The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
MALLORY SCHMITZ

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor

All content by MALLORY SCHMITZ
RJ blows by the competition.

RJ Taylor ready to rock the court in sophomore season

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
May 2, 2024
Kyle Pock fires one from beyond the arc.

Kyle Pock: resident sharpshooter

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
May 2, 2024
News Editor, Mallory Schmitz, has served as News Editor for two years covering everything from state legislative measures to UNI basketball.

News Editor Schmitz signs off

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
May 1, 2024
Several of the athletes interviewed mentioned that they find the most support from their fellow teammates and coaches. Since the creation of the part-time counselor position, athletes say there have been many more open conversations about mental health.

Struggles beyond the scoreboard

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
May 1, 2024
UNI has been collecting feedback from students and community members to redesign the Maucker Union rooftop plaza. Before the building was constructed in 1967, the site had two intersecting sidewalks. The rooftop being walkable has always been an important part of the union’s design.

[Photo] Maucker Union rooftop to be redesigned

HOPE SCHULTE, Staff Writer, Social Media Team
Apr 24, 2024
The above graph presents data collected by the Northern Iowan from the official UNI Athletics X account. Every tweet from 2023 was counted and categorized based on which sport it was. Original tweets as well as retweeted content was counted. Note that the men’s and women’s golf teams do not have individual team accounts on X.

@UNIAthletics by the numbers

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 24, 2024
Pictured above are UNIdos’ class of 2024 graduates. Back row, left to right: Esmeralda Luna, Yeili Aleman, Mireya Patino, Brenda Hernandez Garcia. Front row, left to right: Juan Daniel Lopez, Iverson Aragon, Pablo Cuevas Montes. Not pictured: Karina Ortiz and Vanessa Pogyo.

A night to remember

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 17, 2024
Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, some political science students are working on ways to reach students with voting information. They are look- ing at possible partnerships with UNI Athletics to connect with students.

[Photo] Students campaign for voter participation

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 17, 2024
Arriba está la clase de 2024 de graduados de UNIdos. En la fila de atrás, izquierda hasta la derecha: Esmeralda Luna, Yeili Aleman, Mireya Patino, Brenda Hernandez Garcia. En la fila de frente, izquierda hasta la derecha: Juan Daniel Lopez, Iverson Aragon, Pablo Cuevas Montes. Los que no están en la foto: Karina Ortiz y Vanessa Pogyo.

Una noche para recordar

MALLORY SCHMITZ and KARINA ORTIZ
Apr 16, 2024
Emcee Karma Kills hosted Dragaganza this year. Over 200 students attended the event and showed their support for UNI Pride.

Welcome to the stage, Dragaganza!

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 10, 2024
RAs at UNI are paid $160 per month and are not eligible to work a student hourly position, according to student policy. Students are encouraged to utilize resources like the Panther Pantry if struggling to afford necessities.

[Photo] Unlocking the RA experience

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN and BAILEY KLINKHAMMER
Apr 10, 2024
El año pasado en RodCon, los Cedar Rapids Ultimate Superheroes y el UNI Trooper hicieron una visita.

“Algo para todos” en RodCon

MONSE HERRERA and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Mar 27, 2024
At RodCon last year, the Cedar Rapids Ultimate Superheroes and the UNI Trooper made a visit.

‘Something for everyone’ at RodCon

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 27, 2024
With the inclusion of esports in the Missouri Valley Conference, Panther Esports looks forward to more chances to engage with competitors in person.

Panther Esports boots up for the future

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 27, 2024
Just over a week ago, a post to the anonymous social media platform Yik Yak showed that a homophobic slur had been engraved into a bench in Maucker Union. The Northern Iowan obtained its own photos of the vandalism, but elected to not publish them to abide with its editorial standards.

More than writing on the wall

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 6, 2024
Pictured left to right, NISG presidential candidate Lizbeth Montalvo and her running mate Joshua Walsh. Vice presidential candidate Ethan Woodhouse and NISG presidential candidate Enoch Bolaji.

NISG elections: What you need to know

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 26, 2024
After reigning as the largest fraternity or sorority house on campus for nearly 25 years, the SAE house on 23rd Street has been listed for sale. The chapter declined to comment on the reason behind the selling of the house.

[Photo] Fraternity house for sale

TAYLOR NOHRENBERG, Staff Writer
Feb 21, 2024
Warren stepped into the role of head coach at UNI in 2007—her first collegiate head coaching position. She was the first Black woman to coach basketball in the Missouri Valley Conference and was the first Black woman to become a head coach of any sport at UNI.

The Tanya Warren Era

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 21, 2024
Chalk appeared around campus last week promoting the first Students for Life meeting of the semester. The chalk above promotes the meeting’s place and time with the phrase “Yay babies!” at the top.

[Photo] Reproductive rights discourse heats up

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 13, 2024
GSS partners with Out and Ally Network to provide staff presence

GSS partners with Out and Ally Network to provide staff presence

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 7, 2024
Michael Duax (15) soars above the court during the men's basketball game against Southern Illinois on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Panthers make history in victories

BRADEN ELTON and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Jan 25, 2024
Ben Jacobson, pictured above, is celebrated with an official ball commemorating him being the winningest coach in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Ben Jacobson becomes winningest coach in the Missouri Valley Conference

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 24, 2024
Volunteers from across the Cedar Valley braved the cold weather to help the Northeast Iowa Food Bank pack bags for children who struggle with food-insecurity.

Panthers Pack the Dome

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 17, 2024
Los voluntarios a lo largo del Cedar Valley fueron valientes durante el clima frío para ayudar el Northeast Iowa Food Bank a empacar bolsas para los niños que sufren de inseguridad alimentaria.

Las panteras empacan el domo

KARINA ORTIZ and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Jan 17, 2024
The photograph above appeared in an August 1925 edition of the College Eye, one of the previous names for UNI’s student newspaper. It shows the West Gym nearing completion before it opened in November of that year. The Iowa Board of Regents approved a request this past November to demolish the West Gym after nearly a century on campus.

The West Gym: at the heart of campus history

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 17, 2024
Temperatures plunged this week, prompting the university to have all classes meet virtually on Tuesday.

Frozen over

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 17, 2024
Mallory Schmitz and Macey Overturf smile from the student section at a UNI basketball game. Out of the 12 teams in the Missouri Valley Conference, UNI is the one of only four to not have a center screen in their basketball facility.

What’s missing in McLeod?

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Dec 5, 2023
The above renderings show possible designs for the new wrestling facility currently pending approval at the Nov. 15-16 Board of Regents meeting. A future location has not been finalized, however the gravel parking lot south of 27th Street and west of Panther Parkway has been listed as the most cost-effective location.

Wrestling facility renderings released

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 15, 2023
The highly-anticipated in-state matchup between the Panthers and the No. 3 ranked team in the country, the Iowa Hawkeyes, marked the first time the McLeod Center has sold out for women’s basketball in program history.

UNI Hoops History

MALLORY SCHMITZ and CADEN SHEA
Nov 15, 2023
The first Death Café will be hosted at Sidecar Coffee on College Hill Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Melinda Heinz hopes to create a space of open and respectful conversation about death. Melinda Heinz, an associate professor of family, aging and couseling, is bringing the first Death Café events to Northeast Iowa. Originating with Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, the events have become popular in the United Kingdom and are spreading around the world.

[Photo] Death, coffee and open conversation

JEFFERY JONES, Staff Writer
Nov 8, 2023
A UNI student was arrested Wednesday morning for allegedly using a student organization debit card for personal expenses.

BREAKING: Student arrested for theft from student org

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Nov 1, 2023
David W. Wilson shakes hands with UNI President Mark Nook at a ceremony Friday morning celebrating Wilson's $25 million donation to the College of Business.

$25 million donation opens new chapter for College of Business

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 21, 2023
The Rave Guardian app is meant to serve as a more practical public safety tool in this day and age. It includes a call directory to various area resources, the ability to call UNI Police or 911 with the touch of a button and safety timers, which prompt a check-in from the user’s family or friends when the timer expires.

Seguir a tener las panteras informadas y seguras

MIREYA PATINO and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Oct 18, 2023
184-pound wrestler, Parker Keckeisen, competes in last year’s home meet against Iowa State. Over these past few months as the team was forced to change training facilities, he says the team has come together and has each others’ backs.

No derailing the Panther Train

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 18, 2023
The Rave Guardian app is meant to serve as a more practical public safety tool in this day and age. It includes a call directory to various area resources, the ability to call UNI Police or 911 with the touch of a button and safety timers, which prompt a check-in from the user’s family or friends when the timer expires.

Keeping Panthers safe and informed

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 18, 2023
The City Council and Mayoral debates were moderated by Jayme Renfro, a University of Northern Iowa political science professor and Andy Milone, a City Government Reporter for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

Cedar Falls’ candidates debate and discuss issues

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Oct 15, 2023
A visitor to the gallery looks upon a print of Scott Ross’s sketch “Church of St. Nicholas the Miraculous.” The Ukrainian church was attacked by Russian forces on Feb. 27. The print is for sale, all proceeds going to support the Ukrainian students at UNI.

Art exhibition supports Ukrainian students

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 4, 2023
UNI’s Textiles and Apparel Program was designed to give students hands-on experience in the fashion and merchandising industry. One of these opportunities is in their annual CatWalk fashion show.

The runway narrows for future of TAPP

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 27, 2023
Miembros del Gabinete Superior del NISG invitaron a estudiantes a compartir sus consejos el jueves mientras daban galletas y dulces. Ellos planean usar comentarios de estudiantes para formar sus iniciativas y tener conversaciones con las oficiales de la universidad y la Junta de Regentes.

NISG cambia problemas por golosinas

Mireya Patino and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Sep 22, 2023
Miembros del Gabinete Superior del NISG invitaron a estudiantes a compartir sus consejos el jueves mientras daban galletas y dulces. Ellos planean usar comentarios de estudiantes para formar sus iniciativas y tener conversaciones con las oficiales de la universidad y la Junta de Regentes.

NISG trades troubles for treats

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 20, 2023
As temperatures reached 105 degrees Aug. 23, students in non-air conditioned dorms like Bender Hall relied on opening windows and placing fans throughout their rooms. Many still did not find relief, adding to first-week stresses.

[Photo] Students without AC desperate for relief

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 13, 2023
La artista Miriam Alarcón Avila hace una demostración de fortalecimiento con una máscara de luchador.

Volverse visible

KARINA ORTIZ and MALLORY SCHMITZ
Sep 12, 2023
La artista Miriam Alarcón Avila hace una demostración de fortalecimiento con una máscara de luchador.

Becoming Visible

MALLORY SCHMITZ and KARINA ORTIZ
Sep 12, 2023
The building has been vacant since July 17. UNI wrestling has since been doing thier pre-season training off campus at USA Mat Club on East Nineteenth Street. Short term solutions to bring the team back on campus are currently being discussed.

Future of West Gym on shaky ground

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 6, 2023
The building has been vacant since July 17. UNI wrestling has since been doing thier pre-season training off campus at USA Mat Club on East Nineteenth Street. Short term solutions to bring the team back on campus are currently being discussed.

El futuro del West Gym está poco sólido

MALLORY SCHMITZ and KARINA ORTIZ
Sep 5, 2023
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[Photo] PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Panthers vs Cyclones

Sep 5, 2023
This summer, UNI Facilities installed a new HVAC system into Curris Business building, lifting the system over the building. The new HVAC system will prevent new servers from overheating.

Breaking ground: An update on UNI’s construction

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Aug 31, 2023
The grand total of bells in the Campanile is now 56, meaning the Guild of Carillonneurs can play a wider variety of music during their weekly carillon concerts at noon on Fridays.

Carillon carries on

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Aug 30, 2023

On the prowl for things to do on campus?

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Aug 24, 2023
Students catch some relief from the heat in front of St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center on Tuesday by enjoying some walking tacos in the shade and getting misted by an inflatable dinosaur sprinkler.

Panthers sweat their paws off

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Aug 21, 2023
UNI adquirido la librería en 2018 por casi 3 millones de dolares. Ahora va a regresar a operaciones privadas debido a un mayor poder de negociación.

[Photo] La librería de UNI vuelve a la operación privada

Claudia Ramirez, Traductora invitada
Apr 12, 2023
The above seating map for the 2023 football season was published in a press release by UNI Athletics. The darkest shade of purple represents Tier 1 tickets, with decreasing tiers for each lighter shade. Red represents red zone tickets, and the new band and student sections are labeled with text.

Student Section Southbound

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 12, 2023
As part of the Pride Week celebrations, Maucker Union displayed various pride flags in the coffeehouse area.

[Photo] UNI celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Week

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 10, 2023
Los teléfonos azules de seguridad originalmente eran instalados en áreas muy traficados alrededor del campus desde los ‘90s.

[Photo] Traducción: A remover los teléfonos azules de seguridad

YESSENIA RODRÍGUEZ, Staff Writer
Apr 10, 2023
UNI acquired the bookstore in 2018 for nearly $3 million. It is now going to return to private operations due in part to the greater negotiating power and marketing access of third-party operators.

UNI Bookstore to return to private operation

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 5, 2023
The blue safety poles were originally installed in high-traffic areas on campus in the ‘90s. Since the introduction of cell phones, the blue phones have had very little usage. The transition to the Rave Guardian app reflects an effort to keep up with changing technology to best serve student safety.

[Photo] Blue safety phones to be removed

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 2, 2023
The Campanile has been silent since the bells were removed in October for refurbishing. The bells are expected to return to campus at the beginning of May.

[Photo] UNI Guild of Carillonneurs awaits the return of the bells

GRANT PEDERSEN, Staff Writer
Apr 2, 2023
At last week’s drag workshop, performers had the chance to rehearse their routines and get feedback from student leaders. Above, Ethan Hoefler and Nic Trip rehearse their duet to Abba’s “Dancing Queen.”

Bringing drag to the masses

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 26, 2023
UNI’s Panhellenic Council works behind the scenes to coordinate sorority life as a whole. Cassie Williams, second from left, Laura Harms, third from right and Ana Muell, second from right, shared how sorority life has empowered them as young women pursuing an education.

A space of their own: UNI’s sorority leaders honor over a century of tradition

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 22, 2023
The UNI pep band traded their purple polos for white Missouri Valley Conference t-shirts as they played for Valparaiso’s Thursday night game against Murray State. They found out just three days beforehand that they would be filling in, but were able to learn their school song and pick up chants from Valparaiso’s cheerleaders.

“Go Beacons!”: Pep band pays it forward

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 8, 2023
The Meskwaki Summer Camp focuses on college and career readiness. While some sessions take place in large group settings, students also get to break into smaller, more specialized sessions, such as last year’s environmental science session pictured above.

UNI to host Meskwaki Summer Camp for second consecutive year

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 8, 2023
Sam and Christelle: a PACT that will last

Sam and Christelle: a PACT that will last

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 19, 2023
La banda de ámino estan orgullosos por poder ir a los torneos se basquetbol.

UNI pep bands on the road again

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 8, 2023
The above rendering shows a possible vision for the finished product of the UNI-Dome renovations. The project will include wider concourses, a new indoor track and greater accessibility. The project, part of the Our Tomorrow campaign, has raised over $10.7 million out of its $50 million goal.

UNI alum gives $1 million to Dome renovation

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 26, 2023
University President Mark Nook joined Panther Esports for the launch of their campus-wide Minecraft server. Panther Esports President Tanner Brain joined President Nook for a livestream of him playing the game in the Esports Lounge in Maucker Union.

Mark Nook joins the game

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Dec 4, 2022
While the UNI pep band traditionally makes an appearance at both men's and women's conference basketball tournaments to support the Panthers, Professor Justin Mertz, associate director of bands, was informed in July that the funds for the band's travel would not be available this year due to budget cuts.

UNI pep band to stay home

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 27, 2022
From left to right, Dylan Carlsen, Dani Danielson, Wyatt Fitzgerald and Colin Spies contracted this semester. Contracting commits them to eight years of military service directly after graduation.

UNI ROTC celebrates future Army officers with contracting ceremony

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 27, 2022
Students were turned away from Rialto during the lunch rush on Nov. 16. According to university officials, a fan in the Towers Center malfunctioned, emitting smoke and causing sprinklers to engage within the dining hall.

Dining hall disaster

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 16, 2022
Roquiya Sayeq currently works as a data scientist for EA Langenfeld after receiving her master's degree in science and analytics from the University of Chicago.

Amplifying Afghan voices

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 30, 2022
The trees were cut down, and new Royal Raindrop crabapple trees were planted during the last week of October. The new trees will be similar in appearance, but will be more resistant to disease.

[Photo] Seerley Boulevard’s iconic flowering trees replanted after 60 years

KATE MURPHY, Staff Writer
Oct 30, 2022
The moving piece "On the Verge" showcased dancers Lindsay Amundson, Hayden Comstock and Lauren Paine. The dance was choreographed by Orchesis member Bailey Wolf to Taylor Swift's "Tolerate It."

A dazzling dance with Orchesis’ fall show

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 24, 2022
Early voting is available in Maucker Union from Oct. 19 - 21. Residents of Black Hawk County can register to vote for the first time at the polls or update their voting address to reflect their Black Hawk County address.

2022 midterms approach

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 19, 2022
Over the past few years, College Hill has seen about the same sized crowds on the weekends. While Saturdays can still be busy, the crowds are much smaller than they were 25 years ago. A likely cause of the smaller crowds is a cultural shift in technology use.

Then and now: HOCO on the Hill

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 12, 2022
Chuy Renteria tells stories of family, friendships and culture with the backdrop of small-town Iowa. His visit to UNI brought a crowd of over 100 people.

An evening with storyteller Chuy Renteria

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 28, 2022
Students involved with the ESPN team are trained on manning camera for broadcasts televised on ESPN, video board footage and instant replays.

ESP(anther opportunities)N

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 25, 2022
The struggle to find a parking spot has sparked conversations of outrage on campus.

[Photo] Students spark concerns about CP parking

AUBREY SCHAFBUCH, Staff Writer
Sep 21, 2022
Reproductive rights remain one of the most polarizing issues in the United States and on campus. The use of signs has become a popular form of demonstration.

History and political science departments to present “A History of Reproductive Rights”

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 19, 2022
Lauren Johnson, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, will take the stage as part of the "Hairspray" national tour on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and Wednesday, Sept. 14.

A sneak peek behind the curtain

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Sep 11, 2022
The Gallagher Bluedorn's Great Hall houses incredible performances year-round ranging from student music groups to local performances to world-class acts.

A new season of on-stage spectacles at the GBPAC

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Aug 25, 2022
The dementia simulation is open to anyone interested in the experience. UNI students and faculty were involved in the development of the simulation.

Dementia simulation helps raise awareness

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 28, 2022
CATS hosted a health and hygiene drive benefiting the Panther Pantry, and packed the goods into kits at their Giving Week Stop and Serve.

Giving back for a better future

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Apr 7, 2022
Paul Noble ran 279.85 miles across Iowa over Spring Break, setting a new record for the fastest time run across the state. Noble averaged 70 miles per day and averaged two and five hours each night.

UNI student breaks record for fastest time running across Iowa

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Mar 31, 2022
UNI hosted the Tallcorn Jazz Festival Feb. 17-18. The festival was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19.

Jazz comes to life at UNI

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 21, 2022
Leila Masinovic and Micaiah Krutsinger are running on the platform emphasizing academics, balance, community and diversity.

Masinovic and Krutsinger; uplifting unheard voices

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 10, 2022
The Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa provides hands-on opportunities for young adults interested in conservation.

Conservation Corps expand to Cedar Falls

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 27, 2022
UNI Housing & Dining recently announced electronic personal transportation vehicles will be banned inside on-campus housing.

So long e-scooters

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Dec 6, 2021

UNI PR students raise $7,500

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 8, 2021
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