"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
-John Quincy Adams
Grateful Students
Freshman Jordan Downing always knew he would attend college. What he didn't know was how he would fund his dream of becoming a teacher. Paying off a student loan after graduation and working while attending college seemed likely choices. More
"The Pauline Barrett Scholarship has made a significant impact on my life and college career. I had the privilege of getting to know and interact with Pauline while working at an assisted living center in high school." More
I was offered a full-time position at the John Deere Foundry in Waterloo as a junior in college. It was a great opportunity, and I knew then I was in the right field and on the right track for my career. More
Music was always a big part of life for Tommy Truelsen. But it wasn't until he was hired as a worship technician at his church during his sophomore year of high school that he began to imagine music as a calling. In his role, Tommy sets the stage for audio reinforcement, runs the sound board and prepares video presentations. More
During Jake Parks’ freshman year at the University of Northern Iowa, he received a scholarship, but it was more than financial help. Not only did the award ease the physics major’s financial burden, it also provided Jake with a mentor. More
Some high school seniors struggle to find the right fit in a college or university. For freshman Sam Simmers, UNI felt right from the start. "I came to campus and loved it. It's the perfect size. The people are friendly, and did I mention I love it here?" Sam says. More
My name is Mason Meyers, and I am a senior from Waterloo, Iowa, majoring in music education with a jazz emphasis. I chose UNI because the music faculty is top tier, the music and education facilities are the best in Iowa, and it is close to home. More
The scholarship has helped relieve financial stress as I am paying for college on my own. With the program requirement that I am in, I am unable to work. More
In May 2016, Megan Butz will graduate from the University of Northern Iowa with her master's degree in speech-language pathology. More
Anthony Daye is living his dream this semester. His passion for studying other cultures has led him to Spain—to become immersed in the language and the daily lives of the people. Since he was a student in junior high school, Anthony has worked toward his goal of teaching Spanish. Now a junior at the University of Northern Iowa, Anthony seized the opportunity to study abroad. More
Brittany Deal is a grateful student from UNI. In 2012 and 2013, Brittany received the Dorothy Jean Tostlebe Ray Endowed Art Scholarship. As a student, she juggled study, studio time and jobs. She worked as an assistant to an art history professor, a preparator at the UNI Gallery of Art, lab assistant for the photography studio and resident assistant in Bartlett Hall. More
University of Northern Iowa sophomore Yena Balekyani plans to use her education to help people like her. She is one of nearly 40 million immigrants living in the United States. Her family settled in Urbandale, Iowa, after emigrating from the Republic of Congo when Yena was 11 years old. More
When I first started at UNI, I declared Spanish teaching as my major. I loved Spanish, but I realized it wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. As I researched various majors, family services struck me as the perfect fit. More
After I graduated from UNI, I was accepted into the physical therapy program at the University of Iowa. I owe a great deal of my acceptance into graduate school to the Sammie Dell Memorial Endowed Scholarship. More
"Knowing that someone is giving me support makes me want to try harder for them," says UNI senior Nicole Stone. "I don't want to disappoint someone who is investing in me and my future, so I give it my all. Receiving the Kay Baber Roupe Endowed Scholarship has made going to UNI easier financially." More
If I could say thank you to my scholarship donor, Gladys Wenthe, I would thank her from the bottom of my heart and let her know she is helping people in such a positive way. I would tell her how much I appreciate this and how meaningful it is. More
I'm from West Des Moines and am one of six children. I have completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Northern Iowa. This year I'm working on my master's degree in career/vocational studies for special education and a minor in Spanish. I have chosen to teach special education because of one very influential person in my life: my little brother. More
I was born in the northern part of Mexico. When I was 3 years old my parents moved to the United States for a better life. We left the grape fields where my parents worked 9-11 hours a day with an annual salary of $12,000. More
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.