The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) offers courses in more than 30 languages, ranging from Arabic to Swahili. We also have the nation's largest study abroad program that offers more than 300 opportunities in more than 60 different countries. These opportunities are a great way for students to immerse themselves in a language and culture abroad. Students also have support from advisers to pursue national and international scholarships to continue their studies abroad.

Eleven students at the University of Minnesota were recently awarded scholarships from the U.S. State Department to pursue their studies of "critical need" languages. Through the Critical Language Scholars Program, students get the opportunity to study one of the chosen critical needs languages in a country where the language is spoken.

Students from accross the country compete for one of the 575 scholarships that are awarded annually, and eight students from the College of Liberal Arts were awarded one these competitive scholarships. They include four undergraduate students and four graduate students:

Undergraduates
Tyler Conklin - Turkish in Turkey
Brianna Crowley - Turkish in Turkey
Susan Metzger - Russian in Russia
Kelly Heitz - Arabic in Jordan

Graduate Students
Greta Bliss - Arabic in Jordan
Michelle Baroody - Arabic in Egypt
Dustin Chacon - Bangla/Bengali in Bangladesh
Stephanie Rozman - Hindi in India

After completing one of these programs, students are expected to continue to study the language beyond their study abroad experience and into their future professions. The Critical Language Scholarship is one of many scholarship opportunities available to students at the University of Minnesota. To learn about more opportunities, click here.

The best desicion I made as a first-year student was to rush Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity. In today's competitive business world, I am lucky to have gained so many connections through this organization (in my first year of school!). In addition, I am making so many great friends and having a blast being part of such an amazing group of students. Because I recieved a housing scholarship from the generous Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship Fund, I currently live in the chapter's house in Dinkytown. The chapter house is the site of much of the professional development, community service, academic achievement, and social engagement which makes up the four pillars of AKPsi.

Professional Development

It is important that the members of Alpha Kappa Psi succeed in business. The majority of the members are students of the Carlson School of Management, but membership is open to all students. The fraternity provides direction toward achievment in the business world. AKPsi teaches resume writing, interview skills, professional dress and demeanor, business correspondence, and networking strategies, and the experiences of our distiguished alumni are passed down to younger members. Our alumni network not only provides mentorship and internship opportunities, but has led us to our excellent relationship with Minneapolis companies. Saphire Consulting, our own student consulting group, provides even more professional advancement to the members of AKPsi. Through this, and other opportunities such as site visits at major companies, I am confident to say that AKPsi is helping me prepare to succeed in life after graduation.

Community Service

As part of AKPsi's foundation or principals, we strive to participate in at least one community service project every month. Our most recent act of community service, a Date Auction, helped raise approximately $2,700 for Relay for Life. The volunteerism we provide is fun, because we participate together, and all members are eager to lend a helping hand in the community. Some other example of annual activites include The United Way's Family Fun Night, the Como Zoo's 'Zoo Boo,' and Carlson Goes to Work, which helps entreprenuers get a start on their business. It feels good to be a part of an organization that contributes to making the Twin Cities area an even better place to live and work.

Academic Achievement

The chapter house provides tools to help its members succeed in their schoolwork. It is very important that the members of AKPsi hold themselves to high standards of academics. Therefore, the study-friendly environment promotes everyone to reach their goals. We have our own computer lab with free printing and wireless Internet. Older members are always willing to help, tutor, or even lend textbooks to younger members in introductory courses. Also, AKPsi members hold many postions throughout other student organizations, and the knowledge base grows with every individual's accomplishment.

Social Events and Networking

Last but certainly not least, Alpha Kappa Psi is fun! The incredible friendships that are developed here will change my life forever. We have many social events through such as homecoming, a winter retreat, and a spring formal. Other social gatherings happen every single day, and there is never a lack of smart, enthusiastic people to spend time with.

My experience has led me to encourage anyone who is interested in business to rush AKPsi, or at least learn more about the organization on the Alpha Kappa Psi website!

On Friday, April 8, more than 2,400 people gathered at the University of Minnesota's Bierman Athletic Field for the eighth-annual Relay for Life. Relay For Life is a 12-hour, overnight event designed to raise money for research and programs for the American Cancer Society. Its purpose is to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Over 5,000 communities all over the United States host a Relay For Life. Every relay begins with a survivor's lap--people that have survived cancer are invited to the track for a lap to celebrate the victories that have been made against cancer. After dark, the Luminaria Ceremony takes place. Luminarias, each with the name of a person that has had cancer, line the track and the candles inside are lit. Amanda Hegeman, Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) president, said, "My favorite part of the Relay is the Luminaria Ceremony. It is a powerful time when everyone gets to take time and remember why they are relaying." The last ceremony that happens is the Fight Back Ceremony in which people make a personal commitment to save lives such as talking to government officials about health policies, joining the Colleges Against Cancer student group, or pledge to quit smoking.

This was the first year that the U of M Relay was able to be held outside in the eight years of its existence. There were a number of fun events going on throughout the night. There was a Spam eating contest, Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' Challenge, a breakdancing show, a performance by the local band Cadence, and much more. CAC President Amanda Hegeman said, "Being outside this year there was definitely a different feel. It seemed as though there was a greater sense of community at the event. I'm not exactly sure why, but the entire of the event was amazing this year!" 

Colleges Against Cancer reached its seven-year goal to raise a million dollars for the American Cancer Society earlier this year and kept the momentum leading up to the Relay. The University of Minnesota raised over $219,000 before and during the event this year. The House that Bob Built was the winning team that ended up raising at total of $18,174!

To learn more about this great tradition, visit the U of M Relay For Life website.

Every year, the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) Student Board hosts a week of events dedicated to bringing the CBS students, faculty and staff together for fun activities and events. BioDays started this week with the 5k Run for Multiple Sclerosis Research on Sunday, April 17th. This 5k run is mapped out throughout the East Bank of the Minneapolis Campus and is a annual event hosted by the CBS Student Board to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. 

In addition to the 5k Run for MS Research, the CBS Student Board has arranged great social events for CBS community throughout the week, including discounted games and bowling at Goldy's Gameroom in Coffman Memorial Union. Every year, Biodays week concludes with the annual College of Biological Sciences Picnic where CBS students, staff and faculty come together for some BBQ under the warm spring sun.

CBS Picnic on St. Paul Campus

BioDays is just one example of how the College of Biological Sciences community comes together throughout the year!

• Taste (15 points)
• Visual presentation (15 points)
• Use of secret ingredient (9 points) 
• Creativity (6 points)
• Within the time limit (5 points)

 
The winning team gets a $100 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings! Learn more about the Iron Chef Competition and other fun events happening at Gopher After Dark on the Student Unions and Activities website: http://sua.umn.edu/events/afterdark/.