As the University of Northern Iowa celebrates its 150th anniversary, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of three alumni who gave their lives in service to our nation: 2nd Lt. Robert Hibbs, 2nd Lt. Brian Gienau and Capt. Matthew G. Nielson. Their stories reflect both the proud history and the enduring commitment of the U.S. Army, which marks its 250th anniversary this year.

2nd Lt. Robert J. Hibbs (1943–1966)

A Cedar Falls native, Hibbs graduated from the State College of Iowa (now UNI) in 1964 with a degree in history. After completing officer training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and deployed to Vietnam in 1965. On March 5, 1966, during an ambush mission, Hibbs heroically covered a fellow soldier and a sergeant retrieving a wounded comrade. Charging two enemy machine-gun emplacements, he was mortally wounded at age 23. Before his death, he destroyed his rifle’s telescopic sight to prevent its use by the Viet Cong.

For his extraordinary valor, Hibbs was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1967. His legacy is honored at UNI with a plaque in Maucker Union and a memorial plaza, dedicated in 2000, near the former West Gym. Beyond campus, a bridge in downtown Cedar Falls and the Hibbs Range at Ft. Benning also bear his name, ensuring his memory endures locally and nationally.

2nd Lt. Brian Gienau (1975–2005)

Gienau, ’03, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through UNI’s ROTC program in 2004. He served with the Iowa Army National Guard’s 224th Engineer Battalion and deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, he was killed in Iraq when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. A lifelong advocate for service, Gienau combined a passion for the military with a commitment to his team, continually seeking ways to support and protect those under his command. He is remembered for his courage, leadership and the positive impact he had on everyone around him.

Capt. Matthew G. Nielson (1984–2011)

Capt. Nielson, ’08, was commissioned into the Armor Corps through ROTC. He deployed in support of Operation New Dawn in 2010 and was killed in Iraq on June 29, 2011, during an attack on his unit. Excelling academically and recognized with ROTC leadership awards, Nielson balanced his studies with active participation in campus organizations and sports. His life and service stand as an example of dedication, integrity and the ideals that ROTC seeks to instill in every officer.

Carrying Forward a Proud Tradition

UNI’s ROTC program has trained leaders for four decades, instilling values of duty, honor and country. As the U.S. Army commemorates 250 years of service, the stories of Hibbs, Gienau and Nielson remind us of the sacrifices made by Army officers and the enduring impact of ROTC in preparing leaders who serve with courage and integrity. A Fallen Soldier Memorial is located outside the Nielsen Field House, home of UNI Army ROTC.

Their legacy of leadership and sacrifice underscores the enduring impact of ROTC in shaping leaders who serve their country and leave a lasting mark on UNI.