Around the University of Northern Iowa campus, students, faculty and staff can find new grass paintings and creative art to symbolize the sesquicentennial mark of our university.

The paintings are outlined by UNI’s Turf Tank, which UNI purchased in July 2024. The tablet-operated robot is marketed towards decorating sports fields, but UNI is using it to promote UNI’s 150-year milestone. 

The Turf Tank outlines the designs, and then facilities employees then fill in the gaps with spray.

Adam Amdor, Assistant Director of Communications for UNI, said that the lawn paintings are a result of a group effort.

In a recent demonstration of the Turf Tank’s painting process for local reporters, Assistant Director of Campus Services Jonathan Butler mentioned the possibility of using the robot to paint UNI 150 graphics around campus.

“From there, my team identified several locations to make a visual impact, and we worked with Jonathan’s team to determine if it made sense logistically.”

Paintings are located in high traffic areas on campus – including Curris Business building, the McLeod Center both feature lawn paintings. On the west wall of Kamerick Art Building, a UNI 150 multi-colored decoration faces Hudson road.

The lawn paintings and building decorations are a way for UNI to utilize their  resources while advertising the 150 year milestone.

“For this first run, we wanted to take advantage of Homecoming and the sesquicentennial launch bringing many visitors and alumni to campus,” Amdor noted. “Our sesquicentennial celebration will continue throughout the next year and we have a few more locations on our wishlist.”