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It's easy to go beyond the classroom and into the community with the University of Northern Iowa's Lifelong University and Speakers Bureau. These programs have a great impact on individuals, businesses and communities in Iowa.

Lifelong University

UNI's Lifelong University (LLU) launched in 2005 to offer short-term, noncredit courses to the lifelong learner.

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The University of Northern Iowa marked an exciting and historical year in 2012. As the spring 2013 semester is right around the corner, UNI reflects on a memorable year. A few highlights include:

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Finals week and fall commencement is over at the University of Northern Iowa, and with that, campus will be fairly quiet until students return on Jan. 14. During winter break, students, faculty and staff may be celebrating the holidays, but will also have the stress of buying gifts for others and trying to stay fit with the myriad of holiday goodies.

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There’s a big difference between the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa State Capitol, but the education I received while at UNI has been instrumental in helping me fulfill my role in the Branstad/Reynolds administration. Working for Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds is truly an honor, and going to work each and every day is exhilarating.

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UNI's Business and Community Services (BCS) had a standout year in 2012 despite national economic challenges, and succeeded at providing services to all 99 counties in the state of Iowa. BCS works with Iowa businesses, entrepreneurs and communities to provide outreach in starting, maintaining and growing businesses.

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The University of Northern Iowa Varsity Men's Glee Club, founded in 1960, is one of the oldest functioning student organizations on campus.

"We're fortunate to have such a rich history and supportive community," said John Wiles, director of the glee club.

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In 2010, more than 85 percent of UNI students were receiving some sort of financial aid to pay for their education. With the costs of higher public education debated from the living room to the oval office, it's increasingly important for each student to understand their financial expectations.

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Eighteen years later as an educator and leader, Nick Pace, an associate professor in  educational leadership and postsecondary education, knows he's made the right decision. But his journey didn't start in education. As a '92 graduate of UNI with a sociology degree, he went on to work for the Missouri Department of Mental Health in Kansas City, Mo. He worked with people with severe mental illnesses to help them manage their daily lives. He was heartbroken and inspired at the same time seeing the obstacles they faced.

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University of Northern Iowa art professor Tom Stancliffe's passion for sculpture started at a young age. "As a kid, I was always doing creative things like drawing pictures, and when I look back, a lot of the time I was making stuff. Not art necessarily, but objects, toys. In some ways, the idea of being a sculptor seemed fairly obvious - that I was going to be making things with my hands."

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With the presidential election drawing near, and the campaigns finally coming to an end, University of Northern Iowa's political science professors have expertise to share. They have experience in a wide range of topics, including public polling, voting behavior, presidential rhetoric and much more.