Ag Arama royalty were named at the 36th annual event on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the University of MInnesota, Crookston. Crowned royalty at this year's Ag Arama were King Sam Westby, a senior from Pelican Rapids, Minn., majoring in animal science and agronomy ; Queen Alysia Osowski, a junior from Grafton, N.D., majoring in agricultural business and agronomy; Princess Maria Funk, a sophomore from Sebeka, Minn., majoring in agricultural education; and Prince John Plass, a sophomore from Tule Lake, Calif., majoring in agronomy.
 
The royalty are selected through a rigorous application process involving student achievement and interviews by a panel of judges helps determine who best reflects the goals and spirit of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.  A student vote is also factored into the selection process.

Ag Arama's 2011 True Grit Award winner was Senior Amanda Thorsvig, an agricultural education major from Detroit Lakes, Minn.  The True Grit Award is an award given annually to a student who best demonstrates the hardworking, persistent spirit of Todd Opsahl, a UMC student in 1973-74.

Contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources highlight Ag Arama weekend. They serve as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members. Ag Arama is planned and operated by a committee of students advised by Terrill Bradford, animal science instructor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

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 photos:
Top, right: Ag Arama Royalty: King Sam Westby, Queen Alysia Osowski, Princess Maria Funk, and Prince John Plass

 

Bottom, left: Pictured at the far right with Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., professor and department head for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, is True Grit Award winner Amanda Thorsvig.

Contact: Ron Del Vecchio, head, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281- 8109 (delve004@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston enrolls approximately 1,200 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 1,400 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.

Name	Major	Minor	Honors
Aakre, Teresa A	Animal Science B S
Adeyeye, Adeboye O	Business Management B S
Anderson, Christopher Michael	Manufacturing Management B M M
Baszczynski, Melinda Katherine	Equine Science B S
Benoit, Jenna Christine	Business Management B S		Distinction
Bentley, Kathleen Kelly	Communication B S
Beske, Andrew Zane	Golf and Turf Mgmt B S
Biggers, Gerald Michael II	Communication B S
Bittmann, Christopher L	Natural Resources B S
Blank, Camren Dale	Manufacturing Management B M M
Boike, Kristopher M	Applied Studies B S
Brinkmann, Thomas Arnold	Applied Health B A H
Brosnan, Jacqueline E	Quality Management B M M
Burke, Amy Marie	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S	Coaching
Carrlson, Virginia Lee	Agricultural Education B S
Choc, Jessica M	Animal Science B S
Clemons, Treasure Rose	Business Management B S
Coffman, Matthew J	Agronomy B S
Craig, Katherine Anne	Criminal Justice B S
Enright, Michael James	Plant Industries Mgmt B S
Field, Michael Alan	Golf and Turf Mgmt B S
	Horticulture B S
Fite, David J	Information Technology Mgmt BS
Flaten, Singne R	Animal Science B S
Flicek, Paul Harvey	Natural Resources B S
Fowler, Christopher Scott	Business Management B S		High Distinction
Gallivan, Mark	Business Management B S		High Distinction
Gentele, Lisa Anne	Natural Resources B S
Giese, Emily Koelker Eaton	Early Childhood Education B S
Gold, Derek Thomas	Business Management B S
Graham, Kirk Neil	Business Management B S
Heier, Matthew James	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S
Hilton, Jennifer Sue	Applied Health B A H
Hoffman, Brian	Natural Resources B S
Husicka, Martin	Business Management B S	Marketing
Jacobson, Jordan Marcus	Golf and Turf Mgmt B S
	Horticulture B S
Jiran, Nikolas James	Aviation B S
Johnson, Becky Ann	Animal Science B S
	Equine Science B S
Johnson, Jason David	Quality Management B M M
Johnson, Sean W	Natural Resources B S
Jones, Justine Nicole	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Kappes, Bradley W	Accounting B S
	Agricultural Business B S
Kim, Keunyung	Horticulture B S
Kruszynski, Joanne	Business Management B S
Kyllo, Aviva Mordecai	Business Management B S
LaPlante, Bonnie Jean	Applied Health B A H		Distinction
Lenz, Maxwell D	Golf and Turf Mgmt B S
Letnes, Nicole Marie	Applied Studies B S
Linder, Matthew Daniel David	Marketing B S
Lucas, Jill Marie	Applied Health B A H
Lucia, James E	Quality Management B M M
Mahamud, Osman Maalim	Applied Studies B S
McAulay, Michael D	Marketing/Management A A S
Michealson, Charles	Natural Resources B S
Miller, David John	Manufacturing Management B M M		Distinction
Moe, Joshua Everett	Natural Resources B S
Nelson, Jeffrey David	Manufacturing Management B M M	Bus Mgmt
Nieuwboer, Mindy Adell	Equine Science B S	Animal Sci	High Distinction
Olson, Bart Allen	Manufacturing Management B M M
Pease, Nicholas Richard	Agricultural Education B S
Ribar, Joshua Raymond	Natural Resources B S
Robinson, Paul Jeffrey	Business Management B S
Roskos, Jenny Rae	Animal Science B S
Sachwitz, Brandon	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S		Distinction
	Biology B S		Distinction
Salah, Rhoda	Health Management B S
Savage, Derek D	Natural Resources B S
	Natural Resources B S
Sayres, Derek	Manufacturing Management B M M		Distinction
	Quality Management B M M		Distinction
Sedorook, Robert Richard	Applied Studies B S	Biology
		Bus Mgmt
Sevigny, Monica J	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Sieger, Jeffrey Scott	Natural Resources B S
Smith, Blake Andrew	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
Smith, Jared Michael	Manufacturing Management B M M
Summers, Gregory Ryan	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S	Chemistry
	Biology B S	Coaching
Thompson, Matthew P	Natural Resources B S
Ulmer, Isaiah K	Animal Science B S
Vargason, Alicia Ruth	Natural Resources B S
Volker, Melinda Nelson	Applied Studies B S
Waslaski, Gavin R	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S	Ag Business
Wawack, Derek Jon	Animal Science B S
Weber, Cynthia Joy	Business Management B S
	Marketing B S
Wentzel, Meredith Susannah	Health Management B S
Wermager, Ryan Kevin	Natural Resources B S
Yaeger, Christopher Clinton	Business Management B S
Yook, Taehee	Animal Science B S	Ag Business
Zawacki, Nicholas George	Business Management B S
Zhu, Yiyun	Business Management B S

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

The Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD) and the UMC Sustainability Committee are proud to announce that UMC has entered a nation-wide recycling competition called RecycleMania (www.recyclemania.org).  Over 575 colleges and universities will be participating in the 2011 RecycleMania competition that begins on January 23 and runs through April 2. 

The goal of this competition is to increase awareness of campus recycling.  All participating schools are required to report measurements (pounds of recycled materials divided by campus population) on a weekly basis.  The school that collects the most recycleables in a variety of categories per capita wins!  Weekly updates on UMC's RecycleMania results may be viewed at (www.recyclemaniacs.org/university_detail08.asp?ID=1689).

Let's set a goal of placing 100% of our beverage containers and paper products in the appropriate recycling bins throughout campus.  Cardboard should be flattened and placed behind the recycling bins.  Student organizations will collect the recyclables and place them in outside containers for pick-up and weighing.

During the RecycleMania Challenge, please join in the campus activities.  More details will be coming:

    * Trivia Questions--Check out the Eagle's Eye beginning Monday January 31 for a
       weekly trivia question.  Prizes will be awarded to the first person to correctly answer
       the question
    * Recycle BINGO with environmentally smart prize
    * Contests during  one of the home UMC Club Hockey Game
    * EARTH Week
    * Recycling Fair
    * Informational booths in the Student Center with prize giveaway
    * Get caught GREEN-HANDED!  Get caught recycling and receive a free beverage at the
       Evergreen Grill!

Get involved and help make a difference!

For more information, please contact Tim Knudson knud0194@umn.edu, Ben Sullivan sulli495@umn.edu, or Lisa Loegering loege005@umn.edu. 

Contact: Tim Knudson knud0194@umn.edu; Ben Sullivan sulli495@umn.edu; Lisa Loegering loege005@umn.edu

One student in the horticultural studies program at University of Minnesota-Crookston recently received a scholarship sponsored by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Foundation.  The scholarship recipient was Theodore Lenneman, a senior double majoring in golf and turf management and horticulture from St. Michael, Minn.

The MNLA scholarship program recognizes superior students enrolled in horticultural or landscape studies programs at several area colleges and universities.  The scholarships are designed by MNLA and its member companies to help grow future leaders in the nursery and landscape industry.

The MNLA Commercial Arborist Committee co-sponsored the scholarship for Lenneman.

To be eligible for an MNLA scholarship, applicants must possess a "C" grade average or better, present letters of recommendation from instructors and employers, and submit an essay stating their career goals and objectives.

The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is the state's largest green industry trade association with over 1,200 member companies.  Members include nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, irrigation contractors, commercial flower growers, tree care specialists, professional gardening services, and turf and landscape management professionals.

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:  Cassie Larson, Education & Industry Advancement Director, 651-633-4987, (cassie@mnla.biz); Sue Jacobson, instructor, horticulture, 218-281-8118, (sjacobso@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston will welcome back to campus Mixed Blood Theatre for a performance of "Dr. King's Dream" on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The performance, which will be held in Bede Ballroom at 7 p.m., is the acclaimed celebration of the life and career of Dr. Martin Luther King. The event is free and the public is invited.

Warren C. Bowles, the talented actor featured in the performance, has toured for Mixed Blood since 1981. His stirring solo performance movingly chronicles King's career from the beginning during the Montgomery bus strike, to his death in Memphis. The performance captures all of the dignity, courage, devotion and humanity of a unique American leader and is drawn from King's own writings including the timeless "I Have a Dream."

The event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and the Office of Student Affairs on the Crookston campus. For more information, contact Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs at 218-281-8580.

The performance is held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, officially recognized on January 17. The holiday marks the birth date of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, January 15.

Mixed Blood Theatre, a professional, multi-racial company, promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence, using theater to address artificial barriers that keep people from succeeding in American society. To learn more, visit www.mixedblood.com

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the MN State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the MN State Legislature from the MN arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of MN on November 4, 2008.

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: Thomas Williams, director, diversity programs, 218-281-8580 (will3140@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The New Century Learning Consortium (NCLC), founded at the University of Illinois Springfield has added University of Minnesota, Crookston as its 10th member. The Consortium is designed to assist universities in implementing high quality, large-scale online and blended learning programs.

"We welcome the University of Minnesota, Crookston to NCLC. As one of the fastest growing online programs in Minnesota and possessing a distinguished tradition of national awards and honors, the University of Minnesota, Crookston is a strong partner for the consortium," said Shari McCurdy Smith, NCLC director and associate director of the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service (COLRS) at UIS.

The U of M, Crookston conferred its first online degree in 2001 and now offers seven of its bachelor's degree programs entirely online.

"The faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota, Crookston are honored to join the NCLC," said Chancellor Charles Casey, "and we eagerly anticipate the exchange of ideas that will result from our interaction with the other members of the NCLC."

The Consortium plans to expand to 14 institutions by May of 2011. Consortium activities include developing a clearinghouse of online classes where there is excess capacity; shared research projects; shared IT expertise to support building infrastructure capacity; and peer support at the upper administration, dean, and faculty member levels. NCLC was founded utilizing a grant from the Sloan Consortium, who is also providing funding for the expansion.

"We are especially gratified to have the University of Minnesota, Crookston join us in NCLC. The Crookston campus - the original 'laptop U' - has a long history of innovation in the application of technology to enhance teaching and learning. They are a leader in online learning in the University of Minnesota system," said Ray Schroeder, director of COLRS and founder of NCLC.

NCLC member institutions are dedicated to developing vigorous online and blended learning initiatives to expand and stabilize student enrollments.

Current members are University of Illinois Springfield; California State University Easy Bay, Hayward; Southern Oregon University, Ashland; Chicago State University, Illinois; Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michigan; University of Southern Maine, Portland; Louisiana Tech University, Ruston; SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Springs; and Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.

For more information about the Consortium, contact Shari McCurdy Smith at 217/206-7360 or email smccu1@uis.edu.

Contact: Sue Brorson, head, Business Department, 218-281-8186 (sbrorson@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Alumni and community friends of the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) and the University of Minnesota, Crookston will gather for a social on Friday, Feb.18, 2011, at Terrace Green at ViewPoint Resort, 640 North Hawes Road, Mesa, Arizona. The annual alumni social begins at 11:30 a.m. and will run until 3 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon for $15 per person.

Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations will host this year's social and Chancellor Charles H. Casey will bring greetings from the Crookston campus.

If you are interested in attending the Arizona Social, please call Lorraine (Zipoy) Love '54, at 480-380-4051 or the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 800-862-6466 ext. 8401 to confirm attendance. Disability accommodations are available upon request.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a four-year, public university and one of five campuses in the University of Minnesota system. The NWSA Alumni Association represents the 5,433 graduates of the residential agriculture high school, which operated from 1905 through 1968, on what is now the campus of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

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

Concert pianist John McKay will perform on Thursday, January 27, 2011, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. in Evergreen Hall and McKay will perform on the new Yamaha grand piano located in the 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 concertizes frequently in the upper Midwest, is the retired professor of piano from Gastavus 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.  Included in the program is the Arabesque and Carnival by Schumann and also several selections by Chopin that includes 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, please 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)

A fishing tournament in memory of Justin Knebel, who played basketball for the University  of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles, will be held on Lake of the Woods at Zippel Bay Resort, Williams, Minn. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2011, honors the memory of Knebel who loved the Warroad area and outdoor sports in Minnesota.

Registration, limited to the first 150, is at 10 a.m. on the ice at the tournament site with fishing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to catch a fish, the smallest fish caught, along with prizes for the largest walleye, northern, sauger, and perch caught during the tournament. 

Tickets are available for $25 ($30 at the gate) by contacting Alysa Tulibaski at 218-281-8570 or Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436. Tickets are also available at Zippel Bay Resort, 6080 39th St. NW, Williams, Minn., 800-222-2537.  All proceeds from the tournament support the Justin Knebel Memorial Scholarship Fund benefiting students at the U of M, Crookston.

Knebel grew up in Warroad, Minn., graduating from Warroad High School in 2001. A talented athlete, he lettered in basketball, cross country, and track. After graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston where he played basketball as a point guard for the Golden Eagles. Head Basketball Coach Jeff Oseth describes him as the ultimate team player working hard on the court and in the classroom.  

In the fall of 2002, Knebel became ill and was unable to participate with the team in conditioning but eventually was cleared to resume activity by his doctor. The evening before the first official practice was to begin, Knebel passed away unexpectedly from complications but left behind a legacy of dedication, determination, and a drive to excel.

For more information on the tournament, visit www.umcrookston.edu/justinknebel. Members of the planning committee for the event include Corby Kemmer, Bill Tyrrell, Stephanie Helgeson, Amber Bailey, Lew Hanson, Jeff Oseth, Rose Ulseth, Derek Ricke, and Alysa Tulibaski.

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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Alysa Tulibaski, student experience and parent coordinator, 218-281-8570 (hauge450@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@u

Making the most of a field day for students is the topic of a workshop slated for Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The Best Practices for Field Days workshop, which focuses on how to maximize the field day experience, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom on the Crookston campus. The $15 registration fee includes lunch.
 
Field days are community events that bring together professionals, volunteers and teachers with school children for a day of learning about their environment. In educational field days, students rotate through multiple presentations on environmental topics.

The Best Practices for Field Days workshop is designed to help organizers and   presenters improve the field experience for students by helping them learn and retain important concepts, plan a comfortable and memorable setting, ensure the day runs safely and smoothly, create more useful evaluations, market an event, and to employ designs that help connect youth with nature.

All workshop attendees will receive the Best Practices for Field Days: A Program Planning Guidebook for Organizers, Presenters, Teachers, and Volunteers and a companion CD of tools and templates. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/FieldDays or contact Jolene Beiswenger at 218-281-8027.

The workshop is sponsored by University of Minnesota Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership and its partners University of Minnesota, Crookston, University of Minnesota Extension, Northwest Regional Development Commission, International Water Institute River Watch, Polk and Mahnomen Public Health Programs, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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: Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697, kinge002@umn.edu; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

RSVP of the Red River Valley, sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Crookston, has received funding for 2011 from Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging to start two pilot projects in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Red Lake Falls, and Thief River Falls. The $7500 grant will help establish both the "RSVP Handyman Program" and "RSVP Groceries to Go Program" to help seniors remain safely and independently in their homes for as long as practicable.

Through the RSVP Handyman Program, trained volunteers will provide minor home repairs and safety modifications as well as providing safety assessments and educational material on falls and fire prevention in the home. The volunteers provide their labor free of charge, and the client pays for needed materials. The RSVP Groceries to Go Program will provide trained volunteers to shop for and deliver groceries for clients who  are no longer able to shop on their own.

Deanna Patenaude, Director of RSVP "We are excited to bring these two programs to our area and hope that their success will garner interest in other communities in the seven county region."

With RSVP, you choose the amount of time you want to give. And you choose whether you want to draw on your skills or develop new ones. When you volunteer, you're not just helping others-you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promote a positive outlook on life.

In addition, with RSVP you'll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, and supplemental insurance while on duty. If you are interested in making a difference in your community by volunteering, contact RSVP at 281-8288 or e-mail dpatenau@umn.edu.
 
This project is made possible in part, under the Federal Older American's Act through a grant with the Land of the Dancing Sky AAA under an Area Plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging. RSVP engages adults 55 and older in volunteer service to meet community needs, and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers.

RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.umcrookston.edu/rsvp. 

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: Deanna Patenaude, director, RSVP, 218-281-8288 (dpatenau@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Students named to the fall semester 2010 Dean's List at the University of Minnesota, Crookston were announced by the Office of the Registrar. The U of M, Crookston is one of the most respected career-oriented, technology-based universities in the nation.

To qualify for a place on the Dean's List, students must complete 12 or more letter-graded (A-F) credits while attaining a 3.66 grade point average. The Crookston campus is the online leader in the University of Minnesota system and the only campus providing every full-time student with a laptop computer.

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.

Name	Degree
Aasness,Alisha Reneemae	Horticulture B S/Business Management B S
Adelman,Paul W	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S
Aho,Nathaniel Carl	Business Management B S
Albertsen,Andrew	Natural Resources B S
Anderson,Tyler Dean	Business Management B S
Bach,Maxine V	Animal Science B S/Equine Science B S
Barta,Michelle Lee	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Bartholomew,Angela Marie	Business Management B S/Equine Science B S
Basham,Jennifer Lynn	Undecided
Benoit,Jenna Christine	Business Management B S
Bernat,Judy	Applied Health B A H
Bernhardt,Brianna	Agricultural Education B S
Blasingame,Tanya	Accounting B S
Bowar,Katie	Business Management B S/Marketing B S
Brekken,Cody	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S
Capper,Heather Rene'E	Business Management B S
Carpenedo,Karen M	Equine Science B S
Chapin,Rick Remigio	Business Management B S/Marketing B S
Charles,Jessica L	Animal Science B S/Equine Science B S
Chei,Sung Woo	Biology B S
Chi,Sukeoung	Undecided
Choi,Seong Cho	Business Management B S
Corneliussen,Amanda R	Animal Science B S
Craig,Katherine	Criminal Justice B S
Daly,Mitchell P	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
DeBoer,Alex Briden	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Ding,Yuan	Agricultural Business B S
Dufresne,Kylie R	Communication B S
Fite,David J	Information Technology Mgmt BS
Flaten,Singne R	Animal Science B S
Flikka,Stacy Ann	Early Childhood Education B S/Business Mgmt B S
Flint,Amanda Kristine	Equine Science B S
Fouts,Lindsey J	Accounting B S/Business Management B S
Freitag,Melissa Kay	Software Engineering B S
Frisell,Wayne J	Accounting B S
Funk,Maria C	Agricultural Education B S
Gait,Prerna	Undecided
Geiszler,Melissa Marie	Agri/NatRes-Undeclared
Gervais,Lynsey R	Business Management B S/Marketing B S
Goodrich,Jessica	Communication B S
Gorentz,Andrew	Agronomy B S
Granfors,Jacob W	Natural Resources B S
Gurung,Lhakpa	Early Childhood Education B S
Gurung,Yangchen Dolker	Business Management B S
Haarstick,Thomas Shane	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
Halligan,Rachel Marie	Early Childhood Education B S
Hammond,Nicole C	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S
Harren,Joseph	Agronomy B S
Hartung,Ashlynn R	Horticulture B S
Haug,Erika Maxine	Equine Science B S
Heppner,Seth Arnold	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Hicks,Annessa	Undecided
Holloway,Christine Marie Schmidt	Business Management B S
Hong,SeongJong	Business Management B S
Hovet,Stacy	Business Management B S
Jacobson,Whitney M	Agricultural Education B S/Animal Science B S
Jenkins,Bethany Juliet	Horticulture B S
Johnson,Katy	Natural Resources B S
Jordan,April A	Agricultural Business B S/Marketing B S
Kang,Eun Hye	Communication B S
Keimig,Rachel F	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
Kessler,Lauren Brittney	Early Childhood Education B S
Khan,Shozab Mahmood	Quality Management B M M/Manufacturing Mgmt B M M
Kim,Eun Chan	Accounting B S
Kim,Joon Ho	Business Management B S
Kim,Sow Jung	Early Childhood Education B S
Kocina,Kathleen J	Accounting B S
Koralewski,Ashley Dawn	Accounting B S
Korhnak,Matthew	Natural Resources B S
Krdzalic,Almir	Undecided
Kubica,Melanie	Applied Studies B S
Larson,Brian	Manufacturing Management B M M
Lavalla,Marissa Patrice	Accounting B S
Lechner,Amy	Applied Health B A H
Lee,Juhyuk	Horticulture B S
Liebl,Quinton Nels	Natural Resources B S
Liew, Chan	Business Management B S
Liu,Chunhui	Business Management B S
Liu,Yundi	Accounting B S
Lovins,John E	Business Management B S
Maiga,Moussa Harouna	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Maki,Samantha J	Early Childhood Education B S
Martin,Victoria	Animal Science B S
Masters-Wolfe, Jenny S	Applied Studies B S
McBride,Keith	Business Management B S
Meyer,Andrew Fritz	Business Management B S
Michalski,Mark	Golf and Turf Mgmt B S
Miettunen,Jared S	Business Management B S
Miller,Amber Ann	Animal Science B S
Miller,Maranda	Natural Resources B S
Mo,Chengyu	Business Management B S
Myers,Paul Michael	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S
Nelson,Katie Lee	Marketing B S
Nenn,Katie	Animal Science B S
Neu,Kristine M	Horticulture B S
Neu,Kristine M	Communication B S
Oh,Suk Il	Undecided
Palm,Heather Lea	Health Management B S
Pepper,Trista	Business Management B S
Perea,Josh	Criminal Justice B S
Peterson,Amanda Marie	Agricultural Business B S/Equine Science B S
Peterson,Angela J	Equine Science B S
Peterson,Katrina J	Animal Science B S
Reysen,Hannah M	Agricultural Business B S/Animal Science B S
Rhode,Tori J	Biology B S
Rodriguez,Melanie C	Animal Science B S
Rohloff,Patrick G	Natural Resources B S
Sachwitz,Rebecca Jean	Early Childhood Education B S
Samuelson,Rick Allen	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Schlangen,Jacqueline R	Animal Science B S
Schliep,Katherine D	Animal Science B S
Schmitz,Derek Joseph	Business Management B S
Sibson,Kayli Jo	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Simon,Kassandra Joy	Marketing B S
Skoien,Brittney Marie	Agricultural Business B S/Equine Science B S
Smith,Miranda M	Applied Health B A H
Sontag,Shelly	Biology B S
Sorlie,Nicole E	Animal Science B S
Sparby,Kassi A	Early Childhood Education B S
Stearly,Joseph R	Marketing B S
Steinfeldt,Andrew Robert	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S
Summers,Gregory R	Biology B S/Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S
Sylvester,Nick L	Agronomy B S
Terry,Jane Ellen	Business Management B S
Thompson,Matthew P	Natural Resources B S
Thompson,William	Agronomy B S/Business Management B S
Trotter,Julie Ann	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Ulmer,Isaiah K	Animal Science B S
Van Dyke,Vayla M	Natural Resources B S
Van Treeck,Amy L	Agricultural Business B S
Vandenhemel,Chelsea	Equine Science B S
Vanzee,Colten G	Natural Resources B S
Volker,Melinda	Applied Studies B S
Walberg,Brittany Ellen	Equine Science B S
Walker,Jeremy J	Natural Resources B S
Walker,Nicole	Business Management B S/Hlth Sciences B S
Walsvik,Benjamin J	Natural Resources B S
Walters,Bethany J	Environmental Sciences
Walton,Christopher	Math/Sci/Tech-Undeclared
Waslaski,Gavin R	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
Wawack,Derek Jon	Animal Science B S
Wells,Sara Nicole	Biology B S/Equine Science B S
Wiesner,Chelsea A	Hlth Sciences Pre Prof Tr B S
Williams,Ashley	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
Williams,Benjamin Rex	Natural Resources B S
Williams,Luke Christopher	Sport &Recreation Mgmt B S
Wimmergren,Joshua David	Manufacturing Management B M M
Yang,Jie	Agricultural Business B S
Zabel,Bri L	Business Management B S
Zawacki,Nicholas	Business Management B S
Zhou,Xi	Business Management B S/Marketing B S
Zhou,Xiaowei	Information Technology Mgmt BS

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

Students named to the fall semester 2010 Chancellor's List at the University of Minnesota, Crookston were announced by the Office of the Registrar. The U of M, Crookston is one of the most respected career-oriented, technology-based universities in the nation.

To qualify for a place on the Chancellor's List, students must complete 12 or more letter-graded (A-F) credits while attaining a 4.00 grade point average. The Crookston campus is the online leader in the University of Minnesota system and the only campus providing every full-time student with a laptop computer.

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.

Name	Degree
Ahn, Seri	Undeclared
Ahn, Won Jin	Marketing B S
Bae, Joo Hyun	Accounting B S
Bakken, Keith Jory	Business Mgt B S/Health Mgt B S/Quality Mgt B M M
Bauer, Janie M	Early Childhood Education B S
Berg, Steffanie Jean	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Blace, Jenna	Natural Resources B S
Blees, Samuel G	Criminal Justice B S
Borge, Jonathan C	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S/Agronomy B S
Bowar, Kayla N	Business Management B S/Marketing B S
Brenny, Trenton Gene	Natural Resources B S
Breth, Tiffany Nicole	Animal Science B S
Brooks, Brett Duane	Business Management B S
Buscher, Alexandra W	Business Management B S
Carlson, Anne E	Health Sciences Pre-Profosseional Track B S
Carnell, David John	Quality Management B M M
Chen, Qi	Business Management B S
Cho, Hyun Jin	Undeclared
Czichotzki, Austin	Communication B S
DeBoer, Jessica Lynn	Marketing B S
Drees, Chasity Mae	Criminal Justice B S
Drinkall, Adam John	Applied Studies B S
Eul, Megan Elizabeth	Early Childhood Education B S
Fowler, Christopher S	Business Management B S
French, Sarah Lynn	Business Management B S
Giese, Emily Koelker Eaton	Early Childhood Education B S
Green, Matthew	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S/Agronomy B S
Guetter, Robert	Natural Resources B S
Ha, Hye Mi	Undeclared
Heier, Michael	Manufacturing Management B M M
Hillstrom, Alisha Marie	Business Management B S
Hudon, Mark D	Criminal Justice B S
Jirik, Joseph Robert	Natural Resources B S
Kelley, Lucas L	Agronomy B S
Kenyon, Krista A	Natural Resources B S
Kim, Keunsoo	Marketing B S
Klehr, Kayla	Animal Science B S
Lawrence, Kaci Jo	Business Management B S
Lee, Dae Yeul	Accounting B S
Lee, Suna	Business Management B S
McKeown, Cole Michael	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Messner, Lincoln Joe	Accounting B S
Nedrud, Hannah R	Equine Science B S
Nieuwboer, Mindy Adell	Equine Science B S
Norris, Daniel Allen	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Norris, Michael Alexander	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Origas, Nicole Marie	Business Management B S
Pan, Fangjing	Business Management B S
Pierce, Cassandra Jean	Business Management B S
Plass, John	Agronomy B S
Pondish, Jonathan Foster	Criminal Justice B S
Pristanski, Madelyn K	Equine Science B S
Reed, Megan Elizabeth	Marketing B S
Regeimbal, Alexandra M	Post-Secondary Enrollment Opt
Sachwitz, Brandon	Biology B S/Health Sciences Pre-Professional Track
Shaw, Erin Marie	Accounting B S/Business Management B S
Shin, Hye Won	Undeclared
Sibert, Jeremy L	Criminal Justice B S
Sorlie, Katherine Marie	Business Management B S
Stanley, Christa Pauline	Business Management B S
Vaughn, Craig	Agricultural Systems Mgmt B S
Wolfe, Megan	Business Management B S
Woods, Stephen J	Business Mgmt B S/Sport & Recreation Mgmt B S
Wrzos, Holly	Hotel/Rest/Tourism Mgmt B S
You, Jae Eun	Undeclared
Zuck, Samantha Ann	Animal Science B S

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

A $10,000 grant awarded by the Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council will support this year's Cinco de Mayo celebration at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The event is slated for Friday, April 15, 2011. The grant, offered through the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, helps support access and exposure to the arts in all corners of the region. The goal of the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the U of M, Crookston is to promote learning, understanding and appreciation for the Mexican culture through traditional Mexican entertainment, crafts, and cuisine.

As director for the Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council, Mara Wittman is pleased to award the grant to help bring a cultural event of this caliber to the Crookston campus. "We are excited to be able to support a cultural event that highlights the Mexican culture and celebrates their arts, music, and customs," Wittman says. "This kind of event is what our funding is designed to support, and we are proud to be a part of helping bring this exciting opportunity to the Crookston campus and community, as well as the region."

Over the past two years, hundreds of people have attended the celebration at the U of M, Crookston. The event is held in honor of Cinco de Mayo, a day that historically, represents the victory of Mexico over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and culturally, represents Mexican heritage and pride.  

The year's events include the dance troupe, Los Alegres Bailadores, who will perform in Kiehle Auditorium, a children's arts area that will include homemade piñata making, and the Latin Groove Band.

Melissa Dingmann, director of financial aid and Laurie Wilson, coordinator of disability services worked closely with Kenneth Mendez, a senior communication major, on the grant proposal. Mendez, who has been involved since the first celebration three years ago, wants to see the tradition continue on the campus. ""The collaborative effort among the University, Crookston Public Schools through the VOICES program, Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council, and the potential for new partners joining us is evidence that when we work together across boundaries of all kinds, we can enrich the quality of life for everyone in our region," Mendez says. "It is exciting to see this come together, and I would like to thank Chancellor Casey and the campus community for embracing the celebration."

Mendez's desire to see the Cinco de Mayo celebration continue after he graduates are being encouraged by having Janelle Encinia, a junior at the Crookston High School, shadow the preparations for this year's event. Encinia is also a post-secondary enrollment option student at the U of M, Crookston and has been observing firsthand the event planning process to prepare her to take over the work Mendez started. "To know that the celebration will continue after I graduate is both gratifying and rewarding," Mendez says.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council serves the seven counties located in the northwest corner of the state. This activity is funded, in part, by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. To learn more about the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, visit www.nwrdc.org/arts.

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 at top right, ( l to r):  Front row: Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs; Janelle Encinia, a junior at the Crookston High School; Chuck Casey, chancellor; Ken Mendez, a senior communication major; Mara Wittman, director of the Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council. Back row: Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor for student affairs; Melissa Dingmann, director of financial aid; and  Laurie Wilson, coordinator for disability services.

Contact: Melissa Dingmann, director, financial aid, 218-281-8576 (dingmann@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Seven projects have been supported through the awarding of $500 mini-grants from a unique working partnership focused on connecting children and nature. The mini-grant project goals are to connect children with nature, get children outdoors, develop community support for unstructured outdoor activities, provide multiyear benefits for encouraging a personal experience in outdoor places, help remove barriers to outdoor activities, such as access issues, safety concerns, and negativity of natural play or other concerns.

The partnership, which includes the University of Minnesota, Crookston; University of Minnesota Extension; Northwest Regional Development Commission; Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership;  International Water Institute River Watch; Polk and Mahnomen Public Health Programs; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, awarded the grants in December and is looking to fund a second round in February 2011.  Applications are encouraged.

The mini-grant opportunities are available to any school, club, group, community, or non-profit organization directly involved with educating or caring for children located in Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and Wilkin counties. To be considered for the next round of funding applications must be received by February 1, 2011. For more information or to access the application form, visit www.umcrookston.edu/childrenandnature.

The seven projects receiving funding in December included several projects in the Crookston community: The Northwest Mental Health Center's summer program gardens will encourage children in grades K-6 to participate in gardens at 12 school sites tying nutritional benefits to working with nature in a garden. The School Age Care's school garden project will help support learning during the summer program using the garden at Washington School. Little Villagers Child Care  at the Villa St. Vincent will use their grant to provide children with outdoor program supplies including a toboggans, composter, bug nets, and shovels, etc. Highland Elementary School will purchase digital cameras to be used for the sixth grade's annual field trip to Itasca and for a winter survival unit at the U of M, Crookston's Nature Center.

The Ada- Borup Elementary School will use their funding to purchase digital cameras for their after-school science enrichment program for grades 3-6. In Newfolden, Minn., Marshall County Central's mini grant award will help defray transportation costs for a field trip to Wolf Ridge for a field-based science learning experience, and Marshall County's McCrea 4-H Club will use funds to learn about native fish in Minnesota through an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods.

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: Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697, kinge002@umn.edu; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Enjoy the eclectic musical style of the percussion based ensemble Plastic Musik on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Plastic Musik will perform in Kiehle Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is free for U of M, Crookston students; $3 for non-UMC students; and $5 for adults.

Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment, known as S.P.A.C.E., is bringing the group to campus as part of its weekly series "What's on Wednesday." The unique musical style of these high energy performers  is visually captivating and sure to entertain the audience in a completely new way.

Based out of Las Vegas, Nev., Plastic Musik is a unique performance group that utilizes traditional percussion techniques, along with all-plastic instruments to produce familiar melodies. The combination of a revolutionary product known as "Boomwhackers," (www.whackymusic.com) an energetic stage show, and surprising musicality provides an entertaining experience for musicians and non-musicians alike. When viewing a performance by Plastic Musik, the audience can expect to hear familiar themes ranging from classical favorites, to Motown classics, Hip-Hop hits, 80's movie themes, and original pieces all accompanied by a visually stimulating stage show.

Director of Student Activities Lisa Samuelson is excited about hosting the group on the Crookston campus. "Plastic Musik was showcased at a regional conference in April 2010 that members of the programming board attended and the students immediately became entranced," she says. "S.P.A.C.E. is so excited to be bringing this group to campus; it promises to be a great event."

For more information about Plastic Musik, visit www.plasticmusik.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: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281-8507 (samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Some of the top stories from the past year listed in no particular order: 

The Campus Energy Challenge was launched in fall 2010 after preparations last spring. The Campus Energy Challenge goal for the U of M, Crookston, is to better understand that the choices made about electrical use have a global impact and to reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent through simple changes in behavior.

The Collegiate Crops Team found great success by placing second in both national competitions in Chicago and Kansas City. Crops teams from the Crookston campus have placed in the top three more than 25 times over their history.

A partnership between the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the University of Minnesota and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department on the Crookston campus expanded the Veterinary Food Animal Scholars Track (VetFAST) program. The VetFAST program was designed to meet the demand for veterinarians across the country, and address the shortage of veterinarians for food animals.

We welcomed several new faculty to campus including Eyad Youseff, Lisa Leiran, Matthew Simmons, and Dennis Maier.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston contributes $50 million annually to the local and regional economy, according to a study completed by University of Minnesota Extension's Center for Community Vitality.  The economic impact of the Crookston campus supports a total of 602 jobs and $25.1 million in labor income.

The campus celebrated 35 years of Ag Arama.

The EDA Center, under the leadership of Center Director Jack Geller, began its second year of projects aiding several communities in the state.

The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is leading in points in the region after some very successful shows this fall and Chuck Moller has been hired as the new head coach for Golden Eagle Football.

The campus announced a new 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.

International students offered a unique after-school program in the Crookston High School that featured the language and culture of China.

We dedicated a beautiful addition to our Campus Mall this fall thanks to the generosity of Alumnus Harris A. Peterson to complete the Centennial Park Flag project.

For the 13th consecutive year, the campus has been recognized in the top four by U.S. News and World Report as a top public regional college in the Midwest and Princeton Review named the campus one of the "Best in the Midwest" for the 4th consecutive year.

Online degree programs are growing and accounting was added this year making 7 degree programs available online. Credit hours online have increased by 25 percent for fall semester 2010 compared to fall 2009.

There were 44 students inducted into the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success and our Students in Free Enterprise took home their 11th title as regional champions.

The Math, Science, and Technology (MST) Department is home to a unique virtual immersion and informatics lab. The lab uses cutting-edge technology to create 3-D simulation. The lab gives students the chance to work directly with some of the most advanced visualization and computer graphics technologies available.

The Center for Rural Entrepreneurship Studies will begin their work in January 2011 thanks to $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Center 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.  

Enrollment on the campus reached an historic level this past fall when we reached 1,462 students in the fall. This marks a five-year trend of increasing enrollment and a third year of record enrollment. The University of Minnesota, Crookston now delivers 29 undergraduate degree programs and welcomes students from more than 29 countries and 40 states.  

To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

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

A University of Minnesota, Crookston student has won the Student Conservationist award given by the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its recent annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minn. Senior Sheila Carleton, Baxter, Minn., is the 9th student to be honored in the last 14 years. The award gives recognition to students studying a wildlife related major at a Minnesota college or university. Carleton is double majoring in natural resources management and agronomy at the U of M, Crookston and carries a 3.8 grade point average.

"We're delighted that a student representing two programs in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department received this prestigious award," according to Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., professor and department head. "It reflects not only on the academic and many service contributions of Sheila but also the quality of our academic programs."

Carleton, from Baxter, Minn., transferred from Central Lakes Community College in Brainerd where she majored in natural resources. On graduating from Central Lakes, she was the co-recipient of the Soil Conservationist Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, reflecting her early achievements and motivation. While in high school, Carleton volunteered with Mary Reetz, the district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Brainerd.

On the Crookston campus, Carleton is the ultimate multi-tasker. In addition to her being active in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Club, Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Natural Resources Club, and secretary for the Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD), she tutors students in botany, ecology, agricultural chemicals, and plant  breeding.

She also has a passion for gardening and local food production and was recently awarded an Undergraduate Research Opportunity grant to work with Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sustainability. She will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a student-run University garden that aims to provide local food for the campus. As a follow-up to a Children and Nature Conference held last September at the U of M, Crookston, she helped write a mini-grant to develop a "Discovery Play Garden" on campus in conjunction with the Early Childhood Center.

"In reviewing her work experience (paid and volunteer), it's clear that Sheila will bloom where she is planted and has a broad range of interests and abilities," according to Svedarsky, one of her nominators.  "She has even worked with noted U of M wildlife professor, Peter Jordan, in his long-term studies of moose on Isle Royale. It is unique to find a student who is so passionate about both natural resources and agriculture."

Carleton worked last summer on a fire crew with the National Park Service in Utah and has a career interest in working with the NRCS or a similar agency where she can work in a variety of projects and people. "She is a known quantity and will take her place in that upper echelon of the high achievers who will help guide the conservation community into a future that is sustainable and rich in variety of natural and human experiences," continues Svedarsky. "She will make a difference on many fronts and the people around her will feel a sense of empowerment, project ownership, and engagement."

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: Senior Sheila Carleton, left, Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D., director, Center for Sustainability, right.

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 last weekend in January celebrates the theme "Country Strong" during the 36th annual Ag Arama at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 28-29, 2011, Ag Arama is hosted by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and includes fun for the entire family. This year's event is dedicated to 1979 graduate Cindy Bigger (In photo at left) who served as a judge for Ag Arama for many years.
 
Most of the activities take place on Saturday, Jan. 29, in the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) located on the north edge of the campus. The weekend begins with contests for students in agronomy, horticulture and natural resources beginning on Friday, January 28 at noon. Friday evening from 6-8 p.m., the Animal Science Association will host a chili feed for $5 per person in UTOC.

Contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources highlight Ag Arama weekend. They serve as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members. Ag Arama is planned and operated by a committee of students advised by Terrill Bradford, animal science instructor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

On Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the animal showmanship contests are held and the public is welcome to watch the competition as it unfolds in both novice and experienced categories. Students compete in western and English horse showmanship, lamb lead, and dairy, beef, sheep, and swine showing.  The novices are paired with experienced students prior to the contests to prepare for the competition.

From 9 a.m. to noon, there is an ag industries show and a picnic style lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. Coronation of the Ag Arama royalty begins at 1 p.m. with the presentation of awards to follow. Several games and competitions, including men's and women's crosscut saw contests and log splitting, will be held beginning at 2:15 p.m.

Alumni from the U of M, Crookston are invited to a social at the Irishman's Shanty in Crookston from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Capping off the weekend is a dance with the band Silverado to be held at the Crookston Eagles Club.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.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 photo at bottom right: Alumna Cindy Bigger, '79, visits with students during sheep judging at Ag Arama 2010. 

Contact: Terrill Bradford, agriculture instructor, 218-281-8108 (tbradfor@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)