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 28,000+ 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.

A group of UNI alumni, students and friends of all ages smiling at UNI Homecoming 2022

Who we are

  • 28,000+ unique donors
  • 40% of donors are first-time donors to UNI
  • 109,553 gifts to the Our Tomorrow campaign
  • 50 states and 17 countries represented
  • $100 median gift
  • 17,035 alumni
  • 8,887 friends

A path to greater opportunity

SCHOLARSHIPS & ENGAGED LEARNING

$67.5 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



Enrique Ledesma Barajas headshot

Anna Wanninger with one of her speech-language pathology students

+ 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

$89 million for academic programs is providing resources to expand learning and support our faculty in their teaching, research and service. $33 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

UNI student carillonneurs Jessica Carlson and Emily Clouser

UNI Gerontology student with an elderly woman and a service dog

+ THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGY

$1.7 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