Foundation News

Sunni Kegebein’s first year as chief fundraiser and donor liaison for the College of Education just happened to coincide with the launch of the public phase of the Our Tomorrow campaign. 

It’s safe to say it’s been an eventful year for Kegebein, who officially joined the UNI Foundation and the College of Education on August 30, 2022. She has found herself from east coast to west coast, south, north and in between over the past year, often accompanied by Dean Colleen Mulholland.

“What I have enjoyed most is getting to meet so many of our wonderful alumni and hearing their UNI stories. As they share their stories, it takes them back to their time on campus and all the memories that were made as a Panther,” she says. “They share how UNI and its donors helped shape them into who they are today. Many share that this is the reason they choose to give back and support our future generations of UNI students. A theme I have found during my visits has been, without the academic and financial support our alumni received at UNI, they would not have been able to go to college.” 

The College of Education has received several generous gifts over the past year. “COE is incredibly grateful to its donors who support our students, faculty/staff and programs. Several new funds have been created to support student scholarships and educational programs,” she says.

An example of the commitment and support Kegebein encountered is found in the story of an anonymous donor who has chosen to leave her estate to support the College of Education and Rod Library initiatives.

“She stated, “I love what UNI provided for me and this is my way of saying thank you. I just want my gift to be used to create an impact in the areas of greatest need. I trust the dean and know it will be used to impact future students in the best way possible,’” Kegebein shared. 

As the campaign begins its final year, the college is focusing on two specific pillars within the campaign platform: 1) engaged learning; and 2) academic and faculty support through partnerships with the colleges and academic deans. 

In this first year, Kegebein has found COE alumni to be passionate, caring and supportive. “Our alumni have an incredible vision for UNI and COE and what they both can become over time. I have seen an indescribable commitment to the College of Education,” she says. 

“One of the most important things I have learned to do is to listen. Listen to the stories and find the connection between our alumni’s passions and what needs we have as a college. Then connect the two to create magical things for students, faculty/staff and our institution as a whole.” 

For current and future donors and friends, Kegebein offers this counsel: “Think about how your UNI experience helped you develop into who you are today. How can you support our College of Education students in their academic adventure here at UNI?” she says. “Collectively, we are all making a difference in UNI’s ‘Our Tomorrow’ Campaign. Every dollar matters and makes a tremendous impact on everything we do.

The new development officer previously served as director of marketing, recruitment and fundraising for Imagine the Possibilities, a nonprofit organization located in Maquoketa, Iowa. She has also worked with the UNI Center for Urban Education, the UNI Foundation and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in past roles. She is a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a BA in marketing and an MBA. 

Have a question on how to support the College of Education? Reach out to Sunni at sunni.kegebein@uni.edu or 319-273-7319.

Our Tomorrow Campaign Kicks Off, Final Push Begins

It was just a year ago, coinciding with Homecoming 2022, that the UNI Foundation launched the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising campaign in UNI history, with a goal of $250 million. 

The casting of new Campanile bells and the chance to stroll by existing Campanile bells at ground level–including the original bell honoring “Iowa State Teachers College”--was a highlight for many during the week. Thousands attended Friday’s celebration kick-off and live concert on central campus, including many who stopped for camaraderie, treats and a memento at a special college alumni tent. Adding to the evening’s ambience were projections onto the Campanile, including images of COE students Abe Silva Cortes, kinesiology and exercise science, and Alexandria Powell, early childhood education. 

A year later, the campaign is moving into its final phase–bolstered by the major news on October 20 of a record $25 million gift which will lead to the naming of the David W. Wilson College of Business.

#LPGG contributions help exceed goals with 1,876+ donations

Contributors to the College of Education were among the more than 1,891 (and counting) donations to #LivePurpleGiveGold annual day of giving held for 24 hours on March 30, 2023. Just over $9,000 was raised for the Dean’s Fund for Excellence, which helps ensure opportunities for faculty, students and staff. “Let me offer my sincere appreciation to anyone who was able to give in some way to #LPGG. Every gesture has an impact, I assure you,” says Dean Colleen Mulholland.