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
CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor

All content by CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Executive Editor Caroline Christensen has written for the Northern Iowan since her freshmen year of college, and served as News Editor her sophomore year.

Executive Editor bids farewell

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
May 1, 2024
News Editor, Mallory Schmitz, has served as News Editor for two years covering everything from state legislative measures to UNI basketball.

[Photo] News Editor Schmitz signs off

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
May 1, 2024
In the 1930s, the Homeowners Land Corporation created a series of redlining maps, like the one above of Waterloo, Iowa. These maps classified areas of the cities based on the level of real estate security, which likely played a role in companies denying loans to minority populations for decades. The effects are still felt today, with Wallstreet 24/7 ranking Waterloo as the sixth worst place to be Black in the United States in 2023.

Uprooting Redlining

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 24, 2024
The TikTok Shop feeds into a culture of consumerism, which can be toxic for both people’s well-being and the environment.

Overconsumption is over

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive 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.

Students campaign for voter participation

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 17, 2024
Unlocking the RA experience

Unlocking the RA experience

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN and BAILEY KLINKHAMMER
Apr 10, 2024
Parte de los ingresos de recorrido de bares anfitrión de OneBuzz se donarán a la Fundación de Henry Schueler 41 & 9, una organización sin fines de lucro que recauda dinero para avanzar en la investigación para curar la leucemia pediátrica.

Recorrido de bares por una causa

MIREYA PATIÑO and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Apr 9, 2024
Kendall Lienemann and Paige German table in Maucker Union to promote the Rummage Rampage event coming to Maucker Union on April 15.

Rummage Rampage coming to campus

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 8, 2024
OneBuzz, a social media company founded for students by students, will be bringing a bar crawl to the Hill April 27.

Bar crawling for a cause

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 6, 2024
Students in Professor Nikki Harken's "Next Step Program" pose for a group photo.

Preparing for post-grad with the ‘Next Step Program’

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 3, 2024
UNI flutist Emily Paul finds joy in performing and holds a variety of leadership positions within the School of Music.

‘It’s about the art and the connections’

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 27, 2024
The NI staff ventured to a beach in the La Jolla Village where they encountered a large group of seals.

[Photo] PHOTO SLIDESHOW: The Cats take on California

NI STAFF, NI Editors
Mar 20, 2024
Uthe’s experience at UNI with SAR Improv and UNI Theater helped paved the way to his current profession of Education Administrative Associate for the Children’s Theater Company.

UNI alum brings theater to kids

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 20, 2024
Violations noted for some Cedar Falls restaurants

Violations noted for some Cedar Falls restaurants

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 20, 2024
The Panther Pantry offers more than food to students – offering tampons, dental dams, and other hygiene products.

Behind the shelves of the Panther Pantry

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 6, 2024
President-elect Lizbeth Montalvo and vice-president elect Joshua Walsh celebrate their win as Northern Iowa Student Government's next president and vice president.

Student Government Election Results Announced

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 28, 2024
Annie Karr, associate director of marketing for University Housing and Dining, said that there was a near record number of returning students renewing contracted for fall 2024. The occupancy for fall 2024 is anticipated to be as high as it was in 2018.

Housing portal scramble

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 27, 2024
A former UNI student has been arrested following alleged threats towards administrators.

Former UNI student facing charges following threats

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 21, 2024
State Senator Giddens invites students to share their concerns about what the state is doing with him in Maucker Union’s State College Room this Friday.

State Senator Giddens to host drop-by event on campus

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive 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.

Reproductive rights discourse heats up

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 13, 2024
The “Imagine College Hill Vision Plan” aims to revitalize and develop College Hill. The plan has sat largely untouched since 2021, until it was rescinded by Cedar Falls City Council in November. However, the council voted in their most recent meeting to adopt the plan, with a vote of 5-2.

Hope for the Hill

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 7, 2024
PHOTO SLIDESHOW: UNI Hosts Overseas Teaching Fair

PHOTO SLIDESHOW: UNI Hosts Overseas Teaching Fair

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 6, 2024
‘A gesture of care and solidarity’

‘A gesture of care and solidarity’

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Jan 31, 2024
UNI’s Black Student Union will be hosting a lineup of events celebrating Black History Month. The club’s leaders say that recognizing and celebrating this month is especially important at a predominantly white institution like UNI.

Black Student Union creates community

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Jan 31, 2024
Empowering Panthers

Empowering Panthers

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Jan 25, 2024
As the spring semester begins, UNI faculty continue to make an effort to make course materials affordable. In the past two years, the number of professors selecting free materials for their courses doubled.

Textbooks without breaking the bank

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Jan 17, 2024
Temperatures plunged this week, prompting the university to have all classes meet virtually on Tuesday.

[Photo] Frozen over

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Jan 17, 2024
UNLV Shooting Suspect was Former Instructor at UNI

UNLV Shooting Suspect was Former Instructor at UNI

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Dec 7, 2023
A student holds up a handmade sign in support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.

Regents approve DEI recommendations

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 19, 2023

Students express support for DEI program in protest

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 15, 2023
BSU Vice President Celia Emunah (pictured left) and BSU President Randy Whitfield (pictured right) table for BSU at the beginning of the semester. Both Emunah and Whitfield hope Melanin Week will help support and encourage students of color on campus.

“See My Color”

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 15, 2023
The Iowa Board of Regents will be presented with a report about 2023 fall enrollment at their meeting on Thurs- day. The section in purple on the graph above shows UNI’s enrollment numbers.

Board of Regents to meet

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 15, 2023
International students wear the flags of their home countries as they prepare to compete in the CATS Traditions Challenge Amazing Race during the week of Homecoming.

Breaking barriers, building bridges

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
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
Walter Burtis, pictured left, is running for Cedar Falls mayor. Burtis and his family have lived in Cedar Falls since 2000. He opened his first business in Cedar Falls in 2017, and has opened several other businesses since. Danny Laudick, pictured right, is running for Cedar Falls mayor. A Cedar Falls native, he graduated from UNI with a degree in Business Economics and has founded several businesses and community initiatives in the Cedar Valley.

Use your vote Nov. 7

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 1, 2023

Basking in the Candlelight

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN and ERIN MCRAE
Oct 26, 2023
Maas anchors a weekend morning show at KWWL. Maas is an alum of UNI and was the Executive Editor of the Northern Iowan from 2020-2021.

On air with KWWL’s Emma’le Maas

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 18, 2023
The International Club of Business Students, pictured at a Business Visit Day Oct. 6.

ICBS makes their mark

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive 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
Larry Yazzie of the Meskwaki Nation performs at UNI in celebration of a new cooperative mission between UNI and the Meskwaki in 2021. The newly formed Indigenous Student Organization hopes to educate the campus community about Indigenous cultures and communities.

The importance of Indigenous stories

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 11, 2023
Blazing the trail

Blazing the trail

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 11, 2023
A photo by Meadow Olsen from last year’s exhibit. Students can submit photography as part of the exhibition.

C.H.A.N.G.E. Exhibit seeking student submissions

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 4, 2023
A model of the set design for “Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress.” UNI alum Dylan Nicole Martin hopes this production will inspire people to create safe spaces for young people.

Panther Profile: Dylan Nicole Martin

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 4, 2023
Moussa Barry is a Fulbright Scholar who hails from Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Panther Profile: Moussa Barry

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 27, 2023
The third annual Harvest Conference will be held in Maucker Union this Thursday, Sept. 28.

Reset, refocus, renew

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 26, 2023
The third annual Harvest Conference will be held in Maucker Union this Thursday, Sept. 28.

Reiniciarse, reenforcarse, renovarse

KARINA ORTIZ and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Sep 26, 2023
Former UNI students admire one of the cannons in front of Lang Hall. Photo courtesy of UNI Special Collections

The history behind Lang Hall’s cannons

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 20, 2023
Students crowded into the Panther Mayhem student section for the home-opener football game on Sept. 9. Panther Mayhem as an organization is active for the first time this year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return of the Mayhem

ADAM JOHNSON and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
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.

Students without AC desperate for relief

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 13, 2023
UNI President Mark Nook discussed the future of the university in an exclusive interview with the Northern Iowan.

President Nook looks to the future

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 5, 2023
Feel free to disagree: Reflecting on Free Speech

Feel free to disagree: Reflecting on Free Speech

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Aug 30, 2023
Executive editor looks to uplifting year

Executive editor looks to uplifting year

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Aug 26, 2023

An Open Letter to Iowa’s State Legislators Concerning Abortion and Women’s Healthcare

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 26, 2023
The vandalism first appeared early last week. The name Mack Brightman was written on the lower abdomen of the lowest acrobat on the sculpture. The name has since been removed.

Acrobats sculpture vandalized, restored

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 19, 2023
As part of the Pride Week celebrations, Maucker Union displayed various pride flags in the coffeehouse area.

UNI celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Week

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 10, 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.

Blue safety phones to be removed

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 2, 2023
With this federal grant, UNI hopes to help address the shortage of school psychologists in Iowa schools. The recommended ratio of school psychologists to students is one to 500, while Iowa’s current ratio is about one to 1,800 or 1,900, some regions having a much higher disparity.

UNI receives $2.5 million federal grant for mental health access

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 22, 2023
After a year of fundraising, UNI Dance Marathon celebrated their fundraising with their annnual Big Event. After 12 hours of standing, the grand total of $128,063.12 was revealed, which will be used to provide 10,671 meals for families at the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Dancing for a chance

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 19, 2023
The "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit aims to educate people that sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time, no matter what they may be wearing. This photo shows submissions from previous years, ranging from a dress to a sweatshirt and sweatpants.

“What Were You Wearing” exhibit aims to spread sexual assault awareness

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 22, 2023
After unexpectedly ending in May of 2022, Adventure Trips resume this spring with opportunities for students to go backpacking, climbing, skiing and more. The program plans to take students on a ski trip to the Mines of Spain near Dubuque this year, a favorite destination from years past.

Adventure Trips back in action

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 6, 2023
"The College Tour" team filmed on campus this fall, capturing 10 students' unique experiences at UNI along with plenty of footage in iconic campus spaces.

UNI to be featured in “The College Tour”

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 2, 2023
Julie Ann certainly made a significant impact on students, Rob Library and the entire UNI community.

Remembering Julie Ann

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Jan 23, 2023
The silence of the campanile has been daunting, but soon campus will hear the familiar sound of bells ringing again.

Campanile comeback:

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Dec 4, 2022

International Education Week kicks off

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 15, 2022
UNI aloja a muchos estudiantes de diferentes partes del mundo. Hace dos semanas se dedicó una semana para celebrar las diferentes culturas de los estudiantes internacionales así como con el resto de los estudiantes para compartir las costumbres y tradiciones de cada país.

Experiences of international students

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 15, 2022
Gov. Kim Reynolds is up for re-election on Nov. 8. She has elicited many different opinions from Iowans during her time as governor due to her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her stance on abortion.

Meet the candidates: midterm edition

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Nov 2, 2022
Bohl's donation was announced during the Homecoming football game on Oct. 8. Bohl graduated from UNI in 1962 with a degree in mathematics before starting a career in the computer field with IBM.

Former Panther gifts $5 million

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 26, 2022
For a full list of events and details, visit https://familyweekend.uni.edu.

Panther families celebrate Family Weekend

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 19, 2022
UNI junior Jon Klippenstein competed on season 14 of 'American Ninja Warrior,' which aired in June 2022. He advanced onto the second round of the competition due to his fast time before being eliminated.

UNI students compete on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 9, 2022

Ding dong: New bells cast during Our Tomorrow campaign launch

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 9, 2022
The Verdin Company will be casting seven new bells on Oct. 6. It is the same company that upgraded the carillon in 1968, and they absorbed the company that cast the original bells in 1929.

Campanile upgrades commence

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 2, 2022
The UNI Outdoors Adventure Trips Program was cut in May 2022. The program allowed students, faculty, and community members to experience outdoor recreation in America's backcountry, such as the Mines of Spain in Dubuque where the group above took a ski trip in 2021.

Adventure Trips meets abrupt end

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 19, 2022
MercyOne Cedar Falls OB/GYN on Bluebell Road offers birth control counseling along with pregnancy services available throughout the entire pregnancy.

New women’s health clinic opens in Cedar Falls

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Sep 7, 2022
The Botanical Center is the perfect spot to eat your grilled cheese sandwich from the Book Bistro; grab your partner and experience a snippet of the tropical life.

A night out on campus

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Aug 31, 2022
The roof of the ITTC, originally constructed in 1903 as the women's gymnasium, is currently undergoing extensive construction on the roof to repair leaks. The project is set to be complete in August 2023.

Construction in motion on campus

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Aug 29, 2022

Parking Guide 101

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Aug 25, 2022
Students have expressed frustration over lack of faculty in the Construction Management program.

Lack of professors prompts outcry from students, alumni

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
May 5, 2022
Heather Harbach, pictured above, is the new VP of Student Life.

Heather Harbach begins as new VP of Student Life

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
May 5, 2022
Philip Glass' production of Akhaten at the Metropolitan Opera.

UNI voice professor wins Grammy

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 18, 2022
One of the main benefits of an undergraduate pursuing the 4+1 program is utilizing undergraduate scholarships, grants and financial aid.

[Photo] UNI offers new 4+1 graduate program

MADDIE DAVIS, Staff Writer
Apr 14, 2022
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: boasts local talent in their upcoming production.

Local theatre thrives in upcoming musical

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 11, 2022
The Ukrainian city of Ivano Frankivsk is where UNI professor Oksana Grybovych Hafermann is originally from. Hafermann settled in the United States 18 years ago.

Ukrainian UNI professor weighs in on war in her home country

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Apr 7, 2022
Jane Mertesdorf founded UNI's first softball program in 1970. Her teams went on to win numerous state titles and a national title in 1977.

Jane Mertesdorf: Founder of UNI Softball

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 28, 2022
Colleen Mulholland will begin her work immediately as the official Dean of the College of Education.

College of Ed Dean announced

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 21, 2022
Lawther Hall was built in 1939 and was dedicated in Anna Lawther's honor in 1940. Lawther Hall was used as a women's dormitory for years before becoming co-ed.

The women who made UNI

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 21, 2022
UNI Dance Marathon raised $150,895.11 for the Stead Family Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon's platform read, "Thank you again for an incredible year and event. We couldn't do what we do without you. We're excited for more memories and miracle making next year."

Making miracles at Dance Marathon

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 7, 2022
Marion McFarland Walker (1861-1957)

The women who made UNI

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Mar 7, 2022
In writing this article, the Northern Iowan spoke with 15 current and former RAs on and off the record.

R(A)eality of being an RA

OLIVIA BRUNSTING and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Mar 3, 2022
Fight for historical campus buildings continue

Fight for historical campus buildings continue

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 14, 2022
Students will have the opportunity to connect with potential employers and grad schools Feb. 15 at the. spring Career Fair.

Spring into the 2022 Career Fair

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 14, 2022
Heather Harbach, is a final candidate for the VP for Student Life position.

Meet the candidates: VP for Student Life

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 14, 2022
Brandon Javon Mitchell was arrested on charges of attempted murder among other charges.

Update on shots fired on the hill

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 8, 2022

Person killed on the hill

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Feb 7, 2022
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