University Of Northern Iowa’s 150th Anniversary On Sunday

It will be 150 years ago this Sunday—September 6, 1876—that the Iowa State Normal School in Cedar Falls opened its doors to 27 students.  That set the stage for the institution’s growth into the Iowa State Teachers College, the State College of Iowa and, eventually, the University of Northern Iowa. 

UNI will formally recognize the sesquicentennial milestone later this month, with a day of celebrations honoring the university’s 150-year history and its tradition of public service. A commemorative program will be held Friday, September 18 at the Commons Plaza at 2 p.m.  featuring remarks from UNI President Mark Nook and other university leaders. 

The ceremony will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the UNI Campanile, which was dedicated on September 19, 1926. For a century, the campus icon has served as the heartbeat of campus and a gathering place for celebrations, remembrances and traditions that have shaped generations of Panthers.

In addition, a formal announcement will be made of a new center on the UNI campus that builds on that longstanding commitment to public service.