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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42
CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 3
Sword fights, jam-packed schedules and all things international
IN THIS ISSUE:
UNI Study Abroad programs take students to Malta, France, Greece and Thailand By Giada Grimes
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
Staff Writer
Panthers traveled all over the world this past summer. From Thailand to Greece, and from France to Malta, students learned about and experienced a wide range of cultures through UNI’s study abroad program. Whether it be discovering pirates in the Mediterranean or immersing yourself in learning at a university, UNI offers a wide range of different programs. It offers students the opportunity to explore different countries and grow their resume. Junior Makalya Crannell completed a two-week study abroad program in Malta, a small island south of Italy. Through her time there, she learned about the differences that Malta has from the United States culturally, as well as architecturally. “The structure of everything was much different than in the United States; food and water were different, traffic, buildings, historical structures and so much more. I loved picking up on the little things that the Maltese people did that were different from the US. Some of the structures that I saw were absolutely beautiful,” Crannell said. “I think that was the most surprising to me. Learning about the processes behind some of the structures, shelters, churches, cathedrals, villages and more that were built. Everything had so much meaning and purpose; it was beautiful.” She was led by UNI history professor Louis Fenech. Fenech has been guiding students around Malta for several years now and thoroughly enjoys showing the ins and outs of the quaint country and what makes it such a unique place to travel to.
The UNI Multicultural Fest took place on Sept. 2 at the Center for Multicultural Education. PAGE 4
Courtesy Photo/Makalya Crannell
Makalya Crannell in Malta, a small island south of Italy.
“One of the things I love the most about it is the culture,” Fenech said. “Because of Malta’s geographical location, it effortlessly blends the cultures of Christian Europe with those of Islamicate northern Africa.”
See ABROAD, page 6
Bridging the gap between the stage and the performer, the UNISTA way
OPINION
In honor of his recent passing, Northern Iowan staff writers collaborate to share the legacy of actor Tim Curry. PAGE 5
still, why should stage fright prevent you from taking a step How a student organization towards something you’re passionate about, like creating theater? TheatreUNI’s own student organization UNISTA (UNI creates a low-risk space of Student Theatre Association) can be that safe space for you, all while making the art form more accessible to all student on campus. acceptable risk on campus populations In the words of a fourth-year theater performance and
youth & communities student, Charlee Kay (UNISTA’s proBy Ulyana Karplyuk duction director), the organization’s mission is to “produce Assistant News Editor theater which offers students of the university opportunities to Stage fright is a familiar feeling to many of us. Whether you were a theater or a band kid in high school, had to give a presentation in front of your class or introduce yourself to a group of people you didn’t know, everyone has felt the jitters at least once in their life. Some people get over the fear sooner than others. But
explore their creative impulses in a non-critical environment.” Throughout the year, UNISTA provides the community with a variety of events, produced and managed by UNI students, both inside and outside the Department of Theater.
SPORTS
See UNISTA, page 6
PAGE 8
Panther XC raced in Iowa City on Sept. 4, with sophomore runner Ethan Olds capturing his first collegiate win.