The University of Northern Iowa officially launched its Sesquicentennial Celebration on Monday, Sept. 29, with the ringing of the newly dedicated Sesquicentennial Bell, marking the beginning of a yearlong celebration honoring 150 years of the university’s legacy.
Held at Commons Plaza, the First Ringing of the Sesquicentennial Bell drew students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to take part in a historic moment. The event featured a carillon concert, reflections from university leaders, ceremonial bell ringing and a ribbon-cutting to usher in the milestone anniversary.
“Officially today, we move from the quiet planning phase to the public and —d are I say — noisy, with this bell here, celebration of 150 years of UNI,” said UNI President Mark Nook, who spoke passionately about the university’s mission and its future.
“Today, at the start of the 150th, we renew our commitment to education,” Nook said. “The act of providing students with the knowledge, the skills and the habits of mind that they need to be successful in their personal lives, their professional lives and in their civic lives. We dedicate this bell, the sesquicentennial bell, a symbol of the enduring mission and values of the University of Northern Iowa.”
Nook also announced that the bell will be permanently installed next to the Campanile.
“This bell will ring to mark the beginning of each semester, the joy of commencement and moments of reflection and celebration on our campus. It will stand as a lasting tribute to our proud past, our vibrant present and our bold future,” he said.
President Nook was joined by student body president Alli Webster and Noreen Hermansen, Vice President for Principal Gifts at UNI, in being the first to ring the bell. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Nook and Katy Susong, President and CEO of GROW Cedar Valley.
The celebration marks the official beginning of a more than yearlong series of events recognizing the university’s founding in 1876 and its ongoing role as a leader in education, innovation and community engagement.
For more information about upcoming Sesquicentennial events, visit uni.edu/150.
