/NORTHERNIOWAN
CEDAR FALLS, IA
@NORTHERNIOWAN
WWW.NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026
‘I know I am not a threat’
VOLUME 122, ISSUE 21
IN THIS ISSUE
Students gather at the Iowa Capitol to advocate
SESQUICENTENNIAL
Kimryn Rathmell has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of cancer.
See RATHMELL, page 6
OPINION
Staff Writer Leila Muftah discusses the emerging use of AI in filmmaking.
See AI, page 5 Courtesy Photo The UNI group UNIdos and other citizens of Iowa gathered at the Des Moines Capitol for Advocacy Day, hosted by The Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.
By Lily Munnik News Editor
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the halls of the Iowa State Capitol filled with chants, conversations and determined individuals as the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice hosted its Advocacy Day in Des Moines. The statewide advocacy organization — led by immigrant and refugee voices united with allies — brought together community members from across Iowa to speak directly with lawmakers about legislation
impacting immigrant families and other marginalized communities. Among those who attended were students from the University of Northern Iowa, representing UNIdos, a student organization focused on uplifting Latino and immigrant voices on campus. For Lusia Alvarez Mendoza, a senior elementary education major with a minor in Spanish and program coordinator of UNIdos, Ad-
vocacy Day was about more than a trip to the Capitol. “Advocacy Day was a powerful opportunity for community members to come together and speak directly with legislators about issues impacting our communities,” Alvarez Mendoza said. The day focused on anti-immigration legislation, as well as bills affecting women, people of color and low-income families. Participants attended educational sessions on
how to effectively communicate with lawmakers, propose legislation and navigate the legislative process before meeting with representatives. For Alvarez Mendoza, the experience highlighted that advocacy is often about starting conversations rather than seeing immediate results. “Sometimes it is about planting a seed,” she said. “Starting a conversation that can grow into meaningful reform.”
See ADVOCACY, page 2
SPORTS
The University of Northern Iowa wrestling team pulled off a close 16-15 victory over Wisconsin on Sunday.
See CATS, page 8
Panther Pantry moves to new site By Alexa Farrell Staff Writer
With the recent move of the Panther Pantry to the tunnel between Maucker Union and Lang Hall, there is more space for canned and fresh goods for students. Items include canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, cereal, bread and a variety of personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies like shampoo, toothpaste, feminine products and more. While its purpose is to combat increasing food insecurity, intern at the pantry and UNI Senior Malayna Kiel noted that the Pantry is to benefit all UNI students.
“I, as a college student, don’t love spending my money on those things [personal hygiene products],” Kiel said. “Just coming in to utilize those, that definitely eases the pressure off of students’ bank accounts. But then even just coming in and grabbing a snack between classes helps.” Students may wonder if the Pantry is for them or worry that there are others who might need its services more, but the Pantry is for any UNI student who could find use in it. Maci Swanson/Northern Iowan
See PANTRY, page 3
SPORTS
Bishop helped lead the UNI Men’s Golf Team to multiple top-10 finishes.
See BISHOP, page 11