A consortium led by the University of Minnesota Institute for Health Informatics has been awarded more than $5 million to train
health professionals in the field of health
informatics. In a partnership that also includes the U of M, Crookston and the College of St, Scholastica, Professor Adel Ali, Ph.D., head of the Math, Science, and Technology Department will serve as the lead investigator from the Crookston Campus. Learn more.
Contact: Adel Ali, head, Math, Science, and Techology Department, 218-281-8268 (adelali@umn.edu); Andrew Svec, director, communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota, Crookston inducted 44 students into the National Society of Leadership and Success at a gathering held in Bede Ballroom on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Keynote speaker Kenneth Johnson, instructor in the Business Department spoke to the students about vision, leadership, and lifelong goals.
The National Society of Leadership and Success, in its inaugural year on the Crookston Campus, is designed to help students succeed by discussing such
topics as leadership, creating a vision, and identifying goals. It serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community
by encouraging and organizing action to better the world.
Officers elected for the 2010-11 academic year include: Publicity Chair Shanel Finke, sophomore, Grand Marais, Minn.; Vice President Brittany Novak, junior, Dahlen, N.D.; President Ashley Williams, junior, Big Lake, Minn.; Secretary Katie Bowar, senior, Moorhead, Minn.; and Events Coordinator Anna Ogaard, junior, Maple Grove, Minn. A treasurer for the group will be named at a later time.
The National Society of Leadership and Success includes 227 colleges with 91,101 members nationwide. Four colleges in Minnesota belong to the National Society for Leadership and Success. They are Minnesota State University, Mankato, Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, the Humphrey Institute on the Twin Cities Campus, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
A nationwide organization, the National Leadership of Society and Success is dedicated to creating positive change. To become a member, students must attend an orientation, three videoconference speakers, three consecutive Success Networking Team (SNT) meetings, and participate in a three-hour long Leadership Training Day. In the past, speakers have included actress Goldie Hawn, Patch Adams, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul Series Jack Canfield, and Famous Amos founder Wally Amos, among others.
For more information about the National Society of Leadership and Success, visit www.societyleadership.org.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo (left): Shanel Finke, Brittany Novak, Ashley Williams, Katie Bowar, and Anna Ogaard.
Contact: Don Cavalier, director, career and counseling services, 218-281-8585 (cavalier@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu); Stephanie Onken, communications assistant, 218-281-8446 (onken015@umn.edu)
"Celebration of Achievement" was the theme for the annual
student awards program and reception held recently at the University of Minnesota,
Crookston. Students were recognized for outstanding achievement and service by
faculty and staff. Emcee for the evening was Pam Elf, associate professor in
the Math, Science, and Technology Department.
Awards and award recipients are listed below:
Crookston Student
Association Officers and Senators
Brandon
Sachwitz, senior, St. Paul, Minn.; Anna Wagner, junior, Brandon, Minn.; Alisha
Aasness, sophomore, Fergus Falls, Minn.;
Karl Syverson, senior, Minneapolis, Minn.; Alyssa Jensen, senior, Cameron,
Wis.; Brittany Novak, junior, Dahlen, N.D.; Greg Summers, senior, Beatrice,
Neb.; Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea; Athena Mussendon, senior,
Kenosha, Wis.; Lauren Snively, sophomore, Herndon, Virg.; Eric Morgan, junior,
Crookston, Minn.; Zach Hennings, senior, East Grand Forks, Minn.; Thomas
Haarstick, senior, Vergas, Minn.; Lincoln Messner, senior, Winthrop, Minn.; Shawn
Friedland, junior, Viera, Fla. Advisors: Lisa Samuelson and Bill Peterson.
Erin
Shaw, senior, Lancaster, Minn.; Ken Johnson, persenter
Outstanding Sport and
Recreation Management (SRM) Student
Derek
Ricke, junior, Menahga, Minn.; David Rolling, presenter
Hotel, Restaurant
& Tourism Hospitality Award
Monica
Grenell, senior, Maple Plain, Minn.; Amoy Carty, sophomore, Sandy Point, KNA; Ashley
Williams, junior, Big Lake, Minn.; Holly Wrzos, sophomore, Big Lake, Minn.;
Lauren Ferrara, sophomore, Eden Prairie, Minn.; Ryan Ellingson, sophomore,
Wadena, Minn.; Ken Myers, presenter
Outstanding Student
of Communication
Heather
Herrig (minor), senior, Mountain Lake, Minn.; Max Saaarinen (major), senior, Lakeville,
Minn.
Lynnette
Mullins, presenter
Outstanding Turfgrass
Student Award
Thomas
Halver, junior, Chaska, Minn.; Kristie Walker, presenter
Turf Bowl Team Award
Thomas
Halver, junior, Chaska, Minn.; Philip Holland, senior, New London, Minn.; Mark
Michalski, senior, Silver Bay, Wis.; Weston Wander, senior, Sauk Centre, Minn.;
Kristie Walker, presenter
Norman Pankratz
Memorial Conservation Award
Tim
Knudson, senior, Monticello, Minn.; Cory Oestreich, sophomore, Florence, Mont.;
Dan Svedarsky, presenter
John Polley Soil and
Water Conservation Award
Nick
Sylvester, junior, Crookston, Minn.; Phil Norvitch, senior, Mountain Iron,
Minn.; Josh Larson, senior, Park Rapids, Minn.; Amanda Bochow, senior, Wahlawa,
Hawaii; Matt Thompson, senior, Karlstad, Minn.;
Dan
Svedarsky, presenter
Outstanding Equine
Science Student
Amanda
Peterson, senior, Rochester, Minn.; Ron Del Vecchio, presenter
Outstanding Animal
Science Student
Isaiah
Ulmer, senior, Fullerton, N.D.; Ron Del Vecchio, presenter
Outstanding Service
to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
Tony
Dank, senior, Sartell, Minn.; Ron Del Vecchio, presenter
Thomas
Haarstick, senior, Vergas, Minn.; Kent Freberg, presenter
Outstanding
Horticulture Student
Michael
Field, senior, Spicer, Minn.
Horticulture Club
Service Award
Jada
Ellenberg, senior, Perham, Minn.; Eric Castle, presenter
MACHS Team Awards
Nate
Peikert, freshman, Stillwater, Minn.; Theo Lennemen, sophomore, St. Michael,
Minn. ; Kristine Neu, junior, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; Jada Ellenberg, senior,
Perham, Minn.; Jennifer Zoch, senior, Remer, Minn.; Stepheni Tietje, senior,
Hayfield, Minn. ; Michael Field, senior, Spicer, Minn.; Eric Castle, presenter
PLANET Team Awards
Theo
Lenneman, sophomore, St. Michael, Minn.; Jada Ellenberg, senior, Perham, Minn.;
Justin Erdmann, freshman, Hoarce, N.D.; Jordan Jacobson, senior, Thief River
Falls, Minn.; Keunyung Kim, senior, Gwangju, South Korea; Michael Field,
senior, Spicer, Minn.; Eric Castle, presenter
Certificate of
Appreciation for International Student Programming
Keunsoo
Kim, sophomore, Gwanju City, South Korea; Qian Liu, junior, Guangdong,China; Taehee Yook, senior, Seoul, South
Korea; Yangchen Gurung, sophomore, Kathmandu, Nepal ; Rae French, presenter
Kim
Gillette, presenter
Outstanding
Leadership for international Students
Eun
Hye Kang, junior, Seoul, SouthKorea; Lhakpa
Gurung, junior, Kathmandu, Nepal; Rae French, presenter; Kim Gillette,
presenter
Outstanding Music
Awards
Matthew
Green, sophomore, Greenbush, Minn.; Brooke Hamilton, freshman, Adams, Minn.; George
French, presenter
Outstanding Crookston
Student Association (CSA) Senator
Eun
Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea; Thomas Haarstick, presenter; Alyssa
Jensen, presenter;
Outstanding Club
Representative
Leonard
Will, sophomore, Tulelake, Calif.; Alyssa Jensen, presenter; Thomas Haarstick,
presenter
Faculty Recognized by
UMC Students for Service and Achievement
Most Creative Use of
Technology
Bill
Peterson, professor, Math, Science, and Technology Department
Most Supportive of
Students
Ken
Johnson, instructor, Business Department
Outstanding Educator
Rachel
McCoppin, - associate professor, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Department
Outstanding Service
to Students
Rae
French, coordinator of study abroad
Student Achievement Awards
Anthony Dank, senior, Sartell, Minn.; Shawn Friedland, junior, Viera,
Fla.; Thomas Haarstick, senior, Vergas, Minn.; Nikolas Jiran, senior,
Hayden, Idaho; Brandon Sachwitz, senior, St. Paul, Minn.; Karl Syverson,
senior, Minneapolis, Minn.; Alvin Tong, senior, Singapore; Lhakpa Gurung,
junior, Kathmandu, Nepal; Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea; Kimberly S.
Nelson, senior, Cold Spring, Minn.; Kristine Neu, junior, Pelican Rapids, Minn.;
Mindy Nieuwboer, senior, Kenneth, Minn.; Brittany Novak, junior, Dahlen, N.D.
Honored as "Man and Woman of the Year" from the students who received the Student
Achievement Award were Man of the Year Anthony Dank, a senior animal science and equine science pre-vet
major; and Woman of the Year Eun Hye
Kang, a senior communication major. Dank is the son of Jim and Mary Dank
from Sartell, Minn., and Kang is the daughter of Syung Hyun Kang and Soon Rye
Seo from Seoul, South Korea. The awards were presented by emcee for the awards
program Associate Professor Pam Elf and Daniel Wilson, president of the
Crookston Noon Day Lions Club.
Coordination and arrangements for the awards program and
reception is the responsibility of the Awards Committee including: Lisa
Samuelson, director of student activities; Terrill Bradford, instructor in the
Agriculture and Natural Resources Department; George French, associate
professor in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department; David
Rolling, assistant professor in the Business Department; and Patti Tiedemann,
graphic designer in University Relations.
Special thanks to the Northwest Educational Improvement
Association and the Crookston Noon Day Lions Club for their continued support
of the awards reception and program.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers
more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including
several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities
and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an
enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a
supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of
Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281- 8507 (samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota, Crookston for the prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year are Matthew Green, a sophomore from Greenbush, Minn., majoring agricultural systems management; Falyn Johnson, a sophomore from Hallock, Minn., majoring in agricultural business; and Cassie Wilson, a sophomore from Thief River Falls, Minn., majoring in natural resources.
Students receiving the Russell O. and Inez Sather Memorial Scholarship must be advanced standing students maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average and having graduated from a high school in Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay on a person or experience that has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.
Dr. Russell Sather began serving as an internist with the Northwestern Clinic in Crookston in 1937. He was called to active duty during World War II from 1942 until 1946 and returned to Crookston in 1947 where he continued to practice until 1985. The scholarship was established in 1986.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, development & alumni, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Master Instructors LLC takes great pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Michael T. Vivion (photo left), a check airman in the University of Minnesota's aviation program and resident of Crookston, Minnesota. Recently, Vivion's accreditation as a Master CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programä. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2002, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 23 worldwide to earn the credential five times.
A teaching specialist in the aviation program at the U of M, Crookston, Vivion was the 1998 National Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year. He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Minneapolis FSDO area.
To help put Vivion's achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 15 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Mike is one of only 8 Minnesota teachers of flight to earn this prestigious "Master" title. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning -- both their own, and their students'. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.
Questions regarding the Master Instructor Program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://www.SafePilots.org. For more information about the program and to locate other Master Instructors, please visit the "Find a Master Instructor" section of www.MasterInstructors.org.
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 Music and Theater Department will present a spring concert Sunday, May 2, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium. Featured will be the U of M, Crookston Choir, band, and other special selections. After the concert, a light supper will be served and a free-will offering will be taken. Location of the supper will be announced.
For more information, please contact the UMC Music and Theater Department at 218-281-8266.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: George French, director, music and theater, 218-281-8266 (gfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota, Crookston was represented at the 2010 National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) by Heather Donati-Lewis, who presented her research titled "Common Spices and Uncommon Properties." A senior from Narcoossee, Fla., Donati-Lewis is an equine science major. Her research was led by U of M, Crookston faculty mentors Brian Dingmann, Ph.D., and Venu Mukku, Ph.D., who accompanied her to the conference.
Donati-Lewis's research focused on the anti-fungal properties of thirty-seven different but common spices and herbs, such as Thevetia peruviana or yellow oleander. She tested the plant's ability to eliminate an important enzyme used in building fungal cell walls. The research yielded two promising leads that may one day be used either as a fungicide or insecticidal product. "It turns out that this enzyme is used by both fungi and insects and therefore could apply to either pest," according to Donati-Lewis. "The possibilities are endless."
Nearly 2,900 people representing over 350 institutions of higher education attended the 24th annual NCUR, hosted by the University of Montana in Missoula on April 15-17. Donati-Lewis was selected to give an oral presentation at the conference from a pool of 2,600 students who applied. Less than half the applicants were selected for this honor.
"I am just so happy for Heather to have been selected and then represent the campus so well at the meeting," Dingmann said. "The conference celebrates and honors the very best research by top undergraduates from all over the country."
The conference hosted four plenary speakers including R. Carlos Nakai, the world's premier performer of the Native American flute; Steven Running, professor of ecology at the University of Montana; William David Burns, founder and principal investigator of Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities; and Henriette Löwisch, an international journalist and professor.
Students have the opportunity to view other students' posters and exhibits and attend oral presentations. NCUR began in 1987 at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. The conference is held annually to promote undergraduate research and creative activity in all fields of study.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo at top, left: Venu Mukku, Ph.D.; Heather Donati-Lewis; and Brian Dingmann, Ph.D.
In the photo at lower, right: Senior Heather Donati-Lewis presents at NCUR in April.
Contact: Brian Dingmann, associate professor, 218-281-8249 (ltollefs@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota, Crookston recognized outstanding achievement and service by students at the annual student awards program on Thursday, April 22, 2010. Students are nominated each year by faculty and staff in early spring and then complete an application form reporting their involvement in clubs, activities, services organizations and list awards and achievements. The top nominees receive the Student Achievement Awards, and from that group, two students are recognized with the year's top academic, service and leadership award, Man and Woman of the Year.
This year's recipients of the Student Achievement Awards are Anthony Dank, senior, Sartell, Minn.; Shawn Friedland, junior, Viera, Fla.; Thomas Haarstick, senior, Vergas, Minn.; Nikolas Jiran, senior, Hayden, Idaho; Brandon Sachwitz, senior, St. Paul, Minn.; Karl Syverson, senior, Minneapolis, Minn.; Alvin Tong, senior, Singapore; Lhakpa Gurung, junior, Kathmandu, Nepal; Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea; Kimberly S. Nelson, senior, Cold Spring, Minn.; Kristine Neu, junior, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; Mindy Nieuwboer, senior, Kenneth, Minn.; Brittany Novak, junior, Dahlen, N.D.
Honored as "Man and Woman of the Year" from the students who received the Student Achievement Award were Man of the YearAnthony Dank, a senior animal science and equine science pre-vet major; and Woman of the Year Eun Hye Kang, a senior communication major. Dank is the son of Jim and Mary Dank from Sartell, Minn., and Kang is the daughter of Syung Hyun Kang and Soon Rye Seo from Seoul, South Korea. The awards were presented by emcee for the awards program Associate Professor Pam Elf and Daniel Wilson, president of the Crookston Noon Day Lions Club.
Faculty and staff were also recognized by the student body for their outstanding service and achievement. Members of the Crookston Student Association presented the awards to the following members of the faculty and staff: Most Creative use of Technology: Bill Peterson, professor in the Math, Science and Technology Department; Most Supportive of Students: Kenneth Johnson, instructor in the Business Department; Outstanding Service to Students: Rae French, coordinator of study abroad; Outstanding Educator: Rachel McCoppin, associate professor in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu. In top-left photo: Student Achievement Award recipients, back row (l to r) Alvin Tong, Thomas Haarstick, Kristine Neu, and Kimberly S. Nelson. Middle Row Shawn Friedland, Karl Syverson, Nik Jiran, Brittany Novak, and Mindy Nieuwboer. Front row: Brandon Sachwitz, Tony Dank, Eun Hye Kang, and Lhakpa Gurung
In the center-right photo: Man and Woman of the Year (l to r) Anthony Dank and Eun Hye Kang.
In lower-left photo, Faculty and staff award recipients (l to r): Rae French, Kenneth Johnson, and Bill Peterson. Not pictured: Rachel McCoppin.
Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281- 8507 (samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Commencement exercises for the Class of 2010 at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium. A reception in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center, will precede the commencement ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend both events; no tickets are required.
At 2 p.m., the formal procession of faculty, candidates for degrees, and platform guests will begin from the Sargeant Student Center to the gymnasium led by Mace Bearer William Peterson, professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department. The procession also includes Faculty Marshal W. Daniel Svedarsky, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Sustainability on the Crookston Campus.
Bringing greetings from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is the Honorable Dean E. Johnson, who will also assist with the conferring of the degrees. Along with Regent Johnson, Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones will attend the ceremony. The commencement address will be given by Baltimore, Md., Fire Chief James Clack (photo, right), a 1980 graduate of the U of M, Crookston, who was the primary commander during the first 24 hours following the 2007 collapse of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minn.
Cindy Bigger (photo, left) '79, will bring greetings from the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association Board and welcome the new graduates to the alumni association.
Junior Thomas Haarstick (photo, right), Crookston Student Association (CSA) president, will speak on behalf of the students and pass the torch of education, a Crookston Campus tradition, to Junior Shawn Friedland (photo, left), the incoming CSA president. Haarstick is an agricultural systems management major from Vergas, Minn., and Friedland is a biology major from Viera, Fla.
The U of M, Crookston choir, under the direction of George French, and the string ensemble, A Touch of Brass will perform as part of the graduation ceremony.
The 2010 commencement exercises mark the 102nd graduating class recognized on the Crookston campus. A live audio stream of the commencement exercises will be available at www.umcrookston.edu/people/services/MediaServ/Stream.htm. For more information on commencement, visit www.umcrookston.edu/events/commencement/2010.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Andrew Svec, director, communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Bill Tyrrell's 4th Annual Golden Eagle Walk for Student Athletes will kick off some fundraising fun at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Thursday, April 29, 2010. The walk-a-thon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field on the Crookston Campus. Crookston National Bank is sponsoring the food and beverages available during the walk for everyone who comes out to support the effort. Anyone interested in making a pledge of $10/mile (or $50) or more will receive one of Bill's walk- for-student-athletes t-shirts.
The following day everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of food, fun, games and prizes while during the 15th Annual Teambackers Fun Nite on Friday, April 30 at the Crookston Eagles Club. The evening begins with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner; games begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Fun Nite are $50 and available from a Teambacker member or by calling Director of Athletic Fundraising Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436.
Fun Nite is an annual event and ticket holders are eligible for more than $1500 in prizes. Numerous live and silent auction items will be available along with raffles and other games.
The Teambackers Club is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for UMC. It operates in conjunction with the U of M, Crookston Development Office, the Athletic Department and the University of Minnesota Foundation. To learn more about supporting student-athletes through Teambackers, visit www.goldeneaglesports.com/teambackers.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Continuing their
long-standing reputation for success at the North American Colleges and
Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, the University of
Minnesota, Crookston won the four-year college division competition for 2010.
The U of M, Crookston came out on top in a division that had 22 colleges and
universities competing; the last time the Crookston Campus took home the honor
was in 2009. Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla., hosted the
conference on April 15-17.
Forty students from the
Crookston Campus, representing a cross section of majors, participated in the eight contests making up the competition: Agricultural Computers, Crops, Dairy,
Horse, Horticulture, Ag Knowledge Bowl, General Livestock and
Soils. Two seniors, BillieJo Armbrust, Forest River, N.D., and Emily Espersen,
Brainerd, Minn., coordinated the NACTA team by organizing fundraisers and
planning the trip to Oklahoma to compete. Seniors Bradley Kappes, Borup, Minn.,
and Tony Dank, Sartell, Minn., were responsible for the annual car washes by
NACTA team members to raise money for the trip.
One of the coaches for the
team, Rob Proulx, a lecturer in the Agriculture Department, praised the
students for their hard work and dedication at a reception for the team held
Monday, April 19. "Our students can stand shoulder to shoulder with any
agriculture student from across the country," Proulx said. "We can compete with
the best."
Results of the NACTA
competition include:
Computer Applications, 1st place team: Kristin (Fjosee) Mio, Olympia, Wash., 1st place individual; Kari Olson, 2nd place individual, Lancaster, Minn.; Armbrust , 4th individual; and Nicole Bauer, Breezy Point, Minn.
Quiz Bowl, 3rd place team: Isaiah Ulmer, Fullerton, N.D.; Espersen, Jacob Gerber, Elbow Lake, MInn.; Kendra Peterson, Sisseton, S.D.; and Ana Gustafson, Puposky, Minn.
Crops 3rd place team: Matt Coffman, Wheaton, Minn.; Brandin Solie, Fertile, Minn.; Craig Moen, Stephen, MInn.; and Cole Dimmler, Crary, N.D. Individual Participants: Jake Heggedal, Badger, Minn.; and Mark Riepe, Perham, Minn.
Dairy Judging: The team was 3rd place overall team; 2nd place ,Holstein Breed; 3rd place, Brown Swiss Breed; 3rd place, Jersey Breed; 3rd place, oral reasons; and 3rd place. genetic hybrids. Marissa McWilliam, Winger, Minn., 2nd place individual; Brown Swiss Breed; Mindy Nieuwboer , Kenneth, Minn.,2nd place individual; Jersey breed; Tommy Borgerding, Belgrade, MInn., 3rd place individual; Brown Swiss breed; and Jacquie Schlangen, Belgrade, Minn.
Horse Judging, 3rd place team: Nick Pease, Trimont, Minn.; Peterson, Kari Buse, St. James, MInn.; Megan Meyer, Wyoming, Minn.
Ag Business, 1st place team: Kappes, 2nd place individual; Brianna Kaschmitter, Sauk Rapids, Minn., 4th place individual; Amanda McNamee, Mahnomen, Minn.; and Jacob Gerber, Elbow Lake, Minn. Individual Participants: Dank and Alysia Osowski, Grafton, N.D.
Soils Team Participants: Skyler Holzbauer, Breckenridge, Minn.; Jayden Rollness, Langdon, N.D.; Stephen Whalen, Oklee, Minn.; and Blake Smith, Mentor, Minn.
The computer application team was coached by Christo Robberts, instructor in the Business Department, and the livestock team was coached by Crystal Starr, a senior majoring in animal science from Bisbee, N.D. Other coaches were faculty in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department including Lyle Westrom, ADawn Melbye, Rob Proulx, Margot Rudstrom, Henry Wilson, and Terrill Bradford.
NACTA is dedicated to
advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning in the agricultural,
environmental, natural, and life sciences. NACTA competitions have been held
since 1957 and involve knowledge and skills contests covering various
agricultural topics. The competition is rigorous, including college and
university students from all across the nation. To learn more, visit www.nactateachers.org.
Today the University of
Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50
concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural
resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and
technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the
Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a
prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big
Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo (l to r): BillieJo Armbrust, Chancellor Charles H. Casey, Emily Espersen, and Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., during a reception held for the NACTA students on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Contact: Ron Del Vecchio, head, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dept, 218-281-8109 (delve004@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
University of Minnesota, Crookston Junior Christopher Anderson, from Becker, Minn., majoring in natural resources aviation, completed flight training in the U of M, Crookston's Top Cub, including a solo flight. The Top Cub flight training is an integral component of the natural resources aviation degree program at the Crookston Campus.
The Top Cub airplane exposes students to the demands of flying a high performance conventional- landing-gear equipped airplane which is commonly used in natural resource aviation programs. The Top Cub is also used to train students in low level reconnaissance missions and animal telemetry.
Anderson is a recent transfer from the University of Montana, and will complete flight and academic training next academic year in instrument flight as well as continuing his academic course work in natural resources.
The Natural Resources Aviation degree program at the U of M, Crookston is the only degree of its kind in the United States. To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo: Junior Chris Anderson recently completed his Top Cub Flight Training including a solo flight.
Contact: Mike Vivion, chief pilot, 218-281-8114 (mvivion@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
University of Minnesota, Crookston Freshman Tim Parks, a law enforcement aviation major from Baltimore, Md., successfully completed the final training requirements to be issued a private pilot certificate on April 19, 2010.
Parks has worked very hard this academic year to fulfill the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration approved private pilot course at the U of M, Crookston.
The course includes both rigorous academic and flight training programs. Parks completed his final stage check in this course in a Piper Warrior III at the Crookston Municipal Airport on the evening of the April 19.
Parks will proceed to instrument pilot training in his sophomore year while continuing his criminal justice academic studies. The University of Minnesota, Crookston is one of only a few institutions of higher learning offering a degree in law enforcement aviation. To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo: Freshman Tim Parks (left) is congratulated by Chief Pilot Mike Vivion on the completion of his training requirements to be issued a private pilot certificate on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Contact: Mike Vivion, chief pilot, 218-281-8114 (mvivion@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Create a miniature plant world during a workshop presented by horticulture students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. A terrarium, or dish garden, is a collection of compatible plants in a clear container, and you can create one of your own on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, in the UMC Production Greenhouse. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. and registration is $20. Attendees should pre-register and decide if they want to create a terrarium or a dish garden by calling 218-371-1332. If you provide your own container, the registration price will be reduced.
The cost for the workshop covers soil mixture, growing tips, and instructions, along with a container, if needed. Jada Ellenberg, president of the Horticulture Club, is excited to offer the workshop to the community and campus. "With such a variety of plants all in one container, it is like having a mini dessert right there on your desk," Ellenberg says.
Students will use the funds raised to benefit the Horticulture Club on the Crookston Campus. For information about the terrarium workshop, contact Ellenberg at 218-371-1332.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Sue Jacobson, horticulture instructor, 218-281-8118 (sjacobso@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota, Crookston welcomes international lecturer and expert in personal rapid transit (PRT) Edward Anderson, Ph.D., as a guest on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Anderson will speak during the regular Thursday Commons session beginning at 12:15 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. The public is invited to attend Anderson's lecture entitled, "The Role of Science, Technology, and Perception in the New Age of Resource Scarcity," and there is no admission charge.
Anderson is recognized the world over as a strong proponent of PRT systems. For the past 40 years, he has dedicated himself to the field by designing, presenting, and writing about PRT. His numerous contributions to PRT technology include chairing both national and international conferences. This international lecturer and expert has testified before the Minnesota legislature and the U.S. Congress. The author of three books and more than 100 engineering papers, Anderson serves as the editor of "Personal Rapid Transit" and holds 10 patents.
From 1963-86, Anderson taught at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and from 1986-92, taught aerospace and mechanical engineering at Boston University. Over the years, Anderson has been recognized for his achievements and most recently was named a 2010 recipient of the Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award. This recognition is the highest honor given by the Minnesota Federation of Engineering Science and Technology Societies. His educational background includes a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
"Dr. Anderson developed and taught a course dealing with society, technology, and energy over 30 years ago which was very futuristic and was actually a holistic course in "sustainability," according to Dan Svedarsky, director of the U of M, Crookston Center for Sustainability. "He is truly a renaissance thinker and sees the world not as it is but how it could be."
This special presentation will be a follow-up to Earth Week activities. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day and the Crookston campus has planned a week of events to create awareness, encourage involvement, and educate the campus and community about the opportunity we have to take action on behalf of the planet. For more information on activities scheduled on the Crookston campus, visit www.umcrookston.edu/today.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Dan Svedarsky, director, Center for Sustainability, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Popular regional band 32 Below will perform on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Crookston Sports Center. The event is sponsored by Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (SPACE) at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Admission for U of M, Crookston students is free; all other college students pay $5 with their university ID. The charge for non-college students is $8.
To learn more about 32 Below, visit the band's Web site at www.32below.net.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281-8507 (samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Ten essays by noted scholars address the significant topics in education including educational policy, methods, and ideology in the recently published book Humanistic Critique of Education: Teaching and Learning as Symbolic Action. Associate professors Mark Huglen, Ph.D., and Rachel McCoppin, Ph.D., are the co-authors of a chapter, entitled "Extending Kenneth Burke and Multicultural Education: Being Actively Revised by the Other," included in the work. Both teach communication courses in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
The essay chapters in the book draw upon insights produced by renouned scholar Kenneth Burke's famous essay "Linguistic Approach to Problems of Education" to address the design, practice, and outcomes of educational programs in the new millennium. This particular group of essays, published by Parlor Press and edited by Peter M. Smudde, is the first sustained attempt to apply Burke's profound insights to the problems of educational reform and policy. Burke (1897-1993) is an American literary theorist and philosopher whose work has been influential in study where symbols and symbolic action are a central focus.
In the compilation, Huglen and McCoppin discuss active revision. One way to approach a situation is to argue, but another way is to listen, learn, and choose to change as a result of the encounter. Listening, learning, and changing are part of self-revision. The chapter articulates that too often people defend their own positions at the expense of missing a greater truth. Sometimes the other side is right.
Co-author of several books on communication, Huglen's research interests include rhetoric, organizational communication, theories of communication, argument and political communication. Huglen earned his doctorate in communication from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., and his master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. McCoppin has published works in a number of journals and has research interests in the areas of American transcendentalism, modernism, existentialism and the pedagogy of literature and ethics. She earned her doctorate from Indiana University in Pennsylvania, Ind., and her master's degree from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Her bachelor's degree is from the University of Michigan - Flint.
To learn more about the communication program at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu. In the photo ( l to r): Rachel McCoppin and Mark Huglen
Contact: Mark Huglen, associate professor, 218-281-8275 (mhuglen@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Earth Day is April 22, 2010, but the University of Minnesota, Crookston will get an early start with an afternoon of activities scheduled on Tuesday, April 20 designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment.
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., there will be a student forum and a booth in the Sargeant Student Center sponsored by Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD) for the campus community to sign energy pledges and volunteer for the evening events. The student forum will be held in the Northern Lights Lounge and focuses on "What Sustainability Means to Me." Students from various majors will be on stage to give a brief presentation on what motivates them to be sustainable.
At 3 p.m., everyone is invited to a guided nature walk in the Natural History Area located near the campus. Anyone interested in the nature walk should meet on the Campus Mall.
From 5 - 8 p.m., students will be involved in cleaning up Central Park, raking an area under the Robert Street Bridge, picking up trash, and removing the Black Knot on the cherry trees downtown.Relaxation will follow the afternoon's work and will be highlighted by a movie on the Campus Mall.
At 9 p.m., the public is invited to attend a special showing of the film, "Taking Root: the Vision of Wangari Maathai." The movie features the work of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement (GBM) and the first Kenyan women to earn a doctorate. The mission of the movement is to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation. To learn more about the GBM, visit www.greenbeltmovement.org.
The Earth Day activities are sponsored by Crookston Students for Sustainable Development and the Center for Sustainability at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Chris Waltz, Minnesota GreenCorps, 218-281-8128 (waltz020@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
The sound of basketballs on the hardwood floor will be replaced with the beat of drums as the University of Minnesota, Crookston Native American Club hosts the first-ever Powwow on the campus on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The day-long event, held in Lysaker Gymnasium, will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a display and sale of traditional Native American artwork, jewelry, and clothing. A procession of the dancers, known as the Grand Entry, will take place at 1 p.m. along with a welcome address by U of M, Crookston Chancellor Charles H. Casey, the flag song, and invocation.
During the afternoon there will be intertribal dancing, special performances of dance and hand drums along with a dance exhibition. The day concludes with dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium. There is no charge for any of the activities, but a free will offering will be accepted to help support the powwow.
"The powwow announces the arrival of spring and also demonstrates the pride and beauty of the Native American culture," says Thomas Williams, director of diversity and multicultural services on the Crookston Campus. "We will celebrate the tradition of the Native American people, and through the powwow, we will have the opportunity learn more about their history and customs. We welcome everyone to campus to share this day with us."
Powwows have deep historical roots and these social gatherings feature dancing, drumming, feasting, and provide an opportunity to teach traditions and dispel stereotypes. Today's powwows on college campuses are a modern celebration of traditions which started in the 19th century. For more information on the powwow, contact Williams at 218-281-8580.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Thomas Williams, director, diversity and multicultural services, 218-281-8580 (willi3140@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Mixed Blood Theatre of Minneapolis, Minn., will bring Hijab Tube to the stage in Kiehle Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Hijab Tube explores the American-Muslim identity as Rubiya, a 20 year-old second-generation, American Muslim college student, tries to figure out what makes her Muslim. The performance will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at 7 p.m. The public is invited and there is no admission charge.
A young Muslim woman takes her questions about wearing a hijab (a traditional covering of Islamic women) to YouTube, drawing an illuminating range of responses from other American Muslims - despite the antics of her younger brother. Mixed Blood's newest program offers a unique perspective on Islam in 21st Century America.
Mixed Blood Theatre, a professional, multi-racial company, promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence, using theater to address artificial barriers that keep people from succeeding in American society. Their vision is to be the definitive destination where theater artists and audiences representing the global village can create and share work that spawns a ripple effect of social change and revolutionizes access to theater.
The performance of Hijab Tube is sponsored by Thomas Williams, director of the Office of Diversity and Mulitcultural Services on the Crookston Campus. For more information, contact Williams at 218-218-8580 (will3140@umn.edu).
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Thomas Williams, director, diversity and multicultural services, 218-218-8580 (will3140@umn.edu). Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Six students from the Horticulture Club at the University of Minnesota, Crookston competed recently in the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days, a three-day competition for students enrolled in collegiate horticulture programs. National celebrity garden designer P. Allen Smith was the keynote speaker at this year's PLANET Student Career Days held April 8-11 at Chattahoochee Technical College in Atlanta, Ga. Smith is a regular contributor on The TODAY Show.
Students competed against 900 of their peers from 70 universities and colleges in 26 different events. To place in the top 10 in any event is a challenge requiring thorough preparation and precise execution of both skill and application of knowledge.
Highlights from the competition include:
Senior Jada Ellenberg, Perham, Minn.; and Sophomore Theo Lenneman, St. Michael, Minn. finished 5th in paver installation and Senior Keunyung Kim, Gwangju, Korea, finished 6th in interior landscape design. Finishing in 10th in Landscape maintenance operations were Ellenberg and Senior Michael Field, Spicer, Minn., and Senior Jordan Jacobson, Thief River Falls, Minn., finished 14th in small engine repair. Field and Jacobson finished 20th in truck and trailer operations with Field finishing 21st in leadership skills.
Overall individual finishes by U of M, Crookston students out of the 900 students competing were Ellenberg at 33rd, Lenneman at 44th, and Field at 45th.
"Our students have proven their ability to compete at the national level with peers from all over the country," says Assistant Professor Eric Castle, advisor for the Horticulture Club. "We are extremely proud of them and their performance during the competition. The trip to Atlanta was a great opportunity for them and also gave them an opportunity for nationwide networking with industry professionals and future colleagues."
Student Career Days, which began in 1977, is an annual three-day competitive event among students enrolled in horticulture programs from colleges and universities across the country. The students have the chance to compete in events that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the green industry. For more information about PLANET, visit www.landcarenetwork.org/cms/studentcareerdays.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo: are (front row, l to r) Assistant Professor Eric Castle, Keunyung Kim, Jada Ellenberg, and Justin Erdmann. Back row: Theo Lenneman, Jordan Jacobson, and Michael Field.
Contact: Eric Castle, assistant professor, 218-281-8119 (cast1047@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is pleased to announce that Baltimore, Md., Fire Chief James Clack will give the commencement address to the Class of 2010 at exercises to be held on May 8, 2010. A 1980 graduate of the U of M, Crookston, Clack will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony to be held in the Lysaker Gymnasium. Clack was the Minneapolis fire chief who led the relief effort after the 35W bridge collapse in 2007. Clack, who served with the Minneapolis Fire Department for some 22 years, accepted his current position in Baltimore in 2008.
Born in Crookston, Clack grew up in Fowler, Calif. He attended the U of M, Crookston Technical College, located on what is now the U of M, Crookston, graduating with a degree in general business administration. Clack began as a firefighter in February 1986 and spent five years at Station 11 in southeast Minneapolis on the hazardous materials team. In 1992 he was promoted to captain--where he moved from station to station--and in 1998 he was appointed deputy chief of personnel.
In 2004 he became assistant chief and was officially appointed chief in 2007after serving as acting chief for about a year. During the August 2007 bridge collapse, Clack and his department played an integral role. For the first 24 hours the Minneapolis Fire Department was the lead agency of the unified command team, making Clack the primary commander of the rescue effort.
"We are excited to have an alumnus address the Class of 2010 at commencement," said Andrew Svec, who co-chairs the commencement committee with colleague, Laurie Wilson. "James Clack's experience gives him a unique perspective on leadership, and he will share his thoughts with the graduating class. We welcome the community to join us to hear him speak and to congratulate the members of this year's graduating class."
Events for the day begin with a reception in the Sargeant Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the reception and the graduation ceremonies that follow. Commencement will begin with the traditional processional by faculty, staff, and graduates from the student center to Lysaker Gymnasium at 2 p.m.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Photo of James Clack, above, courtesy of Patrick O'Leary, University of Minnesota, 2008.
Contact: Andrew Svec, director, communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
A fiesta in the spirit of Cinco De Mayo will recognize the Mexican culture and tradition at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Friday, April 16, 2010. This year's schedule of events honors the rich heritage of the Mexican people beginning with an authentic Mexican meal in Brown Dining Room. The dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs through 7 p.m. Dinner guests will enjoy live musical entertainment by Cathy and Abel with guests, a musical duo from St. Paul, Minn. All events are free and the public is welcome.
Following dinner, there will be a program of traditional Mexican music and dance performance in Kiehle Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The program will feature Los Alegres Bailadores, a Mexican folk dance troupe who were also a part of last year's celebration. Las Rositas, a dance group from Crookston, Minn., will also take the stage to perform along with Cathy and Abel with guests. This activity is funded, in part, by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. The program will conclude with a Zumba presentation by J.J.'s Body Shop in Crookston.
The band Esquina will play for a family dance from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. Esquina, from the Fargo-Moorhead and Dilworth area, will play Latin and regional music for the whole family. Members of the band include Rene Gonzales, Ted Guerrero, Dave Tesch, Bobby Valdez , and Mario Valdez. This activity is funded by a grant from the McKnight Foundation through the Northwest Regional Development Commission.
The fiesta is funded by a grant from the McKnight Foundation through the Northwest Regional Development Commission and by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Ken Mendez, a senior from the U of M, Crookston, has been an integral part of planning the event. "We are excited to celebrate the legacy of the Mexican people," Mendez says. "The grant funding we received makes a significant difference in our ability to host our second annual fiesta. We welcome everyone to join us for an evening filled with celebration."
The fiesta is sponsored by the U of M, Crookston Office of Diversity and Multicultural Services; Voices, a group that provides community cultural awareness education; Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); El Metate restaurant in Crookston; and the Student Experience office on the Crookston campus.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs, 218-281-8580 (will3140@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Everyone is invited to a special 'Glaze-a-thon" on Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Crookston High School art room in an effort to glaze some 200 bowls for the Empty Bowls project coordinated by Lisa Loegering, assistant director of service learning at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. A dinner will be held in the fall at the U of M, Crookston using the bowls with proceeds benefiting the Crookston area food shelf. Everyone is welcome to come to the Glaze-a-thon to decorate a bowl.
A "bowl-a-thon" was held in late March when the efforts of Sonia Spaeth, art instructor at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, CHS art teacher Gary Stegman, and local potter Jenn Steinbrink, owner of the Krazy Kiln, helped lead the creation of the bowls in an effort to raise hunger awareness. It doesn't matter if you were a part of the effort to create a bowl or not, you are welcome to come and decorate one.
Assisting Loegering in coordinating the event is Freshman Katya Zepeda. As recipient of a $1,000 Carter Academic Service Entrepreneur (CASE) grant, Zepeda wrote her grant proposal with Loegering's help specifically for an Empty Bowls Dinner on the Crookston Campus.
For more information on the glaze-a-thon or the Empty Bowls Project at the U of M, Crookston, contact Loegering at 218-281- 8526.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Lisa Loegering, assistant director, service learning, 218-2818526 (loege005@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
A trip to study production, processing, and marketing abroad has given 16 students from the University of Minnesota, Crookston an opportunity to have international experience in agriculture. A class in international agriculture production, processing, and marketing systems, taught by Associate Professor Harouna Maiga, Ph.D., and Terrill Bradford, both instructors in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, traveled to France from March 10 - 22, 2010, for study.
Students had the opportunity to meet, ask questions, and share ideas with French instructors, students, farmers, processors, and wholesalers/retailers. During their stay, students were involved in several activities including a visit to one of the largest fresh food market near Paris and meeting with the organization of the Chambers of Agriculture of France (APCA) in Paris. They also visited beef production systems, a meat processing and marketing plant, a dairy and cheese processing center, and visited the National Agronomic Institute of Research of France (INRA) and its research stations.
The students were able to learn and to appreciate agricultural production similarities and differences between France and the United States. Students also met with students from two French agricultural universities (ESITPA in Rouen and ENITA in Clermont-Ferrand) to share ideas and academic opportunities. Maiga and Bradford met with officials of the same universities to discuss future academic collaborations as well as exploring internships and short course opportunities for students of both countries and working to establish a memorandum of understanding for academic cooperation between institutions.
Amanda Adkins , a senior from Detroit Lakes, Minn., majoring in agricultural education, enjoyed the study abroad."The class was a great opportunity to view agriculture at an international level and through a very different set of production standards and consumer demands," Adkins said. "In addition, it allowed our group to view attractions that most people see and hear about on TV or the Internet but only dream of actually visiting."
During the week-end students took a break from study and spent time as tourists in the city of Paris with its majestic Church of Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre museum, L" Arc de Triumph, Seine River and boating, and surprisingly, some students found themselves in Disney World.
Faculty and students would like to thank the international office for helping plan the trip and offering our students the opportunity to learn. They also would like to thank Dr. Jean-Francois Hocquette, Director of Herbivores Search Unit of INRA/Theix for organizing the course in France. They extend their gratitude to Mr. Francois Porin for organizing the tour of Rungis Fresh Food Market near Paris.
To learn more about opportunities to study in the field of agriculture at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/agri.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
In the photo: First row (l to r): French host, Mr. Sebastin; Emily Espersen, Brainerd, Minn.; Kari Olson,Lancaster, Minn.; Amanda Adkins, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Christina Blair, Brainerd, MInn.; Katherine Schliep, Holloway, Minn.; Rebecca Rhodus, Parkville, Mo.; Nicole Koscielniak, Hillman, Minn.; Associate Professor Harouna Maiga, Ph.D.; and Instructor Terrill Bradford. Second row: Krystal Caldwell, Warwick, N.D.; Amber Miller, Randall, Minn.; Brianna Kaschmitter, Sauk Rapids, Minn.; and Samantha Lahman, Parkers Prairie, Minn. Third row: Joshua Lamecker, Sauk Rapids, Minn.; Michael Kitchell, Ada, Minn.; Jessica Choc, Lengby, Minn.; Teresa Aakre, Hawley, Minn.; and Marissa McWilliam, Winger, Minn.
Contact: Harouna Maiga, associate professor, 218-281-8107 (hmaiga@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
Three students attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston have been awarded the East Polk County Fair Board Scholarship for 2010. This year's scholarship recipients include Tori Rhode and Megan Hoff, both from Crookston, Minn.; and Matthew Nielsen, Fisher, Minn.
The scholarship, established in 2004, recognizes the history and significance of the East Polk County Fair which was held annually in Fosston, Minn., for many years. When the fair was discontinued after 1996, members of the fair board decided to leave a legacy from the East Polk County Fair to students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Their unique scholarship was designed to provide students from Polk County, Minn., with a preference for students from the 16 townships located in East Polk County. Student recipients must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
"The value of a scholarship in a student's life is hard to measure," states Corby Kemmer, director of the Office Alumni & Development. "We are pleased and grateful that we can honor the legacy of the East Polk County Fair with scholarships for U of M, Crookston students." For information on opportunities to support scholarships on the Crookston campus, contact Kemmer at 218-281-8434.
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. "Small Campus. Big Degree." To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
