Celebrating Our Graduating Panthers
UNI is known for educating Iowans. Our spring graduating seniors tell us that our faculty and staff are dedicated to their success. The tireless academic preparation, strong relationships with faculty and other students, and wide variety of out-of-class experiences have helped create a strong foundation for their future. These are but a few of our promising spring graduates who call Iowa their home and are prepared to make a positive impact throughout their lives:
Olivia Drexler
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Major(s): Physical Education and Health Education
Post-Graduation Plans: Teaching Physical Education and Health at SouthView Middle School for the Ankeny Community School District.
“My professors and other students were so friendly and welcoming everyday. UNI has an atmosphere full of positive energy and has amazing clubs and organizations to join.”
“The professors at UNI really know what they’re talking about when it comes to education. I learned the right skills and techniques to prepare me to be an excellent middle school teacher!”
“[Students] should choose the University of Northern Iowa because this school sets you up for success. I was able to get a job three months before graduation because UNI taught me the tools, gave me the experiences, and the professors constantly encouraged me to thrive!”
Byron Fritch
Hometown: Dike, Iowa
Major(s): Physics
Post-Graduation Plans: Continuing his studies in physics by pursuing a Ph.D. The specific university has not been decided yet, but he is excited for the opportunity.
“The overall size of campus is what brought me to UNI. Visiting larger campuses, I did not feel that I was making connections with professors. I knew having the ability to connect with professors would help me be a successful student.”
“The sciences here focus tremendously on undergraduate research, which I found rewarding as a physics student. Specifically in the physics department, there are no graduate students, so if a professor needs help conducting research, the task falls on an undergraduate. Because of this, I was able to conduct my own experiments and analyze this data.”
“Having the ability to conduct multiple terms of undergraduate research was also extremely beneficial. Graduate school and beyond will focus heavily on research, and UNI has provided me the tools and know-how to be a successful scientist.”
Madison Stalzer
Hometown: Iowa Falls, Iowa
Major(s): Family Services
Post-Graduation Plans: Working as a client service coordinator at Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora, Iowa.
“I came to UNI looking for a smaller university that was close to home. I had no idea that there would be endless opportunities for me to get involved and grow as an individual.”
“I love the community here at UNI. Throughout my four years here I have had several professors that have taken the time to invest in me and my education. It has been very encouraging to me as a student to be a part of such a supportive community.”
“Students should choose UNI for their education because they will find a supportive community that pushes them to be the best they can be both in and out of the classroom.”