Regal the Eagle is joined by Sara Kaiser, student experience and parent coordinator at the U of M, Crookston, during preparation for the homecoming parade in 2008.

Crookston, Minn.  - Alumni and friends are encouraged to visit campus during homecoming weekend at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Friday and Saturday, October 2-3, 2009. Theme for homecoming is "Fly Through Time in 2009" and one of the highlights of this year's homecoming events is the dedication of a new student residence hall taking place on Friday, Oct. 2 at noon. Dubbed Evergreen Hall, the facility boasts the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for a residence hall in the University of Minnesota system. University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks and First Lady Susan Hagstrum will be on campus for the dedication ceremony. The ceremony will also include the announcement of the Otter Tail Power Company Campus Energy Challenge,  which  aims to  help develop habits of responsible energy use.  Learn more about the Otter Tail Power Company Campus Energy Challenge. 

LEED certification, an internationally recognized green building certification system, means that Evergreen Hall's apartment-style living was designed with consideration for sustainability and less environmental impact. Using green building materials, including countertops throughout the facility that feature recycled glass, banana peel fibers, or paper, it also features recycled vinyl and plastic in the flooring as well as energy-saving lighting. Another unique feature of the building is an innovative interactive classroom that showcases a technology advantage offered at the U of M, Crookston, the campus that has provided students and faculty with laptop computers since 1993 and that has a history of technological innovation.

On Thursday evening, October 1, the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) is hosting an open house. From 4-7 p.m. the campus and community will have an opportunity to meet the faculty and staff from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department as well as visit the horses, beef cattle and sheep in the UTOC facilities.

On Friday evening, four outstanding alumni will be honored along with the induction of three individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Outstanding alumni  include Mary Jo (Melbye) Eastes, '79; David Genereux,'80; Troy Olson, '89; and Karissa (Dahl) Olson, '99. The Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include Christina (Nettum) Cyr, '97, Al Strandberg, ex.'79, and Frank Fee, president and general manager of KROX AM radio in Crookston. A banquet and program will be held in Bede Ballroom in the Sargeant Student Center on Friday, October 2 beginning with a social at 6 p.m. Tickets are available from the alumni relations office by calling Rose Ulseth at 218-281-8439 (rulseth@umn.edu).

On Saturday, October 3, the homecoming parade will take place at 11 a.m. around the Campus Mall featuring Grand Marshal JoAnn Westburg. Following the parade is the Teambacker Tailgate with the band Four Wheel Drive in Parking Lot E and the Golden Eagles will face the Northern State Wolves in the annual football match-up at 1 p.m. on Ed Widseth Field. Alumni are invited to Minakwa Golf Course for a post-game social after the football game. At 5 p.m, the Golden Eagles will take on Southwest Minnesota State in volleyball in Lysaker Gymnasium.

The 2009 homecoming activities recognize the following honored classes: '69, '74, '79, '84, '89, '94, '99, '04, and '09. If you are interested in organizing class get-together during homecoming, contact the alumni office at 218-281-8439. Visit www.umcrookston.edu/homecoming to read about all the activities taking place during homecoming.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.