The University of Minnesota, Crookston was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Beautification Award by the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce during Ox Cart Days on Sunday, August 22.   The award was given in recognition of the work done by the campus to beautify the community through maintaining the  flowers, gardens, and landscaping over the years.   

From the initial work to develop the Curtis Rude Memorial Gardens to the work done by Jerry Rude for many years in designing and expanding campus gardens to the continued work by staff in the Facilities and Operations Department, citizens of Crookston and visitors from all over have been able to enjoy the beauty of the campus.   Accepting the award on behalf of the campus was Brian Christensen, maintenance supervisor, who credited the work of staff members Neil Vraa, Greg Benoit, Theresa Helgeson, and Sue Jacobsen as well as summer interns Kenny Mendez, Mark Michalski, and Tammy Wroblewski.  The award will be placed in the display case between Dowell Hall and Sahlstrom Conference  Center.