Meet the CATS:
The University of Northern Iowa Connecting Alumni to Students (CATS) is the official student volunteer group of the UNI Alumni Association. These members represent dedicated and passionate students whose primary goal is to be the official tradition keepers of the University of Northern Iowa. CATS represent the University of Northern Iowa student body to alumni and friends. CATS create and promote the lasting connections between past, present and future Panthers.
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Name: Connie Hansen Graduation Year: 1989 Major/Minor: Elementary Education Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: I have worked in the UNI Admissions Office, Advisor for Student Alumni Ambassadors and the Northern Iowa Stars Programs Why is CATS such a great organization? : I love advising the UNI CATS for several reasons. Their enthusiasm to enhance relationships between the alumni and the current student body is amazing. This group of students also has a passion for service to the university and the community we live in. It has been a blast watching them grow through the organization and expand their creativity in the event and programming areas. Each member will definitely be an outstanding alum of UNI.
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Name: Lindsey Adams Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: Communication Sciences and Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology Hometown: Ames, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Gamma Phi Beta, 2008 Summer Orientation Staff, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, 2007-2008 UNI Homecoming Committee, Order of Omega. What do you like best about UNI?: I love the size of UNI - it's big enough where there are a lot of great opportunities to get involved, but small enough to benefit individual students and have a family atmosphere. Why is CATS such a great organization?: As a senior, CATS has opened my eyes to the responsibilities and benefits of becoming a UNI alum next semester - I can't wait to give back to UNI what it has given to me!
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Name: Johanna Albaugh Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: Political Communication Hometown: Des Moines, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Alpha Xi Delta, Student Leadership Center, Habitat for Humanity, STAT, Panther Posse, CHFA Dean's Office, Athletic Tutoring Center, Generation Iowa What do you like best about UNI?: The sense of community we share and the pride that comes along with being a life-long Panther. Why is CATS such a great organization?: I graduate in May; I am terrified. CATS is the main reason I know I'll be alright after Saturday, May 9th, 2009. I've seen, first-hand, the great things UNI graduates have done, as well as how satisfied they are with their lives. I like to live without regrets. CATS has helped prove to me how every step I took at UNI really was a step in the right direction.
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Name: Lindsey Aldrich Graduation Year: May 2010 Major/Minor: Public Relations Hometown: Cedar Falls Other Campus/Community Involvement: SAA, PRSSA, PRide What do you like best about UNI?: I love the campus atmosphere from walking on campus, hanging out with friends in Maucker Union, to cheering on the Panthers at game at the UNI Dome or the McLeod Center! Why is CATS such a great organization?: It's great to experience being part of an organization full of great people who love UNI and represents the University while keeping connected not only the students but also alumni. |
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Name: Joel Anderson Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Philosophy Hometown: Waukee, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Sigma Phi Epsilon, Glee Club, UNI Singers, CATI Lab Why is CATS such a great organization?: Because we are the official tradition keepers of UNI.
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Name: Katrina Bauer Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Deciding - Possibly Elementary Education Hometown: Cedar Falls! Other Campus/Community Involvement: I am involved with the nursery through my church, Big Brother Big Sister, a intramural basketball team, church small group, work in Rod Library and I attend theRiver and BASIC as well. What do you like best about UNI?: I like many things about UNI, but one specific thing would be UNI's student body size. I've grown up around UNI my whole life and feel it provides a big school feel, providing many new people to meet and become friends with, but yet, still posses's a small town atmosphere with a supporting community and many things to become involved with. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great organization and a good way to get involved because it is a bunch of UNI student supporters working their best to promote UNI in a fun way to others, while learning about UNI's past and present traditions. |
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Name: Abby Bermel Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Elementary Education Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Golf team What do you like best about UNI?: It has so many opportunities for students and it makes everyone feel like they are at home. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is such a great organization because it gets students involved not only with each other, but with alumni and other people in the community. |
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Name: Beth Bishop Graduation Year: May 2010 Major/Minor: Marketing/Public Relations Hometown: Fairfield, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: American Marketing Association, 2008 Homecoming Committee, UNI on-campus internship What do you like best about UNI?: I love the size, the sense of community, the many ways to get involved, the professors, being in CATS...EVERYTHING! Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS brings together students from all over campus and contributes so much to the university and community. We bring together students and alumni and really make a different on campus...all while having fun!
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Name: Krystal Campbell Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: Public Relations/Marketing Hometown: Centerville, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: Student Gift Committee, STAT, National Society of Collegiate Scholars What do you like best about UNI?: I love the size of the campus and the amazing opportunities UNI provides to students. Why is CATS such a great organization?: It is a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus while having fun!
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Name: Sam Charnetski Graduation Year: 2010 Major: Political Science Hometown: Grinnell, IA Other Campus/ Community Involvement: Pi Kappa Alpha, NISG Supreme Court, and Pi Sigma Alpha. What I like best about UN?I: The fact that I can walk across campus in 15 minutes or less. Why cats is such a great organization?: Basically, because we rock out loud. |
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Name: Amanda Coffin Graduation Year: May 2012 Major/Minor: Accounting Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: Accounting Club and Professional Skills Initiative What do you like best about UNI?: I like the size, its not too big or too small. Why is CATS such a great organization?: I like CATS because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and take part in many campus events! |
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Name: Liz Cooney Graduation Year: May 2010 Major/Minor: Community and Communications Hometown: Des Moines, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Panther Marching Band and Pep Band, Campus Ministries, Special Olympics, STAT, Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program What do you like best about UNI?: I like how personal everything is, especially the classes. It's so easy to just go and talk with your professors. UNI also makes it very easy to get involved because there's something for everyone! Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is such fun way to become a true Panther! We get to meet so many new people and work with some outstanding alumni, which gives us all something to look forward to after we graduate. |
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Name: Meridith Dickey Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Elementary Education, Science Minor Hometown: New London, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Gamma Phi Beta, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), and I work at the Alumni Association House. What do you like best about UNI?: I don't like things about UNI, I LOVE them. UNI is a small and creative campus that is just right for any person. Without even looking you can find a friend and you can find a place at UNI that is just right for you. This campus always has something going on and it keeps you on your toes. It feels like home to me. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS gives students the opportunity to connect to alumni and build an irreplaceable network of friends. We are the offical tradion keepers at UNI and if you can say that you should know that you are a part of something that is great. |
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Name: Danielle Enderson Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Accounting & Finance Hometown: Manly, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: United Methodist Wesley Foundation, Honors Program, After the Game tutoring program, CBA Tech Support Office Assistant Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to meet new people. It has given me the opportunity to network with alumni as well as other students while helping out with various events both on and off campus. |
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Name: Mike Engler Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Management Information Systems Hometown: Eldridge, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Senate, STAT, Relay for Life What do you like best about UNI?: The student life is probably the most fun. The energy that UNI students put into everything makes things really exciting and there never seems to be a dull moment. Why is CATS such a great organization?: Its a great way for not only me to connect with Alumni, but also a great way for me to become more involved with campus activities and teach the rest of the University and public about UNI while keeping traditions and connections with Alumni strong. |
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Name: Nirmeen Fahmy Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Public Relations Hometown: Cedar Falls Other Campus/Community Involvement: NISG Off Campus Senator, PRSSA, PRIDE What do you like best about UNI?: Thse sense of community you feel around the campus. Why is CATS such a great organization?: It's great way to meet a lot of really nice people and give back to the university, the community, and to its students of both past and present. |
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Name: Brett Flack Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Accounting/ Economics Hometown: Waterloo, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Kappa Sigma, Accounting Club, Optimist baseball coach Why is CATS such a great organization? : CATS enables us to network with UNI's broad and diverse alumni base and see why UNI was such a special place to them, as I embrace UNI as a student and future alumni.
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Name: Jared Friedman Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Major-Public Relations Minor-Marketing Hometown: Dyersville, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Summer Orientation Staff 2009, STAT What do you like best about UNI?: I like UNI because of the great faculty support. It seems every professor that I have at UNI knows my first name and it is reassuring to know that UNI offers professors that truly care about their students. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great place to meet many new people both peers and alumnus. It is also amazing to be a part of an organization that has such a great knowlegde of UNI's history and traditons. |
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Name: Kathryn (Katie) Halsne Graduation Year: Dec. 2009 Major/Minor: Finance: Management Hometown: Woodward, IA Campus/Community Involvement: Professional Skills Initiative, Student Leadership Center, Panther Push, Phi Eta Sigma, Career Services What do you like best about UNI?: The opportunities that have been opened to me and the wonderful people (friends, classmates, professors) I have met cannot be found at any other campus. I feel like I'm at home here and will truely cherish my time spent at UNI. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is an unique group that cannot be matched anywhere else on campus. Our group does so much for the campus and the community and it makes me feel special to be part of CATS. The people I've met through CATS will turn into lifelong friends, who will always share a passion for UNI. |
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Name: Sarah Harken Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: History and Anthropology Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority What do you like best about UNI?: Knowing lots of people, small class sizes, and the fact that it is so much fun! Why is CATS such a great organization?: Everyone gets a great chance to get to know each other, and it is awesome to get involved with the university in ways that I would not normally, such as going to sporting events, and doing Golden Grad events! |
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Name: Brittany Harp Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Public Relations/ Creative Writing Hometown: Gilbertville, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: PRSSA & Pride Why is CATS such a great organization? : CATS has been a great organization for me to get involved with because there is so much networking to be done. The campus (and workplace) are a student's world in college, and in CATS we go beyond that and expand our contacts to the Cedar Valley, the state of Iowa and across the U.S. Public Relations is all about the connections you make with people, for an organization; which is basically what CATS does for both UNI and the UNI Alumni Association. |
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Name: Adam Haselhuhn Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Political Communications/Political Science Hometown: Des Moines, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: NISG, Maucker Union Advisory Board, Relay For Life What do you like best about UNI?: The friendly atmosphere. Why is CATS such a great organization?: It connects you with Alumni and helps the University build a stronger sense of community.
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Name: Emma Hashman Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Political Communications/Journalism Hometown: Story City, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Northern Iowa Student Government, Hagemann Hall Senate, Belle House Council What do you like best about UNI?: Panther spirit and enthusiasm Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS gives students an opportunity to get involved and take a leadership role on campus. |
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Name: Katie Hood Graduation Year: Fall 2010 Major/Minor: Elementary/Middle Level Education; Literacy Minor Hometown: Clare, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Alpha Xi Delta, Panhellenic Executive Council, Camp Adventure, Order of Omega, Panther Push, Phi Eta Sigma, National Society Of Collegiate Scholars, UNI-STAT, Student Leadership Center What do you like best about UNI?: The thing I like best about UNI is this size of the campus. It is big enough to offer so many opportunities for majors, involvement, and entertainment; but it is small enough that you come to know your peers, professors, and advisors very well. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is such a great organization because it doesn't just surround me with great people, it gives me opportunities to work with current students and alumni all around campus and also in the community. It has also helped teach me how great this school is and how much we should support the Panthers! |
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Name: Elizabeth Huebsch Graduation Year: May 2010 Major/Minor: Masters in Social Work Hometown: West Des Moines Other Campus/Community Involvement: Social Work Club, Big Bro/Sis, Special Olympics Event Leader What do you like best about UNI?: I like how small the classes are and the professors are always willing to help out. The relationships on campus is awesome. Why is CATS such a great organization?: It helps you get involved and the people are great. Were all like a big happy family.
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Name: Amy Huseman Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Accounting Hometown: Alta, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Professional Skills Initiative What do you like best about UNI?: The best part of UNI is the people. The College of Business has great professors and I have met many lifelong friends during my time here. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great organization because it has given me the opportunity to meet alumni and other students, while volunteering on campus and in the community. |
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Name: Drew T. Kahler Graduation Year: December 2009 Major/Minor: Marketing/Public Relations, Entrepreneurship & Marketing Research Certificate Hometown: Maquoketa, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: NISG, Maucker Union Policy Board, Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization, American Marketing Association, University Academic Appeals Committee, Student Services Fees Committee What do you like best about UNI?: I love the at home atmosphere that UNI has. It's just big enough as to where it isn't just like high school all over, but it's still small enough that you can get to know faculty, staff, and students on a personal level. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great organization because it teams up students from all across the university for a common purpose of promoting the relationships between students and alumni. It really helps you network and get to know other people while helping the university grow in a different way than any other organization on campus. |
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Name: Kristine Kearney Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Psychology/ Law and Politics and Humanities Minor Hometown: Ames, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Eta Sigma, Golden Key International Honor Society, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow(STAT) What do you like best about UNI?: What I love most about UNI is that it is the perfect size university. It provides many opportunities to get involve, while staying small enough for a more personal experience. Why is CATS such a great organization?: Cats is a great organization because it helps keeps the community of Cedar Falls actively involved with UNI. |
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Name: Kyrsten Klein Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: Communication Sciences & Disorders Hometown: Pella, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Rider Hall Resident Assistant , Resident Hall Senate, National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Why is CATS such a great organization? : CATS is a great organization because it allows current students at UNI to share their experiences with UNI alumni. In return, it gives the alumni an opportunity to share their experiences with students. CATS is a wonderful way to network with people and to build relationships. I enjoy being a member of CATS!
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Name: Natalia Lawson Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Double Majoring in Athletic Training & Exercise Science Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: Student Gift Committee, UNISATO, EISG, Student Employee at the Graduate College, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Special Olympics Volunteering What do you like best about UNI?: The ability to explore different areas of interest that one wouldn't have the opportunity to otherwise. Why is CATS such a great organization?:Meeting new people through a variety of activities
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Name: Liza Lichtenberg Graduation Year: December 2009 Major/Minor: Communication: Public Relations; Marketing/Journalism Hometown: Alta, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Relay for Life What do you like best about UNI?: I love the welcoming atmosphere, the valuable opportunities UNI offers, and the pride that every student has! Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to give back to UNI and to the community through volunteer activities, great alumni networking, and events that get UNI students involved with the university.
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Name: Ben McCarty Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Psychology Hometown: Marion, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Honors Student Advisory Board, Honors Programming Committee, UNI Singers, and Psychology Club What do you like best about UNI?: I like the small college campus with the big university experience. UNI is "just right." Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great organization because of the many people you have the chance to meet and the great experiences and opportunities that follow. |
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Name: David Miller Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Accounting Hometown: West Des Moines, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Professional Skills Initiative Administrator and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity What do you like best about UNI?: The people and opportunities Why is CATS such a great organization?: There are lots of things to do and its a blast! |
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Name: Lindsey Rhodes Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Public Relations/Marketing Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: UNI Spirit Squad, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Co-founder of UNI Student Speakers Bureau, Community Relations Intern in the Office of Marketing & Public Relations at UNI. What do you like best about UNI?: UNI offers so many great and easy ways to be involved! You can join a student organization, see a free athletic event, get employed on campus or view a show in GBPAC. The options for meeting friendly people in a fun environment are endless. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS has allowed me to meet some wonderful people and truly give back to UNI. Traditions is what gives a university identity and it is great to be a part of that! It truly makes me proud to be a Panther! |
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Name: Crista Righi Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Chemistry BS, minor in Business Concepts Hometown: Ankeny, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: NISG, Alpha Xi Delta, Organization and Finance, UNI-ACS, and Academic Appeals Board. What do you like best about UNI?: How close campus is, especially on the cold days. =) Why is CATS such a great organization?: It is great because it ties in UNI heritage and history with current and future students. |
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Name: Jake Rudy Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Political Science/Sociology, Politics & Law Hometown: Radcliffe, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: NISG, Multicultural Student Advisory Board, Coexist, Honors Program, Political Science Society, Student Leadership Center What do you like best about UNI?: I love UNI because it's big enough that you have countless opportunities to get involved on campus, but it's small enough that you can make good friends and lasting connections anywhere on campus. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is amazing! Not only do you get to meet and put on great events for current UNI students, you also get to connect with alums at different events, and help them feel connected to their alma mater. |
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Name: Tony Smith Graduation Year: Spring 2011 Major/Minor: Social Science with Teaching Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: UNI blogger, UNI Panther Push, Summer Orientation Staff member (summer '09), and active member in my local Parish. What do you like best about UNI?: THE PEOPLE!!! UNI is filled with amazing students and a fantastic faculty and staff. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is such a great opportunity to get to interact with current students and the Alumni. (You find out that previous generations might not have been as innocent as you might think.) From all the activities during homecoming and the annual Golden Grad celebration to Alumni tours and Beat-T's. C.A.T.S. ROCKS!!!! |
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Name: Kyle Stanley Graduation Year: 2009 Hometown: Osage, Iowa Major/Minor: Management major, minor in Finance Certificate of Entrepreneurship Why is CATS such a greag organization?: I enjoy cats because of networking with fellow students, organizing student events, and being involved on campus |
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Name: Jeremy Tipton Graduation Year: 2009 Major/Minor: Real Estate/ Finance: Investments Hometown: Marion, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Sigma Phi Epsilon and Rho Epsilon What do you like best about UNI?: The best part of UNI is the campus atmosphere. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to meet new people. It has given me the opportunity to network with alumni as well as make new friends. |
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Name: Spencer Walrath Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Music and Psychology double major Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Campbell Hall Resident Assistant, Phi Eta Sigma Vice President, Honors Student Advisory Board, Student Gift Committee, Jazz Panthers, Orchestra What do you like best about UNI?: UNI offers a world-class education and has a plethora of opportunities for students to get involved and have a wonderful time while they are here. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is great because we are extremely dedicated to UNI. We try to reach out and share our love of UNI with the other students and alumni. We also make connections between the students of the past and students of the present and help keep UNI's traditions strong. |
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Name: Tyler Weigel Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Finance and Real Estate Hometown: Clear Lake, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: PSI and Relay for Life What do you like best about UNI?: I enjoy the friendly people here on campus. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to get involved on campus with current students and also past students. It is a great way to hear how things were and take part in what goes on now. |
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Name: Allison West Graduation Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Elementary Education/Strategist 2 Hometown: Runnells, Iowa Other Campus/Community Involvement: Lawther Hall Programing Rep, autism associate for Des Moines Public Schools, work at Career Services What do you like best about UNI?: I like the sense of community at UNI. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to meet new people and get involved with UNI alumni and students. |
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Name: Amanda Wilson Graduation Year: May 2009 Major/Minor: French Studies, minor in International Affairs Hometown: Waterloo, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Honors Program Presidential Scholar, Career Peer Advisor for Career Services, Conversation Partner Volunteer. What do you like best about UNI?: I love the UNI campus, it is beautiful in every season. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is a great way to meet fellow dedicated Panthers while giving back to the university through service. |
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Name: Kalli Wilson Graduation Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Public Relations Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: Pi Sigma Epsilon, Shull Hall Senate, Programming Board, Coldstone Creamery, STAT What do you like best about UNI?: You don't feel like a number here. The professors, faculty, and other students take a genuine interest in you. Why is CATS such a great organization?: CATS is great because it allows you to give back to the UNI Community while networking with great people and having tons of fun at the same time!
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Name: Landon Wood Graduation Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Spanish Education/ Theatre: Performance Emphasis Hometown: Waukon, IA Other Campus/Community Involvement: UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club, UNI Singers, Bartlett Senate, Student's Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Where do you see yourself in 10 years? : Ten years from the present date I hope to be deeply immersed in the realm of the acting community. I desire to live in the Big Apple where I will attempt to make it on the biggest stage of them all: Broadway. If the said career option does not pan out I would utilize my knowledge of the Spanish language as a safety net. Why is CATS such a great organization? : CATS is such an uberly amazing organization because its mission is utterly humble. Many public universities do not attempt to connect current students with its alumni, but UNI has made this effort and it is obvious that the said effort is proving beneficial and also the diversity within the organization is utterly supreme! |
University of Northern Iowa Alumni Association
1012 W. 23rd Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0284
(319) 273-2355
www.unialum.org
Maintained by UNI Alumni Association
Last Updated: April 9, 2009