UNI News - April 2003

In this issue:
1. 1. Celebrate the Purple in Your Life
2. Alumni Association to Award Student Scholarships
3. Volunteer Opportunities – Des Moines Arts Festival and Iowa State Fair
4. Upcoming Events
5. Heritage Honours Alumni Achievement Awards Announced
6. Arts in April
7. UNI Faces Additional Budget Cuts from the State Legislature
8. Students First Campaign Update

1. Celebrate the Purple in Your Life
Save The Date! The University of Northern Iowa invites Des Moines area alumni and parents to a free evening of fun, food, and entertainment. Celebrate the Purple in Your Life on May 14th from 6-9 p.m. at the Temple for the Performing Arts. A short program will feature President Robert Koob ’62, with remarks about “Higher Education in Today's Economy.” President Koob would like to hear from alumni and parents about what UNI and its students are facing in today's economy. The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and UNI Athletics will preview their upcoming seasons, followed by the music of Bob Dorr and The Blue Band. Free appetizers, desserts, and cash bar available. To register, please call the Alumni Association toll free at 888-864-2586 or visit http://www.unialum.org/celebrate.html.

2. Alumni Association Begins New Student Scholarship Program
The UNI Alumni Association will award three scholarships to current UNI students in the fall of 2003. Two scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students who will be classified as a senior in the fall, one of which will be awarded to a child of an alumnus. The third scholarship will be awarded to a graduate student who has completed at least 18 credit hours in their program. Scholarship application forms can be picked up in the Alumni Association’s office in 204 Commons, or students can download forms from http://www.unialum.org/scholarship.html.

3. Volunteer Opportunities – Des Moines Arts Festival and Iowa State Fair
The University of Northern Iowa and the UNI Alumni Association are once again teaming up to bring alumni two exciting volunteer opportunities this summer. Alumni volunteers are needed to help sell ice cream at the Des Moines Arts Festival, June 27-29th, and to staff the University’s information booth at the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17th. Volunteers for each event will receive free admission where necessary and a complimentary t-shirt. A portion of the profits generated through the ice cream sales at the Des Moines Arts Festival will be donated to the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in volunteering for either or both of these events, please call the Alumni Association toll free at 888-864-2586 or visit http://www.unialum.org/volunteer.

4. Upcoming Alumni Events

The Alumni Association is sponsoring several upcoming alumni events. You won't want to miss out on these great opportunities to meet other alumni and reconnect with UNI!

April 15 – Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Alumni Club
Alumni breakfast featuring Head Volleyball Coach, Bobbi Petersen ’90.

April 16 – Mason City Alumni Club
Annual Spring Dinner with special university guest, Tom Schellhardt, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

April 27 – Chicago Alumni Club
Alumni brunch featuring the Peterhof Quartet, a UNI Graduate String Quartet. This ensemble is made up of musicians from St. Petersburg, Russia who are pursuing Masters degrees at UNI.

April 29 – Dubuque Alumni Club
Alumni reception featuring Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Greg McDermott ’88. This event will be hosted at the new Grand Harbor Resort and Water Park on Dubuque’s water front.

May 8-10 – Golden Reunion for the Class of 1953
Graduates from ISTC’s Class of ’53 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their commencement.

For more information on these events or to register on-line, visit http://www.unialum.org/events.html. We hope to see you there!

5. Heritage Honours Alumni Achievement Awards Announced
The UNI Alumni Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2003 Heritage Honours Awards. Patrick Esser ’79 and Thomas Ervin ’67 were chosen as this year’s recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award. Both Patrick and Thomas have made significant accomplishments in their fields and will be honored during the spring Commencement ceremony on May 10, 2003. Patrick Esser received both his BA and his MA at UNI and is currently the Executive Vice President of Operations for Cox Communications, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas Ervin received his BA from UNI and is currently an Earth Science Teacher for North High School in Davenport, Iowa. For more information about the Heritage Honours Awards program, please visit http://www.unialum.org/heritagehonours.html.

6. Arts in April
Arts in April is UNI’s month-long celebration of the arts. A wide variety of events will feature both student and professional groups showcasing the very best UNI has to offer in arts and culture. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please call 319-273-2761 or visit http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/artsinapril.

7. UNI Faces Additional Budget Cuts from the State Legislature
The current legislative session is under way, and UNI is very concerned about the proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2004. The current joint education appropriations budget proposes a $25 million cut to the Regents institutions, which would mean a $3.6 million reduction to UNI’s operating budget. It is also anticipated that the salary bill will be under funded, which will force the University to use tuition revenues and other operating funds to fulfill salary mandates. UNI is important to Iowa’s future, and the University needs your help in carrying its message to state legislators. Alumni are encouraged to write or e-mail local legislators and request restored funding for higher education. For more information, please visit http://www.uni.edu/govrel/unite or call Stacey Christensen at 319-273-3170. Your support of quality, affordable higher education for all students is appreciated.

8. Students First Campaign Update
The renovation of Russell Hall is part of the University's $100 million "Students First" campaign that is expected to be completed by January 2005. The School of Music's portion of the campaign seeks to raise $2 million in private funding to renovate the building and provide quality spaces for students to prepare for their careers as teachers and performers. (The additional $6.2 million needed to complete the project will be allocated by the state.) The Russell Hall campaign is progressing very well, with donations over the $1 million mark. For more information on the Russell Hall renovation, visit http://www.uni-foundation.org/foundation/SF/SFrussellhall.shtml.