October 1, BCS Brief
An internal newsletter for Business & Community Services
October is buzzing with momentum—and we’re kicking things off in a big way. UNI’s 150th anniversary celebration launches this month, and it’s more than a milestone—it’s a moment to reflect and reconnect on the last 40 years of our economic development work, and reimagine what’s next.
Cheers!
Katie Kreis-Voigt
Marketing Manager
BCS & Family Business Center
BCS to go ‘Back to the Future’ this homecoming weekend
Friday, October 3
IWRC Celebration, 3-6 p.m. — Enjoy live music, good food, games, and giveaways at their panting facility in Cedar Falls.
Homecoming Bash, 5-9 p.m. — Music and more on the campus lawn! A reminder that anyone with a WLSN voucher will receive a free meal at this event.
Saturday, October 4
Parade — Lineup at 9:15 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. Come watch BCS defend its first-place ribbon for the fifth time. Plus, see if you can spot convertibles carrying Drew Conrad as the 2025 Grand Marshall and Randy Pilkington as the Sesquicentennial Dignitary!
JPEC Tailgate, 1-3 p.m. — Join UNI’s entrepreneur community at a tailgate before the big game. You can find their purple tent in the West Parking Lot near the HyVee Tailgate. RSVP here to help them order the right amount of food.
Dates to Know
October 2 — Family Business Virtual Breakfast Series
October 3 — IWRC Homecoming Celebration
October 3-5 — UNI Homecoming Weekend
October 7 — ADA Web Compliance Training in Room 30 at 1 p.m.
October 8-10 — IDM at the American Planning Association Iowa Chapter 2025 Planning Conference in Ankeny
October 23 — IA-CEO’s Employee Ownership Annual Conference
October 25 — TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa
November 6 — FBC’s Iowa Family Business Conference
Pilkington and Seabert recognized by Professional Developers of Iowa
PDI is a state association of economic development professionals united to strengthen communities and drive the long-term growth of Iowa.
In September, Randy Pilkington was recognized for his significant contributions to the organization and economic development in Iowa with a lifetime membership to PDI. Watch the celebration here.
Liesl Seabert (IDM) was elected to the PDI Board of Directors. Congratulations, Liesl!
BCS Birthdays
October 2 — Jayne Kielman, Family Business Center
October 15 — Chris Lampe, Iowa Waste Reduction Center
October 19 — Kristen Toppin, Family Business Center
October 21 — Amy Dutton, SBDC & JPEC
October 23 — Joe Bolick, Iowa Waste Reduction Center
October Work Anniversaries
Thank you for your dedication to Building a Better Iowa!
1998 — Christy Ryken, Strategic Marketing Services
2008 — Dan Beenken, Family Business Center
2016 — Amy Dutton, SBDC & JPEC
2023 — Kim Eastman, Strategic Marketing Services
2023 — Kristen Toppin, Family Business Center
In Case You Missed It
Dean Leslie Wilson will be speaking at TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa on October 25. Get your tickets now!
There are still volunteer slots available for homecoming activities. Be part of the 150th kickoff.
What's Next?
Submit an item for the next monthly BCS Brief newsletter by emailing katie.kreis@uni.edu.