FAYETTE, Iowa (September 2, 2009) – Upper Iowa University’s Des Moines Center is 25 years old this year. To celebrate, the center is hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 5-7:00 p.m., with a short presentation by UIU President Alan G. Walker at 5:45 p.m.

          It was in 1984 that Upper Iowa opened the first of two off-campus learning sites--Des Moines, IA and Madison, WI. Its primary objective for starting center locations was to meet the growing need of nontraditional students who wanted to earn degrees at a university which offered classes that fit around work and family schedules.

          UIU’s model proved to be so successful that it soon opened other off-campus learning sites across the nation, forming an Academic Extension (AE) division within the University that would eventually grow to include the centers, an online program and independent study. Combined with the Fayette campus enrollment, today Upper Iowa University serves over 6,000 students, making it the largest private college based in Iowa.

          “We are proud to have more than 3,700 graduates from our Des Moines Center,” stated William Duffy, senior vice president for Academic Extension. “We find that many of our graduates are holding significant leadership positions and making lasting contributions to the betterment of their communities.”

           He added, “Upper Iowa University is committed to being a part of the future economic and educational growth in the greater Des Moines area.”

Contact:

Sheila Miller

Director of Publications

Work – 563-425-5326

Cell – 319-610-7108

Fax – 563-425-5701

millers@uiu.edu

www.uiu.edu