At the University of Northern Iowa, our history isn’t just something we remember — it’s something we live. From our earliest days, UNI has been a place of service, education and impact.

Before UNI even became a university, our campus had a mission. In 1866, the state of Iowa established an orphanage here to care for children affected by the Civil War. As the need for the orphanage declined, Black Hawk County leaders saw an opportunity to transform the space into a place of learning. In 1876, the Iowa State Normal School opened its doors, welcoming its first class on Sept. 6.