Congratulations 2015 Graduates

Dear UNI Family,

Congratulations, graduates! We look forward to conferring degrees to more than 1,870 students; recognizing our Lux Service Award recipients Blake Findley and Kara Poppe; and honoring Sen. Tom Harkin, Gayle Johns Rose and Ambassador Nancy Powell as Honorary Degree recipients.

So many of you have worked so hard to reach this achievement. But, remember that it is the successes throughout the year that get us to where we are today. I'd like to share just a few of the successes from this year:

• UNI hosted is first day of giving, We Are One UNI, in December. This campaign brought students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members together for 24 hours to support UNI.

• For the third consecutive year, UNI is a top 100 "Best Value in Public Colleges" according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

• Jim Wohlpart was named UNI's provost and executive vice president.

• At the end of 2014, UNI received a generous donation from Robert and Margaret Bradford to establish a faculty chair position – the highest academic designation to bestow on a faculty member.

• UNI's Dance Marathon exceeded their fundraising goal for the fourth consecutive year. The UNI chapter raised $278,135.04, well above its $225,000 goal.

• And let's not forget about the outstanding season the men's basketball team had – MVC champions, multiple academic awards and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed your time at UNI. Thank you for helping this university continue to be a great place filled with opportunities to learn and be challenged. As you continue on your journey, know that you are always welcome at your alma mater.

Thank you for a great year! Enjoy Commencement and have a wonderful summer.

Purple for Life

Bill Ruud