The number of degree-seeking students enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Crookston fall semester 2010 has hit historic high levels, marking a five-year trend of increasing enrollment and a third year of record enrollment.  While these figures are preliminary until the University of Minnesota Board of Regents meets in October, the Crookston campus expects to see an eleven percent increase over last year's record.

According to the preliminary data, the number of degree-seeking students attending the Crookston campus is reported at 1,462 for fall semester 2010.  That number bests last year's all-time record of 1,310 undergraduates and signifies an increase of 11.6% over fall 2009.  Total enrollment for the Crookston campus including all degree-seeking and non-degree students reflects an increase of 10.9 percent, from 2,279 last year to 2,528 this year. Non-degree students include those taking part in programs such as College in the High School, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, and English as a Second Language.

 

Not surprisingly, the increased number of enrolled students resulted from an increase in applications.  Amber Evans-Dailey, director of admissions and enrollment management at the Crookston campus, reported applications for admission for fall 2010 were also at a record high, up nearly four percent from last year.  "Our admissions staff along with our faculty, staff, and coaches are dedicated to helping students find the right major and the right fit with the U of M, Crookston.  We've found that visits by students to campus essentially seal the deal, and our conversion rate from admission to enrollment is extremely high among those who've visited the campus.  Our marketing theme, 'Small Campus. Big Degree.' seems to resonate with prospective students, and when they see how welcoming everyone here is, these students and their families immediately feel at home."

 

The number of new online-only students--110 this fall--is up, bringing the total of online-only students to 353, and online credit hours have increased by 25 percent for fall semester 2010 compared to fall 2009.  The Crookston campus now offers seven degree programs entirely online, adding programs in accounting and marketing this past year.

 

Student housing on campus is also at record levels.  According to the Office of Residential Life, 600 students currently live in campus residence halls and apartments, and eight students have been assigned overflow housing at the Northland Inn, located less than half a mile south of the campus in Crookston.  The high demand for student housing on campus was accommodated last year with the construction of Evergreen Hall, a new 128-bed apartment-style residence hall.  As that structure enters its second year, it is at maximum capacity, as are the three other campus residence halls. 

 

This semester the Crookston campus launched a new bachelor's degree program in environmental sciences.  The program prepares students for a broad range of careers including environmental protection specialists, water quality managers, aquatic scientists, forest carbon specialists, ecotoxicologists, and environmental health and safety specialists, among others, and it also prepares students for graduate-level studies.

 

The U of M, Crookston received "Best College" designations from both U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review again this fall.  It was the thirteenth consecutive appearance on the U.S. News list as one of the top four public colleges in the Midwest in its category, and it was the fourth consecutive year of acknowledgement by The Princeton Review.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston now delivers 29 undergraduate degree programs--seven of which are also available entirely online--and welcomes students from more than 25 countries and 40 states.  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

 

 

Contact: Andrew Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu); Robert Nelson, registrar, 218-281-8560 (nelson@umn.edu)

A grant awarded to the University of Minnesota, Crookston will allow the campus to host a member of Minnesota's statewide initiative to help preserve and protect the environment, known as the Minnesota GreenCorps. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) coordinates the Minnesota GreenCorps, which is an environmental AmeriCorps program.

Michael Knudson (pictured,left) was appointed as the green infrastructure and stormwater management specialist and will be trained for his role as part of a new generation of environmental professionals under the program. He will be located on the Crookston campus and assist with the campus and the city of Crookston in addressing storm water management. He will develop and help implement action steps that will have an immediate effect as well as look at how to invest in the future in an environmentally conscious way. Knudson is a 2009 graduate of the U of M, Crookston, where he majored in natural resources.
    
The Center for Sustainability at the U of M, Crookston was also successful in hosting a GreenCorps member in 2009-10 when Chris Waltz was an energy conservation specialist.  Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sustainability, is enthusiastic about hosting another Minnesota GreenCorps member and what it means, "This opportunity connects the Crookston campus and community in an effort to become more environmentally conscious in managing stormwater in a responsible way," Svedarsky says. "Furthermore, it will help the community and campus have baseline data in place in preparation for future regulations that may be required."
The mission of the Minnesota GreenCorps is to provide its members with opportunities to contribute to improve Minnesota's environment, while gaining experience and learning valuable job skills. Local governments and community organizations statewide host Minnesota GreenCorps members and provide day-to-day supervision for members working on projects in the areas of local government energy conservation, school waste prevention, living green outreach, local food systems, and urban forestry. To learn more, visit the MPCA's NextStep sustainability Web site at www.nextstep.state.mn.us.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston celebrated homecoming coronation on Thursday evening, September 23, 2010. The coronation program, hosted by Crookston Student Association President Shawn Friedland, a senior from Melbourne, Fla., majoring in biology,  carried out the homecoming theme "Glitz, Glamour, and Golden Eagles." Royalty crowned during the evening were King Joe Harren, a junior from Eagle Bend, Minn., majoring in agronomy; Queen Brittany Novak, a senior from Dahlen, N.D., majoring in biology; Prince Jeff Pryor,  a freshman from Havana, Ill., majoring in early childhood education; and Princess Gracie Bruzek, a freshman from Alexandria, Minn., whose major is undeclared. Friday's highlights include honoring alumni during the Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame recognition.

On Saturday, September 25, everyone is encouraged to attend the annual homecoming parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade will take its traditional route around the Campus Mall led by this year's Grand Marshal Pam Sullivan, manager of the Eagles Nest. At 11 a.m. the Golden Eagle Soccer team will take to the field in a match up with the St. Cloud State University Huskies.

The Teambackers will host a tailgate in Parking Lot E with music by Four Wheel Drive at noon followed by Golden Eagle Football vs. the Dragons from Minnesota State University Moorhead at 1 p.m. on Ed Widseth Field. Following the football game, alumni are invited to a social at the Minakwa Golf Course Clubhouse.

For more information on homecoming weekend, visit www.umcrookston.edu/homecoming.

In the photo (l to r): King Joe Harren, Princess Gracie Bruzek, Prince Jeff Pryor, and Queen Brittany 

Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281- 8507 (samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Learn about Chinese language and culture in a unique after school program designed for students of all ages. The University of Minnesota, Crookston International Programs Office is offering an opportunity for students at the Crookston Public Schools to learn about China during a 10-week after school Mandarin Language and Cultural Program. Students from China attending the U of M, Crookston will be hosting the classes scheduled after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday, October 5 and running through Thursday, December 9, 2010.

The pilot program, to be held at the Crookston High School (CHS), will include a language  component and/or a cultural component.  Students may attend either one or both. The cost is $25 for the Language Course (Tuesdays) and $25 for the Culture Course (Thursdays), or $40 for both courses.  The cost will include a snack and beverage during each class and a participation certificate. Parents will need to commit to dropping their son or daughter off at CHS at 3:45 p.m. and would need to pick up their child at 4:45 p.m.

The cultural classes held on Thursdays will include a wide variety of topics including language, dress, games, and art. The language classes held Tuesdays will be divided into small groups that are age appropriate to teach students basic Mandarin. The10-week session will conclude with a celebration with students and their families. For more information, contact Rae French at 281-8339 or rfrench@umn.edu.
 
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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: The U of M, Crookston has some 40 students from China. Over Labor Day weekend, international students visited the Minnesota State Fair and the Mall of America on a trip to the Twin Cities.
 

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

For the first time the University of Minnesota Crookston will host an Institute for Advanced
Study Conference focusing on the topics of visual communication and interdisciplinarity. The conference, held under the auspices of the University of Minnesota Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), is scheduled for Thursday, October 14, 2010, in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center beginning at 9 a.m. The conference will bring together faculty, staff, students, and communicators of all kinds to examine the power and presence of visual communication. The conference is free and open to the public.

Special guests for the conference are Bryan Crable, Ph.D., department chairperson and associate professor in the Communication Department at Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Villanova, Penn.; David Beard, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota, Duluth; visual artists Annie Young, Burnsville, Minn., and Ethan Heidlebaugh, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Craig Dunn, executive director of VSA Minnesota in Minneapolis, the state organization on the arts and disability.

The conference schedule includes faculty presentations, student presentations, and artistic displays. The lunch hour will be devoted to engaging the themes through discussion with the presenters and artists. The discussion concludes with a synthesis and review of the themes to that point by Crable, Dunn; and Mark Huglen, associate professor of communication at the U of M, Crookston. For more information on the conference, visit www.umcrookston.edu/ias.

The conference will encourage a dialogue across a wide spectrum of visual communication subjects including fine arts, math and science, business, and the liberal arts. Disability accommodations are available upon request by contacting Laurie Wilson at 218-281-8587 by Monday, October 4.

Conference sponsors include the Institute for Advanced Study, University of Minnesota; Liberal Arts and Education Department and Office of Students with Disabilities at the Crookston campus; and the UMC Coca-Cola Beverage Partnership - Community Initiatives Grant. This activity is also 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 IAS, established in 2005 at the University of Minnesota, was designed to create  intellectual community across and beyond the boundaries of the University. The Institute for Advanced Study pursues its vision through three primary strategies. First, it provides a physical space at the Nolte Center where artists, scientists, and scholars can engage in and share their work. This strategy encompasses not only scheduled events and presentations, but also unplanned encounters and serious play that facilitate unexpected inspiration, revelation, and collaboration. Second, it supports faculty fellowships and research collaborative programs that bring together artists, scientists, and scholars from across and beyond the University. Third, it convenes an annual symposium that catalyzes conversations across the University of Minnesota and that highlights the most innovative research initiatives that exist in the United States and the world. To learn more, visit http://ias.umn.edu.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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: Mark Huglen, associate professor, communication, 218-281-8275 (mhuglen@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Blue skies and light winds provided a pleasant backdrop to the Centennial Park Flag Project dedication ceremony held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2010, on the University of Minnesota, Crookston Campus Mall. The brief ceremony featured a welcome and introductions from Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations. Chancellor Charles H. Casey extended greetings and shared historical information about the project and its benefactor, Harris A. Peterson, a 1942 alumnus of the Northwest School of Agriculture.

Peterson, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was represented by his son, Harold Peterson, grandson Shane Peterson along with his wife, Leah, and their twin sons, Matthew and Nathan, Harris' great grandsons. Shane shared remarks on behalf of his grandfather during the ceremony.

Crookston Student Association President Shawn Friedland thanked the Peterson family on behalf of the student body and the entire campus community and presented a framed photograph of the three flags that now fly over the campus. The dedication concluded with a flag ceremony, narrated by Mike Vivion, chief pilot and instructor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and Veterans Club advisor. The United States flag was raised while U of M, Crookston Senior Katherine Kezar, Farmington, Minn., played Reveille on the trumpet.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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): Harold Peterson, Chancellor Casey, Leah Peterson, CSA President Shawn Friedland, Director of Development & Alumni Relations Corby Kemmer, and Shane Peterson. Shane and Leah are holding twin sons Matthew and Nathan.

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

The Baby Boomer generation is starting to retire in 2010 and recent research has identified the importance for organizations' to build capacity to engage the wealth of civic resources this generation offers.

"As Boomers move towards the traditional retirement years and the next chapter of their life, they will emerge as a unique cohort placing unprecedented demands on the volunteer sector.  With existing infrastructure and capacity, organizations are simply not geared for properly serving the upcoming wave of Boomer volunteers.  The disparity between these dynamic younger older adults and the inadequate landscape of volunteer opportunities will only grow as the Boomers age; without serious action, organizations may not be able to capitalize on the potential of this critical resource." (from "Reinventing Aging Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement" Harvard School of Public Health-MetLife Foundation Initiative on Retirement and Civic Engagement.)

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Red River Valley; Bremer Bank, Grand Forks-Crookston-Warren and the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) have joined forces to offer an intensive, full day workshop on the skills and techniques to effectively engage Boomers as volunteers.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
University of Minnesota Crookston
Bede Ballroom A & B, Sargent Student Center
Crookston, Minn.
Registration information: www.mavanetwork.org
Cost for the full day workshop is $45 for MAVA members and $58 for general public
Scholarships are available

"Participants will leave the workshop with an action plan to make their organization 'Boomer ready,'" according to MAVA Project Manager Mary Quirk. "The workshop covers how to tap the driving motivation of Boomers to have impact, how to design volunteer positions that will appeal to their interest in taking charge of projects, how work within their busy lives and new volunteer recruitment methods. The upcoming Generations Y and X share the Boomers' motivation to have impact  Getting ready for the Boomers will also prepare organizations for the future generations of volunteers."

The interactive skill building workshop is the product of the a full year of work by a MAVA Task Force compiling results of recent research and practical tips from Minnesota leaders of volunteers.  The MAVA initiative on building capacity of organizations to engage Boomers is funded through support of the Otto Bremer Foundation.


For more information contact MAVA at 651-255-0469 or  office@mavanetwork.org or visit the website at www.mavanetwork.org.

RSVP, which is sponsored by the U of M, Crookston, engages persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.

The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA), has more than 800 members across the state of Minnesota.  Founded as a 501(c)3 in 2001, it is an alliance of individuals and networks dedicated to providing support and resources to those who lead volunteers. MAVA (www.mavanetwork.org) unites administrators of structured volunteer programs and informal volunteer initiatives, as well as those who have an interest in promoting volunteerism across the state.  MAVA members represent all sectors of society including faith communities, health care, social service, education, government, grassroots organizations and more.  

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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: Deanna Patenaude, Director RSVP, dpatenau@crk.umn.edu 218-281-8288;Mary Quirk, MAVA Volunteer Resources Leadership Project Manager, mquirk@mavanetwork.org, 612-723-7946 (cell) or 651-255-0469 (office)

The Office of the Registrar at the University of Minnesota, Crookston recently announced its list of spring 2010 graduates. Students completed their degree requirements during spring semester 2010. Graduates are listed below with their degree(s) earned.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston enrolls some 1,300 full-time students and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The U of M, Crookston is a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution, dedicated to learning, discovery and engagement in northwest Minnesota.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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.

Name	Degree	Minor
Anderson, Matthew Dewey	Natural Resources B S - Park Management
Christians, Judy Marie **	Applied Studies B S
Christianson, Keith Daniel *	Manufacturing Management B M M	Business Management
Clayton, Peirce Allan	Applied Studies B S
Espersen, Emily Lynn	Animal Science B S - Animal Science
Funk, Stephen Robert	Agricultural Education B S - Natural & Managed Environ Educ
Gilbert, Christopher Phillip	Health Management B S
Houachby, Aziz	Manufacturing Management B M M
Lanctot, Jarrod Francis	Information Technology Mgmt BS - Application Development
Lund, Jennifer Denese	Accounting B S
McKeag, Ashley Marie	Applied Studies B S
Meyer, Amber Nicole	Hotel/Restrnt/Inst Mgmt B S - Resort and Spa Management
Nuno, Yussuf Karale	Applied Studies B S - Respiratory Care
Phillips, Rene Anna Kay	Applied Studies B S
Pokorney, Jeffrey Ward	Agricultural Education B S - Agri Sci and Technology Educ
Radintz, Christine Luise	Agricultural Business B S	Business Management
Rahja, Dustin	Manufacturing Management B M M - Quality Management
Reul, Michael Allen	Manufacturing Management B M M
Roland, Stephanie Ann	Animal Science B S - Animal Science
Sorum, Wanda Ann *	Applied Studies B S
Swanson, Brent Steven	Communication B S
Van Ackeren, Kelsey Ann	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S
Wooding, Chris Emmanuel	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S - Coaching

Honor Students
* Distinction
** High Distinction

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

Three individuals along with the 1982 football team will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of Minnesota. Crookston. The induction ceremony, held jointly with the recognition of outstanding alumni, will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010, beginning with a social at 6 p.m.in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, and followed by dinner and a program. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 218-281-8439.

The 2010 inductees include June Shaver, '76 and '82; Ken Essay, ex. '94; Rick Spaeth, '86; and the 1982 Trojan Football Team.

June Shaver (left) has been an advocate and ardent supporter of Golden Eagle athletic programs. She has been recognized over the years with several awards including the Torch & Shield Award, the U of M, Crookston's most prestigious award in 1994 and the Outstanding Alumni award in 1995. She has also established several endowed scholarships for student-athletes along with the Environmental Landscaping Internship Fund and the Shaver Butterfly Garden located adjacent to Owen Hall on the Crookston campus in memory of her parents. She earned her associate degree in accounting and applied studies in 1976 and 1982 respectively. She was office manager for American Linen Supply in St. Paul, Minn., for ten years, and Portland, Ore., for two years. From 1953-83, Shaver was administrator for the Northwestern Clinic in Crookston.

Ken Essay (right) attended the U of M, Crookston from 1992-94 when he transferred to Minnesota State University, Mankato to complete a bachelor's degree in physical education and health. He earned a master of science degree in educational leadership also from Mankato and is currently the activities director at Mankato West High School as well as their boys' hockey coach. Prior to that he was a physical education and health teacher at Mankato West and as a long-term substitute in the New Ulm, Minn., School District. He was a two year letter winner and captain at the U of M, Crookston and in 1993-94, he was named a National Junior College Athletic Association All American.

Rick Spaeth (left) earned his associate degree in restaurant management in 1986 from the U of M, Crookston Technical College. He earned his bachelor of science from St. Cloud State University. He is currently the owner of R & R Masonry, Inc. in Paynesville, Minn. Spaeth was named to the All-Conference offensive line in 1984, and as All Conference offensive and defensive tackle in 1985. That same year, he also was named to the All Region defensive and offensive lines, National Junior College All American First Team and was the team's captain.  

The 1982 Trojan Football Team (below), with its 7-1 win-loss record, won the Northern Division Conference title. The team advanced to the state title game losing to Normandale Community College and they also played in the Midwest Bowl in Joliet, Ill., that fall. Coach for the division champs was Jim Sims who will present the award to the team and to Shaver and Spaeth as well. Retired Associate Professor of Biology Jerry Knutson will present to Essay.



To learn more about homecoming events, visit www.umcrookston.edu/homecoming.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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, alumni and development, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is hosting an artist reception featuring a number of artists from the area on Monday, September 13, 2010. The reception, scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will kick off the "Autumn Colors Art Exhibit" which runs from September 13 through October 16. The exhibit will highlight the talents of Author and Poet Lois Millette, Musician Sally Morris, and Artist in Residence Pat Danielson.

 Art work will be exhibited from several different types of media and features visual artists from Crookston and the surrounding area including John Gilstad, Lisa Hatlestad, Ross Hier, Marita Kendig, Mary LaFrance, Hyley Lee, Sue Neufeld, Gary Stegman, Sonia Spaeth (at left), and the Sisters of Mount Saint Benedict. Spaeth, assistant professor in the Liberal Arts and Education Department, teaches art at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
 
The artwork can be viewed during the library's regular hours:
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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: Sonia Spaeth, assistant professor, 218-281-8280 (sspaeth@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Two alumni from the University of Minnesota, Crookston will be honored during homecoming weekend on Friday, September 24, 2010, during a recognition banquet and program that also includes the Athletic Hall of Fame. The evening begins with a social at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program, in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. This year's honorees include Jan Patenaude, '77, and James Clack, '80. Reservations are required and may be secured by contacting the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 218-281-8439.

Jan Patenaude (left) graduated with an associate degree in institutional management from the U of M, Crookston Technical College in 1977. She went on to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and then to Viterbo College in LaCrosse, Wis., graduating with a bachelor of science in community /medical dietetics in 1982. She is currently the director of medical nutrition for Signet Diagnostic Corporation in Riviera Beach, Fla. She also works as a consultant dietician and a freelance writer from her home in Marble, Colo.

Certified as a LEAP therapist, Patenaude has more than 30 years of experience in the field of medical nutrition. Her work as a consultant has involved work with hospitals, nursing homes, drug/alcohol rehabilitation facilities, home health care, employee and corporate health, food companies, and her own private practice.

James Clack (right), currently the Baltimore, Md., fire chief, was born in Crookston but grew up in Fowler, Calif. He attended the U of M, Crookston Technical College graduating in 1980 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.

He became assistant chief and was officially appointed chief in 2007after serving as acting chief for about a year. During the August 2007 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minn., 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. He has been Baltimore fire chief since 2008.

To learn more about homecoming events, visit www.umcrookston.edu/homecoming.

The Crookston campus opened its doors in 1906 as the Northwest School of Agriculture educating high-school students for 60 years until 1968. During its last two years of operation, the campus transitioned to a two-year technical college, known as the University of Minnesota Crookston Technical Institute. In 1993, the campus transitioned again to offer baccalaureate degrees and became the first-ever laptop university in the nation.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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, alumni and development, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Homecoming is the big weekend for alumni to come back to campus to reminisce and reconnect with friends and classmates. Homecoming at the University of Minnesota, Crookston is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 24-25, 2010, and promises to be filled with excitement. The theme for homecoming is "Glitz, Glamour, and Golden Eagles" and the weekend kicks off on Friday evening by honoring alumni achievement.

The Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame Recognition will be held on Friday evening, September 24, beginning at 6 p.m. with a social followed by dinner and a program. The 2010 Outstanding Alumni are James Clack, '80, and Jan Patenaude, '77. The 1982 Football Team, along with alumni Ken Essay, ex. '94; Rick Spaeth, '86; and June Shaver, '76 and '82, will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Reservations for the event are required and available by contacting Rose Ulseth in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 218-281-8439 (rulseth@umn.edu).

On Saturday, September 25, the morning begins with a homecoming parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade will take its traditional route around the Campus Mall led by this year's Grand Marshal Pam Sullivan (pictured at left), manager of the Eagles Nest. At 11 a.m. the Golden Eagle Soccer team will take to the field in a match up with the St. Cloud State University Huskies.

The Teambackers will host a tailgate in Parking Lot E with music by Four Wheel Drive at noon followed by Golden Eagle Football vs. the Dragons from Minnesota State University Moorhead at 1 p.m. on Ed Widseth Field. Following the football game, alumni are invited to a social at the Minakwa Golf Course Clubhouse.

For more information on homecoming weekend, visit www.umcrookston.edu/homecoming . If alumni are interested in planning a gathering for their class, contact the alumni office at 218-281-8439.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, 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, alumni and development, 218-281-8434(ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)