The University of Minnesota Music and Theater Department will present a Winter/Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium. The concert, under the direction of George French will feature the U of M, Crookston Choir and other small ensembles and soloists.  The one-hour concert will be followed by a light supper served by the choir featuring chili and other treats. A free-will donation will be taken at that time.

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

High school students have a chance to compete with their peers during Agriculture and Natural Resources Day scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2010, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. With more than 20 contests ranging from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock and sales, the day is fraught with excitement for students from some 50 high schools who participate in the competition.

An awards ceremony highlights the day beginning at 1:15 p.m. in Lysaker gymnasium in the Sports Center on the Crookston campus. Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. More than $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students. Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest; $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual; and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded to third place individuals.  

The event, which has been held for more than 30 years on the campus, is sponsored by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston. If you would like more information regarding Agriculture and Natural Resources Activities Day events, contact Amy Lubarski at 218-281-8101 or visit www.umcrookston.edu/ag/AAD.  

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

Students from Norman County East (NCE), a high school serving students in Gary and Twin Valley, Minn., will experience college life firsthand during a visit to the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

The students in the NCE 10th grade life skills class will attend a class in the Business Department, learn about sustainability initiatives, and have an opportunity to experience virtual reality in the new Informatics Lab on the campus. Along with a campus tour and lunch in the dining hall, these high school students will leave campus with a glimpse into collegiate life.

The campus visit is the result of a Ramp Up to Readiness grant collaborated through the Center for Adult Learning on the Crookston campus and written by Jolee Habadank, a counselor from Norman County East.
 
"We want students to experience a college or university campus at a younger age.  Doing so may bridge the gap and spark their intentions proving they can maneuver and succeed in a college environment," says Christopherson. "This visit will give students a chance to see, do and be a college student for a day, our hope is that they discover areas of study that may interest them and help them refine their career goals and get more involved."

This year at NCE, ninth, tenth and eleventh grade students will visit the different types of campuses; two and four year, to help them make informed decisions about what type of post-secondary schools will be best for them. At each of the institutions, students learn about opportunities available, admissions requirements, and the application process.

The purpose of the Ramp Up to Readiness program is to help University colleges, departments and offices launch new or enhance existing partnerships with preK-12 schools and systems to increase the number and diversity of students who graduate with the knowledge, skills, and habits for success in higher education. To learn more, visit www.rampuptoreadiness.org.

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

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $550,000 congressionally-directed grant to the University of Minnesota, Crookston to establish the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES). While additional financial support may be sought, currently, 100 percent of the funding will go directly to financing the CRES. The Center, housed in the Business Department, is physically located in 117 Dowell Hall at the U of M, Crookston, a campus known for its strong history of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

The CRES will expand connectivity to the region's educational institutions, economic development organizations and financial institutions, as well as to state and federal small business support agencies and aspiring entrepreneurs in Northwest Minnesota. The CRES will launch a Web site this fall and preparations are underway to begin operations in January 2011.

"We are both excited and honored to be the home of this new Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies," says Sue Brorson, professor and head of the Business Department at the U of M, Crookston. "Our focus will be on entrepreneurship issues in rural areas, and we will be working to support and to find innovative ways to aide entrepreneurs and small business development."

Small business and entrepreneurship provide a critical economic benefit to the state's economy. In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, new and emerging companies, those five years old or less, create 80% of the net new jobs in the state.
 
The mission of the CRES is to encourage entrepreneurship through educational leadership, applied research, and insightful consulting. The CRES will engage the students, faculty, and research facilities on the Crookston campus in order to stimulate the entrepreneurial culture and strengthen the economic vitality of Northwest Minnesota.

Plans also include developing educational resources for entrepreneurship, engaging students at the U of M, Crookston in entrepreneurial services support and business development activities, connecting faculty and staff with entrepreneurs in the region to provide both expertise and support, and creating conditions favorable for entrepreneurship and business formation in Northwest Minnesota.

"We are grateful to Congressman Collin Peterson and his leadership on this entrepreneurship initiative along with the support of both Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobachar to secure the funding," Brorson says. "It is a great opportunity for us to serve as a focal point for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our region and to encourage and support the growth and development of small business through the Center."

Writing the grant was a collaborative effort between several faculty members in the Business Department including Kevin Cooper and Rachel Lundbohm along with Sue Brorson and Bruce Brorson.

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: Sue Brorson, head, Business Department, 218-281-8186 (sbrorson@umn.edu); Andrew Svec, director, communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu)

RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 4-7 p.m.

The most wonderful time of the year will get a jump start when the U of M, Crookston hosts its fourth annual holiday social on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a silent auction, and throughout the evening until 7 p.m., there will be several raffles. All proceeds will be used to support scholarships on the Crookston campus. Wine and hors de oeuvres will be served. Admission is free and public is invited to attend.

Three new raffles have been added to this year's event. The holiday raffle is one of the most exciting additions. It includes a grand prize of a day spa courtesy of Shear Sisters, an overnight stay in a Jacuzzi suite from the AmericInn of Crookston, and Lynn Willhite Watercolor apparel.

Second and third prizes include a Hugo's After-hours Selection; and a maroon and gold ensemble sponsored by the U of M, Crookston Bookstore. The number of tickets is limited and may be purchased for $25 by contacting members of the holiday social committee. Also new are the $2 per chance wine raffle and a $2 per chance bucket raffle along with the many baskets/containers available on the silent auction. There will be something for everyone.

Back again this year is the UMC Horticulture Club selling their holiday arrangements, candy bouquets, and wreaths to decorate your home and to give as gifts. If you would like more information, visit the holiday social Web page at www.umcrookston.edu/holidaysocial.

Planning committee members for the holiday social include: Sherry Just, Emily Knutson, Jody Clauson, Ardith Pelton, Diane Bachmeier, Jeannine Windels, Barbara Muesing, Judy Nepple, Corby Kemmer, and Michelle Christopherson.

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

The University of Minnesota undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Awards program honors outstanding diverse undergraduate students.  The Crookston campus is pleased to announce Senior Lhakpa Gurung, Mustang, Nepal, as a 2010 SEED Award recipient. The awards are presented annually at the University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Breakfast, held November 18.
 
Lhakpa Gurung has been a leader on the Crookston campus in advocating and supporting the campus diversity program. She has reached out to members of the campus and the Crookston community to share her story and to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of being a role model for women of color in teaching, research and entrepreneurship. She also recently received the 2010 Tapestry Award from the University's University Women of Color.

As an early childhood education major, Gurung aspires to work with children and families of diverse backgrounds and needs, and international issues regarding equity for children and their families. She has been very involved as a student on the campus serving as a community advisor for residential life and integrating diversity activities to spur discussion on issues relating to diversity and women's issues. She has also presented at various women's groups in the community, on campus, anf through Minnesota Extension in order to encourage dialogue on the importance of having women of color as role models in teaching, research, and business.

Gurung was involved in two undergraduate research projects and presented at an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) showcase at both Crookston and Twin Cities campuses.  In the summer of 2010, she went back to Nepal to her village to teach young children about the economic and societal importance of agriculture, the basics of capitalism, and how entrepreneurs add value to the marketplace. Students in Free Enterprise advisor Kenneth Johnson is proud of Gurung and her accomplishments. "Her work ethic, enthusiasm, and performance in completing this project was phenomenal," Johnson says. "She has been an integral part of the success of our eleven-time regional championship SIFE team."

Undergraduate SEED Award recipients are diverse students who demonstrate impressive achievement and leadership in the area(s) of academic performance and/or community outreach/activism.  In addition, SEED Award recipients must demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to issues of equity, diversity, and social justice through their academic work and/or service to the community. For more information, visit www.academic.umn.edu/equity/awards/seed_awards.html.

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: Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, associate professor, Liberal Arts and Education Dept., 218-281-8185 (slimthom@umn.edu); Laurie Wilson, coordinator, disability services, 218-281-8587 (lwilson2@umn.edu); Rae French, coordinator, study abroad, 218-281-8339 (rfrench@um

The Cooperative Campus Ministry along with the Music Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will co-sponsor an "Evening of Thanksgiving" on Monday, November 22, 2010. The special service, featuring guest speaker Pastor Bill Reck, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Prairie Room, Sargeant Student Center. Music will be provided by Max Wolpert and the UMC Thanksgiving Chorale. Everyone is welcome and all attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and/or money in an offering that will go to the Care and Share in Crookston.

For more information, contact Chris Boike at 218-281-8516.

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: Chris Boike, Cooperative Campus Ministry, 218-281-8516 (cboike@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

CANCELED DUE TO WINTER WEATHER

Concert pianist John McKay will perform on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. in Evergreen Hall. McKay will perform on the new Yamaha grand piano in the main lounge.  Evergreen Hall is located on the south side of the campus across from the athletic fields. This concert is open to the public and free of charge with light refreshments immediately following.

John McKay, who performs frequently in the upper Midwest, is a retired professor of piano from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.  This concert features the music of Robert Schumann and Frederick Chopin in honor of the bicentennial of their births.  Among the musical selections featured in the program are the Arabesque and Carnival by Schumann and several selections by Chopin including the Fantasie Impromptu.  

The concert is made possible through funding from the UMC Concerts and Lectures Committee with additional support from UMC Residential Life.  For more information, contact George French at 218-281-8266.

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

"I Recycle" is the theme of the 2010 America Recycles Day (ARD), which takes place on Monday, November 15.  Millions of Americans have pledged to increase their recycling habits at home and at work over the 13-year history of ARD, a nationally-recognized initiative which is organized by Keep America Beautiful and dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work, and on the go.

University of Minnesota, Crookston student groups Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD) and the Crookston Student Association (CSA) will proudly declare "I Recycle. Do you?" on November 15 on the Crookston campus.   Students across campus are encouraged to clean out desks and recycle their junk.  Free shirts will be handed out to the first 100 students who are seen recycling.

CSSD and CSA are two student-run organizations that work to speak on behalf of the student body, to advocate diversity and sustainability, to build support of the community, and to improve the student experience on and off campus.

"America Recycles Day is designed to educate, motivate and inspire individuals to recycle more while encouraging their friends and families to do the same," said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Matt McKenna.  "Keep America Beautiful encourages you to participate in ARD and celebrate what can be accomplished when everyone works together to promote recycling efforts 365 days a year."

This is a great opportunity for the campus to become more involved with an already functioning program and keep the campus clean and green. To get involved, contact Greg Summers, CSA senator on recycling.  Or visit www.americarecyclesday.org to find an event near you or to register your organization for an event.

America's leading companies and organizations support recycling through sponsorships and partnerships with America Recycles Day 2010: Alcoa, American Chemistry Council, Anheuser-Busch, Earth911.com, Disney's Friends for Change, Naked Juice, Nestlé Waters North America, PepsiCo and Waste Management. Partners include: Glass Packaging Institute, Soles 4 Souls, Solid Waste Association of North America and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of over 1,200 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public- private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. To join America Recycles Day, visit www.americarecyclesday.org. To learn more about Keep America Beautiful, visit www.kab.org.

Contact: Greg Summers, CSA senator on recycling (summe053@umn.edu)

The sights and sounds of an international market come to life once again during a week filled with events focusing on International Education Week at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The market, slated for Wednesday, November 17 from 3- 7 p.m., takes place in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center and features items from around the world for purchase. The public is welcome to stop by the market to shop.

If you are interested in international cuisine, you are invited to dine on food from the four corners of the world on Monday, November 15. Featured countries include:  Korea, China, Nepal, and Kenya.  The public is welcome to eat lunch at a cost of $8.15  per person being served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Brown Dining Room 

On Tuesday, November 16 there will be an international art show and photography contest in the Prairie Lounge, Sargeant Student Center. From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to view the artwork and photographs of students as well as vote for their personal favorites.

Following the international market on Wednesday, there will be two presentations on Thursday, November 18 by internationally-renowned speaker, author, and explorer Broughton Coburn in Kiehle Auditorium. The first presentation begins at noon and is entitled "Secrets of the Shangri La" and the second, at 7 p.m., will be "Aama's Journey," the story of a woman who has virtually no exposure to Western civilization and her pilgrimage to the United States. Both presentations are free and the public is invited to attend.

Closing out the week on Friday, November 19 is a Kid Fair from 5 - 7 p.m. in Bede Ballroom and the International Lounge, both located in the Sargeant Student Center. There will be barnyard animals, button making, origami, face painting, games, tattoos, and items for sale all designed for children and families. The Kid Fair is free and children and families are especially invited to participate.
 
International Education Week, scheduled November 15-19, 2010, is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States. To learn more, visit http://iew.state.gov.
 
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: Rae French, coordinator, study abroad, 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Representatives of local agencies, organizations or interested individuals are invited to attend a Community Dialogue sponsored by the Office of Service Learning at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The dialogue will center on community needs and the types of projects that faculty may use to match their course curriculum goals to help meet those needs. The session runs from 2 - 4:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center at the U of M, Crookston.

Anyone with an idea that might be addressed through a course service-learning project is encouraged to attend. Service learning combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful community service. Additionally, information on community-service opportunities and other community-university partnerships will be discussed.

For more information, contact Lisa Loegering, assistant director of service learning at 218-281-8526 or visit www.umcrookston.edu/services/ServiceLearning.

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: Lisa Loegering, assistant director, service learning, 218-281-8526 (loege005@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

A team of horticulture students placed fourth in competition at the annual conference of the Mid-American Collegiate Horticultural Society (MACHS), held October 14-16, 2010, at Iowa State University in Ames.  The U of M, Crookston team, comprised of horticulture majors Jonathan Fillmore, a sophomore from White Bear Lake, Minn.; Ashlynn Hartung, a freshman from Lindstrom, Minn.; Keunyung Kim, a senior from Gwangju, South Korea; and Kristine Neu, a senior from Pelican Rapids, Minn., competed in a written general knowledge exam, herbaceous and woody plant identification, and judging categories.
 
The delegation from the U of M, Crookston competed against students representing Northwest Missouri State, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, South Dakota State, University of Wisconsin - Platteville.  University of Wisconsin - River Falls placed first followed by Michigan State University and South Dakota State University respectively.

Other students attending from the Crookston campus included Mike Field, a senior from Spicer, Minn.; Catlin Kersting, a freshman from Cloquet, Minn,; Ethan Kojetin, a freshman from Atwater, Minn.; Theo Lenneman, a junior from St. Michael, Minn.; Nathan Peikert, a sophomore from Woodbury, Minn.; Mitchell Sledge, a freshman from St. Louis Park, Minn.; Amanda Thompson a freshman from Pine River, Minn.
 
The MACHS organization and contest provide a means of communication between horticulture clubs of participating schools. Sharing knowledge and ideas is an important part of the gathering. The MACHS competition includes collegiate horticulture clubs from 12 Mid-American states. The conference offered students the opportunity to participate in educational tours of the Iowa Arboretum, Iowa Department of Natural Resources state nursery, Iowa State horticulture farm tours, and Evergreen Gardens.

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 (l to r): Kristine Neu, Jonathan Fillmore, Keunyung Kim, and Ashlynn Hartung.
 

Contact: Eric Castle, assistant professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281-8119 (castl047@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota University Women of Color (UWOC) recently announced the 2010 Tapestry Award winners. Lhakpa Gurung, Mustang, Nepal, was one of this year's recipients. Gurung a senior majoring in early childhood education at the U of M, Crookston, accepted the award at a breakfast at the University of Minnesota in Coffman Memorial Union on October 21, 2010.

Gurung is from Mustang, Nepal, which is a small village high up in the Himalayan mountains. It took her at least three days by foot, horse and bus to reach the capital city of Katmandu, in order to catch a flight to Crookston, Minnesota, a world where the daily living, culture and language is very different from hers. She believes in getting involved and is determined to help one human being at a time through numerous interactive presentations, open dialogues, and sharing ideas on issues of equity and diversity, and to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of being a role model for women of color in teaching, research and entrepreneurship.

Sharing her story on the campus and in the Crookston community with women's groups, with those in residential life and other clubs, she can personally have an impact on others to recognize the dignity of every human being. She has an aspiration to work with children and families of diverse backgrounds and needs, and international issues regarding equity for children and their families. As a child, children's literature and toys were few to none for Gurung's family. Education in her village is a privilege, and poverty is common. Despite her background, Lhakpa remains optimistic and determined to provide awareness and education on diversity and global issues.

An integral member in advocating and supporting the mission of UMC's diversity program, Gurung seeks "...to increase and improve diversity awareness at all levels of the university..." and "support outreach, community and service learning opportunities for multi-ethnic students, GLBT students, and women's concerns." Gurung plays an active and vital role in providing leadership in diversity awareness and education for the Crookston campus and the community in advocating the mission of the diversity program.
Gurung knows the need for role models of teachers of color to work with children of color, English as a Second Language (ESL) children, and immigrant families.

Her determination to become a teacher and her aspiration to improve the lives of children, families, and adults in her village is one of the many ways of demonstrating her commitment to support equity and bring awareness to global issues of girls and women in education. This clearly supports her work in equity, diversity, and helps others see the world differently.

The UWOC Tapestry Award is granted to those that help create a thriving campus community where diversity in the widest sense is welcomed and supported. The selection committee particularly seeks efforts that affect the campus climate for women students, faculty, and staff of color.

While many view the ideal model of American society as being that of a "melting pot", an alternative theory is that of a tapestry. A tapestry allows all people to come together to create something stronger, greater and more vivid than each person is on their own but still gives opportunities for individuals to be acknowledged for the gifts each person brings. For more information, visit http://uwoc.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: Rae French, coordinator, study abroad, 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The explorations of author Broughton Coburn in Nepal, India, and Tibet, along with his book Aama in America: A Pilgrimage of the Heart, are the subject of two presentations slated for Thursday, November 18, 2010, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Coburn, an explorer, internationally-renowned speaker, author, and conservationist, lived in the Himalayas of Nepal, Tibet and India for more than two of the past three decades.

The first of his presentations, entitled, "Secrets of Shangri La," begins at noon and the second, "Aama's Journey," will take place at 7 p.m. Both presentations will be held in Kiehle Auditorium. The programs are both free and the public is invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food items as a donation to the local food shelf.

Coburn graduated from Harvard College in 1973, then fulfilled a destiny with the Himalayas. He developed documentary films and oversaw environmental conservation and development efforts for the World Bank, UNESCO, World Wildlife Fund, and other agencies.
 
Two of Coburn's books form the foundation for the Aama's Journey illustrated program. Nepali Aama: Life Lessons of a Himalayan Woman documents Aama's life as an elderly, subsistence farmer in the foothills of the Himalayas. The sequel, Aama in America: A Pilgrimage of the Heart is the dramatic and poignant tale of their 12,000 mile odyssey in search of the soul of the United States.
 
In addition to acclaim as an illustrated lecture program, this story has been widely excerpted and a feature film screenplay is in progress. In 1997, Coburn was awarded the American Alpine Club's Literary Achievement Award for his body of work.

In 2008, Coburn received a grant from the National Geographic Society to co-lead, with climber and adventurer Pete Athans, a scientific expedition to a remote region of Nepal near the Tibet border. The team made some unusual discoveries that are the subject of two National Geographic Television Specials that premiered last November on PBS. This program offers a behind-the-scenes look at that production and the exciting expedition itself.  

The program is funded by Concerts & Lectures, Thursday Commons, International Programs, and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). To learn more about Broughton Coburn and his work, visit http://broughtoncoburn.com.

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: : Kenneth Johnson, instructor, Business Department, 218-281-8178 (joh02053@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)