UNI community celebrates record day of giving during milestone year

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa marked a record-setting day of giving as 2,174 donors came together for Live Purple Give Gold, surpassing the goal of 1,876 donors set in honor of the university's founding year and sesquicentennial celebration. Collectively, donors contributed $794,948 to 139 funds that benefit the people, programs and places that define life at UNI.

"The number of people stepping up to support UNI continues to be something to be proud of," said Ryan Randall, director of annual giving. "The Panther family has once again shown their commitment and generosity in supporting this great university."

During the day, nearly 1,000 alumni made gifts, along with 169 students and more than 300 faculty and staff members. Alumni from the class of 2025 led the way with 32 gifts.

The success of Live Purple Give Gold highlights the collective impact of the UNI community and the power of philanthropy to shape student success.

The record show of philanthropy comes as the university enters the final months of the Our Tomorrow campaign, which continues through June 30, 2026. To date, the campaign has seen more than 30,000 donors give over $320 million to advance student access and success, strengthen engaged learning, and expand support for UNI's faculty and staff, academic programs and iconic campus spaces. To learn more about Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI or to make a gift, visit ourtomorrow.uni.edu.