Grassley Celebrates the University of Northern Iowa’s 150th Anniversary

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore “Salute to My Alma Mater” Wednesday, September 16, 2026 VIDEO Today, I recognize my alma mater. A century after the signing of America’s Declaration of Independence, the University of Northern Iowa opened its doors in 1876. On September 6th, [UNI] celebrated its 150th anniversary. The event’s going to be really brought to the attention of the people of Iowa this coming Friday, when that celebration will be very public. The beautiful campus in Cedar Falls is located just ten miles from my family farm. For 150 years, UNI has cultivated an outstanding reputation training educators who have answered the vocational calling to teach future generations. In fact, when UNI opened its doors, it wasn’t the University of Northern Iowa. It was the Iowa State Normal School, a name indicating it was the “norm,” or the standard, for teaching methods. Over the years, it was known as “Iowa State Teachers College,” the name of it at the time I received my bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees there. Then, for a short period of time, it was called the “State College of Iowa,” [before] finally becoming the University of Northern Iowa in 1967. For 150 years, its mission has stayed the same: putting students first. I’m honored to say that UNI will house my legislative papers and materials from my decades of public service. Barbara and I are proud to promote civic education and support UNI’s teaching and research mission for generations to come. Right now, there is a Chuck and Barbara Grassley Chair of Political Science, as one example. For 150 years, UNI has upheld its mission of scholarship and service to the people of Iowa. During my annual 99 county meetings, I cross paths with UNI alumni in every corner of the state. They teach in our schools, care for our patients, lead businesses, work in agriculture and manufacturing, serve in government and strengthen communities, both rural and urban. That’s because UNI prepares students for Iowa's workforce while making a quality education accessible and affordable for Iowa families. UNI continues to innovate and grow to meet the needs of students, of faculty and of the entire Cedar Valley. UNI this year marks two additional milestones in its history: the 100th anniversary of the very tall Campanile with its four clocks and the 50th anniversary of the UNI-Dome, the home football stadium for the Panthers of UNI. Since 1976, this stadium campus landmark has hosted the Iowa high school football state championship games. Both of these iconic spots on campus hold special memories for generations of Iowans. So, for 150 years, the University of Northern Iowa has strengthened the educational, cultural and economic vitality of our state. I congratulate President Mark Nook, current and former faculty and staff, students, alumni and friends of the University of Northern Iowa on its sesquicentennial. As a proud Panther alumnus, I wish continued success for the Purple and Gold for years and years to come. And I hope I’m still able to help in that process. -30- ?