The Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center's (UROC) second annual Community Day on Sept. 20 illustrated the partnership the University has with North Minneapolis residents, including the many CEHD programs affiliated with UROC. Among those is the Center for Early Education and Development's (CEED) research-based initiatives to help children learn and thrive in their community.

During his visit to the open house, President Kaler commented on how important this partnership is: "This Urban Research and Outreach Center should be a model for the excellence in engagement of a major research university with its community," Kaler told guests. "And I'm telling you, in my short time here today, I'm convinced we're doing many, many, many of the right things, and you should be congratulated."

The UROC emphasis on collaborative learning and problem solving was underscored in remarks by the center's executive director and CEHD associate dean, Heidi Lasley Barajas, who called attention to a new exhibit in the UROC gallery called "Profiles in Partnership."

The show, which runs through the end of the year, features large documentary-style portraits of pairs of people who work together through UROC. Among the pairs featured are CEED director Scott McConnell with Sondra Samuels of the Northside Achievement Zone and Barajas with Stella Whitney West, CEO of NorthPoint Health and Wellness.

See more in the UMNews feature story, "In the spirit of collaboration."