Supporting the Leaders of Tomorrow

We recognize the dedication of Clarice and Ron Rubek (above, in purple) and other supporters who help create a bright future for UNI students.

As he was finishing high school nearly 60 years ago, Ron Rubek had no plans to attend college. A good friend talked Ron into attending college with him. Ron arrived at Iowa State Teachers College and moved into a room in Latham Stadium with four other freshmen.

In the end, the high school friend did not finish his degree. But Ron did, graduating from the State College of Iowa in 1962 with a degree in physical education, and has been thankful ever since for what the educational experience offered him.

“UNI did a lot for me. It’s good for students and good for Iowa.”

The memories he made while managing the 1960 football team is what Ron remembers most. “The team was undefeated through the season,” he says. “We went to the Mineral Water Bowl under Coach Stan Sheriff.”

The team lost the bowl game to Hillsdale College 6-17.

“We still meet every once in a while,” he adds. In 2015, the 1960 Panther football team was inducted into the University of Northern Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.

Today, Ron and his wife, Clarice, give to several different areas at UNI, including Panther Athletics, the College of Education and the annual Ron and Clarice Rubek Scholarship. They have also made a gift that provides them with a life income. The remainder of their gift will benefit UNI in the future.

“I enjoy coming back and seeing the caliber of kids at UNI. There’s something different about them. There are going to be great leaders that come out of UNI, and I want to be part of that,” Ron says.