UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA NAMED BEST AMERICAN HUMANICS PROGRAM IN NATION AT ANNUAL AMERICAN HUMANICS MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Kansas City, MO, February 26, 2008: The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) received the Sprint Foundation American Humanics Program Excellence Award at the American Humanics Management/ Leadership Institute (AHMI), held January 3-6 in Kansas City, MO. This year’s AHMI marks the 60th Anniversary of American Humanics (AH). Throughout its history, Sprint has passionately supported both local and national efforts to improve the communities where Sprint employees and customers live and work. Presenting the award was Ralph Reid, President of the Sprint Foundation.
Accepting the award for the University of Northern Iowa was Dr. Christopher Edginton, Director of the Department of Health, Physical Education, & Leisure Services. Joining Dr. Edginton on stage were Dr. Constantine Curris, former UNI President and current President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Robert Long, former UNI professor and current Senior Program Officer at the WK Kellogg Foundation.
In addition to a solid academic preparation program for nonprofit leaders, UNI was recognized for outstanding leadership and service. Each year, students and faculty in the UNI-AH program complete a 500-hour community service project. In 2007, AH students established a volunteer center at East High School in Waterloo, IA, where AH students assisted high school students with long-term planning for the center. The UNI-AH program has broad-based university support, a generous group of community benefactors, diverse leadership, and students who are involved in nonprofits throughout Eastern Iowa. UNI joined AH in 1988 and is the home of Camp Adventure Youth Services, a nonprofit educational organization that serves children and youth on U.S. military bases worldwide. In 2006 the University established an endowed scholarship for AH students named after President Emeritus Robert Koob.