University of Northern Iowa

05/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/12/2026 08:58

UNI announces 2026 homecoming theme “The Future is Purple”

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Panthers near and far will gather in Cedar Falls this October to celebrate "The Future is Purple" for the University of Northern Iowa Homecoming. This theme is perfectly fitting for the grand finale of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, as the institution looks ahead to the next 150 years of preparing students and alumni to impact Iowa and beyond.

"Homecoming is always a special time for the Panther community, but this year's celebration carries even greater meaning as we conclude UNI's sesquicentennial," said Mark Nook. "It is a privilege to celebrate 150 years of Panther Pride, traditions and impact alongside our students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. The energy and connection that Homecoming brings to campus truly reflect the spirit of UNI."

"The Future is Purple" will be evident all week, but especially during the Homecoming parade in downtown Cedar Falls on Saturday, Oct. 10. The parade's grand marshals and dignitaries will be announced at a future date, along with entertainment for the Homecoming Bash and additional events throughout the week.

The celebration is the signature climax of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, which has been underway since last fall. The festivities will also highlight the conclusion and impact of Our Tomorrow: The Campaign for UNI, the university's boldest fundraising campaign ever.

To stay up-to-date on all things Homecoming, visit the web page homecoming.uni.edu.

University of Northern Iowa published this content on May 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 12, 2026 at 14:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]