ESPAÑOL
Chalamet stars in the recently released, “Marty Supreme,” an American sports comedy-drama.
See SUPREME, page 4
University
See MILLER, page 6
SPORTS UNI men’s basketball team fell to the Valparaiso Beacons 54-44 on Saturday, Jan. 17.
See BASKETBALL, page 10
SPORTS Senior Ryley Goebel scored 32 points against Bradley, scoring the first 11 points of the game.
See GOEBEL, page 11
By InsideUNI
Nearly 2,000 volunteers, including University of Northern Iowa faculty, staff and students, along with organizations and businesses from across the Cedar Valley, came together to assemble more than 70,000 food bags during the 2026 Pack the Dome event, the community’s larg-
est annual volunteer effort.
Held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pack the Dome encourages participants to honor the holiday through acts of service. This year, 1,958 volunteers filled the UNI-Dome floor to assemble donations for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank
and its backpack program, surpassing the event’s goal of 60,000 bags and assembling a total of 70,272.
“Pack the Dome shows what makes this community special — when people come together in service, the impact reaches far beyond a single event. It illustrates
the best of who we are,” said Julianne Gassman, director of Community Engagement at UNI. “Seeing so many people working side by side to support their neighbors shows just how deeply giving back is woven into the fabric of this community.”
By Lily Munnik News Editor
The University of Northern Iowa Athletics Department announced the launch of the Ever Loyal Club, a rebrand of the long-standing Panther Scholarship Club, aimed at increasing clarity and transparency in how donor funds are used amid changes across NCAA Division 1 athletics.
The rebrand comes during a period of transformation within college athletics, including new financial models that have reshaped how athletic departments allocate their resources. One of the most notable developments for UNI Athletics this past year was the implementation of Competitive Excellence Funds, a revenue-sharing program that supports all Panther sports programs.
While sport-specific programs will continue to provide designated support to their individual teams, the Ever Loyal Club will place an emphasis on the importance of unrestricted funds
within the department’s overall budget.
“The Ever Loyal Club builds on a vision started in 1963 with the founding of The Century Club,” said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. “The idea then, and as it continues to be today, was to cultivate the passion fans have for Panther Athletics into donations to support the student-athlete experience at UNI.”
Funds raised through the Ever Loyal Club are unrestricted, meaning they are not designated for a specific sport, department or project. Instead, donations support a widerange of student-athlete needs, including scholarships, academic and support services, nutrition, equipment and other essential operational expenses.
According to the athletics department, this funding model allows UNI to respond more effectively to evolving needs across all programs while ensuring student-athletes are positioned for success both in
competition and in the classroom.
“The Ever Loyal name celebrates Panther Pride, referenced in the UNI Fight Song,” said Franklin. “It puts into practice the loyalty of members who have transformed UNI Athletics from 1963 to today.”
In addition to the name and visual identity change, the rebrand also introduces a reevaluation of giving levels and donor benefits. The Ever Loyal Club will offer fewer giving tiers, with an increased focus on personalizing individual giving plans and benefits based on what matters most to each donor. Additional details regarding updated benefits will be shared directly with members during the upcoming renewal cycle.
The announcement follows a record-breaking fundraising year for the Panther Scholarship Club. During the 2025 fund drive, the organization raised $1,576,146 from 1,133 members, marking the first
year-over-year increase in membership since 2015. The campaign also brought 278 new members, the highest number of new donors since 2011.
The Ever Loyal Club is governed by a board of directors led by President Mark Scheel and Vice President Chris Larimer. The Ever Loyal Club traces its roots back more than six decades.
Today, with more than 1,130 active members in 2025, the Ever Loyal Club continues that mission, serving as the primary fundraiser for UNI Athletics.
More information about the Ever Loyal Club is available at SupportThePanthers.com.
Following the retirement of Rep. Bob Kressig after 22 years of service to Iowa
By Lily Munnik News Editor
With longtime State Rep. Bob Kressig announcing his retirement after 11 terms in the Iowa House, two University of Northern Iowa alumni have stepped forward to seek the open seat in House District 75, forming a competitive Democratic primary rooted in Cedar Falls.
Jared Gadson of Cedar Falls and Drew Stensland, a Cedar Falls native and former UNI student body president, both announced their candidacies in early January, each bringing an emphasis to continuing Kressig’s legacy while also offering perspectives and priorities for the district.
Gadson framed his campaign as an effort to honor Kressig’s long tenure while preparing District 75 for the future. In his announcement, he praised the retiring legislator for his consistent focus on public education and working families.
“Mr. Kressig has been a steady, principled leader who consistently put people first,” said Gadson. “His long-standing commitment to public education, working families and fairness has left a meaningful and lasting mark on District 75.”
Gadson said he is running to provide “strong, accessible leadership,” emphasizing values of honor and integrity. He plans to begin meeting with voters across the district in the coming weeks, with additional campaign details to be released later.
“Our community deserves representation that listens,
works hard and leads with honor, respect and integrity,” Gadson said. “I’m running to build on the foundation Rep. Kressig leaves behind and to ensure House District 75 continues to have a strong voice at the Capitol.”
Stesland’s campaign
consists of local roots, campus leadership and state government experience. A graduate of Cedar Falls High School, he was involved in efforts to pass the bond that led to the construction of the community’s new high school. He earned his degree from UNI
announcement also highlighted Kressig’s influence, describing the retiring lawmaker as both a representative and personal mentor.
“Rep. Kressig is not just my representative, but my friend,” Stensland said. “I’m grateful for Bob’s service to our district and it would be an honor to carry the torch forward and continue the legacy of public service he has shown us in his time in office.”
Stensland’s background
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insiders running our state, it’s time for change,” Stensland said. “I’ve seen friends leave Iowa, public schools struggle for funding and insiders in Des Moines demonstrate over and over that they won’t fight for us.”
Stensland cited his par-
in 2019 and served as student body president during his time there.
For the past six years, Stendland has worked in the Iowa State Auditor’s Office, where he has been involved in implementing State Auditor Rob Sand’s Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program. He said that experience has shaped his focus on transparency and restoring trust in state government.
“After a decade of corrupt
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ents, a retired Area Education Agency educator and a Cedar Falls firefighter, as key influences on his commitment to public service. He also pointed to broader concerns about declining participation in civic leadership among young people.
“When fewer young people step into public service, nothing changes unless someone is willing to lead,” he said.
His policies include
lowering costs for working Iowans, fully funding public education, strengthening UNI as an economic driver for the Cedar Valley, protecting clean drinking water and the environment and supporting seniors through affordable and accountable long-term care options.
House District 75, which includes Cedar Falls and surrounding areas in Black Hawk County, has been represented by Kressig since 2007. His retirement opens the door to a new generation of leadership, with both candidates positioning themselves as successors to his service-oriented approach while outlining different paths moving forward.
As the campaign season unfolds, voters in District 75 can expect more information from both candidates as they make their case to continue the district’s voice at the Iowa Capitol.
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This year’s Pack the Dome also served as the launch of “Spring Into Service: Cats Who Care,” a semester-long service initiative held as part of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration. Volunteers from across campus and several university departments worked side by aside on assembly lines, packing sacks, boxing donations and stacking pallets of food.
“Pack the Dome was a great way to launch our ‘Spring into Service: Cats Who Care’ portion of our celebration,” said UNI Sesquicentennial Co-Chair
Randy Pilkington. “We value our partnership with Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the opportunity to assist with this great service event.”
UNI Sesquicentennial Co-Chair Cary Darrah echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of service in the university’s history and mission.
“It was an honor to participate in the 2026 Pack the Dome event!” Darrah said. “Contributing to a community project that exemplifies service is in line with the UNI sesquicenten-
nial message, which celebrates 150 years of collaboration between the University of Northern Iowa and the Cedar Valley.”
Spring Into Service: Cats Who Care will continue throughout the semester, with additional volunteer opportunities in the months ahead. The next signature event of the initiative will be the UNI Day of Service on April 8, 2026. Registration opportunities will be announced soon.
UNI alumni are also encouraged to participate by giving back 150 minutes
(2.5 hours) of service in their local communities, wherever they live this semester.
UNI’s commitment to service was recently recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. The designation reflects community engagement embedded across the institution, from academic programs and research initiatives to student organizations, centers and institutes.
By InsideUNI
The University of Northern Iowa is among fewer than 240 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. UNI has consistently held this distinction since its introduction in 2006, underscoring the university’s longstanding commitment to meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with its communities.
UNI’s successful application reflects community engagement embedded across the institution, from academic programs and research initiatives to student organizations, centers and institutes. Community engagement also aligns closely with the university’s strategic plan and future vision.
“This recognition for the University of Northern Iowa reaffirms our institution’s commitment to the quality of life for residents of the state of
Iowa,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “Serving communities across our state continues to be central to our mission at UNI. Thank you to our faculty, staff and students who helped UNI earn this prestigious honor.”
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is awarded following a rigorous process of institutional self-study and documentation. At UNI, a cornerstone of the application was the university’s focus on designated service-learning courses, launching a Service-Learning Institute, and recognizing and celebrating community engagement across campus.
UNI’s community engagement is advanced through numerous academic and co-curricular partnerships that address community-identified needs.
Included in this work is the UNI Center for Civic Education, which prepares educated citizens who strengthen democracy, an important element for reclassification.
UNI highlights many of these efforts
through “UNI Engaged,” a podcast produced by UNI staff and students that showcases community partnerships and engaged learning experiences.
In the 2026 cycle, 237 institutions earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, joining 40 institutions classified in 2024, for a total of 277 institutions nationwide.
A listing of all institutions that currently hold the classification endorsement can be found on the Carnegie Foundation website.
“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and
catalyzing real-world learning experiences for students.”
“The institutions receiving the 2026 Community Engagement Classification exemplify American higher education’s commitment to the greater good,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “The beneficiaries of this unflagging dedication to public purpose missions are their students, their teaching and research enterprises, and their wider communities.”
UNI continues to build on its commitment to community engagement through initiatives such as “Spring into Service: Cats Who Care,” which will unite students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends this spring in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to give back to the communities that have supported the university for generations. The Spring Into Service is being held throughout the semester as part of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration.
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
‘Marty Supreme’: El atractivo del soñador
Courtesy/Belcourt Theatre
Escrito por Brendon Schnathorst Luis Alvarez, Editor de Español
Si alguien preguntara quién es una de las estrellas jóvenes más grandes y reconocibles del siglo XXI, algunas personas mencionarían el nombre de Timothée Chalamet. Su trabajo abarca desde su primer papel en Interstellar y sus actuaciones revelación en Lady Bird, Call Me by Your Name y Little Women, hasta proyectos más recientes como The French Dispatch, Dune partes uno y dos, y A Complete Unknown. Todo esto ha llevado a una de las mejores actuaciones de 2025 como Marty Mauser en Marty Supreme.
El primer esfuerzo como director en solitario de Josh Safdie, después de trabajar con su hermano Benny en Good Time y Uncut Gems, presenta una historia emocionante. Marty Supreme sigue al jugador profesional de tenis de mesa Marty Mauser, quien choca constantemente con las personas a su alrededor mientras intenta reunir dinero para competir en el Campeonato Mundial de Tenis de Mesa, tras perder su último gran contrato.
Desde hace meses, Timothée Chalamet parece haber estado en personaje promocionando esta película, y todo indica que tendrá éxito. Marty Mauser es la definición de egocentrismo. Desde el inicio de la cinta se nos muestra que Marty hará
lo que quiera, incluso tener una aventura con la casada Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion), lo que lleva a un embarazo. Presume constantemente de su éxito e intenta controlar cómo actúan las personas a su alrededor. Se infla a sí mismo, pero con el tiempo descubrimos que en realidad es tan bueno como dice ser.
Timothée Chalamet está supremo en esta película.
Marty es un personaje difícil de hacer simpático, ya que trata a todos a su alrededor, incluso a quienes lo quieren como sus parejas y Kay Stone, interpretada por Gwyneth Paltrow, como personas a las que necesita manipular. Aun así, Chalamet le aporta un encanto innegable al personaje, sumando muchas excentricidades a sus movimientos y demostrando que es infinitamente entretenido de ver.
Marty es increíblemente apasionado, y cuando las cosas no salen como quiere, engaña y suplica para lograr su objetivo. Lo que lo detiene es que todo parece salir mal al mismo tiempo. Al más puro estilo Safdie, todo lo que puede salir mal sale mal, y la fuerte motivación del personaje de Marty nunca lo detiene.
Los Safdie son conocidos por utilizar la cinematografía y el diseño sonoro para crear niveles de ansiedad que casi provocan un infarto, y Marty Supreme cumple con esa idea. Desde la primera escena, la música estridente y el
paisaje sonoro caótico establecen perfectamente el tipo de película que el público está a punto de ver.
Los primeros 30 minutos son ruidosos y llenos de eventos, pero las apuestas apenas se están construyendo. Vemos a Safdie y al coguion-
de la que Marty se aprovecha para conseguir dinero; Milton Rockwell de Kevin O’Leary, un empresario viscoso y esposo de Kay; Erza Mishkin, interpretado por el director de culto Abel Ferrara, un criminal amenazante; y el divertidísimo Wally de Tyler, The
‘Marty Supreme’ demuestra que tiene el poder de entretener y de provocar un posible ataque al corazón.”rim inación por
ista Ronald Bronstein colocando las piezas del Jenga, sabiendo que están a punto de caer. Una vez que las apuestas de la película se apoderan de Marty, la cinta avanza a un ritmo excepcional, con Chalamet sin perder nunca la fuerza necesaria para sostenerla.
Los personajes con los que Marty se enfrenta son bastante memorables y contribuyen enormemente a la adrenalina. Entre ellos están Rachel de A’zion, una chica inocente que ocasionalmente deja salir su lado salvaje; Kay de Paltrow, una actriz tartamuda
Creator. Cada uno de estos personajes es muy memorable y complementa de forma excelente a Chalamet. Los escenarios de la película son dinámicos y variados, creando una sensación de gran escala que suma al estrés salvaje. Safdie enfatiza esta sensación de varias maneras. La mayoría del tiempo, los personajes hablan unos encima de otros y, naturalmente, cada vez más fuerte. La banda sonora, a veces triunfal y otras con un aire melancólico al estilo de Tangerine Dream, combinada con primeros planos extrem-
os de los rostros, hace que el público sienta que está dentro de la habitación con estos personajes, haciendo que todo se sienta mucho más apretado, como sardinas aplastadas.
El ritmo de Safdie permite momentos más lentos entre el caos, haciendo que sus 150 minutos de duración se pasen volando. Sin esta actuación principal y sin las personas adecuadas al mando, la película podría haberse sentido a medias mientras seguíamos a un personaje imposible de soportar, pero Chalamet se eleva por encima de eso. Su presencia vuelve mucho más atractivo un estudio de personaje que ya era interesante. Es encantador, gracioso y entusiasta con aquello que ama.
Todos queremos hacer algo grande en nuestras vidas. Puede que no estemos totalmente de acuerdo con Marty Mauser, pero su constante esfuerzo por conseguir lo que quiere resulta extrañamente simpático, a pesar de lo retorcidas que pueden ser algunas de sus acciones. Todo esto, combinado con una gran dirección, buen ritmo y un sólido elenco de apoyo, demuestra que Marty Supreme tiene el poder de entretener y provocar, quizá, un posible infarto.
Marty Supreme actualmente está disponible en cines y para renta en plataformas de streaming como Prime Video y YouTube.
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
Some students find themselves dreading taking a winter class — and I was one of them four weeks ago. But, after a lot of work in a little bit of time, my mind has changed a bit. It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
Sometimes, the problem with breaks is that we completely shut off our brains, and many of us rely on the ability to do so. When I registered for this class, I had to remind myself to not shut off my brain, and to keep my mind open to new thoughts.
For the specific class I was in, the workload started out fairly light and easy. I was able to complete it over Christmastime with no issues. As the weeks progressed, the course sped up. During our busiest week, we had one discussion post due every day besides the weekend.
I will say, I really utilized my free time for my work in this class. On my days off from work, I spent my time writing case studies and replying to my peers’ discussion posts. That kind of task is daunting: starting it is the hardest part. But, once you start, it really doesn’t take you that long —
especially if you understand the course material. It was nice not to have to walk in the multiple inches of snow that we received over break. I am grateful that I was able to complete all of the work on my computer, from my home. I usually struggle with online classes during the typical semesters, but taking a class during the winter term is different. You have less time to get everything done, so you have to be on top of the work. I also only had one class — so that made things easy to handle.
I believe the key to success with taking a winter class is setting aside time to work on things. That might mean staying up late after you get off work in the evening. I found a good process on days I worked: Do the discussion post before your shift, and reply to others after your shift is over. By that time, many others have contributed thoughts — which gives you more of a choice.
Every student is capable of taking a winter class. It all comes down to making sure you know when due dates are, and completing your work at the pace which the class modules typically suggest. Don’t let your brain slip up — it makes it harder to catch up when the weeks come to an end.
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Contrary to my feelings after finishing my winter course, I was a student who looked forward to my winter class. The idea of only taking one course during this time and working 40 hours each week seemed simple.
After a crazy fall semester, I was excited to have some free time to not only complete a general education course but also make some extra cash. What I forgot to consider was the fact that I was already extremely burnt out from the previous course load and my body probably needed more rest than I gave it over winter break.
My days often consisted of getting up early to work at 6 a.m., getting home and taking a nap and then doing my homework. What I also didn’t
think about was that sometimes I would want to go socialize with friends… who would’ve guessed?
This turned into a back-and-forth between getting ahead on assignments or seeing my friends for the evening. I admit, sometimes I forgot to do an assignment and had to turn it in late. But when you have a few assignments a day, it’s unfortunately easy to leave something out.
Although the coursework was overwhelming, the class I took was extremely interesting and I did like the professor, which helped keep me motivated over the four weeks of daily assignments.
Also, the feeling of submitting your last paper for the course was incredible. I have never felt more accomplished and relieved in my life. I was done… and now ready to start another chaotic semester. Sigh.
By InsideUNI
As part of its sesquicentennial celebration, the University of Northern Iowa is launching “UNI 150: People You Should Know,” a storytelling project designed to spotlight the individuals and groups whose leadership, innovation and excellence have been instrumental in building and shaping UNI.
Throughout the year, the series will feature alumni, community partners, students and friends who have made a meaningful difference on campus and beyond.
“Every great university is built by extraordinary individuals. As we celebrate 150 years, this project is an opportunity to express our gratitude for the alumni, community members and leaders whose efforts strengthened UNI and paved the way for future generations,” said UNI President Mark Nook.
The first feature in the series highlights Edward Gee Miller, a Civil War veteran and Iowa senator, who saw the possibility in a home for soldiers’ orphans and transformed it into the state’s first normal school.
In 1874, Miller prepared a bill that would establish the Iowa State Normal School, dedicating himself both publicly and behind the scenes to move the measure forward.
The proposal became official on March 26, 1876, ultimately laying the foundation for what is today the University of Northern Iowa.
“UNI does not exist without Edward Gee Miller. He, more than anyone else, had the vision for creating a normal school in Cedar Falls and did the hard work at the Iowa Legislature to get the necessary votes, approval and funding to make it happen,” said Nook.
In addition to Miller, readers will find pro -
By InsideUNI
Long before the University of Northern Iowa became a cornerstone of teacher education, one man’s determination helped bring it to life. Edward Gee Miller, a Civil War veteran and Iowa senator, saw the possibility in an abandoned orphans’ home for soldiers and transformed it into the state’s first normal school, dedicated to preparing teachers.
A detailed account of Miller’s work is given in “A Century of Leadership and Service” by Dr. William Lang. “The state was educating doctors and farmers and mechanics and it seemed the clearest thing in the world to me that it ought to provide skillful teachers for its common schools,” Miller documented.
But the idea wasn’t popular. “I was disappointed — astonished — to see with what coolness the proposition was received. Not that they thought it would be a good thing to do but that they didn’t believe it was possible to do it.”
Miller first prepared a bill that would establish the Iowa State Normal School in 1874, though he recognized the measure wouldn’t pass and didn’t press it to a vote. The following year, the arrival of the newly elected House of Representatives member and Cedar Falls attorney H.C. Hemenway renewed momentum.
Together they worked tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, to move the measure forward. After a razor-thin vote, the legislature passed the bill on March 14, 1876 and was signed into law two days later.
The proposal became official on March 26, 1876, ultimately laying the foundation for what is today the University of Northern Iowa.
Miller’s ability to secure votes, funding and approval was instrumental in making the dream of a teacher-training institution in Iowa a reality. “UNI does not exist without Edward Gee Miller. He, more than anyone else, had the vision for creating a normal school in Cedar Falls and did the hard work at the Iowa Legislature to get the necessary votes, approval and funding to make it happen,” said UNI President Mark Nook.
Though his legacy lives on in the thriving institution he helped establish, recognition of Miller himself is scarce.
A plaque honoring him can be found on campus, although it is not accessible to most: it is located inside UNI’s Campanile, hidden from the public eye. Yet his impact is visible every day on campus — in classrooms filled with future educators, in the university’s proud history and in the very existence of an institution that began with his vision and determination.
files on individuals such as Bedros Apelian, one of UNI’s first international students, and “Ma Commons,” who devoted nearly four decades of service to the institution.
Readers can explore 150.uni.edu/150-profiles to learn about those who have made an impact. Additional individuals will continue to be spotlighted throughout the celebration year, leading up to the culmination of the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration in October 2026.
Visitors to the dedicated UNI Sesquicentennial Exhibit can also experience stories and memories from across the campus community.
Nominations for future features can also be submitted through the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration website.
By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer
If anybody were to ask who one of the biggest, most recognizable young stars of the 21st century is, some people might throw in Timothée Chalamet’s name. His works span from his first role in Interstellar and his breakthrough features, “Lady Bird,” “Call Me by Your Name,” and “Little Women,” to his most recent works like “The French Dispatch,” “Dune” parts one & two, and “A Complete Unknown.” All of this has led to one of the best performances of 2025 as Marty Mauser in “Marty Supreme”.
Josh Safdie’s first solo directorial effort after working with his brother, Benny, on “Good Timeand “Uncut Gems”, presents a thrilling story. “Marty Supreme” follows professional table tennis player, Marty Mauser, who clashes with people around him, trying to raise money to compete in the Table Tennis world championships after losing his last big gig.
For months now, Timothée Chalamet has seemingly been in character promoting this movie, and it appears this will have some success. Marty Mauser is the definition of egotistical. From the very start of the movie, we are shown that Marty will do whatever he wants, including having an affair with the married Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion), leading to a pregnancy. He constantly gloats about his success and attempts to control how people act around him. He boots himself up, but we come to learn that he is as good as he says he is.
Timothée Chalamet is supreme in this movie. Marty is a difficult character to make likable as he treats everybody around him, even those who love
him, such as his partners and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Kay Stone, as people he needs to manipulate. Despite this, Chalamet adds an undeniable charm to his character, adding his many quirks to his movements and proving that he is endlessly watchable.
Marty is incredibly passionate, and when things don’t go his way, he will trick and plead to achieve his goal. What stops him is how everything seems to be going wrong all at once. In a typical Safdie fashion, everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and the strong motivation for Marty’s character won’t ever stop him.
The Safdies are known for utilizing cinematography and sound design to create heart-attack-inducing levels of anxiety, and Marty Supreme lives up to this idea. From the first scene, the blaring music and soundscape are chaotic and greatly establish the kind of movie the audience is about to sit through.
The first 30 minutes are loud and eventful, but the stakes are just building. We see Safdie and co-screenwriter Ronald Bronstein placing the Jenga block, and we know they are about to fall. Once the stakes of the film take hold of Marty, the movie begins to move at an exceptional pace, with Chalamet never losing the power needed to carry the film.
The characters Marty collides with are all fairly memorable and contribute heavily to the adrenaline. Some of these include A’zion’s Rachel, an innocent girl who occasionally lets her wild side out; Paltrow’s Kay, a stuttered actress whom Marty takes advantage of to raise money; Kevin O’Leary’s Milton Rockwell, a a slimy businessman and Kay’s husband; cult director Abel Ferrara’s Erza Mishkin,
a menacing criminal; and Tyler the Creator’s hilarious Wally. Each of these characters is incredibly memorable and plays off Chalamet incredibly.
The settings in this movie are dynamic and varied, creating a large scale that adds to the wild stress. There are many ways that Safdie foregrounds this feeling of stress. More often than not, the characters are talking over each other, and naturally, they get louder. The sometimes triumphant and sometimes Tangerine Dreams-esque melancholic score colliding with the extreme close-ups on people’s faces makes the audience feel they are in the room with these characters, making everything feel so much tighter, like we are sardines squished together.
Safdie’s pacing allows for slower moments in between the chaos while still making its 150-minute runtime fly by. Without this lead performance and people at the helm, this movie could have felt half-baked as we followed an unwatchable character, but Chalamet rises above this. His presence makes an already interesting character study much more appealing. He’s charming, hilarious, and enthusiastic about what he loves.
Everybody wants to do something in their lives that is great. We may not entirely agree with Marty Mauser, but his constant striving for what he wants is oddly sympathetic despite how twisted some of his actions are. All that mixed with great direction, pacing, and supporting cast, “Marty Supreme” shows that it has the power to entertain and induce a possible heart attack.
“Marty Supreme” is currently available in theaters and for rent on streaming platforms like Prime Video and YouTube.
Courtesy/InsideUNI
By InsideUNI
The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art and Permanent Art Collection is excited to welcome spring with two new exhibitions opening Jan. 20.
Together, the shows highlight contemporary perspectives on the natural world and gender expression, while also showcasing the creative and scholarly work of both established artists and one accomplished UNI student.
In the main gallery, “Guidebook” is a two-person exhibition by Minnesota artists Paula McCartney and Lex Thompson. The exhibition runs from Jan. 20 through Feb. 20. A guidebook offers a survey of a subject, highlighting, indexing and organizing key instances within its purview.
For Paula McCartney’s and Lex Thompson’s exhibition of the same name, “Guidebook,” brings together work from each artist that engages with ideas of scientific observation and correlation of the natural world. It is not only a
guide to the artists’ understandings and interpretations of natural phenomenon and natural history, but also to the careers of the artists and their interests.
The exhibition combines work from McCartney’s “Birdwatching,” “A Field Guide to Snow and Ice” and “Every Contact Leaves a Trace” with Thompson’s “Re|Collect” and “Crystal Life.” McCartney and Thompson will be on campus on Thursday, Feb. 12, to work with students in a bookmaking workshop. That evening, the public is invited to an artist talk and opening reception at 6 p.m. in Kamerick Art Building 111.
The second exhibition will feature a student-curated exhibition, “Birds & Babes: Gender Roles and Feminine Expression from the UNI Permanent Collection,” by Ian Less, senior BFA Studio/BA Art History/Certificate in Museum Studies student.
The exhibition is located in the Mary HaskellHansen Room of the UNI Gallery of Art and cel -
ebrates the 50th Anniversary of UNI Women’s and Gender Studies. “Birds & Babes” focuses on depictions of feminine gender expression and the roles of contemporary women.
The works on display exhibit various depictions of feminine strength across different media, including photographs, prints, ceramics and mixed media.
These pieces highlight the tension between gender expectations in patriarchal society and feminine identity. The exhibition will be up from Jan. 20 through May 15.
Less also curated “Birds of Hollywood: Celebrity Portraits by Philippe Halsman,” a selection of photographs on view in the gallery showcases just outside the gallery entrance through Feb. 20.
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery will be closed March 16-20 for spring break. For more information, visit chas.uni.edu/gallery-art.
By Zoe Cahal First-year student
Starting college last fall as a first-generation Hispanic student felt like stepping into a world I wasn’t sure I belonged in. Everyone around me seemed to know exactly what to do — how to email professors, what scholarships to apply for, even where to find the best study spots or how to study. Meanwhile, I was still figuring out what “office hours” meant.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t proud to be here; I just felt like everyone else had been given a guidebook I never got. Imposter syndrome became my quiet shadow. Every time I earned a good grade or someone complimented my work, I caught myself thinking it was just a matter of luck. I wondered if someone would eventually realize I didn’t actually belong at UNI. I started to doubt myself like never before.
Being here, I do really love UNI. It has a homey feel, and the people here are so kind, and I love all the friends I have made, but I still have always felt so behind. I felt like I had just gotten the hang of how to be a college student, but I often caught myself comparing myself to other students who seemed to have it all figured out, and had perfect grades. I would tell myself that “I don’t deserve to be here” because I was struggling, and I didn’t know how to study. So much is expected from me, from my family, and I felt like I was slowly drowning.
But over time, I had started connecting with other first-generation students who shared the same struggles and feelings. We laughed about how lost we all were that first week, and some other students who are older than us told us their experiences being first-generation and how their first year went, and gave us some tips on what to do, like being more involved and talking to our professors more.
Suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone. When I was just about to call it quits, I realized that I do deserve my spot here, and although it’s hard, I can do it, even if I have to do it over again. I will continue to try and make myself proud and try different strategies to become successful in college and focus on myself first. Being involved on campus, joining student orgs, going to cultural events, and even just talking to professors, helped me see that I do belong.
And when you’re struggling, there are people here who are more than willing to help you. My background doesn’t just make me less prepared; it gives me a perspective worth sharing. Now, when those imposter thoughts sneak in, I remind myself that I’ve earned my spot here, and that being first gen doesn’t mean being lost. It means being brave enough to start something new.
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
After a strong indoor season opener for the University of Northern Iowa’s men’s and women’s track and field teams at the Jimmy Grant Alumni Invitational in Iowa City, the Panthers enjoyed a short holiday break before returning to the oval just 10 days into the new year. UNI fought hard at the Minnesota Open in Minneapolis, walking away with five event champions on the day. Looking to carry their momentum throughout the 2026 indoor campaign, Northern Iowa split its squad into two groups for their next competition on Jan. 16; one unit traveled to Manhattan, Kansas, to compete at the Thane Baker Invitational, while the other made the short trip south to run at the Bill Bergan Classic in Ames.
Olivia Kramer kicked things off for UNI in Kansas with a fifth-place finish in the 60m hurdles, clocking a time of 8.93 seconds. Jersey Jones led a quartet of Panthers in the women’s 400m, placing third in 55.91. Teammates Darci Wiseman, Carlie Jo Fusco, and Maya Williams finished fourth, fifth, and sixth in times of 56.91, 57.69, and 58.10, respectively. Zach Fall took fifth in the same event for the men, running 47.96, while Kaden Emanuel placed ninth in 49.72.
On the distance side, Meghan Wheatley took the individual win in the women’s 3000m in a
new meet-record time of 10:00.90. Senior teammate Melody Ochana also dipped under the previous record time of 10:17.73, earning second in 10:03.26. Colin Lille ran 8:25.32 for sixth place in the men’s race. UNI produced many notable performances across the 200m, starting on the women’s side with Emma Randecker’s second-place, 24.38-second effort. Joey Perry also ran 24.62 for fourth. For the men, Parker Kiewiet captured the victory in 21.31, while teammates Tyler Sickerson and Luke Nevitt were not far behind. Sickerson finished fifth in 21.97, while Nevitt came in sixth with a time of 22.07.
In the “invite” section of the women’s 800m, Sarah Fedderson raced to a third-place performance in 2:13.28, with Anna Van
Kooten trailing her in fourth with a time of 2:13.82. Derek Woods and Jake Bosch produced a similar result in the men’s field. Woods placed second in 1:51.33, with Bosch a few steps behind in third, clocking 1:53.81.
Kaylee Woolery was the lone Panther in the women’s mile and nearly broke the five-minute barrier with a 5:00.76, sixth-place finish. Her cross country teammates, Lindsey Sonderman and Millie Hill, each competed in the “invite” section of the 3000m. Sonderman finished fourth in 9:42.30, while Hill ran 9:43.55 for fifth.
To conclude the meet, the Northern Iowa women produced a season-best performance in the 4x400m relay, taking second in 3:42.69. Down in Ames, Kaylin Lacher fought to finish sev -
enth in the women’s mile in 5:06.80, with eighth-place Liza Schaffer not far behind in 5:12.23. Micah Rees and Carsen Owens also competed in the men’s mile, though running unattached. Rees came in seventh with a time of 4:17.25, while Owens ran 4:19.70 for eighth.
In the women’s 400m, Eden Moore ran 58.02 for fifth place, and Kamryn Lande followed suit with a 1:01.10, seventh-place performance. Emma Arnold rounded things out for the Panther women in the event with a ninth-place finish in 1:03.03.
The UNI men sent four unattached runners in the long sprint, with Luke Meyers earning first place in 48.37. Carter Meyers and Josiah DeYoung nearly broke the finish line together, with Meyers taking fourth in 49.89 and DeYoung a few steps behind in 50.24 for fifth. Zach Van Wychen claimed seventh in 51.30.
Freshman Eryianna Singleton qualified for the final of the women’s 60m dash, sprinting to second place in 7.75 seconds. Teammate Giada Grimes took fourth in 7.93 seconds. For the distance crew, Jayden Dickensen stepped down to run the men’s 600y, where he finished ninth in 1:14.02 over the unconventional distance. In the women’s 3000m, Eden Muller took fifth in 10:09.47, with teammate Evie Henneberry one spot behind in 10:17.05. Brooke O’Brien ran 10:32.36 on her way to placing ninth.
In the men’s field, Caleb Kass and Josh Gormely competed unattached for the Panthers. Kass finished 12th in 8:53.87, while Gormely went on to take 18th in 9:22.52.
Moving to the women’s 200m, both Singleton and Grimes doubled back from the 60m dash to run 25.67 and 26.00 for seventh and ninth place, respectively. Aleksys Gannon also competed in the event for Northern Iowa, claiming 11th in 26.10. Grant Batiste was the lone Panther male to cover the distance, but produced a strong showing with a 22.23, third-place performance.
The mid-distance squad concluded the afternoon for UNI, with three male and female athletes each competing over the 800m distance. For the women, Josee Simonson posted a strong second-place finish with a 2:14.74. Clare Wright was just a step and a place behind in 2:15.55, while Mary Kelly crossed the line in 2:23.81 for seventh. On the men’s side, Chase Knoche, Keegan Steege, and Micaiah Ellis all ran the event unattached. Knoche and Steege placed first and second with times of 1:51.47 and 1:51.65. Ellis was hot on their heels in fourth with a stellar 1:52.95 outing.
After a busy weekend across two states, the Panthers will reunite at the Larry Wieczorek Invitational at the Iowa Indoor Track Facility in Iowa City on Jan. 23-24.
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
When a team falls short of greatness, the first reaction is often to evaluate its personnel. It is rare for a coaching staff to remain unchanged for more than one season, as assistants, coordinators and head coaches alike are scrutinized when results fall short. For many teams, a change at head coach was expected at the end of the NFL regular season. For others, sudden departures have left fans uncertain about who will lead their teams next year. There are eight active head-coaching vacancies after John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski were hired. What comes next for teams entering a potential new era, and which situations stand
out the most?
The longest-tenured head coach in the league, Mike Tomlin, stepped down as the Pittsburgh Steelers coach following their playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Tomlin never posted a losing season in Pittsburgh, but the franchise has not won a playoff game since 2016 and has hovered around mediocrity for much of the past decade. His old-school philosophy struggled to adapt to the modern NFL, and it is believed Tomlin will take a year away from coaching.
Questions remain about the Steelers’ future, particularly at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers hinted at retirement earlier this season, and Tomlin was a key reason Rodgers joined the team. Whether Pittsburgh moves forward with second-year
quarterback Will Howard or selects one in the upcoming draft, the franchise will need a coach capable of pushing it past mediocrity. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase have all emerged as potential candidates. Pittsburgh may lean toward a coach who can further elevate its defense, and Flores appears to be the best fit. He transformed Minnesota’s defense into one of the league’s best through aggressive blitz schemes and discipline, and he previously served as the Steelers linebackers coach in 2022. His familiarity with the organization and fresh philosophy could help return Pittsburgh to contender status.
Early Monday morning, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. McDermott was the only head coach Josh Allen has had during his time in Buffalo, leading the Bills to five AFC East titles and eight playoff appearances. However, a disappointing overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round ultimately ended his tenure. Buffalo immediately became one of the most attractive coaching vacancies because of Allen’s presence. The firing appears rooted in organizational frustration over the lack of a Super Bowl appearance. While many expected general manager Brandon Beane to be dismissed alongside McDermott, he was instead promoted to president of
football operations. Beane will lead the coaching search, with fans hoping for an offensive-minded coach. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, former Giants coach Brian Daboll and former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have all been mentioned as candidates. An internal promotion is also possible, with offensive coordinator Joe Brady drawing interest. Promoting Brady may be the best option, as the Bills remain close to championship contention. With additional weapons for Allen, Buffalo could finally break through, provided Beane and the organization create the right conditions for success.
To read the rest of the article, visit our website at www.northerniowan.com.
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team fell to the Valparaiso Beacons 54-44 on Saturday.
The Panthers have lost four straight games dating back to a Jan. 7 loss to Belmont. UNI is tied for fifth place in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 4-4 league record and a 12-7 mark overall.
Northern Iowa struggled
offensively in the first half, scoring just six points with fewer than eight minutes remaining. With Valparaiso leading 15-6, the Panthers responded with a nine-point run. Max Weisbrod hit a 3-pointer, followed by a dunk from Ben Schwieger and a layup by Trey Campbell to tie the game at 15-15.
Trailing 22-18 at halftime, UNI opened the second half on a 14-3 run. Schwieger and Weisbrod each connected from beyond the arc,
while Campbell added four points during the stretch.
With 10 minutes remaining and the Panthers trailing 36-34, Schwieger drove to the rim for a dunk to tie the game at 36-36.
Valparaiso regained the lead on its next possession, but Leon Bond III answered with a dunk to tie the game again at 38-38.
Trailing 43-40 with six minutes remaining, Will Hornseth scored on backto-back layups to give the
Panthers a 44-43 lead.
The Beacons retook the lead at the four-minute mark and closed the game on an 11-0 run. Northern Iowa was held scoreless down the stretch as Valparaiso secured the 54-44 victory.
The Panthers recorded their lowest scoring output of the season and had just one player finish in double figures. Schwieger led UNI with 10 points.
“I really liked our execution in the first half with dif -
ferent guys, but we couldn’t get any points out of it,” UNI coach Ben Jacobson said postgame. “Defensively, we were really good. The guys executed very well to start the second half, but then we hit that tough stretch where we couldn’t score.”
Northern Iowa returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m. against Illinois State. The game will air on ESPNU and the Panther Sports Radio Network.
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
Senior Ryley Goebel started hot for the Panthers, scoring the first 11 points of the game before Bradley responded. The Braves hit an and-one 3-pointer before the media timeout in the first quarter to take a threepoint lead at 14-11. Goebel
scored the final four points of the quarter to tie the game at 21-21 at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw Northern Iowa build a seven-point lead with 1:30 remaining. Bradley responded with an and-one layup followed by a 3-pointer to close the half and pull within one at 37-36. Goebel
finished the half with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Elsie Jaeger added six points, three rebounds and three assists going into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Panthers went on an 11-5 run late in the third quarter, with Goebel scoring eight of those points. UNI led the Braves 55-44 with
three minutes remaining, but Bradley closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to three at 57-54 heading into the fourth.
Northern Iowa opened the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to take a 10-point lead. Jenna Twedt knocked down a 3-pointer and added a pair of free throws during the stretch. Bradley continued
to fight back, trimming the lead to one with a late fivepoint run. UNI led 68-67 before converting five free throws to secure a 73-70 lead with 15 seconds remaining. The Braves had a pair of late 3-point attempts, but they fell short as the Panthers held on for a three-point victory.
Across 1) Worked in a lumber mill, in a way
6) ____ mater
10) "Blue Suede Shoes"
writer Perkins
14) Stiller's partner
15) Dotted-line command
16) Bargain spread
17) Calliope kin
18) Tibetan holy man
19) Fifteenth-century ship
20) Mawkish drivel
21) American Red Cross organizer
24) It's good to meet them
26) Words with jiffy or pinch
27) Fox and Coyote, for two
29) Forebear pair
34) Lefts and rights
35) Pickling solution
36) Nero's title, briefly
37) Cup holders?
38) Abacus components
39) The Andrews Sisters, e.g.
40) "___ was saying ..."
41) Quashes
42) Relinquish
43) Jellyfish appendage
45) Grand attraction
46) "How Dry I Am" punctuation, perhaps 47) Tribal pole 48) Cross your heart
53) Television plugs
56) Detriment 57) Curtain inserts
58) Trademarked cow 60) Advocate 61) "Be that ___" may ... 62) In total accord 63) Heroic poem 64) Emmy-winning Daly 65) Sahara sights
Down
1) Subject of an alert 2) For aircraft 3) Cross-country travel of old 4) History book discussion, perhaps 5) Chorus girls 6) Encyclopedia section 7) Shakespearean protagonist 8) "That's All Right, ___" (Elvis hit)
9) Swift, graceful horses
10) Hotelier Hilton
11) Dismounted
12) Town on the Truckee
13) Advance, e.g.
22) The Mormons, initially
23) Klein of fashion
25) Many millennia
27) Trip to the plate
28) Turn the air blue
29) Shred cheese
30) Disembarrasses
31) TV cross-examiner
32) Chum, south of the border
33) Runaway of rhyme
35) Liberty or dinner
38) Vegas game
39) Dialer's sound
41) Slimmest winning margin?
42) Ninny
44) Henley Royal Regatta site
45) No-frills bed
47) Have a trying experience?
48) Elisabeth of "The Saint"
49) Get bent out of shape
50) Consequently
51) Like some neighbors
52) Balder's father
54) Eat, formally
55) Descries
59) Baton Rouge campus
