UNI News - June, 2004

In this issue:

1. Beloved Men’s Glee Club Director and University Carillonneur Dies

2. Campus Construction Update

3. Visit UNI at the Iowa State Fair

4. Join us Today!

5. Upcoming Alumni Events

6. Association to Participate in 26th Annual College Hill Arts Festival

7. Association Offers Short-Term Health Insurance Product

8. Students First Campaign update

1.  Beloved Men’s Glee Club Director and University Carillonneur Dies

The University community suffered a tremendous loss on Friday, May 28th when Bob Byrnes, director of the UNI Men’s Glee Club and university carillonneur, passed away following a major stroke. He was 54. Bob received both his bachelor of arts and master’s degrees from UNI. He was the university carillonneur since 1972, director of the Glee Club since 1974, and administrative assistant for the School of Music since 1979. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 1in Waterloo. The family has requested memorials be directed to the Les Hale Endowment Fund at the UNI Foundation. This fund was created to ensure the future of the UNI Men’s Glee Club.

2.  Campus Construction Update

Several construction and renovation projects are now underway on the UNI campus. The East Gym and East Gym Pool, which were constructed in 1904 and 1938 respectively, are undergoing complete renovations to create an Innovative Teaching and Technology Center. This $18 million project will house the Center for Educational Technology, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Computer Support Services, and a variety of other offices and departments. An additional floor will be added within the top floor gymnasium area, the existing pool will be removed, and a new West entrance will be constructed. These renovations will make room for technologically state-of-the-art classrooms and educational support areas for UNI students. The project is expected to be completed by January 2006.

The Student Health Center, which was built in 1961, will be renovated and expanded to include more space for medical services, the Counseling Center, and the Office of Disability Services. The current space will be renovated and a new addition will be added to the East side of the building. During the construction phase, the Health Center will be located on the first floor of Dancer Hall. The $3.5 million project, funded by student fees, is expected to be completed in the Summer of 2005.

3.  Visit UNI at the Iowa State Fair

Help UNI salute the Iowa State Fair's 150th year anniversary! Alumni and friends are invited to stop by the University’s exhibit in the Varied Industries building August 12-22, 2004. The exhibit will highlight UNI’s long history of service to Iowans through education. It will feature a 1920’s era one-room school, complete with photos, school paraphernalia, and stories of teaching and learning during that time. Alumni volunteers are needed to work the UNI exhibit, staff Panther Paw tattoo stations, and visit with alumni and friends who stop by the booth. Volunteers receive free admission and a complimentary UNI shirt. To volunteer, visit http://www.unialum.org/volunteer or call Stacey Christensen at 319-273-3170.

4.  Join Us Today!

If you haven't already joined the UNI Alumni Association, consider doing so today. Members pay $25 in annual dues, and, in exchange, receive special discounts and benefits, including exclusive access to our online directory! Thousands of alumni are already taking advantage of the directory service, searching for old friends and former classmates and re-connecting. Plus, your annual dues support the Alumni Association, allowing us to provide quality programs and services to alumni, students, and friends of UNI. For more information, please visit http://www.uni.edu/membership/membership.shtml.

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! 

June 4 – Class of 1944 60-Year Reunion

June 24 – Washington DC Alumni Happy Hour

June 25-27 – Des Moines Arts Festival

August 7 – Twin Cities Alumni Social and Twins Baseball Game

August 12-22 – Iowa State Fair

August 15 – Chicago Alumni Luncheon and Cubs Baseball Game

August 22 – Panther Bash (for current UNI students)

August 22 – Phoenix Alumni Social and Diamondbacks Baseball Game

**Watch for upcoming events for Kansas City and Denver**

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

6. Association to Participate in 26th Annual College Hill Arts Festival

The Alumni Association will once again sponsor a booth at the College Hill Arts Festival. This year’s event, scheduled for July 16-17, will feature a variety of artists' work, plus free music and entertainment. Stop by the Association's booth to check out our UNI merchandise, and bring the kids by for a free Panther tattoo! For more information on the College Hill Arts Festival, please visit http://www.chaf.cfu.net/.

7.  Association Offers Short-Term Health Insurance Product

The Alumni Association has partnered with American Insurance Administrators to offer GradMed, a short-term major medical insurance product for UNI graduates. GradMed offers competitive rates and can provide the security of health insurance for new graduates who are still seeking work or not yet eligible for health benefits. The program is also ideal for alumni who find themselves between jobs or temporarily without health coverage. GradMed is available to UNI alumni and their families, as well as friends of UNI. For more information, visit http://www.gradmed.com/uni.

8. Students First Campaign Update

Plans for the Russell Hall renovation project progressed as the Iowa Legislature approved issuing and selling bonds in the amount of $7.8 million for the project. The remaining $2 million will come from private funding sources. Over $1 million has been raised to date. The School of Music is planning a grassroots campaign to raise $100,000. To track the progress of this effort, visit http://www.uni.edu/music. The Russell Hall renovation is part of the $100 million Students First Campaign.

Fundraising continues for the Memorial Garden, a development East of the newly remodeled Maucker Union and Center for Multicultural Education. The Memorial Garden will contain an amphitheater and stage in the center and will provide a place for students, alumni, faculty, and staff to relax or gather for special events. Personalized bricks, pavers, and other garden items are available as naming opportunities. To find out how you can include your name, or honor someone, visit http://www.uni-foundation.org or call 800-782-9522.

University Resources

UNI Alumni Association – http://www.unialum.org

UNI Merchandise – http://www.unialum.org/merchandise.html

Update Your Contact Information – http://www.unialum.org/update.html

Alumni & Friends Network – http://www.unialum.org/network.html

UNI Homepage – http://www.uni.edu

Athletics – http://www.unipanthers.com

UNITE – http://www.uni.edu/govrel/unite/

UNI Foundation – http://www.uni-foundation.org

Campus Arts, Events, and Exhibits - http://www.uni.edu/resources/arts/arts.shtml

University Calendar - http://access.uni.edu/acal/

Archived issues of UNI News - http://www.unialum.org/proserv/archive.html