Submitted by: Dr. Julianne Gassman, Director & McElroy Professor, UNI Office of Community Engagement Each January, the University of Northern Iowa transforms the UNI-Dome into a powerful hub of service as thousands gather for the annual MLK Day Pack the Dome event. The initiative was born from a simple yet urgent need: to support food-insecure children across northeast Iowa. What started as a modest volunteer effort in the UNI Commons has grown into a massive regional service

Creative Adventure Lab, located in Dubuque, recently had the opportunity to welcome a whole new audience during the 2025 DockDogs World Championship, and to showcase how nonprofits can play an essential role in strengthening local tourism. As part of the championship festivities, Creative Adventure Lab hosted the official Youth Night for the event’s talented Youth Handlers, offering them a one-of-a-kind evening of creativity, play, and exploration. During their visit, Youth H

Each April, The Innovation Lab proudly participates in Dubuque Days of Caring by hosting a Community Innovation Session, an energetic, hands-on volunteer experience that blends creativity, problem-solving, and community impact.