A career spanning 40 years will be honored during a retirement reception for Associate Professor Charles "Chuck" Habstritt at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The event honoring Habstritt is slated for Wednesday, December 9, 2009, from 3-5 p.m. in Bede Ballroom in the Sargeant Student Center. The public is invited to attend.

Habstitt began his teaching career in 1969 at the U of M, Crookston where he specialized in agronomy and soils. He was named outstanding educator by students three times and in 1999, he was selected to receive the distinguished teaching award by his colleagues. In 2007-08, Habstritt was honored with the University of Minnesota's John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. In the University of Minnesota system, the Tate Awards recognize and reward high-quality academic advising.

For more than 35 years, Habstritt has served as a coach to the highly successful Collegiate Crops Judging Team on the Crookston campus. He was also responsible for compiling the rules and regulations book that has been used for national contests in both Chicago and Kansas City. He has coached his teams to top-three finishes more than 25 times.

Habstritt has developed and taught 13 courses, advised some 40-50 students a year, trained teaching assistants, published, and solicited funding for scholarships to keep and attract top students for his program. He found time during his career to manage his grain, oil seed, and grass seed farm and was recognized with the Honorary State Farmer Degree. During his career, Habstritt also served as assistant coach for hockey, and in 1986, he received the University of Minnesota Regents Award for Excellence in Coaching.

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: Amy Lubarski, administrative specialist, Ag and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Music and Theater Department will present a holiday concert on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The concert will take place at 3:30 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium at the U of M, Crookston.  Featured will be the U of M, Crookston Choir, small ensembles, and soloists.  Immediately following the concert, the Music and Theater Department will serve a light supper at 4:45 p.m. There is no charge for the concert but free-will donations will be accepted.    All are welcome to attend.
    
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: George French, associate professor, 218-281-8266 (gfrench@umn.edu);Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Read the story about the training available to pre-vet students at the U of M, Crookston. The story was featured in AgWeek the week of November 23, 2009.

Contact: Ron Del Vecchio, head, Agriculture and Natural resources Dept., 218-281-8109 (delve004@umn.edu)

The newly-established Honors Program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston teamed up with Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society on campus for a busy fall.

Five students were initiated into Alpha Lambda Delta initiation in mid-October. Eligibility for membership in the national honor society for first-year students is based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better during the first term or year of college while a student is enrolled full-time. Less than 20% of college freshman achieve this high level of academic performance.  Alpha Lambda Delta is advised by Brian Dingmann, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, and the Honors Program director, and Sara Kaiser, Student Experience/Parent Coordinator at the U of M, Crookston.

In the photo: Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society Initiation: (Front row, l to r): Katherine Schliep, a junior from Holloway, Minn.; Erin Shaw a senior from Lancaster, Minn.; Elizabeth Kern, a senior from Ellendale, Minn.; Mindy Nieuwboer, a junior from Kenneth, Minn.; Jacquie Schlangen, a junior from Belgrade, Minn.; Brian Dingmann, Ph.D., advisor.  Back row:  Bradley Kappes, a junior from Borup, Minn.; Christina Blair, a junior from Brainerd, Minn.; Kristine Neu, a junior from Pelican Rapids, Minn.; Paul Myers, a freshman from Arden Hills, Minn.; Austin Czichotzki, a sophomore from Barnesville, Minn.; Holly Wrzos, a sophomore from Big Lake, Minn.; Ashley Williams, a sophomore from Big Lake, Minn.; Heather Donati-Lewis, a junior from Narcoossee, Fla.; and Brittany Schlosser, a junior from Frederick, S.D.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Honor's Program was developed to inspire and transform the students' writing, discussion and critical thinking skills that reflect high expectations for academically successful students. Dingmann serves as advisor for the Honors Program also. Every other Thursday, study sessions are held in the new Honors Lounge located in Evergreen Hall. These study sessions have been a big success and provide an opportunity for students to get to know and help one another. A Halloween pumpkin carving even lightened the mood of one study session.

The Honors Program is open to incoming high school students by invitation after review by the Honors Committee. Selection is based on several factors that include but are not limited to the following: high school rank, grade point average, rigor of high school coursework and SAT/ACT scores. To learn more about the Honors Program, visit www.umcrookston.edu/honors.

Clubs and organizations on the Crookston campus also engage in a number of service projects every semester. Alpha Lambda Delta and the Honors Program co-sponsor a section of Highway 2 east of Crookston as part of the Adopt-a-Highway program.

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: Brian Dingmann, assistant professor, 218-281-8249 (dingm021@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Alvin Killough, Ph.D., has agreed to serve as co-investigator for a grant application submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership (MMEP). The proposal, the result of collaboration, seeks to examine the links between instructional strategies and the academic proficiency to student of color enrolled as English Language Learners (ELL).

The 5-year $2.6 million grant proposal includes a research center located in Minnesota specifically designed to provide a focused plan of research to document both the academic needs of and successful practices used for engaging recent immigrant students in the K-8 learning process.  The goal of the research is to effect changes in instructional practices to reflect scientific findings, and thereby, serve as science - practitioner advocate for policy change.

Killough explains, "We find this grant submission a tremendous opportunity to address, as a research collaborative, not only the overrepresentation of recent immigrant students in ELL and their disproportionately failure to achieve proficiency on standardized tests, but to establish the significance of examining the entire context surrounding ELL instruction delivery as well.  We believe the findings from this exploratory research will be invaluable for teachers and other practitioners, and policy makers."

The primary partners in the collaboration include Minneapolis Public Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, Strengthening Africans Toward Excellence, and an allied host of national consultants.

Killough is an assistant professor in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department at the U of M, Crookston. He teaches as a cultural ecological psychologist and has long advocated for underserved and understudied populations through his scholarly research and public speaking engagements.
 
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: Alvin Killough, assistant professor,218-281-8208 (killo010@umn.edu) ;Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

An event with a long tradition at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day, is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, and will bring some 1,300 high school students to the Crookston campus.  The competition, held at the U of M, Crookston for more than 30 years, is overseen by faculty in the U of M, Crookston Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.  Last year almost 50 high schools participated in this event.
 
The more than 20 contests range from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock, and sales. "Students really enjoy the competition at Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day," said Ron Del Vecchio, head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. "Offering students this opportunity to compete with their peers in the field of agriculture and natural resources proves to be a great time for everyone and especially beneficial for the students."

An awards ceremony culminates the day. Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. More than $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students. Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest; $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual; and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded.

The event is sponsored by the Crookston campus Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. If you would like more information regarding Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day events, contact Amy Lubarski at 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu) or visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/agri/activities.htm.  

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: Amy Lubarski, Ag and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Jacob Hindberg, a fall semester 2008 graduate, recentlycompleted the U.S. Border Patrol Academy program in Artesia, New Mexico, and will be initially assigned to a training officer position in Texas.  

Hindberg earned his degree from the U of M, Crookston in aviation with an emphasis in law enforcement.When he completes his Field Training Officer program, he will be assigned to a North Dakota border post as his first permanent assignment.  Hindberg plans to continue building flight time, and to apply to the Aviation and Marine Division of Customs and Border Protection when he meets the minimum flight time requirements.

For more information on the aviation program at the U of M, Crookston, visit the aviation Web page.

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, 218-281-8114 (mvivion@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Music and Theater Department is presenting "An Opera and a Comedy" on Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2009. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium on the U of M, Crookston campus.  The one-act opera is Bastien and Bastienne by Mozart and the two-scene play is "Suppressed Desires" by Susan Glaspell.  The entire production, with a short intermission, will be 90 minutes in length.  Admission at the door is $5 for adults, $3 for students, with U of M, Crookston students admitted free with their student ID.
 
In the opera, two young sweethearts, Bastien and Bastienne, are having a lover's quarrel when Mr. Colas arrives in an attempt to bring them back together.  Colas mixes up a "magic potion" to hopefully give Bastien the courage to approach Bastienne.  All ends well with the three singing a joyous trio at the end. Bastienne is played by Emily Nelsen, a sophmore from Atwater, Minn.; Bastien is played by Won Man Lee a sophomore from Seoul, South Korea; and Colas is played by Dan Kuske, a sophomore from Belle Plaine, Minn.

In "Suppressed Desires", Henrietta is convinced that everything in life can be explained through psycho-analysis.  Her sister, Mabel, arrives for a visit, and is "analyzed" to the extent that she believes leaving her husband is better than going to the insane asylum.  Henrietta's husband, Steve, steps in to try to make some sense out of the madness.  The part of Henrietta is played by Bethany Jenkins, a freshman from Grand Forks, N.D.;  Mabel  is performed by Kristina Selzer, a sophomore from Rising Fawn, Ga.; and Steve is played by Dan LeTourneau, a senior from White Bear Lake, Minn.  All cast members are U of M, Crookston students.

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: George French, associate professor, 218-281-8266, (gfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Exercise can help build stronger bones and prevent or reverse the damaging effects of osteoporosis.  The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Red River Valley, sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Crookston recently received $1000 from Roseau's LifeCare Medical Center's LifeCare Health Care Fund to start up a RSVP Bone Builders Exercise Program in Greenbush, Minn. The class, beginning in January 2010, is free of charge for all participants.

RSVP Bone Builders is an osteoporosis prevention/reversal exercise program that uses ankle and hand weights to build bone density. Benefits of the class may include increased bone density, lower blood pressure, increased energy, an increased sense of well being, and improved balance.

The Mayo Clinic reports that 40,000 deaths each year are associated with osteoporosis-many of these resulting from complications following hip and other bone fractures. In fact, there are 1.5 million fractures per year due to osteoporosis, costing an estimated $18 million in hospital and nursing home services. One-half of All American women and one-fourth of men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis fracture in their remaining lifetime.

In addition to four Bone Builders classes in Polk County, RSVP sponsored fourteen additional classes throughout northwest Minnesota through an Otto Bremer Foundation grant. Other contributors to the program were Crookston and Thief River Falls United Way, Polk County and the East Grand Forks Senior Center.
 
The LifeCare Health Care Fund received grant proposal requests for $17,112 from very worthy projects and awarded three grants for a total of $2,081.

For more information on RSVP Bone Builders, contact Director of RSVP Deanna Patenaude at 218-281-8288.

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: Deanna Patenaude, director, RSVP, 218-281-8288 (dpatenau@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The sacrifices of our country's service men and women are the focus of Poetic Captivity, a drama written and directed by University of Minnesota, Crookston Senior Deborah Halstad. A special performance of Poetic Captivity will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium. A free will offering will be taken at the door and all proceeds will support the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

To coincide with the production, the American Legion of Crookston, located at 102 South Ash, will host a luncheon prior to the performance from 3-4 p.m. Cost for the luncheon is free for veterans; all others are $3.

The cast includes members of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), the Communication Club, and Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (SPACE). As the play's author and director, Halstad hopes the performance encourages veterans and demonstrates gratitude for their years in service and also pays tribute to those who so honorably gave their lives in service to the country.

"After veterans and other community members, along with our faculty, staff, and students experience the performance of Poetic Captivity, they should walk away with a sense of pride, honor, and respect for those in the United States willing to put their lives on the line for their loved ones and for their country," Halstad reflects.

To learn more about the DAV organization and their work, visit www.dav.org.

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: Kevin Thompson, assistant professor, communication, 218-281-8254 (thom2358@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The holiday season is a time for tradition, and once again, it is time for a University of Minnesota, Crookston tradition, the 3rd Annual Women's Holiday Social. The social, which raises money for student scholarships, takes place in the Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Holiday gift baskets can be viewed beginning at 3 p.m. with bidding and drawings from 4-7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the live and silent auctions, vie for some unique raffle items, and enjoy holiday refreshments.

"We raised over $2,600 for women's scholarships last year so we added a few venues for additional bidding due to popularity," said Jeannine Windels, social co-chair. A spa treatment and dessert of the month are a few items set to be raffled off along with a live auction including a gourmet dinner for four beginning at 6:30 p.m.  

"We have a great committee and many University and Community women are contributing their time, talents and energy to raise more dollars for women's scholarships at the U of M, Crookston," Windels said.  There are several themed baskets, along with jewelry, refreshments, holiday arrangements and great gift ideas highlighting this year's event.

In the past the primary audience for the social has been women within the Crookston community; however, last year the committee saw more men in attendance and bidding on items for their wives, friends, and co-workers.  "This is a great event, we are raising money for scholarships at the U of M, Crookston and we are welcoming all to this year's social so stop out, bid, and donate to UMC scholarships", said Michelle Christopherson social co-chair.

All proceeds from the silent auction, raffle, and live auction go to the Women's Project Fund to support awareness and the recognition of scholarly work and service throughout the University of Minnesota, Crookston. This year's social is being organized by Jeannine Windels, Diane Bachmeier, Ardith Pelton, Judy Neppel, Barbara Muesing, Sherry Just, Emily Knutson and Michelle Christopherson.

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: Michelle Christopherson, director, Center for Adult Learning, 218-281-8679 (mchristo@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

New and prospective students can connect with the University of Minnesota, Crookston to learn more during an upcoming Campus Preview Day scheduled for Saturday, November 21, and Saturday, December 5, 2009.  Families are also encouraged to attend Campus Preview Day at the U of M, Crookston along with their new student.
    
Campus Preview Days provide time for new students to interact with faculty, current students and staff as well as learn more about the Crookston campus. Highlights include receiving detailed information about opportunities for students at the U of M, Crookston, enjoying lunch in Brown Dining Room, interacting during question and answer sessions and touring campus. 

Students may go online to register for Campus Preview Day on November 21 or December 5 by visiting www.UMCrookston.edu/admissions or sign up by contacting the Admissions Office at 218-281-8569.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. Invent yourself at the University of Minnesota, Crookston - become a leader, innovate through technology and research and secure the career you want. 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)

The sights and sounds of an open-air market will fill Bede Ballroom on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, when it is transformed into an international marketplace. The second annual International Market, open from 2-7 p.m., is part of a week of activities scheduled during International Education Week, November 16-20. The public is invited to visit the market and shop the many booths available.

International students from the Crookston campus will be selling treats and items from their home countries along with a number of campus clubs who also will have items for sale. Visitors can taste treats from all over the world and purchase many things that are not available locally during this second annual international market. The market is sponsored by the Learning Abroad office and Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (SPACE).

Learning Abroad Advisor Rae French encourages the campus and community to participate in the market. "The International Market is so unique," French says. "Visitors will have an opportunity to share with our students the experience and excitement of the marketplace. We want to welcome everyone to campus for the International Market and for the many events taking place during the week."

The public is invited to the Global Experiences Panel Discussion on Thursday, November 19. The discussion, also in Bede Ballroom, will feature faculty and students who have gone abroad for study or research. Beginning at 12:25 p.m., the Global Experiences Panel Discussion is part of the Thursday Commons series on the Crookston campus.

Also on Thursday everyone is invited to attend the Study Abroad Club (SAC) Norwegian Dinner Fundraiser at the American Legion in Crookston. The dinner will take place from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Study Abroad Club members in advance for $5 or they will be available at the door for $7. The menu includes meatballs, potatoes, klub, lefse and more.

On Friday, November 20, members of the Multicultural and International Club will host an International Kids Fair. Games and activities will take place form 5-7:30 p,n. in the International Lounge, Sargeant Student Center. Children and their families are encouraged to attend and enjoy the fun during this event designed just for them.

Other events taking place during the week for students and the community include a world lunch on Monday, November 16, from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Brown dining room and a cultural showcase taking place on Tuesday, November 17, from 12-2 p.m. in the International Lounge. Students and guests can learn more about studying in another country during the showcase.

For more information on International Week events, contact French at 218-281-8339.

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: Rae French, study abroad coordinator, 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

A team of students involved with the University of Minnesota, Crookston's  Horticulture Club competed and earned third place honors overall at the 37th Mid-American Collegiate Horticulture Society (MACHS) Conference, held October 8-11, 2009, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

The team (l to r), comprised of Jennifer Zoch,a senior from Remer, Minn.; Kristine Neu, a sophomore from Pelican Rapids, Minn.;  Jada Ellenberg, a senior from Perham, Minn.; and Stepheni Tietje, a senior from Hayfield, Minn.; placed third overall just after Iowa State and Michigan State.  Their coach is Theresa Helgeson, a lab services coordinator at the U of M, Crookston.

Zoch earned first place honors in individual knowledge and tied for first place in herbaceous identification. Tietje tied for second place in herbaceous identification.

 
Students Theo Lenneman, a sophomore from St. Michael, Minn.; Michael Field, a senior from Spicer, Minn.; Nathan Peikert, a freshman  from Woodbury, Minn.; and Katy Diers, a junior from Grand Forks, N.D., also attended the conference and competed as individuals.

The MACHS organization and contest provide a means of communication between horticulture clubs of participating schools. Sharing knowledge and ideas is an important part of the gathering. The MACHS competition includes collegiate horticulture clubs from 12 Mid-American states. A competition is held in four categories and tours are taken of various horticultural attractions.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science bachelor degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. Invent yourself at the University of Minnesota, Crookston - become a leader, innovate through technology and research and secure the career you want. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Contact: Theresa Helgeson, lab services coordinator, 218-281-8120 (helg145@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.  - The University of Minnesota, Crookston recently recognized three individuals and an organization with its highest honor, the Torch & Shield Award. The program, followed by a dinner, was also an opportunity for the Crookston campus to recognize donors. U of M, Crookston Chancellor Charles H. Casey served as the master of ceremonies and Clyde Allen, Jr., chair of the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, brought greetings from the board along with Jan Sickbert, director of development for collegiate programs, who brought greetings from the University of Minnesota Foundation. Also present were Regents Venora Hung, Golden Valley, Minn.; and Richard Beeson, St. Paul, Minn.

Recipients of the 2009 Torch & Shield Award are Erma J. Vizenor, Ph.D., chairwoman of the White Earth Reservation and the first woman to lead the largest tribe in Minnesota; Orlyn Miller, director of Capital Planning and Project Management for the University of Minnesota; Jim Sims, who served head football coach at the U of M, Crookston from 1976-1995; and the Crookston Daily Times, owned by GateHouse Media, with eight full-time staff members, including Publisher Randal Hultgren and newsroom staff consisting of Managing Editor Mike Christopherson, City Editor Natalie J. Ostgaard, and Sports Editor Derek Martin.

In the photo at right are the 2009 Torch & Shield Award recipients are (back row, l to r): Larry Smith, head of the Northwest Research and Outreach Center; Mike Christopherson and Randy Hultgren, both representing the Crookston Daily Times; Chancellor Charles H. Casey, and Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations. Front row: Orlyn Miller, Erma Vizenor, and Jim Sims. 

The Torch & Shield Award is the highest honor bestowed by the University of Minnesota, Crookston and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center. Since 1966, the campus has recognized those who have provided leadership and aided in the development of the University of Minnesota, Crookston; the Northwest Research and Outreach Center; and Minnesota Extension. It has been awarded annually since 1988. Including this year's recipients, 215 community leaders have been recognized for their support of Crookston campus and the region and this year marks the first time an organization has been recognized with a Torch & Shield Award.
    
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: Contact: Corby Kemmer, director of development, 218-281-8434, (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)