08-28-24 by Northern Iowan

Executive Editor welcomes Panthers back to campus

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor

Hello cats!

My name is Bailey Klinkhammer, and I am the Executive Editor for the Northern Iowan for the 2024-2025 academic year. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto campus as a student or your last first day, I’m so happy you’re here.

While you explore the resources UNI has to offer, I implore you to explore the different student organizations that call UNI home. Anything you can think of - UNI probably has a club for that. In my time at UNI, I’ve been involved in a multitude of clubs. While I’m Executive Editor of the Northern Iowan, I’m

also president of my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. When I was a freshman, I never would have thought I would be doing both of these at once! But, anything at UNI is possible. So, go out of your way to engage with organizations. Seek out opportunities in the uncomfortable. When you feel nervous, go for it. I truly believe that UNI has changed my life, and I know it will change yours, too. I encourage you to make the most out of your time at UNI! There really is something for everyone herein Cedar Falls.

Here at the Northern Iowan, our goal is always to uplift and boost student voices. My personal goal as Executive Editor is to give a platform for our

student leaders to showcase their hard work and innovations. No matter what people tell you: UNI students are newsworthy. The Northern Iowan is here to help prove that.

The Northern Iowan publishes each Wednesday, and you can find a news stand in almost any building on campus, or online at northerniowan.com

If you have a story you’d like the Northern Iowan to cover, feel free to contact me at klinkbaa@uni.edu. If you see me on campus, feel free to say hi!

Have a great semester, Panthers! I look forward to being able to spotlight all of the amazing things you do this academic year!

Bailey Klinkhammer

Managing Editor greets Panther community NEWS

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER

Managing Editor

Hey Panthers!

Welcome or welcome back to campus! My name is Sophie Hoffmeier, and I am the Managing Editor for the Northern Iowan. I only have one semester left here at UNI, and I plan on making it the best! No matter if you’re here for your very first semester or very last, I hope that the Northern Iowan will become an integral part of the time you have here at UNI.

As a student newspaper, the Northern Iowan strives to showcase the many stories that students, faculty, and the general Panther community have to tell. This semester, I would like to be able to display those stories to a wide audience via our website.

As you might know, more people are receiving their news from the internet as opposed to reading the newspaper. The Northern Iowan has made several changes to accommodate for this shift from paper to the web, starting in Fall 2023 by reducing print publications from twice a week to once a week. Even though our paper will only be published once a week, I still encourage you to pick up a newspaper from the newsstands around campus. The paper is a culmination of the efforts of our writers, photographers, graphic designers, and editorial staff, and we work to bring you relevant and important information regarding campus and the greater Cedar Valley community.

Our paper is run by students, for students. We want to be a resource for people to tell

their stories and share their unique experiences during their time on campus. As Managing Editor, I want to ensure that these unique experiences and events on and around campus are accessible to all. We publish our physical paper on Wednesdays, and frequently update our website with the latest news in the Cedar Valley area. Be sure to check us out at www.northerniowan.com and grab a paper copy!

I hope you all have an amazing time here at UNI, regardless if you are an incoming freshman or a senior in their last semester.

Go cats!

-Sophie Hoffmeier

L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu

319.273.2157

NORTHERN IOWAN BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor klinkbaa@uni.edu 563.321.1640

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Managing Editor hoffmeis@uni.edu 515.795.6066

EDITORIAL STAFF

JO BRAHMS News Editor brahmsj@uni.edu

ESTELLE JOHNSON Campus Life Editor johnsecr@uni.edu

COHEN KAMAUS Sports Editor kamausc@uni.edu

ANTONIA GOODWIN Copy Editor goodwaab@uni.edu

LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor alvarlaa@uni.edu

PRODUCTION STAFF

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Webmaster

LIZBETH GARCIA TELLEZ

Social Media Manager garcilaj@uni.edu

ADVISORS

ANELIA DIMITROVA anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu

CHRIS MARTIN christopher.martin@uni.edu

CIRCULATION

BETHANY WINGET Circulation Manager

The Northern Iowan is published semi-weekly on Monday and Thursday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications.

Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time.

The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

SEND US STORY IDEAS

Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.

COURTESY

Bailey Klinkhammer is in your fourth year of college at UNI studying digital media journalism and in her fourth year with the Northern Iowan.

COURTESY

Sophie Hoffmeier is a senior majoring in English and religious studies. This is her fourth year working at the Northern Iowan, and her second year as managing editor.

JO BRAHMS News Editor

A note from President Nook

Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa! Returning students - great to see you again! New students - welcome! We are thrilled you have joined the Panther family. When I first visited campus, one of the first things students told me about the University of Northern Iowa was how committed the campus community was to their success. Students told me that faculty members set high expectations in their classes and programs so that they would be prepared to be successful in their careers and personal lives once they grad-

uated from UNI. They quickly added that the faculty and staff worked hard to help every student achieve those expectations, and that their classmates supported each other to succeed in the classroom and beyond. This culture of commitment to the success of students has been a hallmark of the University of Northern Iowa experience throughout our history.

We are a university that is focused on the success of our students. We are focused on you.

UNI is a unique place where

you can stand out and excel. We have the facilities and resources of a major university, and the friendliness and atmosphere of a small college. We are consistently recognized nationally for the high- quality, affordable education we provide to our students and the incredible impact of our university on the individuals, communities, and businesses we serve. We are proud to offer distinguished academic programs across a variety of disciplines in business, education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and the natural,

social, and health sciences. And we are nationally recognized for our commitment to the success of our students, high educational standards, and impact on economic development.

As you begin a new semester, enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. Wear purple with pride and know you belong here. Best wishes for a successful semester, and I look forward to seeing you on campus!

Panther Proud,

Mark A. Nook President

Student government welcomes Panthers

On behalf of the Northern Iowa Student Government, we are happy to welcome Panthers old and new! As your student leaders, we wanted to take the time to welcome you to your home away from home. We are so excited to embark with you on the journey that will be the 2024-2025 school year.

Whether you are a new or returning panther, we do not doubt that your journey here will be a memorable one. There is no doubt that you have made the decision of a lifetime and there are so many moments, memories, and milestones with your name written all over them. As your student leaders, we are here to ensure we as students have the environment to succeed and become the best versions of ourselves during our time at UNI. As your Student Body President and Vice President, we have many goals for this upcoming year, but first, here is how we can benefit you.

Northern Iowa Student

Government (NISG) is a student organization that allows the student body to be represented in different areas. Whether it is at the administrative level, within the region, or at the state level. Our goal is to advocate for the needs of students and to ensure our voices are being heard and our needs are being met. We have students from many majors and backgrounds who are passionate about making UNI the best it can be for current and future Panthers. Along with member-led initiatives we have initiatives and platforms for our administration as a whole. Our platform surrounds itself on four pillars, we HEAR you, standing for Health, Experience, Accessibility, and Resources. These are four items that we find are vital to student success.

In addition to working on initiatives, we have a group of students who work directly with our state legislators. These students are a part of the Legislative Liaison Team. They work

tirelessly during the legislative session to ensure that we have a good standing relationship with our legislators and that those at the Capitol can stay current on the needs of students at UNI. It is necessary to have these relationships as legislators provide funding to UNI and can help maintain tuition at a lower cost. It is essential that there is student representation and connections at the Capitol because the student voice matters.

Alongside advocating for the student voice, we also oversee the funding for 250 student organizations here at UNI. We have over $250,000 to allocate

so clubs and organizations can produce events that help enhance our campus community and help make memories that will last a lifetime.

NISG is always actively looking to expand with new ideas and voices, whether you decide to join or just stop in, we would love to help make your vision come to life! Make sure to visit our website (nisg.uni.edu) to learn more about NISG and how you could get involved. Or simply stop by our office located at 027 on the main level of Maucker Union! Our doors are open for all students at any time!

As the new school year

takes off, remember that your voice matters. UNI is made for students and would not be where it is today without students. NISG is here to help and be a resource so don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us or other members. We wish you the best school year yet! We hope it is full of memories, trying new things, and getting out of your comfort zone. NISG cannot wait to represent you and work with such a great and bright student body.

With Panther Pride, Lizbeth Montalvo, Student Body President Joshua Walsh, Student Body Vice President

COURTESY

University President Mark Nook

COURTESY

NISG President Lizbeth Montalvo and Vice President Joshua Walsh encourage students to make their voices heard this school year.

Provost Hererra welcomes Panthers back to campus

Dear fellow Panthers, Welcome back to a new semester at the University of Northern Iowa! It is my pleasure to have you as part of our community and your home away from home. For those of you who are returning—welcome back!

For those of you joining the Panther community, I hope that you enjoy the transformative experience. These next few months will be filled with new information, new friends, new challenges, and new achievements. Take your role as a student seriously as there are many family, friends, faculty, and staff that will invest in the promise that is your future.

As with any new endeavor, there is a bit of positive anxiety, particularly for those of you who may not know if you will fit in. As a first-generation university student, I know many of those challenges, but I also know that the UNI culture

is welcoming and joyfully helpful. If you are open to learning, I am sure you will find your niche and friends. Many of the latter will be for life, and some of you will find your spouse—yiiikes. Transformative, in a different way.

Invest in your learning while you are here. You will be challenged and emerge on the other side as a different person. We hope for a wiser citizen, a better, more compassionate human being, and—importantly— one that better understands how to make meaningful and long-lasting contributions to your communities. Talk to the people that surround you. Respectfully engage in conversations that challenge your perceptions of truth and how the world works. There will be few other opportunities to practice this important skill once you leave. If you are having academic, social, or psychological difficulties,

please reach out to those that can help. If you have doubts please go see your academic advisor or stop by to talk to one of your professors. The University of Northern Iowa is focused on your success and it is our mission to try to help you walk across the graduation stage and actively— (and positively—) contribute to our society in many ways. If you are in a position to help your fellow students, please do. As a community, we have a collective responsibility to watch out for each other. That is the true meaning of a community.

May your journey have many opportunities for learning, helping, and growing.

Learn boldly, fellow Panther!

Jose Herrera, Ph.D. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Introduction to the Spanish column: N.I en español

Hello Panthers,

Welcome back to UNI!

My name is Luis Alvarez, and I am thrilled to work as the Spanish Editor for the Northern Iowan this school year. I am currently a junior majoring in marketing management and digital media production, and this will be my first year working with the Northern Iowan.

As a freshman, I frequent-

ly read the Northern Iowan to stay informed about events at UNI and within the community. I am excited to help students stay updated on campus and community events. I look forward to translating stories throughout the year and making sure that every student at UNI can enjoy and benefit from reading the newspaper.

I wish everyone a successful and fun year!

Introducción a la columna de español: N.I. en español

Hola Panteras,

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo a UNI!

Mi nombre es Luis Alvarez y estoy emocionado de trabajar como Editor de Español para el Northern Iowan este año escolar. Actualmente, soy estudiante de tercer año, especialiazado en gestíon de marketing y producción de

medios digitales, y este será mi primer año trabajando con el Northern Iowan. Como estudiante de primer año, leía frecuentemente el Northern Iowan para mantenerme informado sobre los eventos en UNI y en la comunidad. Estoy entusiasmado por ayudar a los estudiantes a mantenerse actualizados sobre los eventos en universidad y en la comunidad. Espero con ansias traducir

historias a lo largo del año y asegurarme de que todos los estudiantes de UNI puedan disfrutar y beneficiarse de la lectura del periódico.

¡Les deseo a todos un año exitoso y divertido!

LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor

LUIS ALVAREZ Editor en español

CORTESÍA/LUIS ALVAREZ Luis Alvarez es el nuevo editor en español del Northern Iowan

COURTESY/UNI

Provost Jose Herrera welcomes the Panther community back to campus for the fall 2024 semester. Provost Hererra encourages those who have concerns or questions about their academic career to talk with their academic advisors or professors.

COURTESY/LUIS ALVAREZ

Luis Alvarez is the new Spanish Editor for the Northern Iowan this year.

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Managing Editor

Meet Megan Franklin

COURTESY

UNI’s new Athletic Director Megan Franklin addresses a crowd in the McLeod Center after the announcement of her appointment.

Athletic Director Megan Franklin looks to a a legacy era for UNI Athletics

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor

Earlier this year, the University of Northern Iowa announced Megan Franklin as the new Athletic Director at UNI. Over the summer, the former senior associate athletic director for Drake University was officially approved by the Board of Regents as the new Athletic Director. Franklin donned a purple and gold suit as she discussed her goals and outlook on the UNI athletics program.

“I want this time in UNI Athletics to be known as the legacy era,” said Franklin.

“UNI Athletics has a long legacy, and our job is to continue and uphold that legacy.” After working for Drake University for twelve years, Franklin believes that her knowledge will be able to carry on the panther legacy. “You learn a lot in twelve years,” she said.

“I felt ready to take this next step in my career and come

to UNI.” Franklin has already begun her mission to uphold that legacy, taking to this summer’s Panther Caravan. Franklin has also expressed her excitement when it comes to getting the Cedar Falls community involved with UNI Athletics.

“Athletics is a place for a community to come together. We all remember being younger at high school football games and that being a place for us to socialize … that’s what I want for UNI Athletics, not just for students, but for everyone in our community.” This summer, in conjunction with Sturgis Falls, the university hosted Fireworks Over the Dome in an effort to connect with the Cedar Valley community. “To be able to get the community involved in panther athletics is one of my biggest goals,” said Franklin.

Beyond community outreach, one of Franklin’s internal goals is to continue to

support student athletes and their mental health. In an article published in May by former Northern Iowan News Editor Mallory Schmitz, titled “Struggles beyond the scoreboard,” student athletes expressed their concerns with their own mental health struggles.

Franklin expressed her commitment to supporting UNI’s athletes. “Our student athletes are more than just athletes. They’re here to get an education. Striking a balance between your sport and your education can be hard,” said Franklin. “But at the same time, an athlete’s mental health matters a great deal to this entire department and to this institution.” Franklin expressed that she wants UNI athletes to feel celebrated and supported, especially as women’s sports continue to grow. “It makes me so happy to see

News briefs

UNI welcomes first nursing school cohort

UNI’s first cohort of nursing students began class this Monday alongside the rest of UNI’s students. A second cohort will begin the program this spring.

Students bear humidity

UNI students have faced a wave of humidity their first week of classes, with tempertaures reaching the high 90s, and humidity reaching 90% on Tuesday. The humidity is expected to break this Friday with temperatures in the low 80s as Cedar Falls heads into the weekend.

Mandatory student organization registration meetings begin next week

The Student Involvement Office at UNI will host mandantory student organization meetings throughout next week. Students are able to sign up for the meetings via an email sent to their inbox by the Office of Student Involvement. Re-registration is required for all on campus organizations.

Three new engineering programs begin at UNI

As the new Applied Engineering building at UNI opens its doors to its first students, UNI launches three new programs that will call the building home. A bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology, a bachelor of science in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in materials science engineering technology will now be avaliable to prospective students.

UNI Volleyball will travel to Ohio for Dayton Classic

The UNI Panther Volleyball team will take to Dayton, Ohio this weekend to face off against three different teams as the official start to their season. UNI Volleyball will play against Florida International University, the Dayton Fliers and Ohio State University. The UNI Volleyball team will be on the road again the next two weekends before playing their first home match against Texas A & M University in the McLeod Center on Sept. 19.

CEDAR FALLS, IA

CAMPUS LIFE

The Panhellenic President welcomes UNI students to campus.

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 7

CAMPUS LIFE

UNI students give their recommendations on the best resturants that Cedar Falls has to offer.

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 6

SPORTS Panthers look to take on Valparaiso this Saturday in the UNI Dome.

SPORTS PAGE 9 PAGE 5

Students share favorite restaurants in CV

The Cedar Valley is loaded with deliCious plaCes to eat, but here is what Current students reCommend for those who are new or returning to uni!

Caitlyn Wylie, ’25- Philosophy

“My favorite Cedar Falls restaurant is George’s Local downtown. Also, the milkshakes at Oh My Grill slap.”

Jaylin Vander Wiel, ’26-Graphic Design

“The Horny Toad has great food in Downtown Cedar Falls. I would highly recommend it!”

Brynn Jeambey, ’25-Organizational Leadership

“I like Peppers because of their atmosphere and they have the best pepperjack sticks!”

CAB is thrilled to be back on campus and we are pumped for our upcoming events! We are beyond excited to welcome all of you, familiar faces and new students, to this year’s lineup.

Our new team has been busy planning some awesome new events for this year like CAB Kick-Off, a big tailgate for the first home football game and CAB Field Day, packed with fun outdoor activities. We're also bringing back some of your favorites like CAB After Dark, Movie Nights, Casino Night and more! Get ready for some awesome collaboration events with other student organizations on campus too!

Anyone can attend our events, and you can find our event schedule on our CAB magnets, our social media pages and our CAB website. Make sure to register for events you are interested in, which can also be done through our CAB website! This school year is going to be packed with fun, and we can't wait to see you at our events!

Ethan Bartachek, ’26-Finance

“Texas Roadhouse is my favorite. Raising Canes is also a good choice for any college student.”

Conner Vauthier, ’26-Marketing and Organizational Leadership

“Cindy Lou’s Barbeque is great; their student discount is also very nice. Flare’s in Maucker Union also have great chicken tenders.”

A warm welcome from the Panhellenic President

LAURA HARMS

UNI Presient of Panhellenic Council

Hi!

My name is Laura Harms and I am a current senior studying communication sciences and disorders with a certificate in developmental considerations here at UNI!

When I came to campus as a freshman, I was unsure of where to start getting involved. Sorority Life at UNI provided the perfect environment for me to thrive, make strong connections, grow as a leader and prepare for the next chapter of my life. I currently serve as the Panhellenic President of Sorority Life and I would love to invite and encourage you to check out sorority and fraternity life at UNI and to participate in our Fall 2024 Primary Recruitment!

Our Primary Recruitment is taking place from Sept. 9 to Sept. 15. This will give you the opportunity to meet women from all of our chapters on campus, learn why they joined Sorority Life on campus and hear about the difference it has made in their lives. When joining Fraternity & Sorority Life on campus, you are joining a group of people who work for the greater good of life around them and those who are consistently committed and determined to make a difference.

Together, we live by our “Four Pillars” of Scholarship, Leadership, Friendship, and Service. We as a community believe that people join people, not organizations. There is a place for you here and we cannot wait to meet you!

COURTESY

Panther Football hosts Valpo

The Northern Iowa Football team kicks off their 2024-25 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31 when they welcome the Valparaiso Beacons to the UNI-Dome. Kickoff time is set for 4 p.m.

Head Coach Mark Farley, who enters his 24th season at the helm, comes in as the second-winningest active coach in the FCS. He boasts a 180-103 record.

This season is a little different, with new faces in the coaching staff.

Trey Tinsley, a former Washington State quarterback, is expected to take over as the new offensive coordinator. Tinsley was formerly at Mississippi State as an analyst under coach Mike Leach and his explosive “Air Raid” style of offense.

Nobody should benefit

FRANKLIN

continued from page 5

“... all of women’s sports grow. As they grow, I want to ensure that our department is looking out for these athletes and supporting them through this journey.”

Above all else, Franklin wants to make herself available to the Cedar Valley community.

“I want to be visible to athletes and community members alike,” she said. “Just like how when you were younger and you’d see the principal at home football games alongside the rest of the community, I want this entire community to feel like they have someone cheering them on. I want to partner with local businesses and get them involved in athletics, I want everyone who wants to be a part of this community to have access to that,” said Franklin.

All of this, to Franklin, is what will culminate in the “legacy era” of UNI Athletics. “Bringing the community together into our dome or in the McLeod Center, making sure our athletes feel supported and like they have a home here, getting students involved … it’s what UNI Athletics is all about. It’s what UNI is about,” said Franklin.

The UNI-Dome will be back in action this Saturday, Aug. 31 for UNI football’s first home game against Valparaiso.

more from the new coordinator than quarterback Aidan Dunne. Dunne, who completed nine of 11 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in his seven career games, earned the starting spot in camp.

Coach Farley acknowledged Dunne’s hard work this offseason.

“Aidan had to get better to win the starting position,” Farley said. “He wasn’t the starter coming into this. But every time he stepped on the field, when you brought somebody in to compete with him, he just got better.

Senior running back Tye Edwards comes back after rushing for 536 yards and five touchdowns a season ago. Pass catchers Sergio Morancy and Jaiden EllisLahey will look to lead the receiving room.

Jared Penning was named as an FCS Preseason All-American. Listed on the Second Team for offensive lineman, Penning is the lone Panther on the list. He was also named to the Preseason All-MVFC First Team for the third straight season. Lineman Tristan Roper was also honored as a Preseason All-MVFC pick.

On the defensive side of the ball, linemen Cannon Butler and Carter Hewitt will look to wreak havoc on their opponents. Butler and Hewitt were listed as Preseason AllMVFC Second Team and Third Team, respectively. Playing right behind them will be linebacker Tucker Langenberg, who is just one of two returning starting defensive players. Langenberg had 71 total tackles a season ago. Punter Noah Pettinger was named to the Preseason All-MVFC Third Team.

Valparaiso comes in as an interesting team, finishing with a 3-8 record. A position to look for on Saturday will be how the Beacons handle their quarterbacks. Three returning gunslingers are all in the mix to see playing time as the season. goes on.

Ryan Mann and Barret Labus will establish the ground game and a number of pass catchers will try to spread the field.

Defensively, Sam Hafner will be one of the best players on the field. Valpo has lots of depth at linebacker and the Beacons return three members of their secondary from a season ago.