Alumni
Connections that count
We’re proud to hail leaders in classrooms, nonprofits, recreation programs and higher education among our alumni. As a department, our goal is to engage and build healthy communities and organizations through professionals like yourselves. As alumni, you help us make those goals a reality – and you give back.
We see you mentoring a school psychology graduate student. Serving as a friend of our principalship and superintendency students. Providing valuable experience by supporting our interns. Giving to the Dean’s Fund. Collectively, you are part of an extraordinary network of alumni and benefactors that continues to grow the legacy of Learning, Leadership and Community.
Good for us, good for you, good for the world.
A Legacy of Excellence
“A storied professional career...a go-to speaker in UNI leadership classes, ...one of the most recognizable and respected school leaders in Iowa...we are proud that she chose UNI for all her training...” So wrote a nominator of Lisa Remy, executive director of the School Administrators of Iowa and the 2025 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award winner. The award is sponsored in part by a gift in memory of former educational leader Vernon Kirlin (BA, ‘46).
Hall of Excellence Honors Gassman
Julianne Gassman was among the 2023 inductees into the Elinor A. Crawford and William R. Thrall Hall of Excellence. Nearly 140 alumni in the areas of kinesiology, health and human services have been honored since 2003. Gassman (MA, '96, youth and human services administration) has been recognized for her leadership in community engagement at UNI, numerous publications, accolades from organizations including the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and her service as a faculty member since 1997.
Extending Education Outdoors
Education is everywhere. For Ryan Harkema ('04, MA) and Amy Davison ('95, BA, '17, EdD), that has meant working with kids and adults -- and UNI student interns completing their BA degrees -- in numerous settings that take advantage of the outdoors for growth, learning (and fun!).
Advancing Your Career, Online
Levi Miller, Molly Dabroski, Tim Hopper, Andrew Kim and Kelly Moeller were students in the principalship program in 2023 when they shared what it's like to work toward their master's in education or an advanced studies certificate in this primarily online program. Through the process, they learned to balance school and lives as a school counselor, teachers in business, social studies and special programs and, for a couple, coach and athletic advisor!
Support the Future
A gift to the UNI Foundation greatly adds to the experience of today’s students in these areas:
- Professional development
- Travel
- Technology
- General (housing, materials, student organizations)
Have an idea to contribute? Contact Director of Development Sunni Kegebein at 319-273-4784.