Spring into Service: Cats Who Care
As we celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa, we honor our legacy not only through tradition, but also through service.
Throughout the spring 2026 semester, UNI students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends will come together to give back — strengthening the communities that have supported us for generations. Together we will demonstrate the power of Panther Nation’s collective impact.
We hope you will join with other Panthers to demonstrate we are "Cats Who Care."
Spring into Service: Cats Who Care is in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.
Events
MLK Day of Service: Pack the Dome
When: January 19, 2026
Where: UNI Dome
Description: Participants will help package food packs for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in support of their “Backpack Program”.
Registration opens December 2nd
UNI's Day of Service
When: April 8, 2026
In celebration of UNI's 150th Anniversary, faculty, staff and students will be invited to honor our past, present and future by giving back to the community that made it possible for UNI to thrive for 150 years.
Click here for information needed to register volunteer opportunities
Click here to register your volunteer opportunity
Click here for more detailed information on UNI's Day of Service
Community Engagement Celebration Day
When: April 24, 2026
Time: 9:00-11:30am
Where: Applied Engineering Lobby
Description: Community Engagement Celebration Day is a chance to celebrate the community impact of students, faculty and staff. General attendees are welcome to attend without registration. Those who wish to present will be asked to register.
Registration Details Will Be Shared in Spring 2026
Get Involved
Questions can be emailed to community.engagement@uni.edu or call (319) 273-4057
There are a number of ways that individuals, organizations and businesses can celebrate UNI’s Sesquicentennial in spring 2026. Show your Panther pride — as a Cat Who Cares, or as a friend or family member of a Cat — by giving back and making a difference in your community.
Below is a list of ways to get involved in UNI’s Spring into Service: Cats Who Care. Additional information will be coming soon for the following groups/events.
- Individual / Community Members
- Participate in MLK Day - Pack the Dome - registration link available December 2, 2025
- Volunteer on your own and tell us about your experience - Link to input experiences and pictures available on Jan 26, 2026
- Attend UNI’s Community Engagement Celebration Day - Registration not required for attendees.
- Community Organizations / Nonprofits / Schools
- Participate in MLK Day - Pack the Dome registration link available December 2nd
- Attend UNI’s Community Engagement Celebration Day registration link for presenter available January 20th, 2026. Registration not required for attendees.
- Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026
- Submit a volunteer opportunity [Click here for details about submitting volunteer opportunities]
- Businesses
- Participate in MLK Day - Pack the Dome registration link available December 2nd
- Attend UNI’s Community Engagement Celebration Day - Registration not required for attendees.
- Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026
- Sponsor a Volunteer Opportunity for UNI’s Day of Service - more information coming soon!
- Faculty / Staff / Students
- Participate in MLK Day - Pack the Dome registration link available December 2nd
- Attend UNI’s Community Engagement Celebration Day - Registration not required for attendees.
- Submit a volunteer opportunity for UNI’s Day of Service
- Online and distance education students are invited to participate in the border Spring Into Service: Cats who care. Please submit your participation via [link here]. No matter where you are, this is an opportunity to make a difference in your community and as part of the Panther nation.
Participate in the Day of Service on April 8, 2026
Click here for additional details for UNI’s Day of Service & submitting volunteer opportunities
- Alumni
Be a part of something big when you join fellow Panthers in local communities for a day of service during Spring 2026 (January 19 through April 23, 2026) as part of UNI’s sesquicentennial. No matter where you are, this is an opportunity to connect with fellow alum while making a difference in your community. To learn how you can participate click here.