9-13-23

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

OPINION

SEE PAGE 5

NOAH HACKBART Staff Writer

CAMPUS LIFE

Fraternity Kappa Sigma supports veterans on a national and local level.

SEE PAGE 6

Last week, enrollment numbers for the University of Northern Iowa were released, and after years of pandemic and post-pandemic decreases, the numbers are finally on the rise. Reporting from the university shows total fall 2023 enrollment up at 9,021 with sizable increases in freshman and transfer student populations. These numbers show the biggest increase in enrollment in over ten years. Last week, the Northern Iowan sat down with Director of University Relations, Pete Moris, to discuss these promising new numbers, what they mean, and other

topics related to the upcoming school year. More information about enrollment and students can be found online at UNI’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning or online at InsideUNI.

With Enrollment having increased, what are the administrative team’s feelings about the new numbers?

“Number one, we are extremely thankful for students and their families for choosing UNI. We are grateful for those who put their faith in us that we are the college home for their students. Number

two, it’s not the end, it’s just the next step on the journey. We’ve taken a lot of thought and planning to adjust our academic offerings. We continue to be strong in those traditional areas that we are known for whether it’s music, education, or business, but with nursing coming on board next fall, we’ve got our new College of Health and Human Sciences. We’ve also got some new engineering degrees, so we have really listened to the needs of Iowa students and employers who are telling us about areas of need and demand.”

For the last few years enrollment has been on the decline, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. How did UNI turn that around?

“There’s a great appetite for students to get back on campus and experience college life. It’s hard to quantify the sense of community we have at UNI. It’s hard to quantify in numbers. The one number we do know is that we had a 7.5% increase in the number of students who signed contracts to live on campus.”

Students without AC desperate for relief

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN Executive Editor

For transfer student and Dancer resident Makenna Arbogast, her numerous fans were in full blast to stave off the stifling heat brought on by the record breaking heat wave during the first week of classes.

The entire state of Iowa experienced sweltering heat the first week of classes, with temperatures reaching their peak at 105 degrees on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Six of UNI’s ten dorms do not have air conditioning: Rider, Hagemann, Schull, Noehren, Dancer and Bender. According to Annie Karr, the Associate Director of Marketing for University Housing & Dining (UHD), “UHD sent out an email to all residential students living in non-air conditioned buildings about the various places they had access 24/7 to find relief from the heat. Additionally, we allowed students to sleep in air conditioned spaces throughout the buildings.”

camping hammock during the particularly hot days.

“It was better outside than it is inside 100%,” he noted. Spurgeon would move his hammock every night and bring a light blanket along with him.

“It was like Where’s Waldo, but where was Oscar sleeping tonight,” he added. When the sun rose, he would pack up his hammock, shower in the dorms and head to class.

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“Throughout the whole week I was excessively sweating,” Arbogast said. “I also had to sleep in the lounge for a couple nights because I had to get some sleep somehow.”

Given the excessive heat, many students living in these dorm halls found creative ways to keep cool.

For freshman Noehren resident Oscar Spurgeon, he decided to sleep outside in his

Freshman Rider resident Olivia Walley froze paper towels to keep cool, while sophomore Dancer resident Kaya Baca used cold showers, ice packs and fans. Although Baca grew up with no air conditioning, she admitted the heat and humidity of those first couple weeks made it difficult to cope.

For many residents, the heat exacerbated the stress and uncertainty of navigating the first week of college. Freshman Hagemann resident

As temperatures reached 105 degrees Aug. 23, students in nonair-conditioned dorms like Bender Hall relied on opening windows and placing fans throughout their rooms. Many still did not find relief, adding to first-week stresses.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/STEPH STARK, CATHERINE CROW, EMILY EAVES

Dorm residents resorted to sleeping outside, faced medical emergencies during late-August heat wave

Taylor Fundermann experienced increased stress related to the heat.

An active sorority member compares UNI sorority recruitment and Alabama Rush.

SPORTS Football falls in home opener against Weber State, 34-17.

ENROLLMENT

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“What we’re seeing and hearing is that students really have an appetite to get engaged with student groups and organizations. Whether it’s through an on-campus group or their circle of friends, they really want to experience things together. You’ve got that demand but we’ve also got a student life department that’s really committed to providing exemplary services. That could mean things like our new telehealth app where students can access mental or physical health professionals 24/7, having aerobics classes in the WRC, having more students at events on campus, or other support areas like academic advising or helping underrepresented communities. You’ve got a group and a place you can call your own ... We can offer a lot more personalized attention at UNI than maybe a bigger institution.”

“The other thing I would add is compared to this time a year ago, applications are up 30%, so that says that we’re doing something right. We’ve got students who are applying to a lot of places, but we need to encourage those folks to come and take a visit and hopefully convince them this is the right spot for them.”

How is the university going to capitalize on this with being our biggest increase in over ten years?

“We’ve got a number of projects and initiatives underway to try and encourage more students to come to UNI. We’re investing in some of the iconic spaces here on campus, but even more importantly, we’re investing in scholarships to make a UNI education affordable and accessible to particular students here in the state of Iowa. We are proud to have students representing all 99 counties of the state. The other piece where we have seen significant growth are our community college transfers through our UNI at Community College program. If you are a student in Sioux City, Des Moines, or Peosta and you can get to a community college, you have access to a four year UNI degree. It’s exciting to see so many students taking advantage of that pro-

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gram too. It’s about continuing to be responsive and pivoting to the needs that we are hearing about.”

What other marketing strategies has the university utilized to keep the momentum going with things like ads, billboards, videos, interactions at the state fair, etc?

“I always say the best recruiting tool we have are successful students. A focus has been setting up all of our students for success and that looks different for every student. The more successful, engaged students we have the better the odds that they are going to go back to their hometown, group of friends, or family and talk about the positive impact UNI has made on them.”

Flipping to the state side of things, how do you see these numbers helping UNI at the statehouse in the spring talking with legislators about reinvesting in the public universities in Iowa?

“One of the things that we have continued to stress to our legislators in the state is that UNI is a different institution than Iowa and Iowa State and we should really be priced differently than those two. Those are two research institutions that have some outstanding programs, but they also draw a large number of folks from out of state, which is fine.

The majority of our students are from the state of Iowa and our incoming class has 1,399 from their overall numbers who fall into that category. We want to make sure that a UNI education continues to be accessible and affordable for all students, but particularly for those from the state of Iowa.

There’s two ways to do that. Number one is to make sure our tuition reflects the tuition that students in other states pay at our peer institutions, which is significantly less than the state research institutions.

Number two is to make sure that the trend of declining state investment in the regent institutions decreases. That’s why a large portion of the Our Tomorrow Campaign is geared towards student scholarships.”

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UNI debuts new engineering degree

The University of Northern Iowa is reaching new heights in the engineering industry. With the renovation of the Applied Engineering Building and the unveiling of their first-ever engineering degree, UNI is on pace to become a major contender in the educational pursuits of future engineers.

The new Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree will focus on the properties of metals and metal casting and will work more with the physics and chemistry and biochemistry departments. A second more applied program will also be available. The Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering Technology will take more of a manufacturing approach and be industry-based while utilizing UNI’s existing metal working facilities. The program is set to begin in fall 2024 and will be housed in the newly-renovated Applied Engineering Building.

Lisa Riedle, Ph.D., PE, head of the Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management, says that the difference between the two programs is based on the amount of science and math involved in the curric-

ulum, creating the option for students to choose between the two based on classes they prefer.

“Our [advisory board members’] programs are very close in industry,” she said. “That meaning we want to make sure that, [with] the curriculum that we have, our students are hirable at the end… to make sure that what we have in our curriculum meets their needs.”

UNI partners with industry leaders like John Deere, Vermeer, Doerfer Engineering and more to see that students get the opportunities that can further their education and provide future employment.

The department currently uses the back of the Applied Engineering Building for the programs’ daily use, but, come January, is expected to gain additional access during phase one of completion. This opening will grant students an extra 40,000 square feet of space.

This area includes the work with materials and the advanced equipment house in UNI’s Metal Casting Center and the Foundry 4.0 Center. Through the combination of the physics, chemistry and biochemistry departments, students will be looking at physical and chemical properties of the materials they will be working with in their future professions.

John Fritch, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, says that the joint program will be the first true engineering program at UNI and that it wouldn’t put the program in direct competition with the University of Iowa or Iowa State University.

“Many engineering programs have a lot of students enter, but very few graduate,” he said. “Our goal would be to have a smaller, more focused engineering program where we have a much higher completion rate.”

COURTESY/UNI Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences John Fritch believes the program at UNI will stand out among those offered at other state schools. He said the goal would be to have a smaller program with a higher completion rate.

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One of the talking points created by Riedle and UNI staff that were given to the Iowa Board of Regents to propose the program stated, “Creating a Materials Science and Engineering program at UNI, along with the one already at ISU (Iowa State University), gives the state of Iowa a distinctive strength in this area and makes it an attractive center for high tech manufacturing.”

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Fritch added that industry companies have been consistently in contact with UNI, making sure that students are getting the education they need to prepare for futures with these companies.

“People not from UNI, but people from other places describe our facilities as ‘world class,’” he said. “Our goal is to teach people not just the content, but how to adapt that content.”

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The new engineering degree will be housed in the newly-renovated Applied Engineering Building, as phase one of the project is set to be open for the spring 2024 semester. The artist rendering above shows the new space.

TELUS: New therapy app introduced by UNI Counseling Center

KATE MURPHY Staff Writer

This year, the University of Northern Iowa has decided to partner with teletherapy in order for students to access free 24/7 therapy online through an app called TELUS.

Shelley O’Connell, Assistant Vice President & Executive Director of Student Health and Well-being, says TELUS is an app that gives students access to master’s level counselors through phone calls, chats, and video display. The app can be downloaded on both ios and Android devices.

According to O’Connell, the counseling center decided to partner with TELUS in order to give more students easier access to seek out help.

“We wanted to enhance the availability of the students at the University of Northern Iowa. We have students who are looking for teletherapy as this may work better for them balancing between classes, work and life,” O’Connell said. “Having services offered on the student’s schedule was one of the main reasons for adding this product.”

O’Connell also said that this is a beneficial alternative to face-to-face therapy because it offers more opportunities for students because they get to choose when and where they decide to go, no matter where they are on or

NO AC

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“It heighted my anxiety, it was really bad,” Fundermann said. “The stress and anxiety were through the roof because it was so hot and you couldn’t be comfortable even during the night because you were sweating in your sleep.”

Walley said the effects were widespread, adding, “Morale was low. Everybody was feeling the same way. We kept asking ourselves, ‘oh my god, what are we doing here?’”

Many students also experienced health concerns related to the heat. Freshman Hagemann resident Isabella Pote passed out on the floor of the Hagemann bathroom due to dehydration and heat exhaustion the second day of classes.

“My vision was super wonky and I couldn’t really see,” Pote said. “I tried to stand up and my vision felt super woozy. I went to wash my hands at the sink, and I woke up on the floor. I eventually tried to walk down the hallway but I went back down in front of the lounge. Then the RA found me and I went to the hospital.”

off campus.

“We understand that some students are seeking an alternative to traditional face-toface therapy and this is how TELUS comes in. You can have a teletherapy visit from the comfort of your dorm room, in a quiet area on campus or if you are studying abroad or in another area of the country on an internship,”

O’Connell said.

TELUS also offers services that are available in different

languages and culture matching resources. O’Connell hopes students will begin to utilize and explore all of the features that TELUS provides within the app such as peer-topeer support network, information on the various types of therapy, screening tools for anxiety and depression, and information about how to connect with various services on UNI’s campus including Student Wellness, Panther Pantry, Student Accessibility

Services, and The Learning Center in Rod Library.

Kaylie Stearns, a student at the University of Northern Iowa, said that she is a little worried about how TELUS will affect the future of the UNI counseling center.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing that they are optimizing an app, I think counseling apps are very common in our generation. I just hope that they still keep in person counseling readily

available because some people, like myself, would not benefit from the app, but others would so I think it can help,” Stearns said.

Stearns has been going to the counseling center for almost two years, and recommends it to any student thinking about counseling because of the convenience of it being right on campus.

“The counseling center has changed my life in so many ways, however, their schedules are not as open as they used to be because there are only two counselors this year.”

“They changed it to scheduling on an ‘as needed’ basis which means that you can only reschedule with them each time you see them. So, if you need something more than that then it might not be the best option,” Stearns said.

Due to the counseling center being low on staff this year, Stearns thinks that utilizing this app will be beneficial for more students to get access to the help they may need in case they can’t get into the counseling center right away.

Stearns hopes that the counseling center will remain open to students like herself to continue to go in-person, but also agrees the app might be helpful for students who can’t afford to pay for in-person sessions past the five free sessions students are offered.

Spurgeon also passed out due to the heat, and felt sick the entire first week of classes.

“It was so hot outside and I kept drinking water and I kept throwing it up,” Spurgeon recalled. “It was a whole ordeal. I was super stressed about it because it was my first two days of college, you know, I want to survive.”

On Aug. 23, the height of the heat wave, Spurgeon headed up the stairs to his dorm but felt a wave of sickness come over him.

“I stood in the hall and just panted like a dog for a minute,” Spurgeon said.

“I stumbled into my dorm, packed a bag, I picked it up. We went down the stairs, and we made it about to the parking lot and that’s where I felt super lightheaded and I saw the black spots and the rings around my vision. I told my roommate, “I’m going down, I’m not going to make it.’’’

Spurgeon veered off into the grass and fainted.

“I was laying in the shade in the grass, star-fished out. I just couldn’t move, and it felt like I was going to throw up. It was terrifying. My roommate got me up, I drank a bunch of water, and I threw up in his car. That was a situation in itself.”

He was able to stay at a friend’s air conditioned house for the night, and felt much improved. “As soon as I got in the AC my body just felt more relaxed,” Spurgeon said. “The headache kind of went away, but I had a headache a few days after.”

Freshman Rider resident Natalie Clark experiences chronic migraines, and noticed they got excessively worse due to the heat.

“I would lay on the futon with the fans blasting and put an ice pack on my head, but in 20 minutes it would be melted,” Clark said.

Sarah Behrends, the

Director of the UNI Student Health Clinic, says symptoms to watch for when it comes to heat-related illnesses include high body temperature, altered mental state of behavior, flushed skin, decrease in sweating — skin may feel hot and dry to the touch as well as nausea and vomiting.

Many students were surprised to learn that many of their professors were not aware of the lack of AC in the dorms.

“I find it really weird that not a lot of professors know about it,” Clark said. “I noticed no one really said anything about it. They would be like, ‘it’s hot make sure you stay in air conditioning,’ but I don’t know that they understood that to sleep we had to be in really awful conditions. They weren’t informed about how bad it was.”

Students could submit a request for an air conditioner through Student Accessibility Services, however Dancer and Bender cannot have air conditioning units due to safety concerns.

According to Karr, installing air conditioning in the dorms would be a financial hit to students.

“Housing & Dining annually reviews its facilities; assessing the amenities and conditions of the halls to determine what improvements can be made while working to limit the financial impact on students,” Karr said. “As one might imagine, air conditioning all of the buildings would have a significant financial impact on students.”

Some students, like Arbogast, hope the university will consider installing AC in the dorms.

“Taking steps in the future to make sure all dorms have AC I think should be a goal for the university,” Arbogast said. “Especially because with climate change and the years in the future it’s only going to get worse. At this point it would just be a safety hazard for students if they aren’t getting some sort of AC.”

According to a 2023 report from Iowa State University, the Midwest is expected to experience the largest increases in temperatures in the United States. It is projected that by 2025 the average temperature range for heat waves in Iowa will be 97-102 degrees and in some cases 103-108 degrees.

MALLORY SCHMITZ

UNI introduced the free TELUS app for online 24/7 teletherapy that Shelley O’Connell, Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Student Health and Well-being, believes will work better for some students trying to balance classes, work and life. Some students would prefer to continue to utilize the UNI Counseling Center, located on the second floor of the Student Health Center, but have faced difficulties accessing care due to low staffing.

I told my roommate, ‘I’m going down, I’m not going to make it.’

Oscar Spurgeon Noehren Resident

Becoming visible

MALLORY SCHMITZ News Editor KARINA ORTIZ Spanish Editor

When Miriam Alarcón Avila came to the U.S. in 2002, she brought with her more than her memories of her life and family in Mexico.

She brought a bag full of around 250 rolls of film, over 10 years worth of photos that had never been developed.

When she took her first photography class in 2004, the open door to her university’s photography lab doubled as a gateway into digital photography and a chance to fulfill a dream that had been in her heart since childhood.

As a little girl, Miriam knew she wanted to be an artist because she found solace in how the reflective lights would bounce around one another. “I would just let my brain get loose in the light, in the shadows, and the movements,” she said. However, she was unable to obtain a camera due to the cost of one.

In 1985, an earthquake devastated Miriam’s home, Mexico City. It claimed the lives of over 5,000 people and destroyed much of the city’s buildings and the surrounding area.

Once it became calm again, Miriam decided to walk

amongst the ruins. The only thing she focused on were the lights that were reflected upon the damaged buildings.

“There was one moment when I saw one standing building that had a lot of crystal glass and the building in front was completely destroyed. The destroyed building was reflected on the building that was standing up. At that moment, when I saw that, I thought ‘I really want to take a photograph’. It was a moment that represented that it didn’t matter what got destroyed, we are still standing,” she said.

As a natural optimist, Miriam took a chance to develop her photography skills and fled home at 15 with the promise of obtaining her first camera. “I wasn’t scared, I was just like ‘I want a camera!’

I wanted to be able to have this dream come true.” When she finally obtained her first camera, she took many photographs, but never developed the film because it was too expensive and time consuming. That was the beginning of her collection of film rolls.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t

Photographer Miriam Alarcón Avila presents the hidden journeys of immigrants with photo installation

a school for photography in Mexico. Instead, Miriam decided to major in biology to understand nature and how it creates reflections of light that she enjoyed getting lost in. “Sometimes I feel like I betrayed myself [in choosing Biology as a major] but sometimes I feel like, my brain was thinking ‘I have a dream to work for National Geographic. Maybe if I’m a biologist that is the way I can work for them.’”

Although circumstances impeded her dream, she was relentless in going after them.

In 2002, she ended up in Iowa following her husband at the time who was pursuing his Ph. D., which was where she was finally able to develop the rolls of film she had collected over the years and get a true start to her photography career in the United States.

It wasn’t until a few years later that she would find her true calling, taking photos of other Latinos.

“The thing that was missing in me in creating art was the fact that I was also working with other Latino immi-

Volverse visible

KARINA ORTIZ

Editora en español

MALLORY SCHMITZ

Editoria de noticias

Cuando Miriam Alarcón

Avila llegó a EE.UU. en 2002, trajo más que sus memorias de su vida y familia en México.

Ella trajo una bolsa llena de casi 250 rollos fotográficos, más de 10 años de fotos que nunca se habían revelado.

Cuando tomó su primera clase de fotografía en 2004, la invitación al laboratorio de fotografía fue una entrada a la fotografía digital y también fue una oportunidad para cumplir el sueño que tenía en su corazón desde la niñez.

Desde chiquita, Miriam sabía que quería ser artista porque encontró solaz en cómo las luces se reflejaban y rebotaban una con la otra. “Dejé que mi mente se perdiera en la luz, en las sombras y los movimientos”, dijo ella. Sin embargo, no podía obtener una cámara por el precio de

una. En 1985, un terremoto destrozó el hogar de Miriam, en la Ciudad de México. Tomó las vidas de 5.000 personas y destruyó los edificios de la ciudad y sus alrededores.

Cuando todo se calmó, Miriam decidió caminar entre las ruinas. La única cosa en que se enfocó fueron las luces que estaban reflejadas sobre los edificios destruidos.

“Había un momento cuando vi un edificio en pie que tenía mucho vidrio de cristal y el edificio en frente estaba completamente destrozado. El edificio que estaba destrozado se reflejaba en el que estaba parado. En ese momento, cuando vi eso, pensé, ‘Quiero tomar una foto’. Era un momento que representaba que no importaba lo que se destruyera, todavía estamos de pie”, dijo ella.

Como una optimista natural, Miriam tomó la oportunidad para mejorar su fotografía y dejó su hogar cuando tenía

grants, and I also was meeting a lot of people who came to this place in search of a dream or looking for an opportunity to be alive, and they had to go through very hard circumstances to be able to find a place where they can raise their families and give them a great education just like I did with my kids,” she said.

“That was the moment when I realized that I want to create images…that create an understanding and help to deeply create a conscience about why we have to go through all of that to come to a place that

doesn’t want us. That was the moment when I started wanting to tell the stories of other Latinos.”

Miriam will present a bilingual public lecture in Spanish and English at the University of Northern Iowa Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Kamerick room 111. She will also have another public lecture on Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. in the Schindler Education Center room 116.

Fotógrafa Miriam Alarcón Avila presenta los pasos escondidos de inmigrantes con una instilación de fotos

15 años con la promesa de obtener una cámara. “No estuve asustada, simplemente dije, ‘¡Quiero una cámara!’ Quería tener mi sueño hecho realidad”. Cuando obtuvo su primera cámara, tomó muchas fotos, pero nunca reveló los rollos fotográficos porque era demasiado costoso y requería mucho tiempo. Ese fue el inicio de su colección de rollos fotográficos. Desgraciadamente, no había un programa de fotografía en México. Mejor, Miriam decidió especializarse en biología para entender la naturaleza y cómo creaba los reflejos de luz en los que le gustaba perderse. “Algunas veces creo que me traicioné [en especializarse en biología] pero en mi mente yo pensaba, ‘Tengo un sueño para trabajar para National Geographic Quizás si soy bióloga puedo trabajar para ellos”. Aunque las circunstancias obstruyeron sus sueños, ella fue firme en perseguirlos.

En 2002, se mudó a Iowa con su esposo de aquel tiempo que estaba haciendo el doctorado y eso es cuando finalmente reveló sus rollos fotográficos que había coleccionado a través de los años. Fue el comienzo de su carrera en fotografía en los Estados Unidos.

No sería hasta años después que encontraría su verdadera vocación, tomar fotos de otros latinos.

“La cosa que realmente me ayudó a crear mi arte fue trabajar con otros inmigrantes latinos y he tenido la oportunidad de conocer a muchas personas que han venido a este lugar para buscar sus sueños u oportunidades para sobrevivir. Ellos tenían que pasar por muchas circunstancias duras para encontrar un hogar donde pudieran criar a sus hijos y darles una buena educación como yo hice con mis hijos”, dijo Miriam.

“Era el momento cuando me di cuenta que quería crear

imagines…crear un entendimiento y ayudar a crear una conciencia sobre por qué tenemos que pasar por cosas difíciles para llegar a un lugar que no nos quiere. Ese fue el momento cuando quería contar las historias de otros latinos”.

Miriam presentará una plática bilingüe para el público en español e inglés en la Universidad del Norte de Iowa el 19 de septiembre a las 7 de la noche en el cuarto 111 de Kamerick Art Building También, tendrá otra plática el 20 de septiembre a las 9 de la mañana en el cuarto 116 del Schindler Education Center

COLIN BOYD SHAFER

Artist Miriam Alarcón Avila demonstrates empowerment with a luchador mask.

COLIN BOYD SHAFER La artista Miriam Alarcón Avila hace una demostración de fortalecimiento con una máscara de luchador.

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It was a moment that represented that it didn’t matter what got destroyed, we are still standing.

UNI Recruitment vs Bama Rush

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Opinion Columnist

Since 1904, with the installment of a Kappa Delta chapter at the University of Alabama, sorority rush has been a culturally significant part of being a student at Alabama. In the 118 years since then, sorority life has changed dramatically. Not just at Alabama, but across the country.

UNI’s Sorority Recruitment takes off this upcoming Wednesday, September 13. With the prevalence of the infamous “Bama Rush” series on TikTok, how has social media impacted the way college students view fraternity and sorority life? What are the differences between Alabama’s greek life and UNI’s fraternity and sorority life?

I, myself, have the unique experience of participating on both sides of UNI’s sorority recruitment. I’ve been the potential new member (also known as PNM) and I’ve been the active member clapping, singing and welcoming PNMs into our chapter facility. I have the privilege of serving on the UNI chapter of Gamma Phi Beta’s executive board. UNI’s recruitment process is not unlike the University of Alabama’s rush, but the culture around it is extremely different.

process involves the PNM ranking the chapter based on how much they enjoyed the chapter and the connections they made. In the chapters, active members ‘rate’ a PNM based on how they see the chapter’s values reflected in them. To be invited back to a chapter, you must pick the chapter and the chapter must also pick you.

The second round of recruitment is the “Philanthropy” round, where PNMs will be invited back to certain chapters to learn about their philanthropy and continue conversations with active members. At other universities, PNMs may participate in a “Sisterhood” round. At UNI, from “Philanthropy,” we go directly into “Preference.”

This is the longest and, arguably, most important round of recruitment. PNMs are invited back to the chapters they feel closest to and, at the end of the night, will make their final rankings of the houses. This ranking will determine if she will receive a bid, and which chapter the bid could be from.

Recruitment itself is a complicated process. But at larger institutions, like the University of Alabama, the recruitment process can get even more complex. For the Fall 2022 Rush, University of Alabama’s Panhellenic Association saw 2,555 women rush. Of these women, 2,345 women received bids. Alabama sees a high volume of PNMs almost every year, and 2022 is no exception. Alabama is known for its Greek life. Since it’s so selective, PNMs must submit resumes, letters of recommendation from women who are active members, and stellar high school GPAs. One documen -

Fleit, promised to expose the secrets behind “Bama Rush.” The result was nothing short of disappointing. Mostly because there isn’t much to uncover from Alabama’s rush process. There aren’t many secrets that surround the rush process itself, in fact, the National Panhellenic Association encourages Panhellenic Associations to disclose as much information as possible. What Fleit missed was the culture surrounding Alabama’s rush. Namely, the blanket of racism that hangs over Alabama’s Greek life to this day. “We didn’t want to go up against the University of Alabama,” Director Fleit commented during the documentary. Which is convenient, because she didn’t. The documentary brushed over the racism that surrounds Greek life at the University of Alabama. It was mentioned that sororities were forcefully desegregated in 2013 at Alabama.

Before 2013, only one Black woman had ever been extended a bid at Alabama. This was mainly due to the advisors that help operate the sororities at the University of Alabama.

While most people on the outside of Greek life may believe that it is only collegiates making decisions ity, that

couldn’t be further from the truth, especially at Alabama. Advisory boards, made up of alumnae of chapters, guide executive boards through their terms and help lead the chapters. During recruitment, especially

threats, under planning and a lacking script.

Almost every university with a Greek life has a fall recruitment, otherwise known as a primary recruitment. During fall recruitment, PNMs will visit each chapter and go through several rounds to make connections with different active chapter members. The first round of recruitment is typically called “Meet the Chapters” or “Open House.” This round is the shortest, as PNMs need to have enough time to visit every chapter. After this round, recruitment gets a tad more complicated. For every round that follows a “Meet the Chapters” or “Open House” round, PNMs must be invited back to a sorority. This

in the past, personal reservations from alumnae could hold back a chapter from recruiting women they connected with simply because of the color of their skin. As years have passed, these connotations have faded, but microaggressions still thrive at the University of Alabama, and blatant discrimination can still be found in some instances.

One of the major differences between rush at the University of Alabama and recruitment at the University of Northern Iowa is the influence and power that Greek life has at Alabama. On TikTok, Alabama’s ‘The Machine’ has been a large topic of confusion. The Machine is a group within Alabama’s Greek community that rigs student government elections, predetermines the homecoming queen, and even helps place Greek alumnus in state offices. The “Bama Rush” documentary aimed to expose The Machine further, but fell short due to

Compared to UNI’s fraternity and sorority life (FSL), Alabama’s seems hulking. This is why most on campus members prefer UNI’s FSL presence to that of Alabama. It’s easier to connect with members, easier to work with other on-campus organizations, and makes the overall experience more enjoyable and special. Not to mention, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The average dues for a sorority at Alabama for a member not living in the chapter facility, according to Alabama Panhellenic, is $3,696.35. For members living in the chapter facility, the average is $7,355.82. In comparison, I pay a fraction of this cost to live in my chapter facility alongside my active member dues. This is just one of many reasons why a smaller fraternity and sorority life can benefit campuses. On top of all of this, the kind of reports about hazing, racism and sexual assault that you see come out of larger institutions’ Greek organizations are seemingly nonexistent at UNI. In comparison to larger institutions, UNI’s FSL has proven to be safer for students.

UNI’s fraternity and sorority life focuses on growing its membership, nourishing its active members and giving back to the community. Those who may not think that fraternity and sorority life is for them have found themselves calling it home here at UNI. This less intimidating and more intimate environment, I’ve learned to call it home too.

COURTESY/UNI FSL

Recruitment for Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNI starts this Wednesday, Sept. 13. UNI’s fraternities and sororities focus on giving back to the community, nourishing active members and recruiting new members.

COURTESYBRYNN ANDERSON

The University of Alabama’s Greek life has considerable influence on student government elections, predetermining the Homecoming Queen and helps place Greek alumnus in state office.

One of the major differences between rush at the University of Alabama and recruitment at the University of Northern Iowa is the influence and power that Greek life has at Alabama

UNI’s recruitment process is not unlike the University of Alabama’s rush, but the culture around it is extremely different

UNI’s fraternity and sorority life focuses on growing its membership, nourishing active members and giving back to the community

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus

Editor

Kappa Sigma gives back to the veteran community

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus Life Editor

The Mu Upsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma is set to host their block party on Saturday, Sept. 23 in honor of the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign. Like other chapters within fraternity and sorority life at UNI, their philanthropy event supports a cause close to their chapter. But this year, Kappa Sigma took their philanthropic efforts a step further to see their impacts closer to home.

Normally, Kappa Sigma donates the funds raised by the event to their national philanthropic campaign, Military Heroes. This year, the chapter has decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to Americans for Independent Living, located in Waterloo. Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) provides a variety of services for struggling veterans in the Cedar Valley area. AFIL provides a transitional home for veterans at risk of homelessness, counseling services and equips veterans with the life skills necessary to go about daily life. AFIL also works on consulting for home modifications for veterans with disabilities who may need further accessibility in their homes.

“This year we get to have an impact on the Cedar Valley itself,” chapter president Samuel Castaneda-Velasco commented. “It’s something we haven’t done in the past. It’s a great opportunity for the chapter to continue to grow in supporting our community.”

Vice president of the chapter, David Kremer, also weighed in on the impact of Kappa Sigma’s philanthropic endeavors within the fraternity and sorority life community. “It shows the importance of what fraternities and sororities

actually do. It’s about the service, the community. This is what we do.” One of the four pillars of the Interfraternity Council that governs all fraternities is service, and Kappa Sigma hopes to embolden that value in their philanthropic pursuits this fall. “It really reflects the true character of the community,” added Castenada-Velasco. Kappa Sigma continues to grow and find a variety of ways to further impact the Cedar Valley community. This year, 80% of the chapter’s proceeds will go to their national philanthropy fund, Military Heroes, which also supports funds like Homes For Our Troops, Veterans Moving Forward and Veteran Success Resource Group. The remaining pro ceeds will be donated back to AFIL to give back to the Cedar Valley community and help ensure the vet erans of the Cedar Valley have support.

block party

gives the entire fraternity and sorority life community of UNI the opportunity to participate in their philanthropic mission with the fanfare of their annual Sweetheart Competition. The Sweetheart Competition involves one volunteer from each UNI sorority to help Kappa Sigma raise money for the Military Heroes Campaign. Whichever sorority woman raises the most money becomes the sweetheart for the school year, and has her own place on the Kappa Sigma composite. This provides another avenue for chapters to get involved in Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy and impact the Cedar Valley community. “The Sweetheart Competition really gets the entire FSL community involved,”

Beyond the impact of the chapter’s philanthropic mission on its surrounding communities, it carries strong ties with its members. For the chapter’s philanthropy chair and organizer of the event, Skyler Buss, the Military Heroes Campaign is personal. “I’m a military kid. The military has a huge impact on my family and my life. I hate seeing veterans struggle,” Buss elaborated. “All that they’ve done for us and people walk over them. I don’t think it’s right. They deserve more recognition.” Recognition they will receive at the Kappa Sigma Block Party fundraiser, where Buss’s goal for the chapter is to raise $10,000. “This kind of stuff really helps us grow. Not just as fraternity members

and a couple military vehicles including a Humvee courtesy of the National Guard,” said Castenada-Velasco. “We’ll also have yard games, a small classic car show, silent auction, door prizes and walking tacos for food.”

“‘The Good News,’ a local UNI band, will also be playing live music,” added Kremer. Tickets are on sale now for $8, and tickets will be available at the door as well. The block party will take place at 2504 College St., on Sept. 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information on how to get involved with Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy or donate to their philanthropic fund, contact chapter president Samuel Castenada-Velasco at castasab@uni.edu.

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER

The Kappa Sigma house is located on 2504 College St., and it is home to their members as well as their philanthropic events.

This year we waned to have an impact on the Cedar Valley itself.

Samuel Castenada-Velasco Chapter President

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Campus Life Editor

Broadway returns to the Gallagher-Bluedorn

CALLEE FAIR Staff Writer

UNI students and the greater Cedar Valley community have the opportunity to experience Broadway shows without having to leave the Cedar Valley this year. Hosted by UNI’s Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC), three fan favorite Broadway offerings are making their way to Cedar Falls.

“Annie” will hit the stage on Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. “Mean Girls” is set to follow on Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Olivier Award winner of Best New Musical, “Come From Away’’ will round out the GBPAC’s Broadway features this season, showing on Feb. 9 at 8:00 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

From hosting orchestras

to comedians, the multifaceted Gallagher-Bluedorn is also able to house larger productions such as the upcoming Broadway musicals due to its large space capacity.

GBPAC Community Relations Manager, Jennifer Onuigbo expands on this, saying, “We have one of the largest stages in northeast Iowa to be able to host these big Broadway shows. It takes a certain amount of space to hold the set pieces, and we have that.”

To add onto that factor, it is not just the perks of a big stage that draws people in. Onuigbo continues saying, “An interesting thing that has come out of COVID; a lot of shows are touring differently, and there is increased availability. After last spring, the ‘Book of Mormon’ held five shows and we were able to almost sell out of every single one of them.

I think the presenters have an understanding now that we have the capacity to sell a house, and Cedar Falls can do that.”

Communication is key in putting together a great show for the audience. For preparation of a show, there are writers from different companies that tell the staff of the GBPAC exactly what they need.

“They’ll say that we need this many lights hung and in a certain way, or a certain sound system. Some of our people may need a Stanley Grand Piano… as we are negotiating the contract we get that put in place and get everything that they are asking for.”

The GBPAC offers UNI students two free tickets per semester to their wide variety of shows. Onuibgo commented on how this opportunity can improve UNI students experience on campus.

“It might be one of the

only chances to come and see some of these acts, and it’s happening right here on campus…it is just a walk away from the dorms,” Onuibgo says. “We have a wide variety of acts. Our first three shows are Kevin James, Reza Live and LeAnn Rimes, who are all very well-known people here on campus.”

The Gallagher-Bluedorn was first built in April of 2000 after three years of construction. It has recently gone under a renovation to add to its look just in time for the GBPAC’s 2023-2024 artist series. Between newly-furnished windows and offering world-class entertainment, the GBPAC is ready and able to welcome the Cedar Valley community back within its halls.

Speaking about the draw that pulls famous productions and artists to Cedar Falls, Onuibgo says,

“They like the opportu-

nity to perform in a smaller area. A lot of the artists I’ve worked with appreciate the small town vibe and being able to go to the different restaurants and the friendliness of our community…I think there is a certain energy to a university campus, and performers like that.”

The Gallagher-Bluedorn offers a unique experience for everybody, from members of the audience to the performers themselves. Their website, www.gbpac. com, has their full slate for their 2023-2024 artist series. Students can redeem their two free tickets at the Strayer-Wood box office. Tickets for the Cedar Valley are also available online and can be purchased through the GBPAC website.

CAB hosts carnival for students

“Some students might be more willing to talk to someone through the app as opposed to going in person; it will allow them to still utilize the help when needed for free,” Stearns said. “But I also feel that people are held more accountable to talk to someone when having an in-person appointment as opposed to having to build up the courage to interact with the app.”

O’Connell believes that COVID-19 has caused an

increase in students seeking counseling because she believes it took a toll on many people’s mental health. “College students were not immune, isolation and loneliness were part of the pandemic and efforts were put in place to help connect with resources,” O’Connell said. “Having faculty and staff who care about you and can help guide you to the services on campus helps us with the culture of care for our students.”

O’Connell believes that adding TELUS to the

mental health services already offered will now give students 24/7 service they may need. Stearns believes the app will be helpful because it is more accessible for students and their schedules, but does not think it is as effective as in-person services. “I would just hate to see the UNI counseling center not being a thing anymore because of some app that will never be as effective,” Stearns said.

ISABELLE BRADLEY

CAB provided an array of bouncy houses, slides, and obstacle courses for students at the carnival.

ISABELLE BRADLEY

CAB provided summer treates for students such as ice cream sandwhiches and popcorn.

ISABELLE BRADLEY

There were also inflatable carnival games for students to participate in.

Get aboard studying abroad

DRAYTON DEBOEF Staff Writer

As the fall semester looms on the horizon, the University of Northern Iowa’s Study Abroad Office is gearing up to welcome students into a world of educational adventures that extend far beyond campus borders. The Study Abroad Center offers a vast amount of resources and programs for students wanting to get involved.

At the heart of the Study Abroad Office’s offerings lies a diverse array of programs, each tailored to cater to the unique interests and aspirations of UNI students. While previous favorites, like Italy and France, remain in the spotlight, there are hidden gems within the program portfolio that beckon the curious and adventurous.

One such treasure is the historical gem of a faculty-led trip to explore the Galapagos Islands. A previous participant notes, “I would 100% suggest this [program] to others. It is an amazing once-in -a-lifetime opportunity.”

From learning traditions to exploring breathtaking landscapes, this program offers an immersive experience that often goes unnoticed by many.

But how does a student embark on this global journey? The Study Abroad Office’s website stands as a comprehensive portal of information, housing details on programs, application procedures, scholarships

and answers to frequently asked questions. It’s a valuable resource accessible 24/7, designed to simplify the study abroad process.

Prospective globetrotters don’t need to navigate this path alone.

The Study Abroad Office hosts information sessions regularly, where students can learn more about programs and connect with advisors who can provide personalized guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the concept of studying abroad, the Study Abroad Office is ready to assist.

As for the question, “why study abroad?” The

answers are as varied as the students themselves. Beyond the academic benefits, studying abroad is a passport to personal growth. It fosters adaptability, independence and global awareness, qualities that are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world.

The experience adds a unique and compelling dimension to a student’s resume. Employers value the skills acquired through international education, such as cross-cultural communication and problem-solving. It’s an investment in one’s future employability.

For those who have

taken the plunge into international study, the testimonials are resounding. Many UNI students who have studied abroad express that the experience has enriched their lives in ways they never could have imagined. It’s a journey that broadens horizons, nurtures understanding and forges lasting memories.

As the University of Northern Iowa prepares to kick off another exciting academic year, the Study Abroad Office remains a gateway to global adventures. Whether you’re intrigued by France, Japan or any other corner of the world, the first step toward studying abroad is

a simple inquiry. Join UNI Study Abroad this Wednesday, Sept. 13, for the Study Abroad Fair. The fair will take place in the Maucker Union Ballrooms and will be helpd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information on study abroad programs at UNI, students are encouraged to contact Stephanie Rojas, Study Abroad Director, at stephanie.rojas@uni. edu or visit the Study Abroad Office’s website. The world is waiting –are you ready to explore it?

COURTESY/UNI STUDY ABROAD

Shown above is a group of students who journeyed to Iceland this past year with UNI Study Abroad

VOLLEYBALL

Panthers compete in Texas A&M Invitational

NICOLE WATERS Sports Writer

UNI Women’s Volleyball aims high this weekend at the Texas A&M Invitational. The Panthers had their first game Thursday night against the Big 12’s TCU Horned Frogs in a thrilling five sets to open the tournament. Kira Fallert was a strong force for the Panthers in their game, recording a 20-20 match: 20 kills and 20 digs, just the 31st panther to do so.

The Panthers overcame a slow start against the Horned Frogs, dropping 5-2 before going on a 10-0 run, thanks to seven kills and a service ace from Emily Holterhaus. The Panthers cruised their way to a 25-15 victory in the first set.

In a thrilling second set, TCU showed that they were not backing down. The Panthers and the Horned Frogs shared 11 ties. Tied at 19-19, the Horned Frogs scored five straight despite

the Panthers strong performance, taking the set 25-20.

In the third set, the Panthers continued to struggle, while the Horned Frogs continued to shine with 12 blocks of the set. The Panthers were only down two, but saw the Horned Frogs score nine of the next 12 points en route to a 25-15 win and a 2-1 match lead.

UNI fought back in the fourth set recording 16 kills while finding their momentum. The Panthers tied the set 15-15, they took advantage of errors by the Horned Frogs and kills by Layanna Green, and others from Fallert and Holterhaus, helping the Panthers to a 25-21 win to force a fifth set.

After falling behind at the start, the Panthers scored five points in a row to make the score 9-5. With ten kills, the Panther defense held their own as TCU tried to make their way back, but the Panthers held them off and took the set 15-11, winning the match 3-2.

The Panthers opened up play Friday night against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Panthers had a slow start to the set, UNI was able to bounce back and get the Aggie lead from six to two putting the game at 21-19 thanks to Holterhaus, Olivia Tjernagel and Kaylissa Arndorfer. Ultimately, the Aggies blocking held off the Panthers and ended up

taking the first set 25-19.

In the second set, the Panthers and Aggies battled it out, sharing seven ties before the Aggies went on a 6-0 run that put the Panthers down 17-10. UNI started to close the gap thanks to Green, Fallert, and Arndorfer helping the Panthers get within two points of 19-17 and tying at 21-21. The Aggies then went on to take the match 25-23 after a late 2-0 lead.

In the third set, UNI continued to improve with 13 kills. The Panthers got within one point to put them at 10-9 thanks to Tayler Alden. Holterhaus helped improve the lead to 18-17, but it wasn’t long before the Aggies fought back. The Aggies got it tied at 22-22 and were too much for the Panthers as they took the set 25-23 to complete the three -set sweep.

The Panthers played their last game of the weekend Saturday against the Utah State Aggies and gave it all they got. The Panthers and the Aggies went back and forth in the first set. The Panthers had 14 kills

in the first; they had eight attacking errors that were crucial in the finish. Fallert came up strong late in the set with a pair of points, but it wasn’t enough and the Panthers dropped the set 25-22.

The Panthers used their late momentum in the first set in the second set, but it wasn’t enough due to a Utah State 11-0 run and overall 17-4 lead. The Panthers couldn’t keep up with the Aggies amid eight attack errors and dropped the penultimate set 25-13.

UNI fought back in the third set, but continued to struggle with attack errors. The Panthers had an early lead, but it was upended by a 11-0 Aggie run. The Panthers fell 25-15 in the final set, leading to a Utah State sweep.

The Panthers completed the tournament with a third -place finish. The Panthers will return home to the Cedar Valley this weekend as they host North Dakota, Dayton and Northern Illinois for the UNI Tournament.

Panthers place 10th in ANF Classic

MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Writer 26th overall in the outing. Parker finished round one with a score of 73. He went on to better his score in round two, finishing with a 72. In the final round, he finished with a 77. Overall, Parker finished six over par with a total score of 222.

The UNI men’s golf team participated in the ANF Classic in Iowa City last Wednesday to open their spring season. The Panthers looked to better their record from last year, as a lot of returning players aimed to step up this season.

The shot leader for the Panthers was redshirt senior Griffin Parker, who tied for

JD Pollard and Connor Van Weelden tied for 34th overall. In the first round Pollard finished with a 75. He followed that up with a 74 in round two and a 76 in round three. Pollard’s

scores totaled to 225, which is 9 over par. Van Weelden started round one with a score of 79. He put up a much better score in round two with a 69 and capped off the final round with a 77. Van Weelden also finished 9 over par with a score of 225.

Ben Bermel tied for 44th in the invitational. In round one, he finished with a score of 77. He followed that up with his best round of the outing, finishing with a 74

in round two. He capped off round three with a 76. Overall, Bermel finished 11 over par with a score of 227.

Jack Moody ended up tying for 55th in the outing. In round one he finished with a score of 74. He struggled in round two, finishing with 80. He bounced back in round three, finishing with a 77. Moody ended the outing 15 over par with a score of 231.

Tanner Dinnebier tied for

66th overall. His best round of the day was the first one, finishing with a 76. In round two, he finished with a 79 and in round three he finished with an 81. Dinnebier finished 20 over par with a total score of 236.

As a team, the Panthers finished 10th out of 13 teams. They combined for a score of 896 and finished 32 over par. The Panthers are back in action on Sept. 25 in Des Moines for the Zach Johnson Invitational.

JORDAN JUNGE

Panthers placed third in the Texas A&M Invitational this weekend.

JORDAN JUNGE

UNI swept the TCU Horned Frogs in straight sets.

UNI defeats USD to continue winning streak

The UNI women’s soccer team defeated the South Dakota Coyotes 3-1 on Thursday, Sept. 7. This marked UNI’s third straight win and sixth overall. UNI is now 6-0-1 with only a tie and no losses. This marks the longest unbeaten streak in UNI program history and the best start to a season.

UNI came into the match 5-0-1. South Dakota came into the game 2-13, having won or tied five straight games. South Dakota took the first lead just over six minutes into the game with a goal by Ashby Johnston at the 6:12 mark. UNI would bounce back with a goal by Olivia Knoepfle about ten minutes later off an assist by Maddie Eastus. With the game tied 1-1, the weather would interfere, as the game experienced a lightning delay that lasted around 45 minutes. Once the game was resumed, neither team was able to score again for the rest of the half. The game entered halftime still tied 1-1.

Nearly ten minutes into the half, the Panthers took their first lead of the

SOCCER

game with a goal from Ashley Harrington at the 54:21 mark. This gave UNI a 2-1 lead. Less than six minutes later, at the 60:02 mark, Macy Smith scored off an assist by Harrington to increase the lead to two for the Panthers. Caitlin

Richards held strong for UNI in the net, allowing no more goals, allowing UNI to finish with a 3-1 win.

UNI had 17 shots compared to the Coyotes’ 13, including 13 shots on goal to South Dakota’s five. UNI got seven cor-

ner shot opportunities compared to one for the Coyotes. South Dakota’s goalie Caroline Lewis had ten saves, but gave up three goals. Richards had four saves and gave up only one goal. Lauren Heinsch led UNI in shots on goal, with

four. Eastus was credited with two assists to lead the Panthers. Harrington also had an assist along with her goal to set the record for most career assists at UNI, with 13, as well as most games with an assist with 12.

Panthers topple Skyhawks to remain perfect

BRADEN ELTON Sports Writer

The Panthers continued their historic start to the season, as they defeated UT-Martin 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. The victory extended the program-best unbeaten streak to eight games, and secured the Panthers’ first unbeaten non-conference record in program history.

Not only did the win mark a historic milestone in UNI history, but it also marked the 50th career victory as a Panther for seventh-year head coach Bruce Erickson. He is the first coach in program history to reach this historic achievement.

UNI opened the game firing on all cylinders with an early goal in the eighth minute. Olivia Knoepfle was able to control a beautiful pass from Caroline Hazen that split two Skyhawk defenders and gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead. It was

Knoepfle’s third goal of the season and her second in consecutive games.

The Panthers continued their impressive play as Lauren Heinsch doubled the UNI score in the 33rd minute of the game. Heinsch found herself in open space after a pass from Makenzie Orr and took aim at the

goal. The ball hit the bottom of the crossbar before dropping in the back of the net to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

For the remainder of the first period neither team was able to come up with points on the scoreboard, despite the physical play from both sides.

Following the break, UT-Martin was able to get their lone score of the game from Jordan Bailey, who fired the ball past Caitlin Richards in the 55th minute of the game.

The Panthers came down the pitch unphased as they looked to make sure a second-half comeback did not

ensue. UNI put the pressure back on the Skyhawks as a crossing pass was able to deflect off of goalie, Andrea Wie, and straight to Maddie Eastus. Eastus was able to shoot the ball into the empty net at the 57 minute mark to give the Panthers a commanding 3-1 lead. The goal notched Eastus’ fourth on the year.

Not only was it a historical day for the program, but one for the seniors as well. Six seniors were honored as part of festivities for senior night. As a result of the early lead, 21 Panthers were able to play in the game.

UNI will enter Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play unbeaten for the first time in program history, currently sitting at the top of the conference. Their first conference test will be against Drake on the road on Sunday, Sept. 17 in Des Moines. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

The Panthers are in the middle of one of their best starts in years.

COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS

The Panthers celebrate their unbeaten season with a win over UT-Martin.

DREW HILL Sports Writer

Wildcats pounce on Panthers in Home Opener

ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Panthers played host to Weber State. The Panthers came into this game 0-1 following the week-one loss to Iowa State. The Panthers were looking to pick up their first victory to avoid dropping to 0-2. This was not going to be a small task, as the Wildcats came into the game as a top 10 FCS team in the country. In the end, the Panthers could not do enough to pick up their first victory of the season.

On the Panthers opening drive of the game, they made their way into Weber State territory, but were stalled when Theo Day was dropped for a sack on a third and long. Weber State wasted no time when they got the ball. Quarterback Kylan Weisser connected with Jacob Sharp on a 77 yard pass that brought the ball all the way down to the three yard line. On the next play they ran it in for six, giving the Wildcats an early 7-0 advantage. The Panthers managed a field goal on their next drive, and got themselves on the board, 7-3. Late in the first quarter, UNI’s

Tye Edwards lost a fumble while driving into Weber State territory. Fortunately for him and the rest of the Panthers, Dalesean Staley got the ball right back with an interception. The Panthers were preparing to drive while being down 7-3 at the end of the quarter.

Following the pick, the Panthers had a nice 65 yard drive that concluded with a pass from Day to Sam Schnee for a touchdown. The Panthers took their first lead of the day, 10-7. A couple of drives later, the Wildcats struck back on a 26 yard touchdown run by Damon Bankston. They led 14-10 with just over three minutes left in the half. The Panthers responded immediately, as Day threw the ball all around the field on a quick drive. It capped off with a one yard touchdown by Edwards. The Wildcats started their next drive with just 53 seconds left, but were in Panther territory with a great return. They got all the way down to UNIs one yard line, but the defense held strong and held them to a field goal. It was all tied up going into the half, 17-17.

Weber State got the ball to start the second half,

but the Panthers managed to force a punt. This gave the Panthers the chance to set the tone for the second half. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan as, deep in their own territory, Day threw an interception. Weber State had great field position following the pick at the UNI 10 yard line. Just two plays later, the Wildcats took a 24-17 lead. The Panthers’ mistakes continued on the next drive. On a crucial third down, Day dropped back to pass and was sacked, and he fumbled on the play. Weber State picked it up and got

to start another drive inside Panthers territory at the 45. Luckily, the Panthers defense managed to give up nothing and the score remained 24-17. The score would remain going into the final quarter.

Neither team got anything going in the first half of the final quarter, but mistakes plagued the Panthers yet again with just under eight minutes left. Schnee muffed the punt return, and the Wildcats would get a field goal off of the great field position, giving them a lead of 27-17. With just under six minutes left, the

on opioids

Panthers chances were not looking good. Day threw another interception, the fifth Panther turnover of the day, and the Wildcats officially put the game away on a 58 yard touchdown run by Bakston. That touchdown would be the final points of the game, and the Wildcats defeated the Panthers 34-17.

The Panthers dropped to 0-2 in a tough showing in the home opener. They will travel to Pocatello, Idaho next week to go up against Idaho State, in hopes to rebound with their first victory of the season.

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Tye Edwards stops a defender in his tracks with a stiff arm.

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