UNI Raises Over $157 Million for Scholarships, Academic Programs

Press release from the University of Northern Iowa:

The University of Northern Iowa eclipsed its goal for the Imagine the Impact campaign by nearly $8 million. When the seven-year campaign ended on Dec. 31, 2012, a year ahead of schedule, contributions tallied $157,857,609.48.

President Ben Allen said, "This is especially significant because the Imagine the Impact campaign, UNI's largest campaign in history, was launched during one of the most challenging economic times in our nation's history. The generosity of our alumni and friends is a reflection of their commitment to the university, and most importantly, to the success of our students."

The primary goal of the campaign was to raise funds for scholarships, faculty support and academic programs. More than $62 million was raised to support scholarships. With the creation of 321 new scholarships, more students will have access to a UNI education. Students will also have more opportunities to participate in internships throughout Iowa and the world, study abroad, present at professional conferences and conduct research. As scholarship endowments grow, these gifts will create even more scholarships for UNI students.

Campaign gifts for program support and program enhancements totaled more than $86 million. In part, these funds provide support for chairs and professorships and help the university to recruit and retain the best faculty. Gifts to the campaign also support lectureships, visiting artists, student activities, athletics, library services, cultural events and children's programming at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

"The entire state is benefiting from the Imagine the Impact campaign," said Mark Oman, campaign co-chair. "The campaign has increased access to higher education, supported faculty research, improved Iowa's economic outlook and enhanced social and cultural opportunities for Iowans."

The campaign's success extends the university's ability to serve the state of Iowa by assisting businesses and communities through faculty research and through outreach programs such as the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, the Student Business Incubator and the Iowa Center for Health Disparities. Program funds also make it possible for UNI to partner with local and state schools through the Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy to help children learn to read.

Campaign co-chair, Bev Riess, said, "I am pleased that so much was accomplished during the campaign. With these resources, we are better able to provide students with an education that gives them the knowledge, experiential learning and global understanding they will need for life and work in a rapidly changing world."

Visit www.uni-foundation.org for information about the Imagine the Impact campaign.