University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Megan Franklin named co-chair of Cedar Valley United Way’s 2026 campaign
9/8/2026 8:30:00 AM | General
WATERLOO, Iowa --- UNI Director of Athletics Dr. Megan Franklin has been named co-chair of the Cedar Valley United Way's 2026 campaign, as announced by the organization.
Serving alongside Ethan Crawford, Director of Athletics at Hawkeye Community College, Franklin will help lead Cedar Valley United Way's 2026 campaign, One Story at a Time, encouraging individuals and businesses throughout the Cedar Valley to come together in support of local programs and resources that help individuals and families thrive.
"Megan and Ethan are both incredible leaders who understand the power of bringing people together around a common goal," said Debbie Roth, President of Cedar Valley United Way. "They care deeply about the Cedar Valley, and they understand that creating lasting change takes all of us playing a part. We're excited to have them help us share the stories behind this work and inspire even more people to see the role they can play in strengthening our community."
"At UNI Athletics our vision statement reads 'we leverage the power of the jersey for a greater good," said Franklin. In athletics, we see every day what can happen when people come together around a common goal, and the same is true in our community. It is in that spirit, I am pleased to support the Cedar Valley United Way as campaign co-chair where we get to tell the stories of the people and the programs supporting our Cedar Valley community members in thriving as they craft their own stories of impact."
Throughout the 2026 campaign, Dr. Franklin and Crawford will help Cedar Valley United Way rally the community around the people, programs and possibilities behind that impact.
None of us can solve every challenge facing the Cedar Valley. But together, we can make a difference for one person. One family. One child. One story. And then another, until those individual stories begin to change the story of the entire community.
Through its annual campaign, Cedar Valley United Way raises funds to invest in local programs addressing some of the community's greatest needs in the areas of education, financial stability, health and emergency & basic needs.
ABOUT CEDAR VALLEY UNITED WAY
Cedar Valley United Way unites our community to empower individuals and families to thrive. We invest locally in programs and partnerships that improve education, strengthen financial stability, support healthy lives, and meet basic needs. Guided by community data and made possible through the generosity of our donors, we work alongside nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders to create lasting opportunities across the Cedar Valley.
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