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."
We want to know what you're doing this spring: Click here to share your story with us!
Spring into Service: Cats Who Care is in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.
Events
MLK Day: Pack the Dome
On January 19th we kicked off our Spring Into Service with the annual Pack the Dome event. Thank you to those who were able to attend! Over 70,000 bags were packed for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank's Backpack program. To learn more about the event you can click here.
UNI's Day of Service
When: April 8, 2026
In celebration of UNI's 150th Anniversary, faculty, staff and students are 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 more detailed information on UNI's Day of Service
Day of Service Kick-Off
When: April 8, 9 a.m.
Where: Maucker Union SW Courtyard
Kick off UNI’s Day of Service with a celebration outside Maucker Union at 9 a.m. before heading out to make a difference throughout our Cedar Valley community.
Partner Appreciation Reception
When: April 23, 2026
Description: A day to celebrate the impact of UNI/Community partnerships and impact; by invitation.
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.
- Individual / Community Members
- Volunteer on your own and tell us about your experience. Click here to share your story with us!
- Community Organizations / Nonprofits / Schools
- Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026. Contact Lauren Finke at lauren_finke@vccv.org or call (319) 883-3015
- Submit a volunteer opportunity [Click here for details about submitting volunteer opportunities]
- Businesses
- Plan a day of service for your team during Spring 2026. Contact Lauren Finke at lauren_finke@vccv.org or call (319) 883-3015.
- Sponsor a Volunteer Opportunity for UNI’s Day of Service. Contact Julianne Gassman at julianne.gassman@uni.edu or call 319-273-5435.
- Faculty / Staff / Students
- 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 by clicking 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. To share your story of service click here.