FAYETTE, IOWA (April 21, 2025) — Upper Iowa University (UIU) is proud to announce that Tony DiCecco will deliver the keynote address during the University's 2025 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3. A native of Niagara Falls, New York, DiCecco moved to Iowa to pursue an education at Upper Iowa University. After graduating from Upper Iowa University in 1971, he embarked on a teaching and coaching career that lasted over 35 years.
DiCecco has taught and coached in many educational settings, from elementary to college. He officially moved to the college ranks in 1989 as the women's basketball assistant coach at Creighton University, then at the University of Northern Iowa in 1995, where he built a successful program during his twelve-year tenure.
DiCecco ended his women's basketball coaching career as the winningest coach in UNI's history, leading the Panthers to a 183-157 record. When his career ended, he ranked seventh in Missouri Valley Conference history in wins, and his 117 conference wins are the fourth most by a Valley coach. After stepping down as women's basketball coach at Northern Iowa, Tony led numerous fundraising events for UNI athletics. DiCecco is the owner and CEO of "The Tony D Connection", a motivational speaking and fundraising business. He has delivered numerous speaking engagements around the Cedar Valley and in the state of Iowa. DiCecco hopes to make a difference by inspiring and influencing others to reach and see their dreams in life come true.
Approximately 400 UIU students from all UIU locations will be recognized for earning their degrees during the commencement ceremonies at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette, Iowa. Graduates and undergraduates from the Department of Accounting, Agricultural Business and Finance, Department of Business, Management, and Marketing, Department of Science and Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Sport Administration, and Department of Nursing will be celebrated at the 10AM ceremony.
Graduates and undergraduates from the Andres Department of Education, Department of Humanities and Social Science, Department of Psychology and Human Services, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Counseling, and Second Chance graduates and undergraduates will be celebrated at the 1:30PM ceremony.
In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on the UIU homepage that the ceremonies have been moved to Dorman Gymnasium at the Fayette Campus. All seating is on a first-come basis. An overflow viewing area will be located in the Student Center ballrooms. Guests at this location can view the full ceremonies on live video. Livestreaming of the broadcast may also be viewed on the day of commencement at uiu.edu. For the most current details, visit uiu.edu/commencement.
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to offering undergraduate- and graduate-degree programs to approximately 5,700 students both nationally and internationally. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the university extends its reach beyond its main campus to educational centers across the US, demonstrating its role as a recognized innovator in providing accredited, affordable, and quality academic programs. Upper Iowa University prides itself on its flexible, multiple-delivery systems, which include online and self-paced degree options, catering to the varied needs of its student body.
With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, Upper Iowa University is committed to empowering students by providing an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Here, diverse perspectives are valued, and academic excellence is not just a goal but a standard. This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
