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)

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)

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 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)

Minneapolis' Mixed Blood Theatre's production of Theory of Mind will be performed at the University of Minnesota Crookston Kiehle Auditorium on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, from 7 to 8 p.m. This sensitive yet unsentimental story presents a portrait of a young man with Asperger's Syndrome.

Bill is a college-bound seventeen year-old, equipped with scholastic brilliance but low emotional intelligence; a keen self-awareness yet, an inability to read social cues, and a charming directness yet prone to taking everything he hears literally.  His outing with a young woman becomes a memorable, insightful look at the tugs, shifts, and about-faces found on the autism spectrum.

Theory of Mind is written by Ken LaZebnik, a veteran Mixed Blood company member whose other writing credits include Touched by an Angel and the Mixed Blood-produced plays Calvinisms, League of Nations and Vestibular Sense.  His yet untitled play about the online autism community is planned to debut in Mixed Blood's 2011-2012 season.

First toured by Mixed Blood in 2009, Theory of Mind again features Skyler Nowinski as Bill in a cast that also includes Brittany Bradford and Warren C. Bowles.  The production is again staged by Mixed Blood Artistic Director Jack Reuler.

The show is one of five culturally-specific productions toured this season by Mixed Blood, a professional, multi-racial theatre company based in Minneapolis that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence.  The other touring productions include the Chicano cultural history Minnecanos; the Martin Luther King biography Dr. King's Dream; Daughters of Africa, a music-driven history of African American women; and African America, a look at the modern African diaspora in 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.

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

In honor of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, the University of Minnesota, Crookston will host a performance of "Help Wanted" by Teatro del Pueblo. One of their most popular performances, Teatro del Pueblo will perform the one-act play on Wed., October 20, at 6 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium. The play is free and open to the public. Following the performance there will be a time for questions and discussion.

The play, written and directed by Virginia McFerran, focuses on the lives of impoverished immigrants who came to Minnesota to seek a better life and to help their family in Mexico.  Three actors playing multiple roles present scenes depicting life in Mexico, a dangerous border crossing, unionizing efforts, detention by the INS, and demonstrations in support of the hotel workers.  This satirical piece demonstrates the plight of workers whose labor is needed in Minnesota, but who risk harsh treatment and inequities when trying to fill this need. 

The original production is loosely based upon real events that took place in Minnesota surrounding the Albino sisters and their experiences. The stories of the sisters were transcribed through interviews with Dennis Valdez and other members of Teatro Latino of Minneapolis, Minn. The script has recently been updated to reflect the ever-changing immigrant experiences in the United States.

Teatro del Pueblo is a small, non-profit Latino theater located in St. Paul, MN. Fostered by the Latino community on the West Side, it has grown since its inception in 1992 to serve St. Paul, Minneapolis, the metro area and greater Minnesota.Based in the West Side's Latino community, Teatro del Pueblo promotes Latino culture through the creation and presentation of performing arts. Teatro develops and supports Latino artists, provides educational opportunities for all to experience Latino culture and promotes cross-cultural dialogue.For more information about Teatro del Pueblo, visit www.teatrodelpueblo.org.
 
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. More information is available at www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

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.

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

Mixed Blood Theatre of Minneapolis, Minn., will bring Hijab Tube to the stage in Kiehle Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Hijab Tube explores the American-Muslim identity as Rubiya, a 20 year-old second-generation, American Muslim college student, tries to figure out what makes her Muslim. The performance will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at 7 p.m. The public is invited and there is no admission charge.

A young Muslim woman takes her questions about wearing a hijab (a traditional covering of Islamic women) to YouTube, drawing an illuminating range of responses from other American Muslims - despite the antics of her younger brother. Mixed Blood's newest program offers a unique perspective on Islam in 21st Century America.

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. Their vision is to be the definitive destination where theater artists and audiences representing the global village can create and share work that spawns a ripple effect of social change and revolutionizes access to theater.

The performance of Hijab Tube is sponsored by Thomas Williams, director of the Office of Diversity and Mulitcultural Services on the Crookston Campus. For more information, contact Williams at 218-218-8580 (will3140@umn.edu).

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Contact: Thomas Williams, director, diversity and multicultural services, 218-218-8580 (will3140@umn.edu). Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Katya Zepeda, Crookston, Minn., was one of two college students recently selected to receive a $1,000 Carter Academic Service Entrepreneur (CASE) grant supporting innovative service-learning projects.  Zepeda, a first-year student at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, will use her CASE grant to raise funds for the Crookston food shelf by hosting an Empty Bowls Dinner.

Zepeda will partner with students from a local high school to plan and implement the project, while at the same time increasing students' exposure to the University of Minnesota and higher education.

Lisa Loegering, assistant director of service learning at the Crookston campus, guided Zepeda through the grant proposal process and will serve as her advisor for the project.  Zepeda, an organizational psychology major, also will work closely with her academic advisor, Alvin Killough, Ph.D., on developing parts of the project into an independent study within her academic program.

Throughout the project's development, community and campus partners will play an integral role in the planning and execution of the many aspects of Empty Bowls Dinner, which will be held in fall 2010.
Zepeda was among several students from Campus Compact institutions to propose inventive projects serving their communities. The other CASE grant recipient was Christin Tomy, a senior at the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn. Tomy and Zepeda are the fifth and sixth students to receive CASE grants from Minnesota Campus Compact.

Minnesota Campus Compact is proud to support the work of students in their community. More information about Zepeda's project is available at www.emptybowls.net.

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.

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

Mixed Blood Theatre will perform "Dr. King's Dream" on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The performance, which will be held in the Kiehle Auditorium 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 welcome.

Warren C. Bowles, the talented actor featured in 'Dr. King's Dream,' 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.

Both the external events in King's career (the marches in Selma and Birmingham and winning the Nobel Peace Prize) and his thoughts on topics ranging from Malcolm X, to the police, to President Kennedy are included, as is his soaring "I Have a Dream" speech.

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.

For more information, contact Thomas Williams, director of diversity and multicultural services at 218-281-8580.

The performance is held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, officially recognized on January 18. The holiday marks the birthdate 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.

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.

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

Alvin Killough, Ph.D., has agreed to serve as co-investigator for a grant application submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership (MMEP). The proposal, the result of collaboration, seeks to examine the links between instructional strategies and the academic proficiency to student of color enrolled as English Language Learners (ELL).

The 5-year $2.6 million grant proposal includes a research center located in Minnesota specifically designed to provide a focused plan of research to document both the academic needs of and successful practices used for engaging recent immigrant students in the K-8 learning process.  The goal of the research is to effect changes in instructional practices to reflect scientific findings, and thereby, serve as science - practitioner advocate for policy change.

Killough explains, "We find this grant submission a tremendous opportunity to address, as a research collaborative, not only the overrepresentation of recent immigrant students in ELL and their disproportionately failure to achieve proficiency on standardized tests, but to establish the significance of examining the entire context surrounding ELL instruction delivery as well.  We believe the findings from this exploratory research will be invaluable for teachers and other practitioners, and policy makers."

The primary partners in the collaboration include Minneapolis Public Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, Strengthening Africans Toward Excellence, and an allied host of national consultants.

Killough is an assistant professor in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department at the U of M, Crookston. He teaches as a cultural ecological psychologist and has long advocated for underserved and understudied populations through his scholarly research and public speaking engagements.
 
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.
 

Contact: Alvin Killough, assistant professor,218-281-8208 (killo010@umn.edu) ;Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The sights and sounds of an open-air market will fill Bede Ballroom on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, when it is transformed into an international marketplace. The second annual International Market, open from 2-7 p.m., is part of a week of activities scheduled during International Education Week, November 16-20. The public is invited to visit the market and shop the many booths available.

International students from the Crookston campus will be selling treats and items from their home countries along with a number of campus clubs who also will have items for sale. Visitors can taste treats from all over the world and purchase many things that are not available locally during this second annual international market. The market is sponsored by the Learning Abroad office and Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (SPACE).

Learning Abroad Advisor Rae French encourages the campus and community to participate in the market. "The International Market is so unique," French says. "Visitors will have an opportunity to share with our students the experience and excitement of the marketplace. We want to welcome everyone to campus for the International Market and for the many events taking place during the week."

The public is invited to the Global Experiences Panel Discussion on Thursday, November 19. The discussion, also in Bede Ballroom, will feature faculty and students who have gone abroad for study or research. Beginning at 12:25 p.m., the Global Experiences Panel Discussion is part of the Thursday Commons series on the Crookston campus.

Also on Thursday everyone is invited to attend the Study Abroad Club (SAC) Norwegian Dinner Fundraiser at the American Legion in Crookston. The dinner will take place from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Study Abroad Club members in advance for $5 or they will be available at the door for $7. The menu includes meatballs, potatoes, klub, lefse and more.

On Friday, November 20, members of the Multicultural and International Club will host an International Kids Fair. Games and activities will take place form 5-7:30 p,n. in the International Lounge, Sargeant Student Center. Children and their families are encouraged to attend and enjoy the fun during this event designed just for them.

Other events taking place during the week for students and the community include a world lunch on Monday, November 16, from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Brown dining room and a cultural showcase taking place on Tuesday, November 17, from 12-2 p.m. in the International Lounge. Students and guests can learn more about studying in another country during the showcase.

For more information on International Week events, contact French at 218-281-8339.

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.

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

Crookston, Minn.  -  A special performance of Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Kiehle Auditorium. The performance, which takes place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m., stars Joy Chavarria as Rosita. Chavarria is a member of Teatro del Pueblo, a Latino theater based on the West Side of St. Paul , Minn. The performance is free, and everyone is welcome.

"Doña Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen" tells the story of restaurant owner Doña Rosita who is considering selling her business to make room for a shopping mall.  While contemplating her decision, Doña Rosita, surrounded by piles of chile peppers, shares her food and humor with the audience.   "Doña Rosita's Jalapeno Kitchen" has received exceptional recognition from both critics and audiences.

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. 

Contact: Thomas Williams, director, Diversity and Multicultural Services, 218-281-8580 (will3140@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - The University of Minnesota, Crookston will celebrate the GLBTA Community Awards and Recognition on Friday, October 23, 2009, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  During the program, staff from the U of M, Twin Cities GLBTA office will present the Breaking the Silence Award to Yvonne Valgren, a senior majoring in organizational psychology. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that improve campus climate by addressing issues based on gender and sexuality across University of Minnesota system.  

After the award presentation, the U of M, Crookston GLBTA Programs Office will present several other awards and recognitions for UMC community members who have dedicated many service hours and other resources in the name of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people, and their allies.  Light refreshments will be served. 

Following the program, all are welcome to attend an open meeting where they learn more about GLBTA programs at Crookston and contribute to planning the future of GLBTA services system-wide.  Questions or concerns can be directed to Kim Jorgensen, UMC GLBTA Programs Coordinator.

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. 

Contact: Kim Jorgensen, coordinator, GLBTA program, 218-281-8347 (jorge382@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Event Canceled Due to Illness

In honor of Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, the University of Minnesota, Crookston will host a performance of "Help Wanted" by Teatro del Pueblo. One of their most popular performances, Teatro del Pueblo will perform the one-act play on Thurs., Oct. 29, 2009, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium. The play is free and open to the public. Following the performance there will be a time for questions and discussion.

The play focuses on the lives of impoverished immigrants who came to Minnesota to seek a better life and to help their family in Mexico.  Three actors playing multiple roles present scenes depicting life in Mexico, a dangerous border crossing, unionizing efforts, detention by the INS, and demonstrations in support of the hotel workers.  This satirical piece demonstrates the plight of workers whose labor is needed in Minnesota, but who risk harsh treatment and inequities when trying to fill this need.  

The original production is loosely based upon real events that took place in Minnesota surrounding the Albino sisters and their experiences. The stories of the sisters were transcribed through interviews with Dennis Valdez and other members of Teatro Latino of Minneapolis, Minn. The script has recently been updated to reflect the ever-changing immigrant experiences in the United States.

Based in the St. Paul's West Side's Latino community, Teatro del Pueblo's mission as a non-profit theater company is to promote cultural pride in the Latino community, to develop and support Latino talent, to educate the community at large about Latino culture and to promote cultural diversity in the arts.

For more information about Teatro del Pueblo, visit www.teatrodelpueblo.org.
 
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. More information is available at www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

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.
 

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