Panthers volunteering at Try Pie

Spring into Service: Cats who Care

Be part of something big during UNI’s Sesquicentennial Celebration! From January 19 to April 23, 2026, Panthers across the country will roll up their sleeves and make a difference in their local communities.

Whether you’re near or far, it’s a great way to connect with fellow UNI alumni while giving back where you live.

How it works:
Each volunteer event is led by an alumni host and focused on a project that benefits their community. Events are open to alumni, family, and friends and provide 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of service.

Want to do more? Host a Panthers After Work (PAW) event to bring Panthers together, volunteer, and celebrate our UNI pride!

UNI Alumni Association

Already an active volunteer in your community?

Log your service hours to show how UNI alumni make a positive impact every day! Whether you serve on a nonprofit board, read with elementary students or stock shelves at your local food bank, we want to hear about the impact you have in your local community!

While you're logging your hours, share your photos with us as well!

Log your volunteer hours

Plan a service project near you!

We’re looking for alumni volunteers to plan service projects in their local communities this spring (January–April 2026)! We need Panther leaders in Des Moines • Cedar Rapids • Denver • Phoenix • Chicago • Twin Cities — and beyond! Wherever you are, you can help grow Panther Nation’s impact.

Have a project idea?

If you already have a community service idea, complete our quick volunteer site application and we’ll help spread the word to invite others to join you!

Getting started is easy:

  1. Choose a cause or organization you’re passionate about.
  2. The UNI Alumni Association will support you with tools, resources and promotion.

Need help or inspiration?

Ideas for Elementary & Middles School Teachers
  • Send congratulations notes and inspirational messages to graduating students
  • Classroom notes to UNI alumni senior citizens
  • Food drive for local food bank
  • Read-a-thon — students read to raise money for a cause they vote on

Volunteer with an organization near you

To find opportunities to help, you may not need to look beyond your neighborhood. Food insecurity, hunger, environmental restoration, health and education are examples of needs that provide service opportunities. Join an organization below or volunteer for 150 minutes any day this spring (January through April 2026) and log your hours. Let's show the world that UNI alumni are dedicated to supporting communities around the world.

Community Opportunities
Log your volunteer hours

Give today!

If you’re short on time, we will put your money to work by helping to grow the UNI network and support UNI students! Support UNI programs and student scholarships by making a gift. Or support your favorite campus cause on Live Purple, Give Gold this April.