Crookston, Minn.  - "Connecting the Dots of Sustainability - a Game Everyone Can Play" is the theme of a special sustainability discussion at the University of Minnesota, Crookston set for Thursday, October 15, 2009, from 12:15 to 2 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  Three guest speakers will address topics including energy conservation and renewable sources, building design, climate changes, and agriculture within the context of sustainability.  The public is invited to attend.

Global food systems expert Myron Just has more than twenty years of experience in public policy and economic development advocacy, leadership, and management in government, business, and not-for-profits.  Just, a North Dakota farmer and former state senator, has served as North Dakota's commissioner of agriculture and as executive director for the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.  He currently serves as a consultant to the Minnesota Project, a regional not-for-profit whose mission is to advocate on conservation issues in public policy development.  

Virajita Singh is an architect and senior research fellow at the University of Minnesota's Center for Sustainable Building Research. She is currently involved in developing a sustainable design assistance program that engages students from the College of Design to help communities, non-profits, and local governments interested in advancing their sustainable efforts related to buildings.
 
Richard Strong is also an architect and senior research fellow at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture's College of Design and the Center for Sustainable Building Research.  Strong was one of the initiators of the Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide while a project manager at Hennepin County during the 90s.  He has taught sustainable design at Carleton College, and while there guided the installation of one of the first wind turbines associated with a college campus. He is currently involved in monitoring the Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines at the U of M.

Strong and Singh are guiding the development of a plan for the U of M, Crookston to become a more sustainable campus and to move toward climate neutrality by a targeted date. During their visit to campus, the two will also meet with groups of students, faculty and staff to gather information to aide in the development of the plan. To learn more about the sustainability on the Crookston campus, visit www.umcrookston.edu/sustainability.

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.
 

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, director, sustainability, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - A new project brings Otter Tail Power Company and the University of Minnesota, Crookston together in an effort to reduce electric energy consumption on the campus. The project will be formally announced at the dedication of a new residence hall on Friday, October 2, 2009. During the ceremony, which begins at noon in Evergreen Hall, the selection of the U of M, Crookston as the designated campus for Otter Tail Power Company's Campus Energy Challenge will be highlighted. The public is invited to attend.

In this first-of-its-kind program, the U of M, Crookston will work with Otter Tail Power Company to reduce electric energy consumption on campus by as much as 15 percent. Sustainability is a priority for the U of M, Crookston, and students helped lead the effort for Evergreen Hall to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified residence facility in the U of M system. The building's construction focused on minimizing environmental impact and saving energy throughout its development and construction.

A number of dignitaries and special guests will be on campus for the building dedication and energy challenge announcement including the following guest speakers:

Charles H. Casey, chancellor, U of M, Crookston
Clyde Allen, Jr., chair, University of Minnesota Board of Regents
Bernie Lieder, state representative, Minnesota District 01B
Gary Willhite, director of residential life and security services, U of M, Crookston
Thomas Haarstick, president, Crookston Student Association
Chuck MacFarlane, president and CEO, Otter Tail Power Company
Bill Glahn, director, Minnesota Office of Energy Security
Robert Bruininks, president, University of Minnesota

Students, staff, and faculty on the Crookston campus will join Otter Tail Power Company employees to research and analyze current electric energy consumption and develop strategies for reducing their use in 2009; most implementation will occur in 2010. The challenge is a pilot project that is part of Otter Tail Power Company's Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program approved by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security in November 2008.

Together, Otter Tail Power Company and the U of M, Crookston expect to nurture and develop energy efficiency habits that will help everyone on campus save money on their energy bills and model those habits to the Crookston community, other campuses, and the country.

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minn. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about conserving energy visit www.conservingelectricity.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.

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.

Contact: Andrew Svec, director of communications, U of M, Crookston, 218-281-8438, (asvec@umn.edu); Cris Kling, director of public relations, Otter Tail Power Company, 218-739-8297

Crookston, Minn.  -  With the first residence facility to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the University of Minnesota system, the Crookston campus has appointed a student to assist in furthering the campus initiatives in sustainability. Lisa (Gregoire) Gentele, Omaha, Neb., was recently hired to support the work of the Center for Sustainability on the Crookston campus under the leadership of its director Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D.

In her role, Gentele will serve as chair of the Crookston Students for Sustainability Development (CSSD) working closely with students and student government in sustainability efforts. She will assist the participation in Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon Initiative; the Ottertail Power Energy Challenge grant in consultation with Tim Norton, director of Facilities Management and Operations; and contribute to ongoing data collection for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions report and Climate Neutrality Plan for the campus.

Gentele is majoring in natural resources at the U of M, Crookston with an emphasis in park management and natural resource management and is also a member of the Natural Resources Club and vice president of U of M, Crookston Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The senior is planning to graduate at the end of fall semester 2009.

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.

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, director, sustainability, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

CROOKSTON, Minn.  - New and prospective students will be able to connect with the University of Minnesota, Crookston during two special events in October 2009. An open house will be held on Thursday and Friday, October 15-16, and a campus preview day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17.

While a schedule has been planned for the open house, students are welcome to stop by anytime during the two day event. Sessions are planned for the morning and afternoon that include an admissions presentation, campus tour and if students request it, faculty appointments can be arranged.

During the preview day, students can explore more than one area of interest and spend more time considering their options with activities that include eating lunch with faculty members in Brown Dining Hall, interacting during question and answer sessions and touring campus.  

"Discover if the University of Minnesota, Crookston is the place for you," says Amber Evans-Dailey, director of admissions. "Preview days and the open house are great opportunities for any student interested in attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Our campus has a lot to offer and we would encourage students to take a look at what is available here and use these days as a chance to experience things firsthand."

Register online today for the University of Minnesota, Crookston open house or campus preview day on October 15-17, 2009, at www.UMCrookston.edu/admissions or sign up by contacting the Admissions Office at 218-281-8569 or 800-862-6466.

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.

Contact: Amber Evans-Dailey, director of admissions, 218-281-8568 (evan0331@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu); Stephanie Onken, communications assistant, 218-281-8446 (onken015@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - A grant awarded to the University of Minnesota, Crookston will allow the campus to host a member of Minnesota's statewide initiative to help preserve and protect the environment, known as the Minnesota GreenCorps. Chris Waltz, in the photo, was recently appointed as the local government energy conservation specialist and will be trained for his role as part of a new generation of environmental professionals under the program. He will be located on the Crookston campus and assist local entities (city, county, school district) in the conservation of energy from their buildings and/or vehicle operations. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) coordinates the Minnesota GreenCorps, which is an environmental AmeriCorps program. The Crookston campus was one of 56 applicants selected as one of the 12 sites.

In his role, Waltz will work closely with the City of Crookston  and the U of M, Crookston Sustainability Committee and with Dan Svedarsky, director of the U of M, Crookston Center for Sustainability.  Waltz will be responsible for collecting, benchmarking, and reporting up-to-date data on energy use and reducing greenhouse gas ( GHG) emissions such as carbon dioxide. Another responsibility will be to work with the host site to implement action steps that will have an immediate effect as well as look at how to invest in the future in an environmentally conscious way.

Waltz, a 2009 graduate of the U of M, Crookston, majored in natural resources and led the effort as a student in gaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the new residence hall on the campus. Dubbed Evergreen Hall, the residence facility is the first LEED Certified residence hall in the University of Minnesota system. 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.

As a member site, the Minnesota GreenCorps position integrates well with the recent selection of the campus as a winner of Otter Tail Power Company's Campus Energy Challenge. The goal of this first-of-its-kind program is to work with Otter Tail Power Company to reduce electric energy consumption on campus by as much as 15 percent over a two-year period.

Svedarsky is enthusiastic about hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps member and what it means, "This opportunity connects the Crookston campus and community in an effort to become more environmentally conscious and to save precious resources and money," Svedarsky says. "Being a member site for the Minnesota GreenCorps and working with Otter Tail Power Company will help us engage in a real, practical way to employ energy conservation methods to help us make better decisions on the campus, in the community, and as individuals."

The mission of the Minnesota GreenCorps is to provide its members with opportunities to contribute to improve Minnesota's environment, while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills. Local governments and community organizations statewide host Minnesota GreenCorps members and provide day-to-day supervision for members working on projects in the areas of local government energy conservation, school waste prevention, living green outreach, local food systems, and urban forestry. To learn more, visit the MPCA's NextStep sustainability Web site at www.nextstep.state.mn.us.

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.

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, professor, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - The Veteran's Club at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will host a benefit dinner, silent auction and street dance on Friday, September 25, 2009, at Oliver's Bar and Grill in Fertile, Minn.  Free will donation dinner will be served from 5 - 9 p.m.

A dinner of pulled pork, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, rolls and dessert will be followed by a silent auction of various sport memorabilia. The street dance, featuring the music of "4 Wheel Drive," will be held following Fertile-Beltrami High School's home football game against Red Lake County Central.

All proceeds will go to the U of M, Crookston Veteran's Club to help pay for the Veteran's Day Celebration to be held on November 11 on the Crookston campus.

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.

Contact: Mike Vivion, chief pilot, mvivion@umn.edu (218-281-8114); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - Articulation agreements completed recently by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will help students by providing a smooth transition to those interested in pursuing baccalaureate degrees. The Crookston campus has implemented several new articulation agreements with Minnesota West Community & Technical College, and Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio, to assist students interested in attaining their four-year degree.

Graduates from Hocking College earning an associate degree in landscape management, parks and recreation, forest management, or alternative energy and fuel cells have the option to continue their education in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston pursuing bachelor's degrees in the areas of horticulture, natural resources management, or agriculture systems management - bio-fuels and renewable energy technology.

For Minnesota West Community & Technical College (MWCTC) graduates earning associate degrees in agricultural business, plant science, or agriculture production management there, have the option to earn bachelor's degrees in agricultural business, animal science, and agronomy at the U of M, Crookston.

"These articulation agreements will benefit students and provide them with more career options," said Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston. "Cooperative agreements like the ones with Hocking College and Minnesota West Community & Technical College allow students to plan their course of study to ensure that they will fulfill their course requirements and be able to transfer seamlessly."

Articulation agreements are formal arrangements transferring a defined set of academic credits between an academic program of one institution, usually a two-year post-secondary institution, to a program within a college or campus of the University of Minnesota system in order to fulfill general education or program requirements.
 
For more information on the degree programs available in agriculture and natural resources at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics or contact the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at 218-281-8109.

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. 

Contact: Ron Del Vecchio, department head, 218-281-8109 (delve004@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - Associate Professor Charla Hollingsworth at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) recently accepted a position with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) in the capacity of National Science Program Leader for Plant Pathology and Weeds at the Center for Plant Health, Science, and Technology in Raleigh, N.C.  A farewell for Hollingsworth will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 1 p.m. in the Bede Ballroom located in the Sargeant Student Center on the U of M, Crookston campus. She will begin her new post with the USDA on November 8, 2009.

The Center for Plant Health, Science, and Technology supports regulatory decisions and operations through methods development work, scientific investigation, analyses and technology.  In her new position, Hollingsworth will have responsibilities for planning, coordination, and oversight in support of the APHIS and PPQ missions.  Utilizing technologically advanced investigative approaches will be a primary focus.

Hollingsworth began her career at the U of M in July 2002 as the small grains plant pathology extension specialist located at the NWROC.  Through her hard work, dedication and expertise, Hollingsworth established highly effective extension and research programs for addressing plant disease problems of small grain growers in northwestern Minnesota and North Central U.S.  She produced an impressive number of research articles, extension bulletins, fact sheets and educational articles, contributed to numerous grower and ag professional events, and was the original co-editor of the much read newsletter, Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota. She collaboratively maintained the website for the Minnesota Fusarium Head Blight Forecasting System.  

In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Hollingsworth trained plant pest surveyors in identification and estimation of disease incidence and severity for major diseases of wheat and barley.  She played a central role in five successful applications for EPA Section 18 Specific Exemption Requests, which provided growers with fungicide options for managing Fusarium head blight on wheat and barley.  Data she provided for the Minnesota exemptions has been used for other state's exemption requests, which have had far reaching impacts on the management of Fusarium head blight nationally.

For more information about the NWROC, visit http://nwroc.crk.umn.edu.

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.

Contact: Maureen Aubol, office supervisor, NWROC, 218-281-8602 (aubo0002@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - The University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will host an open house on Thursday, October 1, 2009. 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.

Guests can watch the Equestrian teams practice beginning at 4:30 p.m. with horse jumping, and later at 5:45 p.m., the western team will be practicing reining.

Tours will be given every half hour beginning at 4 p.m. and running through 6:30 p.m. by members of the Equestrian Team or Horseman's Association. Students involved in the Animal Science Club will provide tours of the beef and sheep facility. All tours will begin at the south main lobby area doors in UTOC and self-guided tours are also an option during the open house. Visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy refreshments with students, faculty and staff in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

UTOC, dedicated in 1993, serves as the center for animal and equine science on the Crookston campus and features a riding arena, stables, and a tack room for the equine science program. It also houses some 40 plus horses. The arena regularly serves as a host area for regional riding and horse shows. To learn more about the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics.

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.

Contact: Ron Del Vecchio, department head, 218-281-8109 (delve004@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

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.

Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, alumni relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)