...of being in the know!

Hey Future Panthers! Everyone on UNI's campus knows the place to be between classes. Check out this video to find out what it is!

-STAR Stephanie

...of a Volunteer STAR!

Hello there, friends!

Have any of you ever thought about volunteering just because? No? Well, I have a great opportunity in mind for those of you who might like to try their hand.

This weekend, I got the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house in Iowa City with some of my friends. The Ronald McDonald house provides housing and food for families with children dealing with illnesses that require them to be at the hospital for a long stay, or there for frequent appointments. The Ronald McDonald house has no time limit for those in need of staying there. If a family is in need and they have the space, they will take people!

  

 

The thing that I find to be really cool about the RMH is that they are willing and able to take volunteers anytime and have lots to keep us busy! For example, when I was there this weekend, I got to cut out Christmas ornaments that will be sold at local Hyvee grocery stores,  and the proceeds will go right back to the RMH. Some of my other friends who were with me were given a small cleaning list to finish, and they were done within the hour! This is because the RMH is lucky enough to receive lots of willing and able volunteers who want to make the stay for those there as comfortable as possible.

When talking to a woman named Natalie who works at the front desk there, I asked her what her favorite part about having people come volunteer at the RMH was. She explained to me that she thinks it is so cool how willing people are to come in at any time to help. She said that the smiling faces and great energy brought by those who come to volunteer is something you just can’t explain.

That’s what I love about the Ronald McDonald house. Although it might seem to us that we are doing a very small part in helping out, it makes such a big difference in the lives of those living there. It’s amazing to help out when you are healthy and able bodied, and giving back at the Ronald McDonald house gives me great pride and joy. I like to think they give me back a whole lot more than I give them.

Have a great week, guys!!!

STAR Molly

...of an English Major

Salutations, Future Panthers!

I've always been a pretty creative person. I am the definition of right-brained. Anything involving math or science terrifies me. But ask me to write a poem or proofread a paper and I'm totally in my element. As a result of this, I found myself enrolled at college as an English major.

(This is a visual representation of me in the ROD Library)

So, whenever I tell people I'm an English major, the first question they ask is, "So you wanna be a teacher?" No, I do not want to be a teacher. While UNI has a fantastic education program and I totally respect people who want to go into teaching, it's just not my thing. 

Alright then, what does an English major who doesn't want to teach become when they grow up? The possibilities are endless! A few options: Advertisement, Broadcasting, Business, Buyer, Columnist, Communications Assistant, Creative Writing, Critic, Journalist, Librarian, Marketing, Publishing, the list goes on and on! 

Some famous English majors:

Broadcaster/News Anchor Diane Sawyer

 Novelist Stephen King

Comedian Joan Rivers

I personally aim to be an editor someday. It involves creative writing and editing, two of my favorite things. Along with the English minors UNI has to offer (Creative Writing, Professional Writing, Literary Studies, etc.) the university can easily prepare students for a number of careers with an English degree. 

Now, let's take a look at a typical day as an English major. It looks a lot like this:

(#LivingInLang)

Lang Hall! The main building for Communications and English courses, Lang Hall is home to me and many other students here at UNI. 

People may think that English classes are strictly reading old books, but that is simply not the case. In addition to reading a wide variety of literature, students also study Linguistics, how to write and compose different types of essays, and take some really fun classes like Film History and Blues and Jazz In African American Literature!

If you think an English major sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can learn more about it at: http://www.uni.edu/langlit/content/english

That's all for now, Future Panthers!

-Emily

(STAR)

...of a Theatre Production

Hey, everyone!

Recently, I saw the UNI Theatre production of "The American Way of Eating." The play was adapted from the book of the same title by Tracie McMillan. The book is based on the events of McMillan going undercover in the fields of California, a Wal-Mart produce section, and a kitchen at Applebees. Reading the book and seeing the play was also required for Cornerstone students. Tracie McMillan even came to speak with students in the Cornerstone classes and saw UNI's production of "The American Way of Eating".

I sat down with Molly Giegerich, one of the students in the production of "The American Way of Eating," who gave me a short synopsis of the play.

-Jill, STARS

...Of Being Locked Indoors

Happy Fall/Winter Future Panthers!

For all you Midwesters, you know what you are getting yourself into by coming to UNI.  For those coming elsewhere, just google Iowa's winters so you know what to expect...  Now, I am not trying to scare you all, but today was one of the colder days on campus and I gained some inspiration from our "lovely" weather.  

At first, I was sad because I realized that this is the start of being inside more and we won't be able to fully enjoy our beautiful campus.  I quickly became thankful because UNI gives us many opportunities to have fun indoors!  For example, CAB hosts weekly events for us to attend in order to cure the winter blues or there are the plenty of winter sports going on in the Dome (...it's always 70 degrees) and McLeod Center.  Today, I want to focus on what to do in your dorm! Let's just say I am playing Pinterest for today :)

What do you first think of on a cold day?

A hot beverage and a blanket to cuddle and watch movies in.

You are probably thinking, "How am I supposed to get a hot beverage in the dorms?"  Well, you have plenty of options!

1. Go to 23rd St or Biscotti's so you can take it back to your dorm room.

2. See if any of your neighbors brought a Keurig and/or microwave.

3. All of the residence halls have microwaves and kitchenettes in them for the students' use!

Homemade Hot Beverage Recipes

Either you have the blanket or you don't.  If you want a new craft, make your own blanket! I love woven blankets, but my grandmas do not knit as a hobby so I never get those as gifts.  If you are like me, this pin will come in handy...

Now go to your hall's office and get a movie from the movie club!

Stay warm Panthers!

~STAR Joslyn

...of a UNI Sports Fan!

Hello PANTHERS!

So, I was thinking about it today, and realized that I have not yet been to ANY other sporting event at school this year other than football games. UGH. Talk about a bad supporter! - Not really. But, I realized that I really should be making a better effort to go to different sporting events to support teams who are just as great, but not as well supported! What other sporting events am I even talking about you might ask? Well just this week, there is a womens soccer game against Illinois State on Thursday at 4PM as well as  a volleyball game this Friday against Illinois State at 7PM! Since I might not usually, I definitely think I'll be in attendance this week!

Since all the sporting events are FREE for students, why wouldn’t we all take advantage and go support as much as we can as often as we can!

One really fun thing about the sporting events here at UNI is the Interlude dance! Some UNI students created it and it became a complete hit! Usually, this dance is done at half time during a football game, and during periods in a basketball game. What started as just a series of movements is now an extremely popular dance and known throughout the United States! Here is the run down of how the dance goes:

1.     Warm your hands up around the fire

2.     Clap your hands at the appropriate time

3.     The interlude

4.     Sparkles

5.     The ninja robot

6.     Fist pumps, starting at the floor

7.     The revenge of the interlude

Got it? No? Ok. Well heres a little something that might give you a little better idea of what this looks like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cuS_31zJ6U

And there you have it! The interlude dance. Not as intimidating as you imagined, huh? The thing I love about this dance is that it is unique to the University of Northern Iowa and has become popular through student collaboration. It is a really fun way to not only come together as a student body and look silly together, but a GREAT way to really throw off the opposing team and fans while you’re at it!

Moral of the story, I think it is very important to not only support your “favorite” athletic teams, but let all of the University of Northern Iowa athletes know that you’re standing behind them. Step out of your comfort zone, grab a friend, and interlude the game away!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK, FRIENDS!

STAR, Molly

...Of UNI Homecoming!

Hey Future Panthers!

If you planned a visit sometime this week or attended (will attend) a Panther Open House this week, you might see students a little stressed.  I promise campus isn't always like this, only when it comes down to crunch time! Now is definitely crunch time...why? you ask... Well last week was HOMECOMING! Javier and I mentioned it a bit in previous posts, but I just want to make sure you guys get excited NOW.

So here's the breakdown:

Monday - PRIDE CRY!!

Pride Cry is a competition amongst willing student orgs on campus.  They have to mock up a song that relates to UNI and Homecoming in general as well as sing the fight song.  They are not allowed to use props, music other than their lovely voices, or stunting - PANTHER PRIDE ONLY. Also they have a 3 min time limit.  The top 3 teams go onto finals, which are during Friday's Pep Rally.  This year CATS and SAA, ADPi and SAE, and Dance Marathon went on to the finals - keep reading to see the video of the winning team!

Tuesday - Royalty Competition

At the Pride Cry Opening Ceremony, we are introduced to our Homecoming Court.  The following night they compete in a talent show to fight for the coveted spots: Homecoming King and Queen.  Those titles are revealed at the Pep Rally as well before the Pride Cry performances.

UNI Homecoming 2013's candidates

Wednesday - A LOT OF THINGS

We have a variety of things from free food, a race, and some gambling! Check out Javier's post about the Casino Night happenings. I would like to talk to you about the Traditions Challenge Amazing Race.  It is my personal favorite because I am one of UNI's very own Official Traditions Keeper.  This year 24 teams raced around campus in crazy costumes completing 11 traditions! Anyone can sign up and anyone can complete Traditions throughout the rest of the year!

SAA won 1st place!

Thursday - Magician

I unfortunately missed this event along with a lot of other Panthers because we had to turn away over 200 students! This event is so crazy that people were waiting in line over an hour before the event! I guess it is top secret, so check it out next year!

Friday - Pep Rally

This is one of our last attempts to be all catty and crazy! Sports teams come in and show their talents along with all of the reveals!  Dance Marathon won the overall Homecoming Competition! And just in case you haven't heard, Steven Sanchez made history! He is the first "gender queer" Homecoming Queen! Also, our hilarious Yaw won Homecoming King.  I bet you all are on the edge of your seats to find out about Pride Cry though...see if you can spot me on the left ;)

 

Now contain your excitement because you have to get through Senior year before getting on our level ;)

 

~STAR Joslyn

...of CAB Casino Night!

The University of Northern Iowa CAB organization presented Casino Night! This night was filled with fun casino games and mock-tails that gave the event a feeling of being in a real casino. Students from across campus came to participate in various casino games and enjoyed the company of friends. Casino Night was an immense success and just shows the great events the University of Northern Iowa can provide for students.

-Javi, STAR

...Of Being Batty Over Halloween!

BOO!!!

Excuse me, I should have said, "Hey, Future Panthers!" but forgive me, I'm way too into the spirit of my favorite holiday/time of year: Halloween!

Alright, so let's talk about why Halloween (especially Halloween at UNI) is so spook-tacularly awesome. First of all...

Decorations. How great are fall/Halloween decorations? I myself get a little crazy in the dollar section of Target, but I took the liberty of also snapping some photos around town as well as my own apartment.

(these bottom photos are not my house, but a girl can dream)

Secondly, TREATS. Let's face it, when someone offers you candy corn, you don't tell them no. Not only that, but Chats (the on-campus coffee shop) is serving up pumpkin spice lattes and piping hot apple cider this time of year. Who am I to turn that down? Oh, a jack-o-lantern cookie? Don't mind if I do!

To burn off some of those Halloween treat calories, you might take a walk around campus, where you would see the most gorgeous trees and autumn colors. UNI's campus during this time of year looks like you just walked into a Bob Ross painting. Check out my sweet nature photography skills.

(#nofilter)

Now, let's talk about entertainment. The Alpha Psi Omega theatre fraternity puts on an annual performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show this time of year and it is amazing. A quote from someone on the event's Facebook page: "It isn't Halloween season unless I attend this." Beyond campus, there are also a few haunted houses in the area, as well as a Zombie Walk put on by Mohair Pair!

Aside from live entertainment, it is also time to bust out your favorite Halloween movies. Since the thought of a horror film alone makes me want to sleep with the lights on, I opt for some light-hearted flicks instead! Feast your eyes on my collection below (try not to be too jealous).

(Don't worry, The Nightmare Before Christmas is on Netflix)

I could ramble on about Halloween all day long, but I'll wrap this up before that happens and leave you with a photo of my little sister and me from October 1998, where this whole obsession began. And yes, we won the cosutme contest.

Have a fang-tastic Halloween, Future Panthers! 

-Emily (STAR)

of a coffee lovin' student!

 

Hi there, Panther cubs!

 

So I stopped by Cup of Joe to get some coffee and study when I came across my newest addiction.. caramel apple cider! YUMMY! It was so fantastic that I just had to share this little coffee shop with all of you! Enjoy!

 

-Megan, STAR

...Of a New President

Happy Homecoming Future Panthers!

This week we are celebrating our homecoming and I couldn't be any more excited! Homecoming means a lot of things for a lot of different people.  I see it as an excuse to be overly proud of being a panther. I also love seeing everyone join in on the celebration! This year, we are welcoming a new President into our panther family! This past Friday, the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) hosted the installation of President William (Bill) Ruud.

President William Ruud giving his speech at the Installation

 The installation was an exciting opportunity for students because we had the chance to see the presentation of a new beginning at UNI.  Since President Ruud first stepped foot on campus, he has made an effort to get to know the students and make his way through our community.  We saw him help us move in late August; he has been at every single sporting event; he even shows up at Residence Halls for ice cream and chit chat!

President Ruud with the most dedicated Panthers

President Ruud claims that by the end of this semester he will meet with every student org on campus! I have had the opportunity to speak with him on several occasions and it seems as though his inspiring effect rubs off on everyone!

Get excited Future Panthers because UNI has a new groove!

~STAR Joslyn

...of Hispanic Celebration

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from September 15th to October 15th and many of the celebrations on campus are hosted by the Hispanic Latino Student Union.  This past Friday, I had the joy of celebrating with the UNI community at the UNI Latino Fest hosted by HLSU and Art for El Salvador (another student organization on campus). There were a ton of student orgs there, along with different opportunities for Hispanic Education there as well.  Get a glimpse of my fun afternoon...

~STAR Joslyn

...of Secret Study Spaces!

As the school year starts to gain speed and professors start to pile on the homework, it seems more and more time is being spent with our nose in a book, holed up in our dorm rooms. Need of change of scenery? Check out these places on campus. I know that when I have a comfortable place to study, sometimes it can even be (dare I say it?) enjoyable!

First up is Maucker Union. This is a popular place on campus, but you may be unaware of all the secret hideaways the Union has to offer. My personal favorite is the Union’s roof. Accessible from the inside or outside, it is a beautiful place to study when the weather is nice. Another place is the Hemisphere Lounge located behind Chats. It’s a great place to go to get away from the usual chatter of the Union, sit in super comfy seats, and is conveniently located behind the coffee shop for those caffeine cravings.

 

Maucker Union's rooftop and Hemisphere Lounge

Next is perhaps an obvious place: the library. But hear me out for a second, the library has four floors intended for different studying purposes. Need a silent place to study for a big exam? Head up to the silent fourth floor. Working on a group project or need to access the youth collection? The third floor is the place to be. Also located in the youth collection is a neat room with bean bags and a cool tree to settle next to. The second floor is also great for group projects and the first floor is well known for its comfy booth seating. 

 Rod Library's Third Floor Youth Collection Reading Room and First Floor Study Booths

Want someplace really cool? Check out the ITTC or UNI’s Botanical Center. Converted from UNI’s old swimming pool, the ITTC has a studying area on the second floor. In the Botanical Center you will be surrounded by rainforest plants and a few cool animals. The center has a few birds and an iguana. Not a lot of people know about these places, but they are great study environments!

 ITTC Second Floor and the Botanical Center

So next time you get in a study rut, explore one of these places. You might just find your new favorite study spot! Happy studying!

STAR Stephanie