanced the Campanile for years to come.
As we embark on this Campanile Plaza effort, we are grateful of the generosity of our donors. To date 600+ unique donors have contributed to the $2.2M project.
$25M to support the first named college at UNI
At Homecoming 2023, David Wilson, '70, pledged a $25 million gift to fuel strategic initiatives and invest in faculty and students in the Wilson College of Business. The $25 million donation is the largest single gift in the history of UNI.
A path to greater opportunity
SCHOLARSHIPS & ENGAGED LEARNING
$80 million in scholarships and other direct student assistance is bringing the promise of a UNI education within reach for many more students. $4.2 million for engaged learning is enabling more students to participate in internships, study abroad, undergraduate research and other pre-professional experiences.
+ TAKING ON TOMORROW
Scholarships provide students like Enrique with a path to pursue personal, professional and life goals without having to worry about financing their education.
“I’m thankful for this scholarship because it gives me the opportunity to excel in school and helps me pursue my dental career.”
— Enrique Ledesma Barajas
Biochemsity Major
Steve & Merry Heilmann Chemistry Scholarship Recipient
+ FINDING HER CALLING
Support through Our Tomorrow allowed Anna, a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program, to dedicate herself to her clients in the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic.
“I thought, ‘This is a field where I can really make a difference.’ It has been so rewarding to see my clients achieve success, no matter how big or little.”
— Anna Wanninger
MA, Speech-Language Pathology, '24
Allison Morris Forever 28 Scholarship Recipient
The future of learning
PROGRAMS, FACULTY & ICONIC SPACES
$96.8 million for academic programs is providing resources to expand learning and support our faculty in their teaching, research and service. $44.2 million in capital support is writing the next chapter for UNI’s iconic spaces.
+ PRESERVING AN ICON
Phase 1 of the Campanile project centered on a historic upgrade and expansion of the carillon, providing students like Jessica the opportunity to play an instrument central to the UNI experience.
“With this update, we’re going to be able to keep the bells ringing for another 50 to 100 years, which is so important to the ambiance of campus.”
— Jessica Carlson
Student Carillonneur
+ THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGY
$1.9 million, including $1 million in faculty support from the Gerdin family, will provide greater educational opportunities for gerontology students and the broader community.
“Investing in our program means a gerontology workforce better prepared to care for and support people as they age. It’s about giving older adults opportunities to thrive in their communities.”
— Elaine Eshbaugh
Adele Whitenack Davis Endowed Professor of Gerontology
