University of Northern Iowa Athletics
$100,000 gift honors former UNI Alumni Association president, supports new wrestling training facility
11/21/2024 10:00:00 AM | Wrestling
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa ---Â The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has received a generous $100,000 gift from Dick Smith, '65, in support of a state-of-the-art training complex for the UNI wrestling program. The gift is given in memory of his late wife, Linda Smith, '67, a passionate supporter of Panther athletics and former president of the UNI Alumni Association.
"My wife was always a big advocate for UNI, both athletically and academically," said Smith, a lifelong Cedar Falls resident and two-time UNI graduate. "The wrestling training facility will have a lasting impact on the university, aligning with Linda's dedication to UNI and our pride for Panther athletics."
Smith's commitment to UNI wrestling is personal. Though his wrestling career was cut short due to injuries, the bonds with his teammates and the program's impact — both on and off the mat — have endured. With his gift, Smith hopes to honor the storied legacy of UNI wrestling and inspire future generations of student-athletes. Additionally, the project has a special connection to Linda, who was an Osage Green Devil—just like UNI's head wrestling coach, Doug Schwab.
"Dick's gift to the wrestling practice facility honoring Linda's love for UNI is a perfect tribute given their history and experiences involving Panther Athletics," said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. "When Dick talked about he and Linda's affection for giving back having had their individual and collective experiences, I could see the twinkle in his eye. Each gift has been thoughtful with the intention to directly impact the student-athlete experience. By investing in the place student-athletes hone their craft, this gift will continue to develop student-athletes as they pursue their athletics dreams."
The planned facility will provide UNI's wrestling program with a modern training complex that fosters both athletic and academic success. In honor of Smith's gift, Dick and Linda will be recognized with a naming opportunity in the new facility.
Smith's gift adds to the family's philanthropy at UNI, which includes a scholarship benefiting education majors and support for the outdoor track renovation. Smith hopes other alumni and friends of the university will be inspired to contribute to projects that hold special meaning for them, supporting UNI's student-athletes and the university's vision for tomorrow.
"Supporting UNI athletics means supporting students who gain invaluable life skills through sports — teamwork, time management and discipline," Smith noted. "For many, it also means receiving an education they may not otherwise afford. I am proud to honor Linda with this gift."
"We are so grateful for the generosity of Dick Smith, we are touched by his donation in the honor of his late wife Linda," said Schwab. "Thank you from one Osage Green Devil to another."Â
The wrestling training facility project is a part of UNI's Our Tomorrow campaign. Donations to the project are tax-deductible through the UNI Foundation and can be made outright or as a multi-year pledge. Gifts of $5,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall within the new facility.
For more information, visit https://ourtomorrow.uni.edu/wrestlingtrainingfacility. Additional questions can be directed to Steve Gearhart, associate vice president of University Advancement, at 319-273-5968 or steve.gearhart@uni.edu.
