A partnership between Crookston's elementary schools and the University of Minnesota, Crookston encourages elementary students to think about attending college at an early age. Project Strong Start was designed as a college day, bilingual-learning experience prompting  fourth, fifth, and sixth  grade students, to  aspire to a college education.  There were 112 fifth grade students visiting the campus on Thursday, May 27, 2010, as part of Project Strong Start. The project was fully funded through a grant from United Way.

The learning objectives of Project Strong Start were to inspire college readiness, demystify the college experience by addressing the practical concerns of preparing for and paying for college, and learning about local colleges and career opportunities available to students.

Tim Menard from the Office of Admissions at the U of  M, Crookston was happy with the students' interest and enthusiasm. "The learning experience, based in the Wiley's Way curriculum, consists of three activities which let students know that they are expected to prepare for college by working hard and taking rigorous courses," explained Menard. "It's never too early to begin thinking about and planning for college."

Along with campus tours and lunch in Brown Dining Room, Regal the Eagle was on hand to meet the fifth graders. Funding from the grant was also used to provide a chapter book for each.  

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: Tim Menard, admissions counselor, addresses fifth graders from the Crookston elementary schools as part of Project Strong Start. (Photo courtesy of the Crookston Daily Times.)

Contact: Tim Menard, admissions counselor, 218-281-8571 (menar021@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

It is time to think about summer by checking out one or more of the summer camps offered at the University of Minnesota, Crookston in 2010. If you are interested in horses, honing your leadership skills, participating in River Watch, exploring robotics, or designing a computer game, the Crookston campus has what you are looking for.  For registration forms and more information, visit the U of M, Crookston Web page for campers at www.umcrookston.edu/camps. Following is a list of camps offered for the summer of 2010.

Wednesday, June 2, repeated Wednesday, June 9 - Equestrian Day Camp for Beginner Riders. This is an exciting day camp designed for learning about riding and caring for horses. It is appropriate for young riders with one year or less of lessons or formal riding in any discipline. Campers must be 8 years old or older. All activities during camp are designed to introduce and explain the equestrian industry to campers in a fun and interactive way. The fee for this camp is $60 for those who register before one week prior to camp date ($75 after the one week deadline). The fee is due at the time of registration. Contact ADawn Melbye at 218-281-8125 for details.

June 7 and 8 - It's Fishy! Discovery Day Camp.  A camp for 7th and 8th grade students that teaches the math and science behind some interesting everyday phenomena regarding fish -- and some unusual science as well.  For example participants will mummify their own fish and learn the science that allowed the ancient Egyptians to accomplish this extraordinary ritual.  The fee for this camp is $40 and includes all meals and activities. Check-in is at 8 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and parents can pick attendees up at 4:30 p.m. both days.  For more information, contact Brian Dingmann at 218-281-8249.

June 14 - 16 (Session 1: CANCELED), repeated July 19 - 21 - Robotics Camp.  A camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, who will learn about the math, science, and technology associated with robotics.  Over three days attendees will work in teams to design, build, and program a Lego MINDStrom NXT 2.0 robot from a kit.  The fee for this camp is $225 and includes meals and activities.  At the end of the camp, students may purchase a Lego MINDStorm robot kit for $250.  Check-in is at 8:45 a.m. daily, and parents can pick camp attendees up at 4:30 p.m. on each of the three days

June 20 - 24 - River Watch Boot Camp for Resource Managers, Educators, and Teachers. This companion River Watch boot camp is designed for all levels of science teachers--from the reluctant biologist to the intrepid field explorer--as well as resource managers and other education professionals. The lesson plans will be based in part on curriculum of the River Watch Citizen Monitoring Program developed by River Watch Coordinator Wayne Goeken. The program engages K-12 teachers and citizens in developing an understanding of the natural and human-built environment of the Red River Basin of the U.S. and Canada with special reference to watershed dynamics, river monitoring, and ecological and sustainability principles as they interact with various land uses. Cost for the camp is $500, and additional options are available for undergraduate or graduate credit through the U of M, College of Education and Human Development.  Contact Dan Svedarsky, director, Center for Sustainability at 218-281-8129 to learn more.

June 20 - 26 - Equestrian Camp. The Equestrian Camp is designed to teach high school students about riding and caring for horses. This hands-on camp will have participants riding up to twice a day, but riders do not need to have riding experience, just a passion for horses. The camp will be challenging enough for experienced riders. Both Hunt and Western styles will be taught. The fee for this camp is $650 and is due at the time of registration.  It includes all meals, activities, room and board. Contact ADawn Melbye at 218-281-8125 for more information.

June 20 - 26 - Computer Game Design Camp. A camp for both experts and beginners, Game Design Camp participants will learn the fundamentals of game design, modeling, simulation, and will receive hands-on training of commercial game editors in an engaging workshop setting. By day, learning and workshops, by night, game competitions and fun. Registration is $595 for this week-long camp, which includes meals, activities, room and board. It is recommended for students in grades 9-12 (15-19 years old). This camp has limited room available; interested students should register early. Contact David DeMuth at 218-280-9322 to learn more.

July 26 - 30 - River Watch Boot Camp for Students. Students can sharpen their water skills during this three-day camp designed specifically for them. Learn more about protecting our valuable water resources through activities designed to enhance student knowledge of our ecosystem. For more information, contact David DeMuth at 218-280-9322.

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: Jacoba De Boer-Wiersma, administrative specialist, 218-281-8380 (jacoba@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED.

A workshop created for better understanding of how to work and lead with people from multiple generations is being presented by University of Minnesota Extension. The U-Lead Workshop on "Understanding Generational Differences" will be held on the Crookston campus on Thursday, June 10, 2010. The workshop, slated to begin at 5 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, is designed to help build a better understanding of generational differences in order to work and live together successfully. Cost for the workshop is $25 and registration must take place one week prior to the workshop; dinner is included in the registration fee.

The workshop is for county extension committees, commissioners, advisory boards, program volunteers and others interested in this vital topic in today's workplace. Workshop attendees will explore how four generations in today's society differ in values and views of the world, how multiple generational characteristics influence the ability of a group to work together, and identify ways to apply learning for effective group work with multiple generational members. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the third U-Lead Advisory Academy. Learn more by reading the ULAA Generations Workshop Brochure. 

For more information, contact Cindy Weber at 888-241-3214. 

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: Deb Zak, U of M Extension, 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The theme for the 2010 Faculty and Staff Day at the University of Minnesota, Crookston was "Put a Spring in your Step." The event is a celebration of the completion of the academic year and a time to recognize years of service, retirements, and outstanding service. Emcees for the event were Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising and Jason Brantner, research fellow at the Northwest Research Center (NWROC).

Faculty and staff recognized with awards were:

Distinguished Faculty presented to Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., assistant professor in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department, by Thomas Baldwin, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Distinguished Civil Service/Bargaining Unit Employee Award presented to Laura Bell, lab services coordinator in the Natural Resources Department, by Jason Brantner on behalf of Gary Willhite, director of residential life.

Distinguished P&A Employee Award presented to Bonni Buchmeier, teaching specialist, by Rand Rasmussen, director of the Academic Assistance Center.

Outstanding Community Service Award presented to Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor for student affairs, by Tom Feiro, environmental health and safety specialist.

Outstanding Service Learning Faculty Award was presented to Rachel Lundbohm, instructor in the Business Department, by Peter Phaiah.

Students with Disabilities Support Award presented to Chancellor Charles H. Casey by Laurie Wilson, from the Office of Students with Disabilities.

Builders of Diversity Award were presented by Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs, to Golden Eagle Athletics; Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor for student affairs; Don Cavalier, director of Career and Counseling Services; Alvin Killough, Ph.D., assistant professor in Arts Humanities and Social Sciences Department; Kristie Jacobson, assistant director of residential life; and Rae French, coordinator for study abroad.

Chancellor Charles H. Casey presented the awards for years of service, including recognition for 40 years of service to Linda Wilkens, copy center operator in University Relations and to Lynnette Mullins, assistant 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 the photos (l to r):
Top left: Laura Bell, Kevin Thompson, and Bonni Buchmeier.
Top right: Peter Phaiah
Lower left: Don Cavalier, Alvin Killough, Stephanie Helgeson, Peter Phaiah, Rae French, Kristie Jacobson, and Thomas Williams.
Lower right: Lynnette Mullins and Linda Wilkens

Contact: Andrew Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Twenty natural resources students from the University of Minnesota, Crookston recently planted some 2,700 pine, spruce, and fir seedlings on the Deer River District of the Chippewa National Forest.

The four-day trip, a strong tradition for students in the Natural Resources Club at the U of M, Crookston, marks the 28th  consecutive time student volunteers from the campus have assisted the U.S. Forest Service with the tree planting project. The students were accompanied by club advisors Phil Baird, Tom Feiro, and Laura Bell.

Baird, an associate professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston, said, "This was one of the wettest trips we've had in 28 years! It rained nearly every other hour for the entire time we were there!  We've been snowed on, rained on, and hailed on in the past, but not so continuously.  

"It was also a very different trip from our previous 27 years in that we saw trees and shrubs in full bloom that have never been at that stage in early May before. It was only two years ago that we had to wrap up the trip early due to the area receiving 20 inches of snow!"

The student volunteers also removed the more than 5,000 budcaps they had installed last October on white pine seedlings and saplings to protect the small trees from overwinter deer browsing. On the return trip the group toured the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Air Tanker Base in Bemidji, Minn.

Since 1983, students, faculty, and staff from the natural resources program on the Crookston campus have planted a total of more than 165,000 trees in the Chippewa National Forest.

For more information about natural resources, 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.

Contact: Phil Baird, associate professor, 218-281-8130 (pbaird@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The fundraising arm of the athletic program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Teambackers, announces Alumnus Adam Maruska, '00, as Teambacker of the Year. Maruska, vice president of Crookston National Bank has served as treasurer of the Teambacker organization for five years. He is also an integral part of the planning for the annual Bill Tyrrell Walk-a-thon, a fundraising effort that raised more than $9,000 this spring.

Maruska received his award during Fun Nite, held last weekend. The largest annual fundraising effort for Teambackers, Fun Nite raised more than $18,000 with record attendance numbers.

"It is very rewarding to work for an organization that benefits student-athletes," Maruska says. "I played football at the U of M, Crookston, and I know what it means to be a student-athlete and receive scholarship support."

Since 2004, Maruska has worked at Crookston National Bank. He was a double major in ag business and agronomy at the U of M, Crookston.  Maruska and his wife, Crystal, have a son and live near Crookston.

Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising praised Maruska for his dedication and support of Teambackers. "I have great respect for Adam," Tyrrell says. "He understands what it means to be a student-athlete, and he continues to serve the organization by providing leadership and support in his role on the board. "

For more information on 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.

In the photo: Bill Tyrrell (left) and Adam Maruska (right).

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The first two recipients of the Zak American Indian Scholarship were announced recently at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The 2010-11 recipients of the scholarship were Junior Dustin Roy, a natural resources major from Waubun, Minn., and Senior Krystal Caldwell, an agriculture major from Warwick, N.D.

Certificates were presented to the recipients after the first annual powwow held on the Crookston Campus on Saturday, April 24, 2010. For a student to be eligible for the scholarship, he or she must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe; must have completed at least one year of college; and have a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

The Zak American Indian Scholarship was established in 2010 by John and Deborah Zak.  John works in University Relations at the U of M, Crookston, and Deborah works for the University of Minnesota Extension where she is the campus regional director, Extension Regional Office, 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.

In the photo (l to r): Students Dustin Roy and Krystal Caldwell with Deborah Zak.

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

University of Minnesota, Crookston students Kayla Jane Plante, a junior communication major from Crookston, Minn.; and Elizabeth Kern, a senior communication major from Ellendale, Minn.,  Megan Flynn, a sophomore health sciences major from Chanhassen, Minn.;Christine Radintz, a senior agricultural business major from Annandale, Minn.; and Stefanie Rude, a senior communication major from Halstad, Minn., have successfully passed the Microsoft Office certification exam.  

The students in the class received certification in three areas: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.  The students received the certifications at the U of M, Crookston, since it is a testing center for Microsoft Office System (MOS) and Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) certification exams.  

Twyla Treanor, assistant professor and MOS certification proctor at the U of M, Crookston, view the training experience as an added bonus.  Microsoft Office certifications are widely recognized by employers as proof of competency with applications.  In today's market, having a certification on one's resume may make a big difference. Additionally, those who are seeking IC3 certification may also take the necessary exams on the Crookston Campus.

If you would like to schedule a time to take a certification exam, learn more about the certification process or how to prepare, contact Twyla Treanor at 218-281-8181 (ttreanor@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.

In the photo: Kayla Jane Plante (left) and Elizabeth Kern (right). Not pictured are Megan Flynn, Christine Radintz, and Stefanie Rude.

Contact: Twyla Treanor, assistant professor, 218-281-8181 (ttreanor@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

After several successful service-learning projects, Rachel Lundbohm, an instructor in the Business Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, engaged her classes in an effort to further previous research and to engage students in new learning opportunities. The projects her marketing classes took on involved the development of marketing plans for the Northwest Minnesota Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a continuation of work begun in fall semester 2009, and a new project working with the Crookston Eagles Club.
 
The marketing service-learning project her online integrated marketing communications class worked on this spring built on the research conducted last fall in her marketing research class for AHEC. The 25 students taking the course online developed a marketing plan for AHEC to help address high school students' perceptions of career choices in general and healthcare related careers specifically. Service learning combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful community service.

"To help students work on the project, we created a forum for the students to do an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the organization, known more commonly as a SWOT analysis," explains Lundbohm. "Essentially we had an online brainstorming session."

Since members of the class were located all over the country including Idaho, California, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, the class will present their marketing plan in a formal document without a presentation. With that marketing plan in hand, AHEC will determine which parts of the plan they can implement now and in the future.
A marketing plan for the Crookston Eagles Club, a client-based project, was the goal for students taking Lundbohm's marketing strategies class, a capstone course for business students at the U of M, Crookston. Sue Brorson, Ph.D., head of the Business Department put Lundbohm in touch with Bruce Meyer from the Eagles Club to determine the suitability of the project for her class. Meyer presented background information to the students and they were divided into working groups to take responsibility for different aspects of the project.

"Our class conducted research and developed a series of recommendations that are all strategy based," Lundbohm said. "We looked at both the membership and customer aspects for the Eagles. Students engaged in both external and internal analysis and how to best leverage the strengths of the business."

The class of 18 students did reading and homework online and then met in the classroom to work together on the Eagles' project. Feedback from classmates provided important information for each of the working groups.

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: Front Row (l to r):  Treasure Clemons, Minneapolis, Minn.; Abbie Tosh, Climax, Minn.; Yiyun Zhu, Zhejiang, China; Stephani Onken, Round Lake, Minn.; and Cynthia Weber, Crookston, Minn. Middle Row:  Krista Nelson, Cokato, Minn.; Rachel Lundbohm (instructor), Martin Husicka, Vsetin, Czech Republic; Jessica DeBoer, Crookston, Minn.; Sung Soo Lee, Gyeong-Gi Do, Korea; Kyu Tae Kim, Seoul, South Korea; and Jack Bone, representing the Eagles. Back Row:  Mike Larsen, Bluffdale, Utah; Collin Perry, Grand Forks, N.D.; Adeboye Adeyeye,  Bromley, Kent, England; Jared Hendricks, Owatonna, Minn.; Nicholas Nelson, Cold Spring, Minn.; Brett Wright, Cortland, N.Y.; and Jake Fee, Eagles manager.
 

Contact: Rachel Lundbohm, marketing instructor, 218-281-8190 (rlundboh@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation and United Way of Bemidji Area are hosting a full day workshop aimed to help nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations learn, improve and build new evaluation skills to build their capacity, become more sustainable and better able to serve their communities.

The workshop, Finding the Magic in Strategic Evaluation, presented by Dr. Stacey Hueftle-Stockhill, EnSearch, Inc. with support from Jill Naylor-Yarger, Little Red Hens Consulting, will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, from 8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Hungry Bear Conference Center and in Crookston on Wednesday, June 16 from 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, University of Minnesota Crookston. Board members, management level staff and program staff are encouraged to attend. The registration fee is $5.00 per person and includes lunch and workshop materials. Pre-registration through United Way of Bemidji Area is required by Monday, June 7, 2010.

The workshop will take the mystery out of logic models, outcomes and evaluation and demonstrates the link between outcome evaluation and an organization's mission, vision and values. Though a series of hands on exercises, participants will not only strengthen and expand their knowledge of strategic planning and strategic evaluation but they will begin to develop their own strategic evaluation model.

More information and registration information can be obtained on the United Way of Bemidji Area's website www.liveunitedbemidji.org or by calling (218) 444-8929.

About the Presenters:
Bringing the Magic to Evaluation is Stacey Hueftle Stockdill. Hueftle Stockdill, EnSearch CEO, earned her PhD with specialization in evaluation, qualitative and quantitative measurement, and statistics from the University of Minnesota. She has conducted market research studies and evaluations, taught courses for MBA, MA, and PhD degree programs and designed and facilitated customized workshops since 1980. She was the 1997 recipient of the Myrdal Award, given by the American Evaluation Association to recognize substantial contributions to the professional practice of evaluation.

Jill Naylor-Yarger, founder and CEO of Little Red Hens Consulting, Bemidji, MN, earned her Master's Degree at the University of Minnesota in Vocational Education with certification in Organization Development and Training for Business and Industry. She has worked in non-profit and educational sectors with grant funded programs for over 40 years and evaluated programs across the non-profit, private, and for profit sectors. She was a 1991 recipient of a Women In Leadership Award for Community Colleges and a presenter at the 2002 New Mexico Evaluation Conference. Ms. Naylor-Yarger currently serves as the Evaluation Consultant for the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Compassion Capital Fund Grant.

Contact: Ashli Bowen, executive director, United Way, 218-444-8929 ( bjiuw@paulbunyan.net)

Two faculty members at the University of Minnesota, Crookston participated in a project with their classes involving collaboration with the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) staff in Northwest Minnesota, including Polk County. Assistant Professor Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., and Nancy Shay, a teaching specialist, who both work in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department, coordinated the service-learning project.  Students in the design and management class and visual communication and editing class worked together to develop the pamphlet titled, SHIP Shape, which focuses on healthy food choices. Sarah Reese, Polk County SHIP coordinator worked closely with the students on the project.

SHIP Shape features schools in the county and region, such as East Grand Forks, who are making healthy food the easy choice for their students and staff.  An integral part of Minnesota's nation-leading 2008 health reform law, SHIP strives to help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. SHIP seeks to create sustainable, systemic changes in schools, worksites, communities and health care organizations that make it easier for Minnesotans to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives.

For more information about SHIP, contact Reese at Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385 (sreese@pcphealth.org). For more information about the statewide efforts, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship.

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):  University of Minnesota Crookston students, Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis.; and Jess Seibel, senior, Crookston, Minn.; along with Sarah Reese, Polk County SHIP coordinator; and Stephanie Onken, senior, Round Lake, Minn.

Contact: Sarah Reese, Polk County Public Health, 218-281-3385 (sreese@pcphealth.org); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The U of M, Crookston Ice Hockey Club presented a check for $1600 to Susan G Komen for the Cure on Friday, April 30, 2010, in a special ceremony held in the Business Boardroom on the Crookston Campus. Representative from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Colin Guidinger was on campus to accept the donation.  The money was raised through the auctioning of the pink jerseys the hockey players wore during a "Pink the Rink" hockey game earlier this year.  The Ice Hockey Club would like to thank everybody who supported the "Pink the Rink" fundraising effort.

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, top left (l to r) : Derek Ricke, treasurer and incoming president for the Ice Hockey Club; Brent Swanson, the club's current president; and Susan G. Komen for the Cure representative, Colin Guidinger.

In the photo, bottom right: First row (l to r):  Derek Ricke, Menahga, Minn.; Colin Guidinger (Representative from Susan G. Komen for the Cure), Coach Brett Saari, Green Bay, Wisc.; Brent Swanson, Mason City, Iowa; and Advisor Michelle Ramstad. Second row (l to r): Chase Haubursin, Middletown, Calif.; Eddie Hanson, Apple Valley, Minn.; Kyle Perry, Grand Forks, N.D.; Collin Perry, Grand Forks, N.D.; Martin Husicka, Vsetin, Czech Republic; Ben Sullivan, Crookston, Minn.; and Matt Steinmetz, Rochester, Minn.

Not pictured:  Chris Vogel, Meriden, Kan.; Billy Thompson, Park River, N.D.;  Dan Fletcher, Union, Ken.; Brandon Sachwitz, St. Paul, Minn.; Jeff Carr, Eagle River, Wis.; Chuck Delfosse, Green Bay, Wis.; Vaughn Loomis, Walker, Minn.; Jacob Karras, Janesville, Wis.; Nick Sylvester, Crookston, Minn.; Jared Miettunen, Virginia, Minn.; and Gavin Waslaski, Langdon, N.D.

Contact: Michelle Ramstad, hockey club advisor, 218-281-8483 (umlr005@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)