Jane Elliott
The morning after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, teacher Jane Elliott walked into her classroom determined to confront hate head on — and the lesson she gave would impact her students and the nation forever.
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Robert James Waller
Before “The Bridges of Madison County,” Robert James Waller was shaping minds as the founding dean of UNIBusiness and was instrumental in establishing UNI economic development outreach in communities across Iowa.
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Irene Eaton
Irene Eaton knew everyone at UNI by name — and everyone adored her for it. Crowned “Most Favorite Girl” and welcomed into the l-Club alongside the top athletes, she was the heart of campus life.
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Bob Byrnes
As university carillonneur, a role he held for more than 30 years, Byrnes filled the air with music. At the same time, he took the helm of the UNI Men’s Glee Club, transforming it into a vibrant, flourishing ensemble.
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Bedros Apelian
Bedros Apelian traveled 10,000 miles from Syria to UNI in 1908, becoming one of its first international students, leaving a legacy of resilience, service and global impact.
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Bill Smith
Long before his name was officially added to the UNI wrestling mat, Bill Smith was a wrestling standout, a two-time NCAA champion, and became UNI’s first Olympic wrestling gold medalist.
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