12/11/01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Delano Cox, acting director, UNI-CUE, (319) 234-6819
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Note to editors: A timeline, detailing dates relevant to the center's evolution, follows this release.
UNI Center for Urban Education open house to showcase new facility
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE) will host an open house at its new facility, a historic freight house once owned by Silos and Smokestacks, located at 800 Sycamore St. The open house will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. The public may attend.
UNI-CUE was established in 1967 as one of five components of the university's Educational Opportunity Program and special community services. The objectives were to develop educational programs to alleviate inequalities of educational opportunities in the urban environment, improve communication, and make university resources accessible to the community.
UNI-CUE was initially housed at 119 Vine St., and then moved to a converted grocery store at 715 E. Fourth St. "We've just outgrown the space," said Delano Cox, acting director of UNI-CUE. "We serve hundreds of people throughout the area, and those people -- as well as our staff members -- deserve the best UNI has to offer."
UNI-CUE now houses the Classic Upward Bound program, the Upward Bound Math/Science program, the Educational Talent Search program, the Gear-Up program and the Educational Opportunity Center program. Further, UNI-CUE offers classroom space for university courses and meetings for community groups, and boasts a small library and computer lab.
"For decades UNI-CUE has been an integral part of the community and the educational system in the Cedar Valley and surrounding area, " said Charles Means, UNI associate vice president for academic affairs. "We are now ready to take a giant step forward into the 21st century, and provide our clients the necessary technology, tools and resources they'll need for success."
The university has signed a 20-year lease, at a cost of $72,000 per year. For more information about UNI-CUE programs, contact the center, (319) 234-6819.
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UNI-CUE open house 1201 G:E (EP/VI)
UNI-CUE History
1967
The University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE) is founded as the only center of its kind in the state. It is to be one of five components of the university's Educational Opportunity Program and special community services.
1968
UNI submits a proposal to the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to establish a center involving UNI directly in the urban community.
1969
The center opens its doors, renting property from the Waterloo Board of Education at 119 Vine St., near East High School.
UNI-CUE offers an early childhood education program; a tutorial program for children ages 6 to 11; university courses designed primarily for non-traditional students; and community service projects that include workshops and special interest classes. Henry Johnson is the first director.
1972
UNI-CUE moves to 715 E. Fourth St., a remodeled building that had previously been home to a grocery store and later a Laundromat.
1973
An $8,000 grant from the E.N. Baty Memorial Fund allows the center to expand its early childhood education programs. The grant is a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Baty of Osage.
1983
Charles Means is named assistant vice president for academic affairs, heading up a series of programs at UNI, including those housed at UNI-CUE.
1985
UNI-CUE revamps its programming, with an emphasis on mainstreaming. Talent Search, a federally funded program begins operation out of UNI-CUE. Tony Stevens directs this program. UNI-CUE becomes a site for Head Start.
1986
Classic Upward Bound begins operation out of UNI-CUE. Mickye Johnson is named director of Classic Upward Bound.
1988
The Educational Opportunity Centers program, offering assistance and information for adults seeking post-secondary education, begins operation. EOC is headed by Robert Smith.
1992
Karen McNeil is named director of UNI-CUE.
1995
The National Youth Sports Program, offering training in non-traditional sports like swimming and golf, begins operation out of UNI-CUE.
2001
In April, the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, approves a 20-year lease agreement at $72,000 a year, allowing UNI-CUE to move to new offices at 800 Sycamore St. The building, a historic freight house, was previously owned by Silos and Smokestacks.
In August, Delano Cox, a former dean at Hawkeye Community College, is named acting director.
In November, the center moves to 800 Sycamore St.
12/11/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Deedra Billings, wellness resource coordinator, (319) 273-7162
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing and Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
'De-Stress Days' taking place during finals week at the University of Northern Iowa
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will host "De-Stress Days" for its students, faculty and staff, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 17, 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Maucker Union. The event is designed to alleviate the stress of fall finals and the semester's end.
The events will be in the Union's Embassy, Colombia and Ambassador Rooms. Activities include free-mini massages, movies and popcorn, kittens and puppies to pet, playdough, coloring books, and a stress balloon station.
"A little stress in our lives is inevitable and it's usually okay," explained Deedra Billings, wellness resource coordinator. "But we need to remember to take time out for ourselves and not get completely absorbed in the stress. This is an opportunity to take a breather from the stress."
The event was first held in May of 1996, as a part of UNI finals week, when Ken Jacobsen, psychologist with UNI Counseling Services, adapted and expanded a program from the University of Minnesota, which provided a quiet music room for its students during finals week.
The "De-Stress Days" are sponsored by UNI Wellness and Recreation Services. For more information, contact Deedra Billings, wellness resource coordinator, at (319) 273-7162.
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12/11/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Leonard Upham, UNI assistant professor of teaching, (319) 273-2407
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Price Lab School Winter Band Concert to be held Thursday, Dec. 13
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The Winter Band Concert for Price Laboratory School at the University of Northern Iowa will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in the school's Butzier Auditorium.
Performing will be the Northern University High School (NUHS) Jazz Band, under the direction of graduate assistant Bill Scheidecker; and the 6th Grade NU Middle School (NUMS) Intermediate Band, the 7th/8th Grade NUMS Concert Band and the NUHS Concert Band, under the direction of Leonard Upham, UNI associate professor of teaching.
Upham said in the spirit of sharing and caring that comes with the holiday season, persons attending the concert are asked to bring items to be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Suggested items include paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper or napkins; canned food items; personal hygiene items; plastic grocery bags and twist ties; or boxes for re-packing non-perishable food items. Collection boxes will be available in the lobby.
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