NI 03-25

CEDAR FALLS, IA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

Salazar, Benton win NISG election

By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor

On March 11 at 7 p.m., the winners of the 2026 –2027 Northern Iowa Student Government election results were announced.

Gabriel Salazar and DeeDee Benton are the new president and vice president of the student body, winning 780 to 104 votes. Their opponents were freshmen Jason Vinsick and Jasper DeWolf. Salazar and Benton’s term will begin at the start of the next academic school year in August 2026.

The event was live streamed on the NISG Instagram. Chief Justice Hunter Van Beek announced the results of the election.

Salazar, who is from Muscatine, is a digital media production and political communication double major, and currently serves as the NISG vice president. Benton, a Cedar Falls native, is double majoring in political science and psychology — and is the student government liaison to the Cedar Falls City Council.

In their campaign, Salazar and Benton said that they will focus on increasing awareness of free campus resources and cre -

ating a stronger community among UNI students.

On the senate slate, two write-in candidates, Shelby Jenkins and Bree Garrison, will represent the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Elijah Yates and Nick Schreyer will represent students from the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.

No candidates ran for the Wilson College of Business, College of Education or Graduate College. Those seats will be filled through open applications at the beginning of next semester. Students will be notified when applications open through official channels, including NISG social media. Senator selection is overseen by the NISG Senate.

“I would just like to thank the student body. This year we’ve seen a lot of student engagement, especially in the election,” Salazar said. “We’d also like to applaud the other ticket. Jason and Jasper did a phenomenal job, especially as freshmen. It was amazing to see them step up.”

“I’m incredibly proud of the work that we’ve

done for this campaign, and I couldn’t have done it without Gabriel, Gabi Meza, Meghan Rosheim and the wonderful women that have guided me along the way,” Benton added. “I’m excited to continue the strong advocacy for the UNI community!”

UNI community mourns Brennan Haag, alumn and campus facilities employee

By NI Staff

Brennan Haag, a groundskeeper for UNI Facilities and a UNI alumnus, passed away on March 13.

Brennan graduated from UNI with his bachelor of arts degree in biology in 2019. He was currently enrolled in the Nonprofit Leadership certificate program through the College of Education, according to the Office of the President.

“Brennan Haag was a one of a kind person. His unique personality made him who he was,” said Abrianna Haag, his sister, in a Facebook post.

“Brennan would bring a lively energy to every place he went.”

The Employee Assistance Program is available to support UNI employees who may be struggling with grief and other personal obligations.

Information can be found at hrs. uni.edu/mybenefits/eap.

Northern Iowan welcomes new talent to the team

My name is Grant Hospodarsky! I’m one of the associate multimedia editors here at the Northern Iowan. I’m a senior studying digital media production and interactive digital studies. I also have minors in marketing and digital media leadership but what YOU, our beloved reader needs to know is that I’m a passionate storyteller. I love getting to craft, tailor and create content for the various things I do. I’m involved in MANY other things around campus, and I like to stay busy. My favorite season is Spring (Easter is my favorite holiday), and I’m really excited to graduate. I love playing basketball, I feel like I’m always shooting hoops or working out at the rec. Apart from staying active, I’m a huge video game and movie fan. I’m originally from Monticello, Iowa. My

parents and my one brother went to UNI as well. One of my favorite music groups I’ve been into recently is Electric Light Orchestra (ELO for short), and I LOVE Crunch bars and Buncha Crunch candy. I look forward to making some fire content this semester!

LILY MUNNIK News Editor

Meet the new staff at the Northern Iowan

Hello Panthers! My name is Olivia Harrington, and I am one of the new assistant news editors for the Northern Iowan. I am a freshman majoring in English and minoring in communications. I’m excited to share stories from around UNI and

My name is Carter Brown, and I am one of the new multimedia editors for the Northern Iowan, where I have been creating content for the past semester. I am a senior at UNI, studying digital media production, and minoring in digital media leadership and journalism. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Northern Iowan team, and I look forward to continue filming content for the students

NORTHERN IOWAN

L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu

319.273.2157

ESTELLE JOHNSON Executive Editor johnsecr@uni.edu 319.290.4955

JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor westejac@uni.edu 515.776.0176

NAZIYA CRISP - ASSISTANT DIGITAL EDITOR

Hi, my name is Naziya Crisp, and I am currently a junior with a major in interactive digital studies with an emphasis in digital advertising and digital visualization. I also have minors in marketing and art. As I join the Northern Iowan, I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to and build the identity of the paper and engage readers through thoughtful designs that also catch their eye. It was not until the end of my junior year that I found my passion for design. After that, I explored the different possibilities of a career in graphic design and ended up finding UNI. Here, I am constantly learning how design

connect with more people on campus. When I’m not busy with classes, I enjoy watching movies, traveling, spending time with friends and reading. At UNI, I am a part of the University Honors Program, English Club and the UNI Cecilians

Treble Choir. My love of books sparked my interest in storytelling and continues to inspire my writing. As an assistant news editor, I’m looking forward to covering important updates and events. I can’t wait to work with the team at

ELLISA ANDERSON - ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Hello! My name is Ellisa Anderson, and I am one of the assistant news editors of the Northern Iowan. I’m currently a first-year double majoring in communications and digital media journalism with a minor in film studies. When I’m not studying at Rod Library or working for the Northern Iowan, there is a good chance you’ll find me at the movie theater. Otherwise, I like to spend my time reading, listening to music that was made before I was born or learning how to box. You might have heard my voice on Radio UNI — another student-run organization on campus — where I do a live show on Fridays called “The Soundtrack Segment.” On the air, I talk about the music used in many classic movies like “Dirty Dancing,” “Top Gun” or the more modern “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy and go over the many details that make a

here at UNI. As one of the associate multimedia editors, I mainly make video content and stories that are posted on the Northern Iowan’s website as well as our other social media. Which I would recommend our readers also check out if they have not already. While I didn’t always know I wanted to work in journalism, I have always tried to be engaged in the

EDITORIAL STAFF

LILY MUNNIK News Editor munnikl@uni.edu

COHEN KAMAUS Sports Editor kamausc@uni.edu

MICHAEL SPAHN Assistant Sports Editor spahnm@uni.edu

LUIS ALVAREZ Spanish Editor alvarlaa@uni.edu

OLIVIA

news and current events, as I believe people have a right to know what happens in their communities. I’ve read the Northern Iowan throughout my time at UNI to stay informed of campus events, and once I heard they were looking for people to produce video content, I wanted to apply to try to do my part to help keep our community informed and educated on what’s happening on

PRODUCTION STAFF

JENNA WESTENDORF Webmaster westejac@uni.edu

GRANT HOSPODARSKY Associate Multimedia Editor hospodag@uni.edu

CARTER BROWN Associate Multimedia Editor browncck@uni.edu

NAZIYA CRISP Assistant Digital Editor crispnaa@uni.edu

MACI SWANSON Head Photographer maciswan@uni.edu

has purpose. It can be used to communicate ideas, emotions and stories. My interests are a mix of advertising, graphic design, and content creation. I do have a passion for fashion, media and culture as well. I hope I can use my skills to inspire and inform different audiences. Beyond academics, I enjoy creating designs for myself or others. I am actively pursuing a career as a creative director in the fashion or beauty industry. Through my time and work with the Northern Iowan, I look forward to developing and strengthening my skills, collaborating with others and creating content for my community.

the Northern Iowan to expand my knowledge, creativity and writing skills. I’m excited to be part of the team at the Northern Iowan and help share meaningful stories from UNI.

movie good (or not so good).

Though I am new to the Northern Iowan, I’m so very excited to get to show you the many sides of campus that you might not know. Through reading the many wonderful stories within the paper, I hope you’re able to be introduced to new people, events and places, and perhaps it can encourage you to search for new experiences on or off campus to create your own stories — much like how it did for me. As a new student on campus, I found a beautiful connection with the Northern Iowan. Reading the paper made me feel excited to be here, even through the freshman jitters, and it opened my eyes to how much the campus has to offer. I hope that it can have that same effect on you. I hope to see you the next time you pick up the paper! Go Panthers!

and around campus.

I’m glad to bring a new aspect to our paper’s commitment to keeping students informed, and I’m excited to continue to bring a new visual element to the organization. Now, students can both read and watch the news from the Northern Iowan as we enter the second half of our spring semester.

ADVISERS

ANELIA DIMITROVA anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu

CHRIS MARTIN christopher.martin@uni.edu

CIRCULATION

BETHANY WINGET Circulation Manager

The Northern Iowan is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 506140166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications. Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original pub- lication.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northerniowan@uni.edu.

SEND US STORY IDEAS Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu. Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.

Prolific Magazine brings ‘Iconic Iowa’ to the runway

Aiming to expand creative spaces at UNI while giving back to the community

By Lily Munnik News Editor

At a time at UNI where creative outlets in fashion have grown increasingly scarce, especially after the elimination of the Textiles and Apparel Program in 2024, Prolific Magazine is working to change that — one runway at a time.

Prolific Magazine, an inclusive multicultural student organization dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, will host its “Iconic Iowa” Fashion Show on April 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Lang Hall Auditorium at UNI, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to students, faculty and the community of Cedar Falls.

Founded on the mission of elevating diverse perspectives, Prolific has become more than just a student publication — it is a creative hub where students can explore identity, culture and storytelling through design, writing and now fashion.

Since its founding in Spring 2024, Prolific has aimed to provide space for students whose voices are often overlooked. What began as a small, student-led initiative has now evolved into a collaborative and multidisciplinary organization that produces digital issues and physical copies of its magazine.

For Destiny Dixon, a junior majoring in art education with a TESOL minor, Prolific offered both creative opportunity and community from the start. Now serving as the fashion show coordinator, co-editor-in-chief, journalist and model, Dixon says the organization shaped her col-

lege experience.

“I got involved my freshman year as a journalist and model after some friends encouraged me to join,” Dixon said. “It was still new, but I loved that it created a platform for underrepresented students to express themselves. I stayed because the team made me feel seen and comfortable sharing others’ stories and my own.”

Her sense of belonging resonates throughout the leadership team.

Senior Emijah Jones, creative director for the fashion show and magazine graphic designer, joined Prolific during its founding stages. As a double major in graphic design and Spanish, Jones helped shape the magazine’s visual identity from the beginning.

“It started as a very small group,” said Jones. “But we all immediately saw the vision. Being part of that creative process — from photoshoots to brainstorming sessions — made me want to stay.”

Marcelo Acosta, also a senior, serves as co-editor-in-chief, media team lead and co-creative director of the fashion show. A marketing major with a digital media minor, Acosta has been instrumental in growing Prolific after its founder graduated.

“I knew how much of an impact this could make,” Acosta said. “After taking on a leadership role, I had to learn every department — production, marketing, design. But none of it would have been possible without the team and the community supporting us.”

The idea for the fashion show emerged between Jones and Acosta, sparked by their shared exposure to fashion events beyond campus.

“What started as random conversations about creative projects turned into something bigger,” said Jones. “We wanted to give back to UNI before graduating, and a fashion show felt like the perfect way to do that.”

Inspired by the legacy of Prolific’s founder, the team saw the show as a way to continue building opportunities for others.

“We wanted to show our appreciation for the community,” said Acosta. “And with this being UNI’s 150th year, we knew this was our choice to create something impactful.”

The timing of the event is especially important. With the university no longer offering a fashion program, opportunities for students interested in the industry have been limited.

“This will be the first time many students experience something like this,” said Jones. “We had open model

castings, and for some, it was their first time walking a runway. It’s about giving people that opportunity to try something new.”

Dixon agrees, emphasizing fashion as a powerful form of self-expression.

“Fashion is creative and personal,” said Dixon. “Being part of Prolific has helped me appreciate the artistry behind it. Events like this allow students to see different perspectives and express themselves in new ways.”

Acosta adds that the show is also about cultivating a creative culture in a region where these spaces are limited.

“We noticed there aren’t many opportunities for creatives in the Cedar Falls area, especially in fashion,” he said. “This is about building that space and uplifting people who want to be part of it.”

The event’s core focus is the theme, “Iconic Iowa.”

Challenging common stereotypes about the state, the show aims to highlight creativity and diversity often overlooked in the Midwest.

“Iowa is often seen as just a corn state,” said Jones. “We want to change that

perspective. This show will feature handmade clothing from designers with different backgrounds and skill levels, showing the variety Iowa has to offer.”

The runway will not only feature designs but also familiar faces from the university, students stepping into new roles as models and creators.

“We want people to see their classmates in a different light,” said Jones. “And maybe feel inspired to get involved themselves.”

Beyond the fashion show, Prolific Magazine continues to expand its presence on campus. The organization will participate in UNI’s Multicultural Gathering on April 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Multicultural Education, offering another opportunity for students to connect.

They are also seeking volunteers to assist with the fashion show, including stage setup, ushering and tabling.

“We hope this inspires the next generation to keep building Prolific,” said Acosta. “It’s about creating something that continues long after we graduate.”

‘Juntos por su mañana’: El Maratón de Baile de UNI recauda $230,150.15

Hospital Infantil Stead Family

Durante 12 horas el sábado, estudiantes de la UNI llenaron el Maucker Union, bailando para recaudar fondos para el Hospital Infantil Stead Family en Iowa City. El evento Big Give del Maratón de Baile recaudó $230,150.15, superando el total del año escolar anterior de $200,151.14 para la atención pediátrica, así como para tratamientos médicos críticos y, a menudo, vitales

Juntos, los estudiantes permanecen de pie y no consumen bebidas con cafeína, para simular las largas horas que pasan los niños en hospitales, quienes pueden pasar 12 horas a la semana en diálisis, quimioterapia y otros tipos de tratamientos extenuantes. Aunque al principio pueda sonar intimidante para quienes nunca han participado, el Maratón de Baile se asegura de que cada hora tenga un tema para mantener la moral y una actitud positiva durante todo el evento.

La causa de esta organización estudiantil, ejemplificada por actividades

que van desde un carnaval en miniatura, una búsqueda del tesoro y una línea de tiempo histórica de sus eventos, hasta una hora dedicada puramente a bailar y disfrazarse según las aspiraciones profesionales de los niños del Maratón de Baile, es de un altruismo y dedicación excepcionales. Los participantes en el Maratón de Baile demostraron su compromiso al dedicar una hora a afeitarse y a cortar una cantidad específica de su propio cabello en solidaridad con los niños del Hospital Infantil Stead Family de Iowa. Con cada hora que pasaba, se le daba a una familia con un "niño milagro", un individuo que actualmente enfrenta o ha sobrevivido a una enfer-

el Maratón de Baile ha tenido en sus vidas. Este evento también sirve para brindarles a los niños un momento para dejar de lado las preocupaciones y el estrés relacionados con el hospital.

Los miembros de los numerosos equipos de recaudación de fondos tienen la oportunidad no solo de obtener los fondos deseados durante el año, sino también, específicamente, de hacer todo lo posible el día del "Gran Evento" mediante publicaciones en redes sociales, correos electrónicos y mensajes de texto. A medida que avanzaba la iniciativa Big Give, se colocó un gong especial en el centro de Maucker Union. Por cada donación

reconocer públicamente las contribuciones. Toda organización filantrópica se guía por una declaración de misión orientada a lograr un beneficio. Este año, el lema es "Juntos por su mañana".

El director ejecutivo, Will Kruger, dijo que "la comunidad, el trabajo en equipo y el apoyo" han sido la luz guía principal para el gran evento.

"Todos estamos trabajando juntos para recaudar fondos, apoyar a las familias en este momento y que sus hijos puedan mejorar y tener un mañana", declaró.

Todos estamos trabajando juntos para recaudar fondos, apoyar a las familias en este momento y que sus hijos puedan mejorar y tener un mañana

– WILL KRUGER

El director ejecutivo del Maratón de Baile de UNI

medad potencialmente mortal, la oportunidad de contar su historia y el impacto que

de $100 recibida, una persona golpeaba el "Gong del Creador de Milagros" para

La experiencia personal de Kruger al superar el cáncer infantil motivó significativamente su compromiso con el Maratón de Baile, una causa que había encontrado con frecuencia en sus años más jóvenes. La estructura interna del Maratón de Baile se ha expandido significativamente, pasando de ocho miembros ejecutivos y 17 capitanes de moral a aproximadamente 30 líderes. Este notable crecimiento demuestra el creciente impacto de

la organización en los estudiantes de la UNI que buscan una mayor participación.

El Salón de Baile de Maucker Union exhibía mantas en apoyo de los niños que enfrentan enfermedades y de aquellos que han fallecido, sirviendo como un memorial y una razón para honrarlos y seguir adelante durante la noche del Big Give.

A cada equipo se le asigna un niño al que representa y se establece un "Muro del Porqué" como factor de motivación.

"Cada persona tiene una razón diferente, pero lo ponemos para recordarnos, a lo largo del día del gran evento, la razón por la que estamos aquí e incluso cuando nos cansamos o ya no queremos seguir de pie, siempre volvemos a la razón por la que estamos aquí", dijo la Directora de Hospitalidad, Campbell Wolfe.

Wolfe describió este evento anual como un día en el que "los niños pueden ser niños". Wolfe continuó diciendo: "Para que puedas darles un poco de luz en un momento oscuro de sus vidas o simplemente un buen lugar para venir a pasar el rato con amigos y construir esas conexiones".

Public domain horror: Modern art or soulless cashgrab?

By Theo Trimble Staff Writer

The art of motion pictures has existed for nearly 140 years, since the oldest surviving film clip, the “Roundhay Garden Scene,” was created in 1888. Since then, the craft has evolved dramatically, with the introduction of color film, faster editing, and greater public access. The film industry has produced great works over the years, but lately, it seems like anyone can make a film. And I mean anyone.

Beginner filmmakers, with all their bright, young talent, seem to struggle to come up with stories or characters that would make audiences buy tickets or click links. However, a solution has emerged for those in need: public-domain films.

The public domain refers to creative works or inventions that are old enough (usually 95 years) not to be covered by copyright anymore. That means these characters, plots, or words are free to be used by anyone, for any purpose.

An example of this is the recent 2024 public-domain entry of the cartoon “Steamboat Willie.” The 1928 versions of the characters in this cartoon are now open to all to use (Mickey, Minnie, Captain Pete), but not the more recent versions.

Public-domain horror, which draws on public-domain characters and incorporates them into the horror film genre, has existed for some time; the first documented example is “Rumpelstiltskin” (1995), which received generally negative reviews from audiences and critics alike. Similar movies began popping up afterwards, such as “Snow White: A Tale of Terror,” “Pinocchio’s Revenge,” and the more infamous “Jack Frost” movies. Again, most of these movies were poorly rated and were often released on DVD or VHS.

These movies began appearing sporadically over the next couple of decades, giving us mediocre films such as “Peter Rottentail” and four separate Hansel & Gretel-themed movies, all released in 2013. But the sudden rise in the popularity and detectability of these works, I believe, came from one film in particular.

“Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” was released in 2023 and immediately received a large amount of attention from the internet. Many peo-

ple talked about how high-quality and polished the film looked; others believed it was unnecessary to have a beloved childhood character brutally murder young women on screen. Although the film sparked these interesting conversations, it didn’t stop the bad ratings from flying in.

With a 3% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Film Inquiry writer Sean Fallon wrote, “Perhaps in their haste to be the first ones out with a Winnie-thePooh movie, the filmmakers unfortunately skimped on the writing for the non-Pooh characters, leaving them lifeless and feeling fake.” The film also swept The Razzies, an awards show for the worst films released the previous year.

“Blood and Honey” sparked a sequel and several future projects, as director Rhys Frake-Waterfield wants to expand his public-domain movie series with an Endgame-like film called the Poohniverse. The box office success also inspired other filmmakers to make their own public-domain horror films, though few would relive the “success” of Frake-Waterfield’s work.

I am a fan of bad horror movies. I enjoy watching ideas fly off the script and into a full-length film that I can laugh at and enjoy with friends. But these movies never gave me that feeling. I never had a thought about how “brutal” and “disgusting” it was that my favorite, honey-loving bear, was now massacring dozens.

I was... bored. Not even the gore could help with it. The deaths in these movies were so unneeded that I didn’t feel satisfied when a character I barely knew got mishandled. It prompted me to wonder: Why do people make these films? And unsurprisingly, I found my own answer very quickly.

The only reason that films like “Popeye the Slayer Man” and “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” exist is for money. The directors and producers rely on the tagline of a well-known character, drawing in viewers who say, “Hey, I know that guy!” and earning money from the audience watching a mediocre movie. There’s no sort of love put in these films, and we know this.

Yet, we’re still drawn to these works because of the sentiment we feel. We see these popular characters that we’ve known for most of our lives, and we want to see more of them, no matter how bad or un-

eventful these movies are. People today are blinded by nostalgia - that’s why big companies like Disney are so focused on creating live-action remakes of our favorite animated films, instead of making new and interesting stories. They know we’ll keep watching, no matter how they change the story or the message.

But not every movie based on a public-domain media is necessarily bad. “The Ugly Stepsister” was released in 2025 and is based on the story of “Cinderella.” Receiving a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was also nominated for the 98th Academy Awards in the category of Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

FILMHOUNDS Magazine critic Rebecca Sayce says, “The Ugly Stepsister is an unflinching look at blood-boiling societal standards that cause women to destroy not only themselves, but one another.” Obviously, “The Ugly Stepsister” had a better impact on audiences than Blood and Honey or “Popeye the Slayer Man. The films shared similar qualities, such as mood and special effects, but I believe this film stood out because of its message and direction.

The director didn’t make any of the characters violent slashers out for blood or use them for torture and gore; she made them realistic, human characters that people could relate to. I never found myself relating to Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan in their slasher films, because they were only made for kills and a quick buck. “The Ugly Stepsister” was infused with heart and soul, creating a story that remains notable in today’s world.

I can say that not all public-domain horror movies are completely unwatchable. “The Ugly Stepsister” is just one example of a well-made film that happens to use characters open to the public. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is also based on public-domain characters and won two Oscars at the Academy Awards this year. Adapting pre-made stories and characters isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Still, when you show the same gory slasher horror movie over and over, the audience starts to get bored, even if the characters are recognizable. When you take a character we know and put a new and interesting spin on it, that’s when we look and listen.

People You Should Know UNI spotlights campus leaders in honor of sesquicentennial celebration

Olivia Chambers

UNI Swimmer turned Paralympic champion

Coming to UNI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would not be where I am without everyone here”

By InsideUNI

Panther greats have participated in the highest level of athletics competitions all around the world. Olivia Chambers is a shining example of that. The Paralympic gold medalist overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve greatness in swimming – all while pursuing a double major as an Honors student.

Chambers is a Little Rock, Arkansas native who became visually impaired at age 16 for reasons still unknown to medical professionals. Yet, her love for the water has always been undeniable. After experiencing physical challenges, she adjusted her technique, such as by learning to count each stroke to know exactly when to turn at the wall.

Chambers joined UNI as a student-athlete with Women’s Swimming and Diving.

As a sophomore, she became UNI’s first-ever para-swimming national champion when she achieved two gold medal finishes and one bronze at the U.S. Paralympic National Championships in 2022.

Her performance gained her a spot in the 2023 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Team roster.

She went on to compete in the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in England, the largest para swimming event of the year. She later officially punched her ticket to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Before arriving in France, her story gained national attention when rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav posted on social media about her family’s fundraiser to cover travel expenses.

At the games, Chambers captured gold in the women’s S13 400-meter freestyle and two silver medals in the women’s SM13 200-meter individual medley and the women’s SB13 100-meter breaststroke.

Not only did this make her UNI’s first-ever Paralympic medalist, but she also became the first Panther to earn an Olympic or Paralympic medal since Bill Smith’s gold medal performance in wrestling in the 1952 Olympics.

Chambers went on to serve as the 2024 UNI Homecoming parade grand marshal, and was

awarded the Missouri Valley Conference’s Most Courageous Award, which is presented annually to former or current student-athletes, coaches or university administrators who demonstrate unusual courage in the face of personal illness, adversity or tragedy and whose behavior reflects honor on the institution or the conference.

She graduated in fall 2025 with degrees in biology and psychology. Despite her busy schedule as a student-athlete, Chambers always excelled in academics, even being part of the University Honors program.

After graduating, Chambers continues to train with the UNI swimming team, her focus now on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Her guide dog, Mahi, loves the Glen F. Henry Pool and can often be found hanging around the deck during swim practice.

“While my life might look a little different, it’s better than I could have ever imagined,” said Chambers. “Coming to UNI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would not be where I am without everyone here.”

Budding artists showcase talent in annual juried exhibit

A juried student art exhibit opened Monday, March 23, at the University of Northern Iowa Art Gallery.

Over 150 people attended the exhibition, and this year’s juror was Julia Franklin, who is the Executive Director at Mainframe Studios in Des Moines.

This annual exhibit, which is open to the public until April 16, features the work of UNI students, including Abby Woosley, an art history major.

Woosley won the UNI President’s Office Merit Award for her piece “Every Single Night,” which is a rendition of the musician Fiona Apple.

Woosley says she was “very connected” to Fiona Apple’s music when she was younger, and wanted to honor her with her art.

Woosley added, “the piece was fun to paint, because (Fiona) Apple is so beautiful, and because I love to experiment with light and color in my artwork.”

“It is always a highlight of the year to celebrate our students’ talent, including the presentation of 22 awards during the ceremony, and we invite everyone to visit the exhibition,” said Laura Gleissner, UNI Art Gallery Director.

“The level of talent this year made the selection process exceptionally competitive, we had 205 artwork submissions with only 70 works selected for the exhibition.” Gleissner added.

UNI’s historic season comes to an end at March Madness

Courtesy/UNI Athletics

By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor

The Northern Iowa men’s basketball season came to an end Friday night with a 7953 loss to St. John’s in San Diego. The contest marked UNI’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2016 season.

St. John’s applied defensive pressure from the opening tip, picking up UNI’s guards full court. The Red Storm built a 20-3 lead just seven minutes into the game. Getting off to a fast start was something UNI relied on throughout its MVC Tournament championship run. The lack of offensive efficiency early against St. John’s proved to be the difference.

“We’ve got a good basketball team, and the start of the game obviously shifted a lot of the rhythm,” UNI coach Ben Jacobson said. “Once we were past the first three or four minutes, it was a pretty even basketball game for a long time.”

Facing a 21-4 deficit, Trey Campbell got the UNI offense going with a layup and two free throws in a 19-second span. A few possessions later, the Cedar Falls native connected on his first 3-pointer of the game.

Bryce Hopkins and Oziyah Sellers led the Red Storm offense with 10 points each in the first half. The duo scored in a variety of ways and helped St. John’s build a 32-13 lead.

The Panthers continued to battle back, with Max Weisbrod hitting his first 3-pointer. Tristan Smith and Will Hornseth followed with layups on consecutive possessions, cutting the deficit to 47-28 at halftime.

Needing a spark in the second half, Leon Bond III scored four straight points to trim St. John’s lead to 15. At the 16-minute mark, Hornseth and Campbell added layups on back-to-back possessions to make it 4936.

The Panthers could not keep pace down the stretch,

as the Red Storm extended the lead to as many as 20 points in the second half. St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor proved to be the difference on both ends of the floor. The senior from Garland, Texas, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

St. John’s moved on to the Round of 32 to play No. 4 seed Kansas. They beat the Jayhawks 67-65 on a last second layup to advance to the Sweet 16. Despite earning a No. 5 seed on Selection Sunday, many believed the Red Storm deserved a higher seed, including the UNI coaching staff.

“They’ve won 19 out of 20. They just won the Big East Tournament. We had a tough, tough opponent,” Jacobson said. “We felt like we were going to win today, OK? That’s not why I say that about St. John’s. It was a tough draw.”

UNI ends its season with a 23-13 record. It marks the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance without a win since a 2009 Round of

64 loss to Purdue. The Panthers will say goodbye to several players, most notably hometown product Trey Campbell and Concordia (Nebraska) transfer Tristan Smith. Despite the early exit, UNI captured its first MVC championship since 2020.

“This was an incredible year,” Smith said. “We had highs and we had lows. I think it just goes to the credit and the culture that the coach and the staff have built here.”

Evloev sets the tone for UFC featherwight future

By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer

For years, the UFC featherweight division has been relatively stable and dominated. Only a few fighters came close to dethroning champion Alexander Volkanovski during his historic first title reign. However, once it appeared Father Time was catching up to Volkanovski, the division caught fire. Diego Lopes, Jean Silva, Kevin Vallejos, Arnold Allen and Youssef Zalal are among the rising stars making an impact. Two fighters in particular have stood out: Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. The top contenders squared off in London at UFC Fight Night this past Saturday, with the winner likely earning a title shot against Volkanovski.

Lerone Murphy, after an impressive knockout of Aaron Pico in August, has been in the title conversation. His technique and charisma are championship caliber. With a strong fan base behind him, some wondered whether that momentum would create pressure for UFC president Dana White to schedule a title bout. However, one standout win is rarely enough. Instead, Murphy faced Evloev. Evloev, undefeated at 20-0, has victories over notable fighters such as Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes. Murphy is primarily a striker, while Evloev is a wrestler and grappler. The clash of styles made for a compelling matchup.

Entering the bout, Evloev was the favorite despite being two inches shorter and at a one-inch reach disadvantage.

Reuters/ Peter van den Berg - Imagn Images

Movsar Evloev’s win over Lerone Murphy proved he can fight with the best of the best.

The opening round served as a feeling-out process, as both fighters measured each other. Evloev maintained octagon control, looking for takedown opportunities. Murphy landed precise strikes and did not chase a finish early. There was a mutual understanding of each fighter’s ability. The first two rounds were patient and calculated, typical of high-level fights. One surprise was Evloev’s lack of takedown attempts early. Instead of relying on his grappling, he chose to strike. Murphy controlled the pace early and

arguably secured rounds one and two.

Down potentially two rounds, Evloev adjusted in the third. He began to utilize his wrestling, returning to his original game plan of controlling Murphy on the mat. For the remainder of the bout, that approach proved effective. From rounds three through five, Evloev landed nine of 10 takedown attempts. The constant pressure wore on Murphy physically and mentally. While Murphy performed well, his striking efficiency lagged. He landed 89

of 239 total strikes (37.2%) compared to Evloev’s 124 of 234 (53%).

As the final horn sounded in the fifth round, the outcome rested in the judges’ hands. Evloev won by majority decision. In his postfight interview with former UFC champion and commentator Michael Bisping, Evloev made his intentions clear.

“Alex (Volkanovski) mentioned my name a lot of times, and I’m accepting his challenge,” Evloev said. “UFC, there are no excuses. Let me fight for the title.”

Evloev is not known for being outspoken, but he continues to deliver in the octagon. With a statement win, questions now shift to the rest of the division. Some fans and critics have pushed back on Evloev’s rise, citing stylistic concerns. Many believe his wrestling-heavy approach could pose problems for Volkanovski, who has struggled against elite grapplers such as Islam Makhachev. Evloev also has connections with Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, sharing the same management. While both fighters have had legendary careers, some fans view that style as less entertaining. There is concern that if Evloev becomes champion, the division could become more stagnant.

Still, the division remains loaded with talent. It is no longer controlled by a single dominant champion, as it once was during the eras of Jose Aldo, Max Holloway and Volkanovski. The current landscape allows for more competitive and unpredictable matchups. In an interview with TNT Fight Sports, Evloev addressed criticism of his style.

“People also like striking,” Evloev said. “It was always interesting for me to see if I could stand in front of a good striker.”

Evloev has shown he can adapt, both on the feet and on the mat. Whether he earns a title shot remains to be seen. If he does, fans can expect a well-rounded contender facing one of the sport’s alltime greats in Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski.

In the new landscape of college athletics, where money rules all, are Cinderellas in March Madness still prominenet or are they a thing of the past?

By Carter Lust Sports Writer

In the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, each No. 1 seed advanced to the Final Four for just the second time in tournament history and the first since 2008. Additionally, every team in the Sweet 16 came from a Power Five conference, with only five mid-major programs advancing past the opening round. No No. 13, 14, 15 or 16 seed won a game for the first time since 2017. If your bracket had few, if any, upset picks, you were likely at the top of your pool — leading many to label the 2025 tournament as “chalk.”

Had March lost its Madness?

Part of the appeal of the NCAA tournament is rooting for underdogs when the odds are stacked against them. In

2018, the UMBC Retrievers became the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed, defeating Virginia 74-54. That same year, Loyola Chicago advanced to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed, using consecutive buzzer-beaters in the first three rounds to fuel one of the most dramatic runs in tournament history. In 2022, No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s upset No. 2 seed Kentucky and No. 3 seed Purdue en route to an Elite Eight appearance. The following year, No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson upset No. 1 seed Purdue, highlighting a tournament in which the Final Four featured no team seeded higher than No. 4. Two mid-major programs, Florida Atlantic and San Diego State, even competed for a national championship berth. In 2024, Jack Gohlke’s 3-point shooting propelled No. 14

seed Oakland past No. 3 seed Kentucky, cementing his place in March Madness history. In the 2026 tournament, only four double-digit seeds won their opening-round games, with No. 12 seed High Point as the lowest-seeded team to advance. Two of those four teams — Texas and Texas A&M — were still from Power Five conferences. Some may even argue the fourth school, VCU, is not a true mid-major given the recent success of the Atlantic 10 Conference.

What happened to Cinderella?

Many point to the NCAA’s name, image and likeness (NIL) policies as a reason the tournament has felt less unpredictable in recent years. Players who begin their careers at smaller schools are transferring to larger pro-

grams while receiving financial compensation from universities and outside donors. Schools are now willing to spend millions of dollars to build rosters, often investing six- or seven-figure sums in multiple players.

According to New York Times Sports and Forbes basketball insider Adam Zagoria, BYU paid AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2025, a reported $7 million to play what will likely be one season with the program. Many analysts project Dybantsa as a top-three pick in this summer’s NBA draft, with some projecting him No. 1 overall.

When high-profile programs can offer life-changing money to a single player — let alone multiple roster spots — smaller schools face a difficult challenge compet-

ing with college basketball’s top tier. Tennessee State coach Nolan Smith spoke with Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wolken before his No. 15-seeded Tigers lost to No. 2 seed Iowa State 108-74.

“I think what you’re up against is just some very expensive rosters and some very cheap rosters, right?” Smith said. “But when they get between them lines, those very expensive rosters have to wake up and play the game. And they’re waking up with some fat pockets. So you might catch them on a day where they’re feeling real soft. I think no matter what, you’ve got to play the game.”

For the Madness to return to March, it may come down to hoping those “very expensive” rosters do not all wake up before midnight.

Panther Train reaches final destination in Cleveland

By Cohen Kamaus Sports Editor

All roads lead to Cleveland.

The Panther Train reached its final destination of the 2025-26 season: the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Every practice, offseason workout, dual meet and tournament led to this moment. UNI sent five wrestlers in hopes of placing in the top eight and earning All-American status.

At 133 pounds, Julian Farber came in as the No. 20-ranked wrestler in the country. Posting a record of 18-9 in the regular season, Farber placed third at the Big 12 Championships. For the third consecutive year, Farber faced Jacob Van Dee in the national tournament. Van Dee won the previous two matchups and led the all-time series 4-2. After giving up an opening-period takedown, Farber battled back and scored a takedown of his own in the third period. Farber rode Van Dee out, avenging losses from the previous two years. Farber then faced No. 4 Aaron Seidel of Virginia Tech, losing by technical fall.

Farber picked up two wins over Ethan Berginc of Army and Evan Mougalian of Penn, advancing to the “bloodround,” which determines All-American status. Farber drew a tough matchup against reigning 133-pound national champion Lucas Byrd of Illinois. Farber gave him all he could handle, but Byrd prevailed in a 5-4 win. Farber finished his UNI career with an 84-41 record, the most wins among active Panthers. Farber showed appreciation

for the Panther fans who made the trip to Cleveland.

“Being able to look up in the stands and seeing all the purple, I go out there smiling because I know that y’all have my back,” said Farber, who came to UNI after growing up in Bonaire, Georgia. “I am proud to be a Panther.”

At 149 pounds, Caleb Rathjen qualified for the Panthers after a Big 12 runner-up finish. Rathjen went 9-6 in the regular season and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the second time, after previously qualifying in 2024 with Iowa. Rathjen earned the No. 14 seed, facing Brock Herman of Little Rock in the opening round. Heading into a scoreless second period, Rathjen rode Herman out for the entire period, earning a point as Herman was called for stalling. After a third-period escape, Rathjen held on for a 3-1 win.

Rathjen’s second-round matchup was against Cross Wasilewski of Penn. Heading into overtime tied 5-5, Rathjen had two strong shot attempts, but Wasilewski defended and reattacked, securing a takedown to win 8-5. Rathjen returned to the win column with a victory over Kaden Cassidy of George Mason before losing to Gabe Willochell of Wyoming, ending his season and Panther career. Rathjen shared how difficult his journey has been and how grateful he is for the Panther community.

“A year and a half ago, I wanted to quit the sport. I didn’t want to wrestle anymore,” said Rathjen. “I’m going to be a Panther forever. I was only here for a year, but

it was the best year of wrestling I ever had and the most fun. I can’t thank you guys enough.”

At 165 pounds, Ryder Downey qualified as the No. 11 seed. Downey returned to the national tournament for the third time after posting a 21-5 record in the regular season. Downey’s first-round matchup was against Oregon State’s Matthew Olguin. Downey dominated in the third period after trailing early 4-1. An escape, takedown and four-point near fall secured a 10-4 decision. Downey wrestled No. 20 EJ Parco of Stanford in the second round, falling 4-3 after allowing a first-period takedown. Downey bounced back with two wins, scoring 18 points in each match. This set up a duel with North Carolina’s Bryce Hepner. Hepner came out on top, scoring the only point in a 1-0 match. Downey concluded the season at 24-7.

For the third time, 174-pounder Jared Simma qualified for the NCAA Championships. Simma entered the tournament as the No. 17 seed and faced Ivy League runner-up Nick Fine of Columbia. Simma fell in a tight 3-2 decision, sending him to the consolation bracket. Simma quickly rebounded, defeating Grant O’Dell of Bellarmine 4-1 in sudden victory. Simma then faced No. 2 Simon Ruiz of Cornell, losing by fall in 5:57.

Rounding out the squad, at 184 pounds, Nick Fox qualified as the No. 29 seed. In his first season in the lineup, Fox posted a 12-4 record and placed ninth at the Big 12 tournament. In the first

round, Fox faced No. 4

James Conway of Franklin & Marshall. After each wrestler scored a takedown, Conway added another to win 4-1.

Fox moved to the consolation bracket, upsetting No. 10 Isaac Dean of Iowa State, 4-1.

Fox then faced Jaden Bullock of Virginia Tech, battling until the end but falling 4-3.

After the tournament, the whole team shared words of gratitude about UNI wrestling, including advice for younger wrestlers and appreciation to the fans.

“I love being a Panther,” said senior Cael Rahnavardi.

“Continue to believe in yourselves and the direction that Doug is taking you.”

“Being selfless isn’t hard when you wrestle for this team,” said 125-pounder Trever Anderson.

Wyatt Voelker, who was

sidelined late in the season because of an injury, grabbed the microphone and delivered possibly the message of the night.

“I don’t care if it’s $100,000 or $500,000 to go somewhere else. I’d wrestle here for free, forever,” said Voelker as the crowd of UNI fans erupted in cheers and applause.

In a world of NIL and money-chasing college athletes, that statement speaks volumes about what Doug Schwab has built at the University of Northern Iowa. He built it with his own two hands. He even helped build a new wrestling facility when West Gym was torn down. Safe to say the Panther Train isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“I am excited for tomorrow,” said Schwab.

And so should Panther fans.

CROSSWORD

BY RYAN SALES

Across

1) Winter neckwear

6) Facts and figures

10) Reduce to a pulp

14) Acoustic

15) Test

16) Ancient Peruvian

17) ___-Lay

18) Chicken (out)

19) WWII weapon

20) "When are you getting here?"

21) Encouragement

24) Tab

25) Elevates

26) Service offered by Google Drive

31) Major artery

32) Cribbage pieces

33) Adebayo, who recently scored 83 points

36) The ___ of March

37) Captain Nemo's creator

39) Achy

40) "The Matrix" hero

41) Greek cheese

42) Rowed a boat

43) NCAA basketball tournament nickname

46) Monet or Manet

49) Newspaper page

50) Traps off the coast of Maine

53) Attorneys' org.

56) Pairs

57) Tolerate

58) "Pale Blue Dot" author Carl

60) Sicilian volcano

61) Marathon, e.g.

62) On one's toes

63) Stagger 64) Mimicked

65) Egg holders

Down

1) Out of harm's way 2) Terse

3) Opera solo

4) Snitch

5) 1 basketball seed that lost to Iowa

6) Volcanic rock

7) Graph line

8) Scottish caps

9) Strength of electric current

10) "Glad I'm back?"

11) Nay sayers

12) Part of an act

13) Suspends

22) Chicago trains

23) Droops

24) No ifs, ands, or ___

26) Brother of Abel

27) "I've hit the mother ___!"

28) Nabisco cookie

29) Media mogul Winfrey

30) Kylo ___ of "Star Wars"

33) Snoozefest

34) Greek god of war

35) Rx items

37) Part of a column

38) List-ending abbr.

39) Hourglass contents

41) Observe Ramadan

42) Certain Ukrainian

43) Prayer book

44) Anchored

45) Fitting

46) Birch family tree

47) Way to go

48) Steakhouse order

51) Harvest

52) Tempo

53) Gets older

54) Homer's son

55) Picnic pests

59) Ginger ___