Senate adopts resolution honoring University of Northern Iowa�s 150th anniversary

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 1 11 recognizing the University of Northern Iowas 150th anniversary after brief remarks by lawmakers and guests in the chamber.

Senator Sayers, the sponsor, told the Senate that she grew up near the university and described the recognition as a personal honor. "Today, we come together to recognize and celebrate 150 years of dedicated service to our state," Senator Sayers said, and asked colleagues to join her in honoring the institution.

The resolution recounts UNIs origins in 1876 in Cedar Falls as the Iowa State Normal School, its later iterations as the Iowa State Teachers College and State College of Iowa, and its designation as the University of Northern Iowa in 1967. The text commends UNI for educating students from all 99 counties, aligning programs with workforce needs, and prioritizing accessibility and affordability for Iowa families. It also notes 2026 as the centennial of the campus Campanile and the 50th anniversary of the Unidome.

Senator Quornbach congratulated the university as a sister Regents institution and offered a lighthearted remark to the chamber: "Go Panthers, except when you're playing the Cyclones." Senator Zimmer, speaking next, said that multiple members of his family are UNI alumni and added, "Go Panthers."

After Senator Sayers moved adoption, the presiding officer called for the question and members responded by voice; the presiding officer declared that "the ayes do have it" and announced that the resolution was adopted. The resolution directs that a copy be presented to university leadership in recognition of the milestone.

With no points of personal privilege offered, Senator Clemensch moved that the Senate adjourn until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m. The presiding officer put the motion and the body approved it by voice.

The session ended with the Senate formally adopting the resolution and setting the next convening date. No roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript; vote was taken by voice and no tally of names or counts was provided.