News Release Archive

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Dean Mundy, a professor of communication studies at the University of Northern Iowa, will present "The Spiral of Advocacy: How State Based Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Advocacy Organizations are Defining a Modern Social Movement Through their Campaigns for Equality" at noon, Monday, Dec. 6, as part of the CROW (Current Research on Women's Studies) Forum. The forum will be held at the Center for Multicultural Education, Room 109A, located in Maucker Union.

Mundy will discuss the importance of state-based advocacy organizations to the LGBT movement and how these organizations craft their communication strategies. State and local organizations account for the majority of success found by advocacy groups, and Mundy will discuss how these organizations communicate, their strategy and how these strategies can inform good public relations practice.

Mundy teaches public relations courses at UNI. He recently received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina. He has 10 years of corporate experience, working for Andersen Consulting, the Coca-Cola Company and Nortel Networks.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Phyllis Baker, director of women's and gender studies, at 319-273-7102, or phyllis.baker@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art will present "B.F.A. Group Exhibition" featuring the works of five students from Thursday, Dec. 9 through Saturday, Dec. 18. An opening reception is set for Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. 

The following students are exhibiting:

Jill Buenzow of Waterloo is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in painting. The artist states, "I create paintings by recycling my old works of art that are then used to set guidelines and stand as mental maps for my recent works. This exhibition contains abstract paintings that have an atmospheric space for the viewers to explore via color and texture."

E. Christiana Byrne of Mason City is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in jewelry/metals. Byrne's exhibition is titled "Nostalgia." Byrne grew up in a house filled with antiques and family stories. The exhibition is, therefore, a visual narrative on the items we keep for memories' sake and the ancestors we carry with us.

Jason Corbett Fogue of Des Moines is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education with an emphasis in performance art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in photography. The artist uses a documentary approach to portraiture and believes that by presenting the subject in this direct manner the character of the sitter can be read more objectively by the viewer. Also, by utilizing large-format film, the larger size of the portraits invites closer inspection of fine detail. This body of work utilizes the sport of boxing to explore male identity and persona.

Laura Anne Huisinga of Cedar Rapids is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design. Huisinga's exhibition titled "Revamp: All Things Altered Anew" stresses clean, open designs and represents the culmination of her time at the University of Northern Iowa. Combining her passion for design and the environment, she "hopes to plant the seed of change in order to end wasteful behaviors."

Sarah Kolar of Spirit Lake is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in sculpture. Kolar is an artist continually intrigued by the contrasting interior and exterior views of forms in sculpture as well as the process contributing to their creation. She states, "my current work is large-scale sculpture created out of rod wire and woven cloth emphasizing the volume and organic nature of the forms."

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is located at the corner of Hudson Road and West 27th Street on the main floor of Kamerick Art Building South. For more information, call 319-273-3095 or visit www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa's New Horizons Band (NHB) will perform a winter concert at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13, in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Roger Becker, retired band director from New Hampton, will be the euphonium soloist for "Morceau Symphonique" by Alexandre Guilmant. The New Horizons Dixie Land Combo will perform "Big Band Dixie," arranged by Bob Lowden, with NHB.

Members of the Dixie Land Combo are Jerry Mahacek, trumpet; Carol Gordon, clarinet; Betty Winther, tenor sax; Marg Shaffer, trombone; Jim Moeller, tuba; and Rita Losh, drums. Other selections include "Washington Greys," by Claudio Grafulla, and "It's Christmas," arranged by Warren Barker. A reception will be held in the Performing Arts Center lobby immediately following the concert.

The NHB is sponsored by the UNI School of Music and the UNI Community Music School. The group includes members ages 50 and older with various musical backgrounds who travel from all across Iowa to rehearse and perform. The band started in 1999 with 17 members and has a current membership of more than 80. Diana Blake, retired music educator and director of the NHB, said new members are welcome to join the group. 

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Blake at 319-352-3007 or Cindi Mason, NHB administrative assistant, at 319-273-2142.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-- The holiday season is upon us and along with it comes plenty of decorations, including lights, wreaths and trees. The costs of these decorations are not only a heavy burden on your checkbook but the environment as well. The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) has started the "Reclaim Your Holidays: Practical Ways to Create Meaning" initiative, which offers several easy tips for Iowans to reduce their carbon footprints during the holiday season.

Susan Salterberg, program manager at the CEEE, says that implementing one or more environmental practices will not only give your celebration some green but save you money as well. "A great way to reduce your eco-footprint this winter is to use a real, locally grown tree," said Salterberg. "Real trees sequester and store carbon, reducing the effects of global climate change during the seven years it takes for them to mature on a tree farm."

According to the CEEE, one of the easiest investments you can make this winter is switching your family to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. For your decorative lights, the CEEE suggests LED (light-emitting diode) lights would use 90 percent less power than traditional holiday lights. Another way to lower your energy bill around the holidays is to use power strips, which easily prevent wasteful power consumption.

Another easy way to "go green" this year is to send your holiday greeting cards and party invitations electronically. "There are several Internet websites available to help with your holiday letters or party invitations, but a cleverly worded e-mail can do the trick as well," said Salterberg.

The "Reclaim Your Holidays" initiative is funded by grants from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program aimed at helping Iowans create more meaningful holidays.

For more information, visit www.reclaimyourholidays.org. 

New service tailored to each client's needs 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Whether change is imminent or being longed for, the University of Northern Iowa Executive Development Center offers a new service to guide businesses and organizations through the complex decisions needed to expand and solidify their visions for the future.

The center's Business Planning Retreats expose leadership teams to new ideas; challenge them to see the "big picture," to think in new and different ways and visualize the future; and ask them to be innovative in practical, results-focused ways. 

"This program offers guidance and expertise from faculty in UNI's internationally accredited College of Business Administration, brainstorming sessions with successful business leaders or a combination of these and other services to help re-energize and launch businesses to greater success," said Kim Recker, program manager for the UNI Executive Development Center. "We can tap into a deep pool of intellectual capital through UNI's faculty and business contacts, and create a customized event that will help the company's senior leadership make decisions to move the business forward."

Retreats can be held anywhere in Iowa. Executive Development Center staff will work with the business to determine location, length of retreat and other logistics. Cost will vary and depend upon the number of people attending, the number of instructors and consultants, lodging, meals and other factors.

Retreat agendas are shaped around the businesses desired outcomes and goals.

Sample topics include:

• Power and Politics -- When Analytical Decisions Encounter Corporate Politics
• Discovering Intellectual Capital -- Critical Thinking and Strategic Choices
• Establishing and Leveraging Strategic Alliances
• Gaining Sustainable Competitive Advantage Through People
• Innovation and Corporate Growth Relationship
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Marketing and Marketing Research
• Strategic Alignment
• Strategic Information Technology

To schedule or discuss how your business could benefit from a Business Planning Retreat, contact Recker at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu.

The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.     

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Young Peoples Dance Theatre (YPDT), a before- and after-school program offered to boys and girls in several area elementary schools, will host its annual Fall Dance Festival at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, in the Wellness/Recreation Center, Room 84, on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

The event will include an evening of folk dancing as the young dancers demonstrate multicultural dances they learned during the fall session.  The children's families will then learn the steps and dance  with their children.  In addition, there will be a guest performance by the UNI International Dance Theatre, under the direction of Daniel Wells, UNI instructor in physical education. 

YPDT offers a variety of dance forms with an emphasis on creative movement and folk dancing during the fall session.  Through the YPDT program, students develop dance and movement skills, express feelings through movement, work cooperatively with others, maintain or improve physical fitness, expand creative skills, and gain an understanding of dance in different cultures, indicates Cynthia Herndon, UNI professor of physical education and dance and director of YPDT. 

The children involved with the YPDT program attend Edison Elementary in Waterloo; Malcolm Price Laboratory School, Lincoln and Orchard Hill elementary schools in Cedar Falls; and Janesville and Dike-New Hartford elementary schools. Instructors for the program are UNI students who receive academic credit for their leadership in the program.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The UNI Museums will host "An Old-Fashioned Schoolhouse Christmas," from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Marshall Center School, an original one-room Iowa schoolhouse, located on the University of Northern Iowa campus, at the corner of West 23^rd and Indiana streets, Cedar Falls.

The evening will focus on how Christmas was celebrated in the 1940s and will include caroling, homemade crafts, costumed interpretations and story time. Museum staff will recreate an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse celebration.

"This annual activity offers a return to Christmases past," said Diane Schupbach, education coordinator for the UNI Museums. "It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a simpler time and to celebrate the seasons."

The cost is $1 per person and is open to the public. To register, call 319-273-2188 by Tuesday, Nov. 23. For more information about the museums and future events, call 319-273-2188 or visit www.uni.edu/museum.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-- The foundry industry often uses sand binders as molds for metal casting despite the harmful emissions they produce. The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Advanced Bio-based Binders (CABB) has been working to develop innovative binders made from renewable agricultural feedstocks, which significantly reduce pollution.

According to Jerry Thiel, director of UNI's Metal Casting Center, CABB works to develop polymers (natural or synthetic materials such as plastics) based on agricultural or natural materials as opposed to those based on oil. "The ultimate goal of CABB is to reduce the United State's dependence on foreign oil by offering bio-alternatives," said Thiel.

CABB has had success using corn to create polymers, which has a very low environmental impact and greatly reduces green house emissions. In addition to the environmental advantages of bio-based binders, the foundry industry also benefits from having more effective and lower-cost products. Additionally, bio-based binders provide a new market for agricultural materials.

Scott Giese, associate professor of industrial technology at UNI said the CABB program also offers practical hands-on experience for students. "The CABB initiatives support the academic components of the manufacturing technology program at UNI and provide experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students," said Giese. "We currently have about 10 students working for the CABB."

The UNI Metal Casting Center is a nationally recognized leader in foundry research, applied technology and technical business assistance. Funding for the center comes from the state and federal government along with contract research from private industry.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The youth and family theatre production "Mother Hicks" will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2, 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m., Dec. 4 and 5, at the University of Northern Iowa's Strayer-Wood Theatre.

Set in southern Illinois during the Great Depression, "Mother Hicks" tells the story of three outsiders -- a foundling girl, a deaf boy and an eccentric recluse, Mother Hicks, who is suspected of being a witch. The tale, told with poetry and sign language, chronicles the journeys of these three to find themselves, and each other, in a troubled time.

The production is directed by Gretta Berghammer, professor of drama and theatre for youth. Costumes were designed by Carol Colburn, professor of theatre design and production; scenery was designed by Mark A. Parrott, assistant professor of theatre design and production. Eric Lange, theatre department head and associate professor of theatre design and production, designed the lighting; Diana Garles, senior general theatre major, designed the hair and make-up. The stage is managed by Michaela Nelson, junior general theatre major.

Tickets are $16 for general admission and free for UNI students with their uCard. Tickets can be purchased from the Strayer-Wood Theatre lobby box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The box office will be open one hour before curtain time.

For more information, call the Strayer-Wood Theatre box office at 319-273-6381 or visit their website at www.uni.edu/theatre.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa is accepting applications for the Alderman Scholars Program.  Awards of up to $6,000 per year for up to four years are intended to assist needy, worthy and appreciative students who are majoring in, or are intending to major in, a field of study within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The scholarship program is open to incoming freshman, transfer students and current UNI students.  The deadline for application is Feb. 1.

Departments within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences are Applied Human Sciences; Geography; History; Political Science; Psychology; Social Work; and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.

The Alderman Scholars Program was established by a grant from the Everett Alderman Endowment.  The scholarships are in memory of Alderman's wife, Marthe Benzon Alderman, and his parents, Gertrude Welty Alderman and A. Bruce Alderman.

For more information, call 319-273-3584 or visit http://www.uni.edu/csbs.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) is accepting applications for the SBS Scholarship Program from high school seniors who will enter the university in the fall of 2011. Scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for up to four years will be awarded.

The SBS scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Applicants will be judged by high school records, performance on standardized tests, academic honors and achievements, and other evidence of academic accomplishments and promise. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should be ranked near the top 15 percent of their graduating class and have scored 27 or above on their ACT.  A Regent Admission Index (RAI) score of 290 or above will also be accepted. 

Recipients of the SBS scholarship must major, or intend to major, in a field of study within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The departments include Applied Human Sciences; Geography; History; Political Science; Psychology; Social Work; and Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology.

The deadline for application is Jan. 10, 2011. More information and applications are available at www.uni.edu/csbs/ or by calling 319-273-3584.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The UNI School of Music will host the annual Varsity Men's Glee Club Christmas Variety Shows on Dec. 3 and 4. The concerts will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, and at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, in the Great Hall in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

The Glee Club, under the direction of John Len Wiles, will present the concerts as part of a celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Men's Glee Club at UNI. In addition to the men of the Glee Club, this year's concert will feature the UNI Children's Choir. More than 100 alumni are returning to sing with the Glee Club during the Saturday shows.

Musical selections will include a variety of holiday favorites such as "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Carol of the Bells" and "Silent Night." The evening will also include a visit from Santa Claus.

All seats for these concerts are reserved. Individual tickets may be purchased in person at the Gallagher-Bluedorn box office, by calling 319-273-4TIX or 877-549-SHOW (7469), or at www.unitix.uni.edu.

Other alumni events include a Campanile tour at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 as well as an alumni reception and banquet beginning at 5 p.m., Dec. 4, in the Central Ballroom in Maucker Union. The cost is $40 per Glee Club alumnus and $25 per guest. Every past Glee Club director will be honored at the banquet, which will give alumni the chance to reconnect with their old directors.

For more information on this event or the UNI School of Music, contact Caroline Boehmer, administrative assistant for the UNI School of Music, at 319-273-2028 or caroline.boehmer@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Northern Iowa Food and Farm Partnership (NIFFP) at the University of Northern Iowa will host harvest markets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Cedar Falls Community Center, 528 Main St., Cedar Falls. There will also be a harvest market from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Waverly Civic Center, 200 1^st St. NE, Waverly.

All markets will feature a variety of locally produced food. Various winter-storage crops, including squash, potatoes, apples and root vegetables, will be available, as well as meat, honey, baked goods and jams.

"Buying locally doesn't have to end with summer -- root vegetables, greens, apples, squash, preserves and more are available well into the fall and winter," emphasized Andrea Rissing, program assistant for the Center for Energy & Environmental Education. "Shopping at late-season markets is a great way to find fresh and delicious food for holiday meals, give farmers more opportunities to sell their products, and strengthen our local food economy and community."

For more information regarding the harvest markets, contact Rissing at 319-273-7883 or andrea.rissing@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--The holiday season is upon us and along with it comes the stress of finding that perfect gift. The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) has started the "Reclaim Your Holidays: Practical Ways to Create Meaning" initiative, which offers environmentally friendly and fiscally sound tips on holiday shopping.

The "Reclaim Your Holidays" initiative encourages a variety of green practices, such as inviting Iowans to shop at local stores that specialize in used items. These include antique stores, consignment shops, thrift stores, used bookstores and pawnshops. Buying used items will save money, support the local economy and reduce shipping emissions and packaging waste.

Susan Salterberg, program manager at the CEEE, says that buying used gifts is very rewarding not only for the environment but for your checkbook as well. "Iowans love the sheer practicality of saving 80 percent on a product, and as ecological issues become better known, the environmental benefits make used gifts a draw."

The Main Street Exchange, a Cedar Falls consignment shop, has seen a steady increase in sales during its 18 months in business. "People often tell me that they aren't going to pay $300 for an item when they can get it in great condition with us for $100," said Craig Wood, whose family owns the store. "Children's clothing is very popular, because kids grow so quickly that the items are often hardly worn. It's great to be able to recycle these items."

The CEEE also offers ideas for clearing clutter and reducing stress around the holidays. Consumable gifts such as wines, cheeses, breads, jams and chocolate produce a very minimal amount of waste and make nice gifts as well. Experiential gifts like tickets to a game and passes to a show or zoo are also great gift ideas that won't cause clutter. "No expert needs to tell us that experiential gifts often hold more value and are remembered longer than material ones," said Salterberg.

Additionally, buying environmentally friendly gifts can help your friends and family reduce their carbon footprint. Some examples include fair trade coffee, stainless steel water bottles, soy candles, clothes drying racks, pressure cookers, rain barrels and organic cotton towels. According to Salterberg the most important rule when buying green is to select gifts that will be valued and used and not ones that will land in the garbage after the holidays.

Additional green gift ideas, including printable gift certificates to use as experiential gifts, may be found at www.reclaimyourholidays.org.

The "Reclaim Your Holidays" initiative is funded by two grants aimed at helping Iowans create more meaningful holidays, one from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program for $32,957 and another from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program for $17,676.

Enrollment deadline is Jan. 14

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Executive Development Center is now accepting registrations for the 2011 Leadership Development Certificate Program. The program consists of 10 full-day sessions held between Jan. 26 and May 18.

The Leadership Development Certificate Program is designed to transform good managers into great leaders. Participants are challenged to change from thinking like a manager to thinking like a strategic leader. Session topics include: strategic planning, big-picture decision making, finance for leaders and leading through changing times.

Participants interact with class members from a variety of backgrounds and industries.

"In a recent survey, more than 95 percent of past participants noted the program improved their job performance, and 90 percent stated the program increased their confidence in their leadership ability," said Kim Recker, program manager for the UNI Executive Development Center.

Four hours of graduate or undergraduate credit is available upon completion of this course. Tuition is $3,150, which includes all training materials, meals and parking.  Businesses can purchase one enrollment at full price and enroll a second person from the same organization for half price. Tuition for non-profit employees is $1,575. 

UNI Alumni Association members receive a 10-percent discount.  This program may also qualify for tuition reimbursement programs and Iowa Jobs Training Programs 260E and 260F. 

For more information or to enroll, contact UNI's Executive Development Center at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu. Certificate program classes are limited to 20 participants.

For more than 20 years, UNI's Executive Development Center has provided comprehensive, current and relevant management and leadership training to working professionals to improve and maximize their performance and results in today's challenging and competitive business world. The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.     

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--Iowa City area residents will learn ways to create a richer, more meaningful holiday season while at the same time greening their celebrations at a 12:05-12:55 p.m. Lunch and Learn presentation on Friday, Nov. 12, in Room 112, University of Iowa University Services Building (USB) in Iowa City. USB is located east of the Iowa River on Madison and Prentiss streets.

Participants will explore ways to minimize stress during the holidays by practicing self-care and creating holidays where they live according to their values. In addition, they will learn examples of green gifts, such as baskets of Iowa-made wines and battery-free bike lights. Other "green" examples include gifts of experience. Many experiential purchases—such as giving yoga lessons or tickets to a show—cause less damage to the environment.  Plus, studies show the thrill of experiences stays with us longer than when our money is spent buying products.

To enroll in this free course, e-mail Susan Salterberg, an instructor from the University of Northern Iowa. Put "Register for Reclaim your holidays" in the subject line and send to susan.salterberg@uni.edu. Questions can be directed to Salterberg via e-mail or phone (337-4816).

Street parking is available near USB, and there is also parking on Madison Street behind the Johnson County Jail.

The event is sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy & Environmental Education, the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability, Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center and Iowa City Public Library.  The sessions are funded in part by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program.  

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Applications are being accepted for the Just for Kicks (JfK) program’s ninth annual Panther Pride Indoor Futsal Soccer League. Futsal is the official indoor soccer game of the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA, soccer's international governing body.

Session one starts Saturday, Dec. 4, and ends Saturday, Jan. 29. Session two begins Saturday, Feb. 5, and ends Saturday, March 5. Games will take place on the UNI campus in the Wellness & Recreation Center (WRC) gymnasiums and the West Gym, and in the gymnasium at Malcolm Price Lab School near the UNI campus.

The JfK program is open to ages 5 through adult. Teams must have at least seven players to participate. JfK will also host a Little Stars program to teach soccer skills to kids ages 5 to 8.

The team registration fee includes a $50 deposit to secure division placing. This deposit is refunded at the end of the program or applied to the tournament fee. The individual registration fee for youth participants is $40 per player for the first session and $55 for the second session. Fees include a Just for Kicks T-shirt and pay for gym space, referees and administration of the program. UNI students plan and manage this event.

To register, go to www.uni.edu/jfk. Send registration and payment to Just For Kicks, UNI WRC 220B, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. For more information, email JfK at unij4k@gmail.com

The Panther Pride Indoor Futsal Soccer League is hosted by the Leisure, Youth and Human Services Division within the University of Northern Iowa’s School of Health, Physical Education & Leisure Services.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – As part of American Education Week, the University of Northern Iowa will recognize the School Administrators of Iowa 2009-2010 Administrators of the Year and the 2011 Iowa Teacher of the Year during the UNI football game at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, in the UNI-Dome.

Distinguished educators attending the game include Molly Boyle ('96), 2011 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Brookview Elementary School, Waukee; Roger Wilcox, Fine Arts Administrator of the Year, Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools; Helen Snell, Central Office Administrator of the Year, Maquoketa Community Schools; Joel Pedersen, Middle Level Principal of the Year, Davis County Middle School; Terry Hurlburt ('96), Elementary Principal of the Year, Brookview Elementary School, Waukee; Diane Campbell, Assistant Principal of the Year, Muscatine High School; and Jere Vyverberg, Superintendant of the Year, Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools.

"I often say that education is not only hard work, but heart work," said Dwight C. Watson, dean of the College of Education. "Nationally, there is great debate about the education profession and the quality of teaching and student learning. There has never been a more appropriate time than now to recognize the achievements of our teachers and education leaders. As the largest teacher education programs in Iowa, it's an honor to recognize these outstanding educators."

UNI has a 134-year history in teacher education and is involved in many state and national efforts to enhance teacher preparation and student learning. UNI is a leader in pre-K through 12 education issues and has graduated nearly 17,000 alumni educators worldwide.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Panther Speakers program will offer a free webinar "Health Literacy in a Changing America," presented by Michele Devlin, professor and director of the Iowa Center for Health Disparities and Mark Grey, professor and director of the Iowa Center on Immigrant Leadership, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 18.

The webinar allows alumni, business leaders and citizens to engage with UNI in the comforts of their own home or office.

Studies reveal that 50 percent of all adults in the United States have low health literacy and have difficulty understanding basic healthcare information. This increases the risk of unnecessary treatments, illness and medical errors. This webinar will define health literacy and discuss strategies for individuals and organizations to improve their ability to understand and express health information more effectively.

Grey founded the Iowa Center on Immigrant Leadership in 1999 and has since become a widely recognized authority on immigration. He also has expertise in the area of contemporary health issues. Devlin has significant experience in dealing with health literacy. This past summer she traveled to Haiti to help victims of the recent earthquake there and was able to take her experiences back with her.

To learn more about the UNI Panther Speakers program or to register for this free webinar, visit www.uni.edu/pantherspeakers.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--The Iowa floods of 2008 called attention to a major environmental problem in a dramatic way. A new program at the University of Northern Iowa aims to improve educators' environmental teaching skills and the understanding of the underlying causes of flooding problems. The program "Rain, Runoff, and Rivers: Understanding Watersheds," will include weekend workshops for educators on this topic.

"A watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a stream, river or lake. When a watershed becomes overloaded with water, we call it a flood," said Carl Bollwinkel, professor in UNI's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE). Bollwinkel is also the director of Environmental Issues Instruction (eii), a program in the CEEE. According to Bollwinkel, the purpose of the program is to help educators and their students understand watersheds and the differing beliefs about how to resolve issues arising from flooding. Additionally, the program helps participants and their students learn to take appropriate action to mitigate future flooding.

More than 72 Iowa educators will attend the workshops to gain teaching resources about flooding. According to Bollwinkel, communities that were flooded are still holding meetings dealing with flooding issues; however, few are relating these matters to young people. "A long term solution must include instructing youth about dealing with rain, runoff and river problems and issues," said Bollwinkel.

The eii program is funded by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Iowa Department of Transportation Living Roadway Trust Fund (LTRF), Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP) and Keep Iowa Beautiful.

Registration is currently open for several upcoming workshops including one Nov. 12 through 14 in Pleasant Hill, Iowa and one Feb. 11 through 13 at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Each workshop has an April update session. The cost of the program, including two hours of graduate credit, is largely covered by the grants.

For more information, contact Bollwinkel at 319-273-2783 or visit http://www.uni.edu/ceee/eii.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--The University of Northern Iowa is completing final preparations to host 2010 Iowa High School Football Championships at the UNI-Dome. Thousands of Iowans travel to UNI for the annual event, which kicks into high-gear with the semi-final games starting Thursday, Nov 11.

"With the incredible amount of traffic generated by the games, we strongly recommend that those traveling east on U.S. Highway 20 to Cedar Falls take the exit just past Dike and come to the UNI-Dome on West 27^th Street," said Dave Zarifis, director of UNI Public Safety. "Taking this route will reduce travel time to the UNI-Dome and decrease traffic congestion on Hudson Road."

Local motorists also are encouraged to avoid Hudson Road and University Avenue immediately before and after the games. A full game schedule can be found at iahsaa.org/football.

Directions for those traveling east on U.S. Highway 20:

1. Take Exit 220 (Grundy Road/Black Hawk County Road D18) and travel north on D18 (University Avenue) to Cedar Falls.

2. Turn left onto Union Road. Follow Union Road north to West 27^th Street (Black Hawk County Road D17).

3. Turn right onto West 27^th Street (D17). Travel east on 27th Street to the UNI-Dome.

Special traffic signs will be located at key turnoffs.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa has long been a leader in strengthening the local food economy in Iowa communities. An upcoming dinner hosted by UNI's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) will focus on creating a more local and regional food system that improves economic viability and environmental sustainability. The annual Food & Farm Partnership dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at the RiverLoop Public Market Coop in Waterloo.

"The evening will be a great chance to reconnect with friends and learn about some of the exciting local food projects going on in our area," said Andrea Rissing, program assistant at the CEEE. "These projects include the new RiverLoop Public Market Coop, new urban-farmer projects, and fresh and local food being served in area schools."

The dinner will feature a three-course meal designed by Chef Dan Ankrum of the ArtHouse Café at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Additionally, the dinner will feature Swabian-Hall pork, produced by Carl Blake of Readlyn. Swabian-Hall pork has won numerous awards and accolades on a national scale.

The dinner is $15 per person payable in advance. To make a reservation, contact Rissing at 319-273-7883.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Department of Political Science will host a forum discussing "Election 2010: What did it Mean?" from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, in the Schindler Education Center Room 246.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Donna Hoffman, interim department head and associate professor of political science, at 319-273-5916 or donna.hoffman@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Multicultural Teaching Alliance (MTA) at the University of Northern Iowa will host its annual Multicultural Teachers Reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in UNI's Georgian Lounge in the Commons, 1227 W. 23^rd St., Cedar Falls. All Waterloo and Cedar Falls teachers have been invited, along with UNI's teacher education faculty. The reception highlights the multicultural teaching practices of Cedar Falls and Waterloo teachers.

The MTA is an organization of undergraduate and graduate education majors striving to bring multicultural practices to their future teaching practices. The reception will include speakers and a presentation by the MTA.

For more information, contact Kimberly Knesting, associate professor of educational psychology & foundations at UNI, at 319-273-3840 or kimberly.knesting@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Wilson Series in Business Ethics will host "Iowa's Fugitive" from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Schindler Education Center Room 246 on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

Patrick Kuhse, an Iowa native and former financial planner and stockbroker in California, became involved in major illegal activities and eventually lived as a fugitive in the jungles of Costa Rica before being incarcerated.

He now travels throughout the United States speaking to students and business professionals about his story and the dilemmas that can too easily trap the unsuspecting young professional. Kuhse will come back to UNI to share his experience and analysis once more.

This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 319-273-2196 or e-mail donna.wood@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Nine graduates from the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services (HPELS) at the University of Northern Iowa will be inducted into the school's Elinor A. Crawford & William R. Thrall Hall of Excellence at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, at the UNI Commons. The induction ceremony brunch is open to the public and costs $20. To make a reservation, call Carol Bean at 319-273-2840.

The following alumni will be inducted this year:

Julayne Hoffmeier (B.A. ’71) joined the University of Phoenix-Western Region in 1988 and currently serves as vice president for Community Relations and Project Strategy.

Dwight Marston (B.A. ’50) served as professor, golf coach and athletic director during his 25-year tenure at Winona State University in Winona, Minn. Marston will be inducted posthumously. 

Raymond Olson (B.A. ’59) was a professor and coached eight different sports at Black Hawk Junior College in Moline, Ill. He later served as professor of anatomy/physiology and athletic director until his retirement. Olson will be inducted posthumously. 

Chuck Patten (B.A. ’61) served as UNI’s head wrestling coach from 1965-82 and assistant athletic director from 1982-83. He retired from the Everett, Wash., school district where he most recently served as athletic director.

Shellie Pfohl (B.A. 85) was recently appointed executive director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. She manages the council’s activities and operations and leads efforts related to the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign.

Norman Rasmussen (B.A. ’65) is a professor, preceptor and consultant in the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, College of Medicine, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Ronald Rice (B.A. ’70) was superintendent for the Ames Community School District before becoming executive director for the Iowa Association of School Boards.

Larry Rowedder (B.A. ’63) was named to the Exemplary Superintendents and received the NSBA Executive Educator Award "Top 100 Administrators in America." Recently, Dr. Rowedder has served the Stupski Foundation and the Harvard ExEL project.

Kenneth Witt (B.A. ’82) is a clinical exercise psychologist and consultant at the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Carteret General Hospital and Onslow Memorial Hospital, both in North Carolina.

This year's recipients join 69 others previously inducted into the Hall of Excellence, which recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves professionally. The Hall of Excellence was created to acknowledge meritorious graduates and to encourage currently enrolled students to strive toward this recognition.

Inductees are chosen using the following criteria: demonstrated mastery of their profession's knowledge base; significant contributions to their profession and wide recognition for the quality of that contribution; demonstrated scholarly activity through publications and presentations related to their profession; offices held in professional organizations of state, regional, national and international scope; and completion of at least 10 years of service to their profession.

UNI's School of HPELS is one of the oldest programs in the U.S., tracing its roots back to 1896 with the establishment of the Department of Physical Culture. Course work in physical education dates back to 1878, two years after the opening of what was then known as the Iowa State Normal School.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The MyEntre.Net EntreBash! Networking event previously scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls has been postponed to a later date.  More information on upcoming events will be available when scheduling has been finalized.

Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the UNI MyEntre.Net website at www.myentre.net for information and assistance on their business or concept, or to contact the UNI Regional Business Center at (319) 273-4328.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Department of History will present "Town and Gown When the Dow was Down: Cedar Falls and ISTC in 1933," by Ruth Ratliff, director of campaigns, development & foundation, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Seerley Hall, Room 115.

Ratliff's talk will look at leisure activities of Cedar Falls residents and Iowa State Teachers College students and faculty in 1933. She will focus on the role of clubs and organizations.

The event is part of the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society lecture series and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ratliff at 319-273-6078 or ruth.ratliff@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- UNI's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) will show the documentary "Living Downstream," at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the CEEE auditorium on the University of Northern Iowa campus.

"Living Downstream" is based on the acclaimed book by ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D. "Our environment is playing a bigger role in the story of cancer than previously assumed," said Steingraber. This feature-length documentary follows Steingraber during one year as she travels across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ceee.uni.edu or call 319-273-2573.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The fourth-annual Polar Bare Run, Walk or Roll, sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Alumni Association and its student group, CATS (Connecting Alumni to Students), will be held at 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9, on the UNI campus.

"The event, which is a winter-wear drive for the Salvation Army, provides an opportunity for students, alumni and the community to give back to the Cedar Valley," said Connie Hansen, UNI assistant director of outreach and engagement, Alumni Relations. Participants wear new or gently used coats, hats, mittens and scarves to the event, then shed their winter gear before embarking on the one-mile course. All clothing is donated to the Salvation Army.

The race will begin and end at the UNI Alumni House, 1012 W. 23rd St., Cedar Falls.  Check-in is at 9 p.m. and the run begins at 9:30 p.m.  The event is free and prizes will be awarded. Teams and individuals from campus and the community are invited to participate. Those unable to participate who wish to donate winter-wear items may bring donations to the event or drop them off at the UNI Alumni House. 

Registration is open and will run until the day of the event. For more information or to register, visit www.unialum.org/2010-polar-bare-run-walk-roll.

Minimize backstage drama in the workplace 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa Panther Speakers program will offer a free webinar "Communication Renovation: Little Fixes that Make a Big Difference," presented by Jayne Witte, associate professor of communication studies, from noon-12:50 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

The webinar allows alumni, business leaders and citizens to engage with UNI from the comforts of their office or home.

Healthy workplace relationships are at the heart of organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. The presentation will provide insight into replacing worn-out, poor communication habits with effective feedback and interaction strategies. Guests will learn how to choose words and phrases that will maximize their effectiveness and prevent conflict.

Witte is the author of "Workplace Gems," a book that provides 21 ways to improve your world at work. She also offers professional development training to businesses and organizations about how to improve the quality of workplace life.

To learn more about the UNI Panther Speakers program or to register for this free webinar, visit www.uni.edu/pantherspeakers.

Architect to discuss creative inspiration at University Museum 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Architect Kate Payne, AIA, from INVISION Architecture, will share her creative inspiration as part of UNI Museums' speaker series, "What Inspires You?" The series explores what inspires area professionals in their fields of expertise. The program will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the University Museum, 3219 Hudson Road in Cedar Falls.           

Payne joined INVISION in 1998, after serving as an adjunct professor teaching architecture at the University of Buffalo and University of Oklahoma and fine arts at Wartburg College.            

The program is presented in conjunction with UNI Museums' current exhibit Object as Subject: Artists Explore the Museum's Collection. The exhibit, on display through Dec. 23, fuses art and anthropology with a collection of original works inspired by objects in the University Museum's Collection.

Museum viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about UNI Museums and a complete calendar of events, visit www.uni.edu/museum or call 319-273-2188. 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--The University of Northern Iowa is the new home of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC). Iowa's public universities created the ISGC in 1990 to coordinate and improve the state's future in aerospace science and technology and to stimulate aerospace research, education and outreach activities.

The ISGC's work is aligned with NASA's Education Outcomes, which include providing research support for faculty and students, developing NASA-related courses and improving the ability of targeted institutions to compete for NASA research and development work. Additionally, the work of the ISGC contributes to the further development of Iowa's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce.

"The Iowa Space Grant Consortium fulfills a critical need by mobilizing universities, industry, government and aerospace associations across the state in promoting aerospace education and research," said Ramanathan "Sugu" Sugumaran, director of the ISGC. "It's one of the most prominent state consortia at the national level."

According to Sugumaran, there are programs available each year through the ISGC that provide funding to promote aerospace- and space-related areas. The ISGC also provides fellowships and scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students who are entering STEM fields.

The ISGC is part of NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship program that was authorized by Congress in 1987. The program was created to expand opportunities for Americans to participate in NASA space projects and to enhance science and engineering education.

For more information, contact Sugumaran at 319-273-3816 or visit www.iaspacegrant.org.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will host four, 50-minute workshops beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, in room 185 of the Wellness and Recreation Center. Current USA Dance national champions Nels Petersen and Theresa Kimler will teach the workshops.

The first of the four workshops will focus on East Coast swing and is for beginners to advanced beginners. The second workshop, beginning at 10 a.m., will teach students the basics of the waltz. This course is also intended for beginners. At 11 a.m., a slightly more complicated dance, the American rumba, will be taught. This course is intended for an intermediate-level dancer. At noon, the final class will teach students the tango. This is the most complicated dance and is intended for more advanced dancers.

Petersen has won the USA Dance championships several times. He and Kimler have also won the Ohio Star Ball, long recognized as one of the premiere international competitions in ballroom dance.

The workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Daniel Wells, instructor of health, physical education and leisure services, at 319-273-3560 or daniel.wells@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Investigative writer, activist and public interest organization consultant John Stauber will speak at the University of Northern Iowa at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, in the Lang Hall Auditorium. His lecture, "Toxic Sludge Is Good for You: How Propagandists Manage Democracy," is part of the Meryl Norton Hearst Lecture Series.

Stauber will discuss a wide range of topics that illustrate the influence of unethical public relations practices, including how toxic sludge becomes "organic compost" for gardens, how BP has tried to position itself as an environmental leader, and how news "echo chambers" reinforce political and social biases favorable to sponsors and advertisers. According to Stauber, "Government and industry organize public relations campaigns to manage public attitudes, perceptions, behavior and policy."

Stauber has authored/co-authored six books including the 2003 New York Times bestseller "Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush's War on Iraq." He served as executive director of the Center for Media and Democracy for 16 years until 2009. Today he is an independent investigative writer, activist and a consultant to public interest organizations including the Food Rights Network.

The event is free and open to the public. The Hearst Lecture Series is sponsored by the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Department of Communication Studies. For more information, contact Chris Martin, professor of communication studies, at 319-273-7155, or christopher.martin@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The dean of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, Dwight C. Watson, will present "Exploring Social Connectivity through the Use of Adolescent Queer Literature" at noon, Monday, Nov. 1, as part of the CROW (Current Research on Women's Studies) Forum. The forum will be held at the Center for Multicultural Education, Room 109A, located in Maucker Union.

Watson will discuss the social and psychological development of gay and lesbian adolescents. Social isolation is a problem faced by many gay and lesbian youth. Watson proposes that literature circles, using carefully chosen adolescent gay literature, be made accessible to gay and lesbian youth to offset barriers to social connectivity.

Watson is serving his first year as dean of the College of Education. He has published work in academic journals as well as contributed to many other articles and books. He has also participated in a variety of research studies.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Phyllis Baker, director of women's and gender studies, at 319-273-7102, or phyllis.baker@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-- With the sea of advertising, malls, crowds and time pressures, it can be difficult to maintain a level of calmness during the holiday season. The University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) has created a green holiday initiative entitled "Reclaim Your Holidays: Practical Ways to Create Meaning." The project will focus on how minimizing stress can maximize the meaning of the holidays and result in a more environmentally friendly season.

The holiday initiative will work with Iowans in areas such as clearing clutter, environmentally friendly gift ideas, buying locally, controlling holiday finances and reducing stress. The hope is that when focus is on meaning rather than busyness and buying, the holidays will be more enjoyable and the environment will benefit as well.

The CEEE received two grants to help Iowans create more meaningful holidays, one from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program for $32,957 and another from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program for $17,676. The project also received several matching funds and in-kind contributions.

"As our staff members talk with community members about this project, they find Iowans yearn for opportunities to explore alternatives," said Susan Salterberg, program manger at the CEEE. "They seem to know something isn't right with parts of their holidays and just need to hear that they are not alone in wanting to do things differently."

The CEEE will continue researching existing best environmental holiday and celebration practices and work with partners across the state to brainstorm and assemble ideas that will help Iowans celebrate their holidays in a more sustainable way.  In addition, the project addresses deeper environmental issues such as preventing energy waste, solid waste and food waste. "If this project in fact helps people focus more on relationships and living according to their values rather than buying guilt or gizmo gifts, it's a win-win for society," said Salterberg.

For more information, visit www.reclaimyourholidays.org.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Small-business owners and those interested in starting a business are invited to attend EntreBash!, the third Cedar Valley MyEntreNet networking event of 2010.  EntreBash! will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Beaver Hills Country Club, 8230 Beaver Hills Dr. in Cedar Falls. Attendees will enjoy food, fun and the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs from the Cedar Valley.  Admission is free.

EntreBash!, hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Regional Business Center, the city of Cedar Falls, the city of Waterloo, and the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, is a networking event with the added opportunity for small-business owners and entrepreneurs to gather information important for their business or start-up. During the event attendees can speak directly with Info Team advisers to receive information and referrals to individuals and organizations for assistance with obtaining financing, increasing sales, doing business on the Web, reducing costs, finding new markets and other business services. 

"MyEntreNet is a support system that offers small-business owners the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, obtain technical assistance and learn about available sources of capital and other services we know they need to be successful," said Maureen Collins-Williams, director of the UNI Regional Business Center. 

"It's especially critical in today's economic climate to find new and innovative methods to help local businesses, but it's also important that small business owners are provided an opportunity to share and encourage each other," continued Collins-Williams. "We welcome new faces, as well as those who've attended previous EntreBash! events. Past attendees are encouraged to touch base again with the Info Team, receive input on their progress and get encouragement to move forward."

For more information, contact the UNI Regional Business Center at (319) 273-4328.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Interpreters Theatre will present "Journey Through the Night" at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Nov. 9 through 12, in the Interpreters Theatre in Lang Hall, Room 040.

Conceived and directed by Angela Glunz, "Journey through the Night" is an interactive simulation in which the audience experiences the life of a migrant worker as he makes his way from Central America to the U.S. border.

The cast includes Paige Everly and Jair Guevara as border patrol agents; Brandon Poll and Aaron Lord as Mexican gang members; Ana Hofstadter and Justus Thompson as smugglers; Erin Hilker and Kevin Howard as Mexican residents; and Ray Mallak as a migrant.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Angela Glunz, graduate assistant, at glunza@uni.edu or 319-273-6728.

The production is funded in part by the Department of Communication Studies, the Colleges of Humanities & Fine Arts and Natural Sciences, and the Student Services Fee Committee. 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Nine University of Northern Iowa faculty and staff members received 2010 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards, given by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The recipients were honored at convocation in September.

Regents Faculty Excellence Award recipients at UNI are: Gretta L. Berghammer, professor, Department of Theatre; Ken Bleile, professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders; Harry Brod, professor, Department of Philosophy and World Religions; Kim MacLin, associate professor, Department of Psychology; Otto MacLin, associate professor, Department of Psychology; and Catherine Helen Palczewski, professor, Department of Communication Studies.

Berghammer has been with UNI for more than 25 years and has served the theatre department in many capacities. Her nominators emphasized her holistic approach to performance and outreach, as well as her leadership skills. She is known for her involvement both on campus and in the community.

Bleile has a national and international reputation as an outstanding teacher and scholar. His nominators highlighted how students constantly praise his ability to translate theory into practice. He has also taken students abroad to Chile, Peru and Nicaragua. His devotion to giving students unique opportunities shows off his unyielding dedication to learning.

Brod is most recognized for his original research with a particular focus in men's gender violence prevention. He is published in philosophy journals, as well as sociology, psychology, social science, education and law journals. His nominators emphasize his dedication to public service at the national, state and local level.

Kim MacLin's enthusiastic teaching style, coupled with the time she commits to engaging students in various projects makes her an extraordinary faculty member. Her nominators note that she is an invaluable source of guidance, knowledge and scholarship. She is known for going above and beyond her typical role, because of her dedication to her students.

Otto MacLin is the most published, nationally visible member of the psychology department. He has assisted in facilitating undergraduate research at an extraordinary level. His service throughout the state includes seminars and workshops on the pitfalls of eyewitness evidence. His nominators note that he has superb achievements as a scholar, a teacher, and is a person who has generously shared his expertise in the service of others.

Palczewski is described by her nominators as an excellent instructor. She is known for challenging her students to think critically and be more professional in their approach to learning. Her nominators also describe her as an exemplary model of a teacher-scholar, being well-read, highly interdisciplinary in her approach and productive.

Regents Staff Excellence Award recipients at UNI are: Linda Paar, laboratory specialist, chemistry and biochemistry department; Mike Weiglein, assistant manager, Piazza Dining Center; and Laura Wilson, assistant director, Career Services.

Paar has been with UNI for 35 years. Her nominators describe her as an exceptionally caring person who guides her students both in and out of the classroom. Her ability to impact her students each and every day makes her a truly great teacher. She is known as a mentor, a role model and a friend.

Weiglein is described as a passionate leader. His work ethic is based on the principals of a positive workplace, overall success, teamwork, open communication, accountability and having fun. He has developed a presentation for staff highlighting the benefits of adopting these principles. He is committed to serving the entire university and serves on the Student Conduct Committee, Resident Life Coordinator Selection Team and is on numerous search committees and national organizations.

Wilson is truly dedicated to students and their needs. She advises hundreds of business students to connect them to internships, co-ops and full-time employment. Despite a packed schedule, she still finds time for walk-ins as well. Her nominators note that she works extremely hard to respond to students' needs. She is known as compassionate, caring and generous.

The awards are presented annually to faculty and staff members in the professional and scientific ranks, and biennially to a member of the supervisory/confidential merit personnel, who have demonstrated outstanding professional contributions to UNI during their careers. Recipients are nominated by their colleagues and peers.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa has announced the national launch of its $150 million Imagine the Impact campaign, the largest campaign in its history. The campaign, which began in 2005, has raised $109 million and is scheduled to continue through 2013. 

The University of Northern Iowa's Imagine the Impact campaign has received a commitment of $10 million from Mark C. Oman (B.A. '76) and Jill Fuerhoff Oman (B.A. '85) of West Des Moines. Their gift will be used to fund scholarships for UNI students. This represents the largest gift ever received from a UNI graduate and the largest commitment ever received for student scholarships.

The Omans are making their gift as a challenge to encourage other UNI alumni and friends to support the Imagine the Impact campaign. Mark Oman is the co-chair of the campaign and a member of the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Mark Oman is senior executive vice president of Wells Fargo & Company. "UNI will always be a very special place for my wife and me," said Mark Oman. "It gave us an outstanding education in business and in the liberal arts, preparing us for successful and satisfying careers and lives. We hope our gift will enable future students to enjoy the same educational advantages that we found at UNI."

"We are honored that the Oman's have made this very generous commitment to UNI," said UNI President Ben Allen. "Thanks to their support, the Oman's will have a profound impact on future generations of students at the University of Northern Iowa."

The Imagine the Impact campaign focuses on raising funds for scholarships and faculty and program support. To date, gifts from alumni and friends have created 206 new scholarships and 154 new funds to support fellowships, professorships, undergraduate research, visiting artist series and travel abroad opportunities for students and faculty.

Campaign co-chairs are Mark Oman (B.A. '76), senior executive vice president, Wells Fargo & Company, and Beverly Riess (M.A. '78), UNI Des Moines-area student-teacher and community- outreach coordinator. 

To learn more about the Imagine the Impact campaign, visit www.uni-foundation.org.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-- A new teacher preparation program at the University of Northern Iowa will improve services and learning for children with disabilities. UNI's Department of Special Education received $260,413 from a U.S. Department of Education grant aimed at helping states provide personnel for students with special needs.

UNI will use the funds to implement a performance based early childhood special education personnel preparation program which trains qualified and fully certified teachers to educate the country's youngest and most challenged citizens.

The project will be directed by Donna Raschke and Frank Kohler, professors of Special Education at UNI. "Unfortunately, many of Iowa's youngest citizens with special needs are being instructed daily by teachers who are not fully certified," said Kohler. "This project will provide tuition for 45 of these educators to take the coursework and engage in activities to enable them to become fully certified as early childhood special education teachers."

"The project will work with three schools in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area that have been identified as in need of assistance by No Child Left Behind," said Raschke. "Students supported by the project will work with educators and service providers to infuse a school with a system of positive behavior supports that ensure all children are active participants in the learning process."

According to Raschke and Kohler, resources provided in the grant will support the design and incorporation of family-centered practices, data based programming and evidence-based practices into the early childhood special education preparation program at UNI. The program will also develop a comprehensive system for monitoring trainees' progress during and after their completion of the program.

For more information, contact Raschke at 319-273-3258 or Kohler at 319-273-7484.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's comedy improv troupe, Half-Masted, is back with another unscripted show. They will perform at 8 p.m., Nov. 4-6, in the Communications Arts Center Room 108. There will be a family-friendly matinee at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 6, in the same location.

The troupe is instructed and directed by Doug Shaw, a professor of mathematics at UNI, and includes a group of UNI students, alumni and members of the community. They also do private shows and seminars throughout Iowa.

Shaw has performed with several improv troupes throughout the Midwest, including the popular Impossibles, the house troupe of a long-running Minneapolis variety show called Look Ma, No Pants!

For more information, contact Shaw at 319-273-6805 or doug.shaw@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art will present an invitational group exhibition "Action Is Eloquence" from Nov. 1 through 30. Three lectures will be offered in association with the exhibition, which is the third in a yearlong series of events featuring UNI Department of Art alumni titled "Time is Ripe." All events are sponsored in part by the Florence Hartwig Foundation and the UNI Alumni Association.

"Action Is Eloquence" is a thematic invitational exhibition about desire, intention and direction. The title itself derives from a scene in Shakespeare's play "Corialanus" in which the protagonist is coached in public presentation. More importantly, however, in this scene we are made to see the complex relationship between the viewer and the viewed, and this relationship is the core idea behind the exhibition.

Participants include: Bruce Charlesworth (B.A. '72), Dawn Gettler (B.F.A. '03), Karla Hackenmiller (B.F.A. '93) and Tom Mueske (B.F.A. '05).  In addition, the following lectures will be presented in Kamerick Art Building South, room 111: Charlesworth at 7 p.m., Nov. 1; Gettler and Mueske at 7 p.m., Nov. 2. Artist's receptions will follow each presentation.

Bruce Charlesworth is an interdisciplinary artist working in film, video, photography, performance and installation. He is recognized as one of the pioneers in Postmodern photography and interactive installation art. His feature-length experimental film "Private Enemy - Public Eye" was adapted into a book published in 1989, which later was the basis for a retrospective of his work at the International Center of Photography in New York City. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and he is the recipient of numerous awards including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jerome Foundation, the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation. He is assistant professor of Film Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and during 2009-10 he was a Fellow of the Center for 21^st Century Studies. 

Printmaker Dawn Gettler received her M.F.A. from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where she also served as a graduate assistant teaching advanced printmaking and foundations courses. Most recently, she completed artist-in-residence programs at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Neb. and Spiro Arts in Park City, Utah. In her short career as a practicing artist, her work has been exhibited in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Idaho, Georgia and Florida. In 2011, she will present a solo exhibition at the Janalyn Hanson White Gallery at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

Karla Hackenmiller is associate professor and chair of the Printmaking Program at Ohio University at Athens. Her etchings and collages have been exhibited nationally and internationally, most notably at the Mesa Art Center in Arizona and the Czech Museum of Fine Art in Prague. She is co-founder and co-director of the annual "Inkahoots!" event, an outdoor collaborative printing festival at Ohio University, and in 2006, she was co-organizer of the Mid America Print Council (MAPC) biennial conference, "Forging Connections."

Los Angeles-based artist Tom Mueske received his M.F.A. in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute where he received a Graduate Fellowship Award. In 2006, he was both guest artist at California State University in Long Beach and recipient of an artist's grant from the renowned Vermont Studio Center. In 2008, he presented his first solo exhibition at the Haines Gallery in San Francisco, the establishment currently representing his work. This year, the artist's work was accepted into the California Biennial at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, Calif.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.  The gallery is located at the northeast corner of Hudson Road and West 27th Street, Cedar Falls, on the main floor of Kamerick Art Building South.  For more information call 319-273-3095 or visit www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery/.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Neil Armstrong and Barbara McClintock all had something in common. Not only were they pioneers in math and science but they also were all Americans. Math, science and America come together once again as they meet October 23-24, 2010 at the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the first ever USA Science and Engineering Festival.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Engaging the community in energy efficiency and conservation will be the topic of a public discussion hosted by the UNI Office of Sustainability and the Center for Energy and Environmental Education. "Driving Demand for Energy Efficiency - the Kansas Take Charge Challenge" will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m., in the CEEE Auditorium.

The "Take Charge Challenge" was a contest between six Kansas towns to make the largest reduction in electricity use over a one-year period. Together, these towns achieved reductions of 7 million kilowatt-hours, avoiding more than 19 million pounds of CO₂ emissions and saving $1.2 million for their communities. Additionally 52,000 incandescent lights were switched to compact fluorescent bulbs and more than 200 energy efficient appliances were installed. The efforts proved that energy efficiency works in every community, home and business.

This unique challenge utilized existing peer-to-peer networks to spread energy efficiency information, inspirations and adoption. It engaged community organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, 4-H and senior groups. A leadership team consisting of mayors, city managers, teachers and local business owners planned efficiency-themed events in each city and spread energy efficiency messages.

Along with becoming more energy efficient, the challenge strengthened connections between participating communities and the utilities that serve them.

The discussion will be led by Eileen Horn, sustainability coordinator for Douglas County and the City of Lawrence, Kan.

For more information, contact Eric O'Brien at 319-273-7207 or Kamyar Enshayan at 319-273-7575.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Loren Lown, director of Polk County Conservation, will discuss research being done at the Chichaqua Bottoms Natural Area. This seminar will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct., 27, at the University of Northern Iowa Tallgrass Prairie Center. The center is located on West 27^th street, one-quarter mile west of the McLeod Center.

This three-year field experiment is taking place at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, which runs along the Skunk River in northeast Polk County. This study is looking at the use of goat browsing and cattle grazing on land undergoing restoration to mimic native animals' impact on the original ecosystem. The study examines the herbivory's effects on reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals, birds and plants, compared to the effects of prescribed fire and haying. 

This seminar is part of the Tallgrass Prairie Center's Natural Resource and Management seminar series. For more information, contact Ryan Welch, outreach coordinator for the Tallgrass Prairie Center, at 319-273-3828 or rwelch@uni.edu.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Alumni Association will present its annual Heritage Honours Awards during a reception and program from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, in the Commons. The awards program honors the accomplishments of UNI graduates and their service to the university.

Clayton Condit (B.A. '92), and Barbara (Schmitt) Condit (B.A. '92) of Minneapolis, will receive the Young Alumnus Award and Young Alumna Award, respectively, which recognize graduates 40 years of age or younger who have excelled in their professions and demonstrated commitment to their community. Stan Askren (B.A. '82) of Muscatine, Iowa, and David Takes (B.A. '81) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, will receive the Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding professional accomplishments. 

Clayton Condit, an entrepreneur, serves as managing editor for the company Splice Here, a post-production company that he started in his basement. Originally from Marshalltown, Clayton received his degree in public relations at UNI. He previously had an editing job in what was then known as the Office of Marketing and Public Relations, worked seven years with a post-production company in Eden Prairie, Minn. freelanced for two years and eventually decided to start his own company.

Condit made significant contributions to the documentary film, "America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie," produced by the Tallgrass Prairie Center at UNI. The film received numerous awards and put UNI in a national spotlight. He has also hosted gatherings of UNI alumni in the Twin Cities.

Barbara Condit serves as financial manager for Splice Here. A St. Lucas native, she also graduated from UNI with a degree in public relations. While in school, she worked for Cedar Falls Trust & Savings, which later became Firstar Bank. Upon graduation, she transferred to Firstar in the Twin Cities. She transitioned into real estate, and eventually partnered with her husband, Clayton, to build Splice Here. 

With her husband, Barbara also made significant contributions to "America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie." Her adeptness at handling financial responsibilities for the company has led to larger growth and revenue. The couple's generosity can be seen through their $100,000 donation of in-kind underwriting to complete the film.

Askren has been chairman of the board, president and CEO of HNI Corporation since 2004. He joined the company in 1992, and has held many different senior leadership positions within the company. Originally from Oregon, Askren now lives in Muscatine. He graduated from UNI with a degree in business administration, received his MBA from Washington University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard. While at UNI, he was recognized as an outstanding business student and received the Wall Street Journal Award.

A few of his many accomplishments include serving with the Muscatine Community Health Foundation, the Muscatine Business Forum and as the vice chair of the Iowa Business Council. He has served on the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees since 1996. He also served during the Students First Campaign and was very crucial in securing a gift from HNI Corporation to furnish the McLeod Center with office equipment.

Takes, a native of Cascade, currently works as the President of Doerfer Companies in Waverly. He graduated from UNI with a degree in accounting and then attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a law degree. He worked as an attorney for some time, and was eventually part of a partnership that purchased Doerfer Engineering in Cedar Falls. The name has changed to Doerfer Companies and Takes has helped it grow; building plants in South Carolina and Europe. It is now known as a national leader in customized manufacturing.

Takes served on the national UNI Students First Steering Committee that raised $112 million for capital programs and scholarships at UNI. He has been a strong supporter of UNI Athletics through the Panther Scholarship Club, providing leadership support financially for the scholarship needs of UNI student athletes. Additionally, he's a seat sponsor and supporter of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, which demonstrates his support of both cultural arts and the community.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Political Science will host a panel discussion on trends in judicial selection at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, in Seerley, Room 115.

This year's retention elections for the Iowa Supreme Court have been controversial, with some groups urging that several justices be ousted in response to their 2009 decision on same-sex marriage. The panel discussion will cover the implications of the upcoming judicial retention election for the future of the Iowa courts.

Panel leaders include C. Scott Peters, UNI associate professor of political science, and Malia Reddick and Rachel Paine Caufield, who are both affiliated with the American Judicature Society at Drake University.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Peters at scott.peters@uni.edu or 319-273-2727.

Enrollment deadline is Nov. 5 

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Registration is now open for the management workshop "Managing People through Change," hosted by the University of Northern Iowa's Executive Development Center. The workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 11, in the Business and Community Services Building on the UNI campus. The registration deadline is Nov. 5.   

Workshop participants will practice ways to engage staff in productive, constructive dialogue; use coaching techniques to transition people into new roles and responsibilities; and help employees deal with ambiguity. This session will help managers recognize the symptoms of employees who are saboteurs or "actively disengaged" and will give them dialogue to handle that situation. Workshop leader Kathy Olson is a human resources professional with nearly 20 years of experience dealing with leadership development, employee relations and performance management issues.

"We all know change is inevitable. As an effective leader, your role is to help employees manage all these changes," said Kim Recker, program manager for the UNI Executive Development Center. "This workshop will examine the different stages of change and the emotions employees experience throughout the change. This class will give managers the confidence to approach touchy subjects during a stressful time."

The cost is $275 per person. UNI Alumni Association members receive a 10-percent discount. 

For more information or to register, contact UNI's Executive Development Center at 319-273-5851 or execdev@uni.edu. Registration can also be completed by visiting www.bcs.uni.edu/execdev and clicking "Enroll Now."

The Executive Development Center is a program of Business and Community Services, a division of the UNI College of Business Administration.