This summer, University of Minnesota All-American diver Kelci Bryant and her diving coach Wenbo Chen will be heading to the Summer World University Games. Bryant, a junior at the U of M, is a two-time NCAA champion. She also competed in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Now, she is moving even further in her diving career to participate in the FINA World Championships in Shanghai this month.

Following the World Championships, Bryant will participate in the Summer World University Games Shenzhen, China on August 11-23. Bryant is one of only 12 divers on the roster, and half of these divers are from Big Ten schools in the U.S.A. Bryant will compete on both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards.

Bryant's coach, Wenbo Chen, has had plenty of experience coaching both national and international competitions. He has coached for the Chinese national team (1983-91) and for the U.S. at the 2006 FINA World Cup, 2007 World Championships and Pan Am Games, and 2008 Olympic Games. Chen was also the head of the USA Diving program from 2005 to 2009.

If you would like to learn more about the Summer World University Games, click here. Kelci Bryant is pictured below, doing what she does best. I wish her the best of luck this summer!

The College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a great place to learn about new cultures and new languages. Whether you are interested in continuing with the language you've began in high school or starting an entirely new language, the College of Liberal Arts has a number of options for you. From Akkadian to Urdu, CLA offers more than 30 languages to study with great opportunities to get connected with other students who share an interest in the same language.

Our Living-Learning Communities allow for student to live with other students with similar academic interests in an environment that fosters academic growth. Students are also able to draw from the rich cultural diversity of Minneapolis and St. Paul and gain real world experiences in different languages and cultures.

For students who want to take their languages to a native setting, the University of Minnesota offers more than 300 study abroad opportunities through our Learning Abroad Center - a great way to imerse yourself in a culture and language. The College of Liberal Arts even offers opportunities for students to get paired up with a native speaker through the TandemPlus program.

Whether you are intersted in just getting started with a foreign language or enhancing your pre-established skills, CLA can be a great fit for you!

I hope you're all having a great summer so far! There is so much fun to be had during this season in Minnesota. Besides going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and working, I am also taking a summer class on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus this season.

Some of you may wonder why I would add schoolwork to my summer vacation, but I'm glad I registered for this class. My decision to sign up for a summer class was easy. First of all, I knew I wanted to stay in Minneapolis over the summer. Many of my friends are staying in the city or nearby, I have a great job right on campus, and I have housing in Dinkytown. I figured that since I was going to on campus, I may as well complete one of my graduation requirements.

I am a Marketing major, but I have recently decided to minor in Communications, which is why I chose Comm 3401: Intro to Communication Theory for my summer class. Taking a class is the perfect way to find out if a field of study is right for you. As it turns out, I really enjoy my class, which is exactly the reassurance I need in order to follow through with my minor. The class is about communication history and logic of scientific/communication theories in interpersonal, small group, organizational, intercultural, and electronically mediated communication.

I am glad I chose to take a course this summer. I am able to focus on one class instead of several, and I am able to study by reading my textbook outside and enjoying the sun. I am also only in class for eight weeks, and when the class ends I will still have plenty of summertime to enjoy. Based upon my experience, I encourage you to consider summer class if it is an option for you in your future. I'm glad that I did!

One of the best ways to make a smooth transition from high school to college life is to become involved on campus. The University of Minnesota has more than 600 student organizations for students to become involved with to make new connections and enjoy new experiences. Click here to see a complete list of all the amazing opportunities available to meet new people and develop a new hobby. With a range of sports groups, volunteerism, Greek life, and music, you're sure to find something you can become passionate about at the U of M. In the fall, most organizations work hard to get the word out about their group. Be sure to pay attention and keep an open mind when you are looking for ways to become involved on campus!

A great organization to check out is the We Are...Minnesota Spirit Initiative--a student-run organization with a mission to lead the University of Minnesota community in fan participation, school spirit, and positive behavior. If you're one of the many incoming freshmen who is looking forward to college and the opportunity to join in the Golden Gopher spirit, then the We Are...Minnesota Spirit Initiative may be for you!

The We Are...Minnesota Spirit Initiative features many "Spirit Sections" for several of our Gopher athletics teams. "The Rooter Club" is the spirit section dedicated to inspiring spirit during Golden Gopher football games. The Rooter Club is composed of about 100 members who will lead and coordinate the cheers and chants for the student section. This is a great opportunity to increase your sense of pride, spirit, and belonging in the University of Minnesota. You also gain admission to front-row seats with your free maroon t-shirt, and the chance to be a part of a time-honored tradition. The Rooter Club works with the band and spirit squad to keep the student section going and makes TCF Bank Stadium one of the best football stadiums in the country.  I know that I will be part of the student section this fall, and I look forward to the Rooter Club keeping the winning spirit alive!

The We Are...Minnesota Spirit Initiative features spirit sections for other Gopher athletics teams as well, such as "The Ice Box" for Men's Hockey, and "The Barnyard" for Men's Basketball. If you're an enthusiastic student who loves sports, check out the We Are...Minnesota Spirit Initiative and help initiate new traditions, reward positive fan behavior, create a welcoming and exciting environment for all who attend Gopher Athletic events, and create a more unified atmosphere for University of Minnesota student fans.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is listen to great music outside and enjoy the sun. This is the season for great concerts featuring amazing bands. Luckily, The Summer Music Festival at Northrop (SMFN) is brought to campus by Northrop Concerts and Lectures each year! The SMFN is a free summer concert series that features popular local bands as well as U of M student bands. By going to any of the events that are offered at Northrop, students and visitors have the chance to see some of the best musicians in the Twin Cities, right here on campus.

Listed below is an overview of some of the events. I know I will be going to at least a few of these concerts! Visit the Northrop Memorial Auditorium website for more information on these and other events. With a line-up filled with all different types of music, you're bound to find something you love at Northrop this summer.

• Friday Night Live (July 15): The biggest blow-out event, featuring the hottest names in Twin Cities hip hop with Sims from Doomtree and Bight Club.
  
• First Ave: TOO MUCH LOVE on Campus (Dates vary): Featuring beats from DJ Sovietpanda from this popular dance party.
  
• Movies and Music (Dates vary): The night begins with a concert, and ends with a movie on Coffman Plaza.
  
• Noon Concerts (Dates vary): The historic hallmark concerts held on the Northrop Plaza for a refreshing mid-day break.
  
• Flash Mob: A surprise performance with a chance to win a free iPod Touch.
  
• Northern Spark (June 4): Chris Kallmyer's kick-off concert of the all-night arts festival on the Mississippi River Flats.
  
• Voices Merging Summer Open Mic (July 29): The U of M student spoken word group's Summer Open Mic.
  
• St. Paul Concerts (Dates vary): Presented by Student Unions & Activities. U of M students perform over the lunch hour at the St. Paul Student Center Garden Terrace.