UNI to kick off Sesquicentennial Celebration with weeklong slate of events

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa will officially launch its yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration on Monday, September 29, with a week of events that coincide with the university's annual Homecoming festivities.

The celebration begins with theRinging of the Sesquicentennial Bell, a special ceremony that will officially "ring in" UNI's 150th year. The bell, located outside the Campanile, will serve as a lasting symbol of the university's past, present and future. In addition to marking the start of the celebration week, the commemorative bell will remain on campus to support new Panther traditionsfor years to come.

Also on Monday, a dedicated sesquicentennial exhibitwill hold its grand opening in Rod Library. The exhibit showcases UNI's evolution from an orphans' home for Civil War soldiers to a small teachers college to today's university, with stories, artifacts and interactive displays highlighting the people and milestones that have shaped the institution over the past 150 years. Following the opening, the exhibit will be free and open to the public during the library's regular operating hours.

The week's signature events also include the Sesquicentennial Kickoff & Homecoming Bash on Friday, Oct. 3. This campus-wide celebration will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members for food, music, and entertainment as UNI marks its 150th anniversary and rallies for Panther pride. A highlight of the evening will include a performance from Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE, the most celebrated tribute to Prince in the world.

In addition to signature events, the week features numerous supporting activities, including the President's Distinguished Alumni Celebration, the Golden Graduate reunion for the class of 1975, architectural walking tours on the UNI campus, a special event marking 60 years of Rod Library, and many reunions.

"The sesquicentennial is a milestone not only for our campus, but for the Cedar Valley and the state of Iowa," said celebration co-chair Randy Pilkington. "This launch week is just the beginning of a yearlong celebration of UNI's proud past, impact and bold future."

"This celebration gives us the opportunity to rally around Panther pride, engage our community, and set the tone for the next 150 years," added co-chair Cary Darrah.

Launch week aligns with UNI Homecoming, giving the campus community even more to celebrate. Highlights include the Homecoming parade celebrating "Panthers Through Time" on Saturday morning and the Panther football game in the UNI-Dome later that day. UNI volleyball, softball, swimming and diving, and women's rugby also have home contests.

For a full schedule of events and more information on UNI's 150th anniversary, visit150.uni.eduand homecoming.uni.edu