Distinguished Awards

Drew Conrad

Drew Conrad, ’93, received the Alumni Service Award for his long and continuous service to UNI and the Cedar Valley community. Conrad, a 1993 UNI alum, serves as director of UNI’s Institute for Decision Making and director of UNI federal relations. As chair of the UNI Alumni Association Board of Managers for a decade, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. He also contributes to the political science department as a member of the Masters of Public Policy Advisory Board.

Beyond his university involvement, Conrad and his wife, Angela have generously supported many programs at UNI for nearly 30 years including a family scholarship for gerontology students. Conrad is also active in numerous professional organizations. He currently represents the Board of Regents on the Iowa Workforce Development Board and serves on Iowa’s Sector Partnership Leadership Council. Last year, the United States Secretary of Labor appointed Conrad to the Workforce Information Advisory Council as a representative of organizations related to economic development.

Pat Geadelmann

Pat Geadelmann, ’70, received the Faculty/Staff Award, which recognizes an individual currently employed by or retired from UNI who has provided philanthropic support, dedicated long-term service and creative leadership to the university.

For 50 years, Geadelmann has been a devoted supporter of UNI, contributing to a wide range of programs on campus. She held many roles throughout her time at UNI – a teacher at Malcolm Price Laboratory School, professor in the physical education department and the vice president for board and governmental relations. Her philanthropy has supported numerous initiatives, including the Tallgrass Prairie Center, gerontology faculty, women’s basketball, the UNI Alumni Association and the Elena Diane Curris Endowment for the Arts. She has also contributed to the UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club and supported numerous scholarships. Additionally, she has been involved with the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, both as a Friends member and as a donor supporting its renovation.

Curt & Nikki Hudnutt

Curt & Nikki Hudnutt, ’95, ’02 were recognized with the Emerging Philanthropist Award as supporters no older than 50 years old who have provided philanthropic support and creative leadership to the university. Curt graduated in 1999 with finance and Spanish degrees, returning to the university to receive his MBA in 2008. Nikki graduated in 1995 with a degree in community health education, later receiving her MA in physical education in 2002. Nikki has been a fitness instructor for over 25 years, while Curt currently serves as the CEO of American Ag Credit.

Nikki is actively involved in the Panther Scholarship Club Executive Committee, and Curt recently joined the Executive Advisory Board of the Wilson College of Business. As loyal and generous supporters of UNI and Panther Athletics, the Hudnutts established an endowed athletic scholarship and made a significant gift toward the UNI-Dome renovation. They also provide ongoing support for initiatives like the Panther Scholarship Club, Women at Play, Rally in the Valley, the Jean Kelly Early Childhood Student Teaching Endowed Scholarship and the Wilson College of Business Dean’s Fund for Excellence.

Doris Kelley

Doris Kelley was recognized with the Honorary Alumni Award as a friend of the university who has shown exceptional support of UNI. As a former representative in the Iowa House of Representatives, Kelley was an activist for public education, serving on the education committee.

After her time in office, she continued her passion by co-developing the Women in Politics bipartisan scholarship with Joy Cole Corning, which empowers young women at UNI majoring in political science. To raise awareness and promote female representation in public service, Kelley co-chairs the annual Women in Politics Bipartisan Scholarship Benefit, with all proceeds supporting deserving students. Thanks to her tireless efforts, the scholarship fund has awarded over $90,000, making a significant impact in UNI students’ lives.

Kelley has also played a vital role in facilitating local debates with the Northern Iowa Student Government, providing students with valuable insights into the campaign process and the importance of educating communities about political candidates. Her generosity extends beyond her volunteer time as she supports scholarships and program funds at the university.