As we spend this year celebrating our 125 years, we should pause to reflect on the basis of our growth and success. The theme of our anniversary year is "125 Years of Students First," a phrase that expresses not only how we do business here on a daily basis, but the pride we take in our thousands of graduates whose lives have a significant influence on the economic and cultural climate throughout Iowa and beyond.

"Students First" is more than a slogan; it's a way of life at UNI. This is reflected in any number of ways. Here are just a few:

• Our undergraduate students are challenged by faculty whose research and scholarship invigorate their teaching.
• Applied research offers students the opportunity to see theory in practice, working alongside senior professors on valuable projects with "real world" applications.
• Study abroad and exchange programs broaden our students' experience by exposing them to other cultures and lifestyles.
• Student life at UNI is designed to engage students in self-governance and leisure activities, life skills that address the whole person.
• A primary focus of trend-setting technology applications at UNI is to empower students in learning and in planning their futures.

UNI exists to educate people to live fully, assume leadership, continue to learn and adapt to change, and understand the value of such a learning environment. UNI attracts faculty and staff who share this mission.

It follows that our greatest celebration is the lives of those who were UNI "students first," and who have gone on to succeed. Join us this anniversary year and see how we continue to incubate the future.

  - Cheryl Gaston
    Assistant VP for Marketing and Public Relations