Guiding Principles for UNI's 150th Anniversary
To maximize our efforts and financial investment, all of UNI’s sesquicentennial activities will support at least one of the following five principles:
Raise the profile of the university by telling the UNI story & celebrating our accomplishments
We have a remarkable opportunity to enhance the university's reputation by effectively communicating its story and celebrating its achievements. Through captivating storytelling and visual content, we can engage diverse audiences and showcase the university's rich history, notable accomplishments and forward-thinking initiatives. Emphasizing our legacy, heritage and future vision will strengthen the university's brand and inspire a deep sense of pride in being part of this esteemed institution.
Increase connections locally & across the state
We are committed to organizing vibrant community celebration events and activities that welcome everyone - from students and faculty to alumni and community members - to foster a strong sense of belonging. Our service initiatives will demonstrate the power of giving back. We will lead volunteer and service projects that reflect our dedication to being a pillar of support and growth in our community and state.
Through our statewide outreach initiative, we will take our celebration on the road, bringing the university's impact to every corner of Iowa. We will use roadshows, exhibitions and interactive experiences to showcase our influence on various regions and communities. In addition, through collaborative partnerships, we will collaborate with local organizations, businesses and government entities to co-host compelling events and initiatives. Together, we will create mutually beneficial opportunities that elevate the university and the community.
Grow and enhance relationships with alumni and friends
To cultivate and enrich relationships with alumni and friends, it is important to prominently showcase the successes of our esteemed alumni. Additionally, organizing special alumni reunions and networking events serves as a catalyst for reconnecting and cherishing shared memories. Furthermore, implementing robust recognition programs to honor outstanding alumni and the contributions of faculty and staff is pivotal in fostering a culture of gratitude and continued engagement. Lastly, by integrating the Our Tomorrow fundraising campaign with anniversary celebrations, we can ignite a sense of pride and inspire alumni, friends and donors to contribute to the promising future of our university.
Increase student enrollment
Throughout the anniversary celebration, we will host captivating programs to engage prospective students and their families. These events will showcase the university's unique offerings and provide an interactive platform for attendees. Additionally, we will introduce prospective students to the inspiring journeys and accomplishments of UNI alumni, highlighting the real-world impact and value of a UNI degree. To further motivate potential students, we will offer special incentives such as application fee waivers and scholarships throughout the anniversary year, encouraging them to apply and enroll in our esteemed institution.
Increase event attendance
To maximize the impact of our 150th marketing and anniversary programming, we aim to attract new audiences to Panther Athletics, GBPAC, music and theater performances, and other campus activities. Additionally, we plan to provide special incentives and promotions throughout the anniversary year to motivate student, alumni, community, faculty and staff attendance at our events. This approach will help us create a memorable and engaging experience for all participants while celebrating this significant milestone.