UNI News - February 2003

In this issue:

1. On-line Forms Error
2. 2003 Legislative Breakfast
3. Arts in April – Volunteers Needed
4. Coach Petersen Named National Coach of the Year
5. Upcoming Events
6. Lux Nomination Forms Now Available
7. UNITE Seeks New Members
8. Students First Campaign Update

1. On-line Forms Error

Our Web site software was updated on January 17th, and we experienced a problem with our on-line forms. If you registered for an event, purchased merchandise, joined the Association, or submitted class notes or an address change between January 17th and 23rd we did not receive the information. Please resubmit the information or call our office toll free at 888-864-2586. We apologize for this inconvenience.

2. 2003 Legislative Breakfast

The Alumni Association's Annual Legislative Breakfast will be held at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, February 4th. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak one-on-one with legislators in an informal setting. During these times of budget cuts, elected officials need to hear from alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Please join us for a continental breakfast at 7:30am in room 118 of the Iowa State Capitol. Help us carry UNI's message to our legislators. To register, please call the Alumni Association toll free at 888-864-2586 or visit us on-line at http://www.unialum.org. (There is no charge to attend this event.)

3. Arts in April – Volunteers Needed

For the third consecutive year, the University of Northern Iowa is sponsoring Arts in April, a month-long series of artistic events, performances, and activities. Arts in April will kick off with a festival on March 29th in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Volunteers are needed! If you would be interested in helping at an information booth or with one of the festival events, please call Amy Mohr at 319-273-3094 or visit http://www.unialum.org/events.html to register on-line. A full schedule of festival activities will be available in mid-February at http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/artsinapril.

4. Coach Petersen Named National Coach of the Year

Head Volleyball coach, Bobbi Petersen '90, received the highest coaching award for Division I volleyball when she was named the AVCA/Tachikara National Coach of the Year. Petersen finished her second season as head coach with a repeat trip to the Sweet 16 tournament and an overall season record of 34-3. Wins over #3 Florida, #7 UCLA, and #8 Pepperdine earned the team the fourth seed in the NCAA Tournament.

5. 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!

Legislative Breakfast at the Capitol Building – February 4
Join us for a continental breakfast and the opportunity to talk to legislators about the important role UNI plays in the state of Iowa.

Phoenix Alumni Club – February 27
Join us for an evening reception with University President Robert Koob.

Men's Basketball MVC Tournament – March 7
Join us for a pre-game gathering during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for Men's Basketball.

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

6. Lux Nomination Forms Now Available

The UNI Alumni Association and UNI Foundation are sponsoring the Lux Service Award, the highest honor awarded to undergraduate students for service to the University of Northern Iowa. Each year, two recipients and three finalists are selected in the Spring and honored during Homecoming weekend in the Fall. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding service to the University, hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and be of senior standing. If you would like to nominate a student for the 2003 award, please visit http://www.unialum.org/lux or call the Alumni Association at 1-888-864-2586 for more information on nomination procedures.

7. UNITE Seeks New Members

UNI alumni interested in securing a strong future for UNI's students are encouraged to volunteer for UNITE, UNI Together for Education. UNITE is a grassroots legislative network of alumni and friends who help UNI carry its legislative message to elected officials in Des Moines. UNITE is a free, voluntary organization. Members receive monthly newsletters and are provided with key talking points for contacting state legislators. Recent tuition increases and state budget cuts are hurting our campus, our students and our state. Help us continue UNI's tradition of providing an affordable, quality education to Iowa students. Iowa's legislators need to hear from our alumni. Please visit http://www.uni.edu/govrel/unite to sign-up today!

8. Students First Campaign Update

Plans for the McLeodUSA Center and Human Performance Center will be submitted to the Iowa Board of Regents for consideration at their March meeting. Pending board approval, designs will be released, and the University will begin planning a summer groundbreaking ceremony. The arena could be completed as early as the fall of 2005. For information on other Students First campaign activities, please visit the UNI Foundation Web site at http://www.uni-foundation.org or call 800-782-9522.