The future looks bright for spring 2013 graduates

More than 2,200 graduates are joining 107,000+ UNI alumni across the country and around the world. Meet some of our grads who will be working in Iowa. 

Brian Murphy - Oelwein, Iowa
B.A. - English education with speech and theater minors

Brian chose to attend UNI because he knew, even as a high school junior, that UNI would best prepare him to teach in Iowa after graduation. He worked on campus all four years and was a member of the UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club. Brian secured a job at the Meskwaki Settlement School in Tama, Iowa, as the only English teacher in the building.

"Simply put, graduating from UNI was a reassurance that I would find a job as a teacher in Iowa."

Ali Stoddard - Cedar Falls, Iowa
B.A. - business management

Growing up in Cedar Falls, Ali knew she wanted to attend UNI. Not only was she familiar with the area, but she knew she would get a great education with her business management major. Ali gained an excellent education from her professors and feels the most influential class for her was Leadership Skills. "...everyone needs to be a leader at some time in their profession..."

After graduation, Ali is moving to West Des Moines to work at Hy-Vee's corporate offices.

"Graduating from UNI means knowing I can handle anything that is put in front of me."

Willie Morales - New York City, N.Y.
B.A. - liberal studies

Willie began at UNI as a transfer student in 2002, but returned home to help his family when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. While at home, he had the opportunity to participate in an international opera voice competition that took him to Italy where he remained to perform for six years. UNI staff kept in touch with Willie the entire time he was abroad. His return to UNI has everything to do with the connection that transcended the Atlantic Ocean. After graduation, Willie is joining the Masters in Public Policy program at UNI.

"Graduating from UNI means that I can finish what I start no matter the obstacles. It means that no matter the hardship, no matter the odds, no matter how difficult times may be, I have the tools to face adversity and not just survive, but thrive!"

Erin Evans - Altoona, Iowa
B.A. - psychology and gerontology

Erin chose to attend UNI because of the small town atmosphere along with the great student-faculty ratio. Her adviser and gerontology classmates inspired and encouraged her to get involved in the community, which made her time at UNI much more enjoyable. Even before graduation, Erin landed a job as an assistant activities director at a nursing and rehab facility in West Des Moines.

"Graduating from UNI means a lot to me. Obtaining my degree from UNI means that I will always have a long list of professors that will be there for me whenever I need advice."

Matt Samec - New Hampton, Iowa
B.S. - biology with chemistry minor

During his time at UNI, Matt has been involved in a number of activities - Knights of Columbus, Pre-Med Club, UNI Honors Program and mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters to name a few. He chose to attend UNI because of the small school feel and the big school opportunities. After graduation, Matt is attending medical school at Creighton University.

"UNI has prepared me the last four years for this new beginning. Thoughts of uncertainty have been replaced with thoughts of confidence and excitement for what lies ahead."

Upcoming Event

UNI will host three spring commencement ceremonies this year - 7 p.m., Friday, May 10 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11.