Biofuels Economist Cole Gustafson, Ph.D., from North Dakota State University (NDSU) will present "Economics and Biofuel Opportunities for Agriculture in Northern Minnesota" as part of the fourth in a series of seminars at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The upcoming Sustainability Supper Seminar, scheduled on May 10, 2011, begins at 5 p.m. with a meal in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, followed by Gustafson's presentation at 6 p.m. in Youngquist Auditorium. For meal reservations, contact Michael Knudson, Minnesota GreenCorps member at 218-281-8128 (knud0189@umn.edu).
 
Dan Svedarsky, professor and director of the Center for Sustainability on the Crookston campus, is pleased to have Gustafson headline the seminar. "We are privileged to have a leading expert on the economic aspects of biofuels in the Upper Midwest as our guest speaker for this seminar," Svedarsky says. "He is a distinguished member of the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics faculty at NDSU and the NDSU Extension Service biofuels specialist."

Gustafson's research responsibilities include development of financial management strategies for farms, ranches, agribusinesses, and agricultural lenders. He has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and has obtained grant funding totaling $1.1 million. He most recently received a $300,000 grant  to research an energy beet for the biofuel industry in North Dakota. In addition to serving as a faculty member, Gustafson has also served as department chair and associate dean of research. For more information on Gustafson, visit www.ext.nodak.edu/homepages/aedept/staff/bio_gustafson_c.htm.

A mini-grant from the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment helps fund the series of bi-weekly, "sustainability supper seminars" designed to educate the campus and the local community on sustainability applications as well as explore the "Communiversity" concept.

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: Michael Knudson, Minnesota GreenCorps member, 218-281-8128 (knud0189@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The Crookston chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success held its second annual induction ceremony on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bede Ballroom at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.  Seventeen members were inducted, along with three honorary members, and several members received a presidential membership for having a GPA of over 3.3.  

Along with inducting new members, the National Society of Leadership and Success announced its 2011-2012 Executive Board.  The elected Executive Board members for the coming year are President Michelle Boateng, a sophomore from Rosemount, Minn., majoring in biology; Vice- President/ Publicity Chair and IT Chair Anthony Taylor, a junior from Sheridan, Wyo., majoring in business management; Secretary Erin Fowle, a sophomore from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, majoring in early childhood education; Treasurer and Fundraising Chair Nana Boaten, a senior from Accura, GHA, majoring in marketing; SNT Coordinator James Schiltz, a freshman from North Lawrence, N.Y., majoring in agronomy; and Event Coordinator Abbey Wemimo, a sophomore from Albertville, Minn., majoring in business management. The Executive Board will be trained by the current President, Katie Bowar, a senior from Moorhead, Minn., double majoring in business management and marketing; and advisors Don Cavalier and Peter Phaiah.

The National Society of Leadership and Success is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals. The Society offers life-changing lectures from the nation's leading presenters and a community where like-minded success oriented individuals come together and help one another succeed. The Society also serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world.

There are currently chapters of the National Society of Leadership and Success at 243 colleges with a total of 130,442 members across the country.  The University of Minnesota, Crookston chapter is currently in its second year of membership.  To become a member, students must attend an orientation, three videoconference speakers, three consecutive Success Networking Team (SNT) meetings, and participate in a three-hour long Leadership Training Day.  For more information about the National Society of Leadership and Success, please visit www.societyleadership.org.
 

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, left to right:

Back Row: Don Cavalier, director of counseling and career services; Mark Huglen, associate professor in the Liberal Arts and Education Department, Alvin Tong, a senior from Singapore double majoring in business management and natural resources; Brian Dingmann, associate professor in the Math Science and Technology Department; Kenneth Johnson, instructor in the Business Department; Chancellor Charles H. Casey, and Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor for student affairs.

Middle Row: Kayla Bowar, a senior from Moorhead, Minn., double majoring in business management and marketing; Alysia Osowski, a senior from Grafton, N.D., majoring in agricultural business; Matthew Krueger, a junior from East Grand Forks, Minn., double majoring in agronomy and agricultural business; Michelle Boateng, a sophomore from Rosemount, Minn., majoring in biology; Katie Bowar, a senior from Moorhead, Minn., double majoring in business management and marketing; Nana Boaten, a senior from Accura, GHA, majoring in marketing; Abbey Wemimo, a sophomore from Albertville, Minn., majoring in business management; and Shozab Khan, a senior from Dubai, ARE, double majoring in manufacturing management and quality management.

Front Row: Erin Fowle, a sophomore from Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada, majoring in early childhood education; Lhakpa Gurung, a senior from Mustang, Nepal, majoring in early childhood education; Alexandra Buscher, a senior from Merrifield, Minn., majoring in business management; James Schiltz, a freshman from North Lawrence, N.Y., majoring in agronomy; Anthony Taylor, a junior from Sheridan, Wyo., majoring in business management.

Not pictured: Christo Robberts, program manager in the Business Department.
 

Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director of student activities, 218-281-8507 (samue026@umn.edu), Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu), Anna Wagner, communications assistant, University Relations, 218-281-8446 (wagne549

Commencement exercises for the Class of 2011 at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2011. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium when more than 190 students, including more than 10 international students and some 20 online students, will participate in the largest commencement exercises in campus history.  A reception in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center, will precede the commencement ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend both events; no tickets are required.

A reception from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will honor Kari Torkelson (at left), O.D., ex. '91, who will be receiving the U of M Alumni Service Award. This reception, taking place in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, will include the signing of a proclamation declaring Saturday, May 7 as Dr. Kari Torkelson Day in Crookston. She will be recognized with the award during commencement exercises that afternoon.

At 2 p.m., the formal procession of faculty, candidates for degrees, and platform guests will begin from the Sargeant Student Center to the gymnasium led by Mace Bearer William Peterson, professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department. The procession also includes Faculty Marshal W. Daniel Svedarsky, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Sustainability on the Crookston Campus.

Bringing greetings from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is the Honorable Clyde Allen, who will also assist with the conferring of the degrees.  The commencement address will be given by University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks (at right), 15th president of the University of Minnesota who will be stepping down from the role at the end of June 2011. He has served the university for more than 40 years, formerly as a professor, dean, and executive vice president and provost. Susan Hagstrum (at right), Ph.D., wife of President Bruininks will join Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones as special guests at the ceremony.

University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board President Juanita Lopez (at left), will bring greetings from the UMCAA and welcome the new graduates to the alumni association.

Graduating senior Shawn Friedland (at right), Crookston Student Association (CSA) president, will speak on behalf of the Class of 2011 and pass the torch of education, a Crookston campus tradition, to Junior Alisha Aasness, the incoming CSA president. Aasness, from Fergus Falls, Minn., is a double major in horticulture and business management. Friedland, from New Bern, N.C., is graduating with a degree in biology.

The U of M, Crookston choir, under the direction of George French, and the string ensemble, A Touch of Brass will perform as part of the graduation ceremony. The choir will sing two selections: "Wings!" by Carl Strommen and "I Leave With A Song" by Cristi Cary Miller.

The 2011 commencement exercises mark the 103rd graduating class to be recognized on the Crookston campus. A live audio stream of the commencement exercises will be available at www.umcrookston.edu/people/services/MediaServ/Stream.htm.  

For more information, visit the commencement Web site at www.umcrookston.edu/commencement.

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.

Photo of President Robert Bruininks and Susan Hagstrum, Ph.D., by Patrick O'Leary, University Relations, U of M, Twin Cities.

Contact: Andrew Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8434 (asvec@umn.edu)

Recognized for excellence in teaching, Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Crookston has been honored as one of seven receiving the  Horace T. Morse U of M Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.

The 2010-11 Distinguished Teaching Awards Ceremony was held on April 25, 2011, in the McNamara Alumni Center in the Twin Cities. This annual event honors the University's best teaching professors for their contributions to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. The ceremony included comments from recipients, presentations of the awards, and a reception.

Lim-Thompson is an associate professor in early childhood education on the Crookston campus. She provided campus leadership in gaining institutional approval for teacher education programs from the Minnesota Board of Teaching.  Concurrently, she also provided leadership in gaining program approval for early childhood education from the Minnesota Board of Teaching.  She actively serves the Minnesota Department of Education as a reviewer for the newly established Minnesota Teacher License Examination for future teacher candidates to obtain their teacher licenses.

Her leadership encourages opportunities to broaden students' international and cultural perspectives.  Lim-Thompson developed 3-week global seminar course to China and also developed a partnership with schools at the White Earth Indian Reservation to provide teacher candidates cultural diversity and immersion.

"My students consistently motivate me to seek creative ways to reach each one, support them during times of challenges, provide and challenge them to discover their fullest potential, and guide and affirm their interest and aspirations in their future endeavor," Lim-Thompson says.

She serves as a representative on the Children, Youth and Family Consortium Advisory Council and the Minnesota Children's Summit II Steering Committee, both U of M system-wide committees. A member of the Minnesota Association for Early Childhood Teacher Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Lim Thompson was recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award at the U of M, Crookston in 2004.

She began working on the Crookston campus in 1998 as an assistant professor and student teacher coordinator. Her educational background includes a doctoral degree in teaching and learning, a master's of science degree in elementary education, and a bachelor's of science degree in music education all from UND.

Along with Lim-Thompson, other recipients of the Morse-Alumni award include Professor Christopher Cramer, Department of Chemistry; Associate Professor Kirsten Fischer, Department of History; Professor Jeanne Higbee, Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning; Professor Gary Jahn, Program in Slavic Languages and Literatures; Professor Susan Mantell, Department of Mechanical Engineering from the U of M, Twin Cities; and Associate Professor Michelle Page, Department of Secondary Education at the U of M, Morris.

Recipients of the award are chosen by student and faculty members of the Senate Committee on Educational Policy, previous award recipients, and a representative of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. T he Distinguished Teaching Awards are sponsored by the Senate Committee on Educational Policy, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

Since 1965, the University has recognized exceptional undergraduate faculty for their contributions to student learning through classroom teaching, research, and creative activities; advising; academic program development; and educational leadership. The award is named for the late Horace T. Morse, who served as the first dean of the University's General College from 1946-66 and who was a national leader in the field of undergraduate education. For more information, visit www.minnesotaalumni.org/DTA.

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 left (l to r):Cody Mikl, student member, Senate Committee on Education Policy; Phil Esten, president and CEO, U of M Alumni Association; Lim-Thompson; U of M President Robert Bruininks; and Thomas Brothen, chair, Senate Committee on Education Policy.  Photo by Patrick O'Leary, University Relations, U of M, Twin Cities.

Contact: Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, associate professor, Liberal Arts and Education Dept., 218-281-8185 (slimthom@umn.edu) ; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Hard work to sustain savings begins

Fergus Falls, Minnesota, April 20, 2011 Otter Tail Power Company celebrated with the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and the community of Rothsay, Minnesota, as the company announced preliminary energy savings associated with the Campus and Community Energy Challenges.

In 2010 the University of Minnesota, Crookston, achieved metered kilowatt-hour savings of approximately 7 percent to 8 percent. From early 2009 through early 2011 Rothsay achieved metered kilowatt-hour savings of approximately 3 percent. When all technology improvements and behavioral change initiatives have been in place for a full year, and when results are adjusted for changes in weather and normally occurring growth, the University of Minnesota, Crookston, is on track to save 17 percent of its prior electricity use. Rothsay is on track to save more than 19 percent. The goals of these challenges are based on sustained savings over a five-year period. Pending regulatory review and approval, that means the campus and town are on track to surpass their energy-savings goals.

"We launched these challenges with a call to imagine all of the residents of a small rural community and all the students, faculty, and staff of a college campus working together to reduce the electricity use of their entire town and campus each by 10 to 15 percent," said Kim Pederson, Otter Tail Power Company Manager, Market Planning. "What they've accomplished so far was more than we imagined possible, but the hard work is still in front of them as they strike out on their own to sustain these savings."

The Crookston campus achieved much of its savings from upgrading campus lighting and installing automated controls on variable-frequency drives for some of the ventilation systems. Otter Tail Power Company assisted with the audits to identify high-level savings projects and provided more than $86,000 in grants and rebates to encourage the investments by reducing payback times.

"Significant savings also were noted when the Facilities Management Department implemented a new work order system in August that took deliberate steps to change operational procedures such as shutting off more lights than before, closing shades, and reducing heating levels in certain areas," said Chancellor Charles Casey. "I'm proud but not surprised about just how much the people on this campus have been able to accomplish. And I'm confident that the behavior changes we've been focused on will continue to show real results."

The community of Rothsay achieved more than half of its cumulative savings from behavioral changes on the part of Rothsay Public School, homeowners, and businesses. Otter Tail Power Company also granted almost $117,000 in rebates for energy-efficient lighting and technology improvements. "This program was developed as a three-legged stool," said Pederson. "Education, efficient end-use technologies, and incentivized behavioral changes each play a critical role in the success of these projects. And achieving long-term savings in Rothsay will be possible only with ongoing energy-saving behaviors and a community that won't settle for anything less than achieving its goal."

Rothsay Public School is committed to continuing its leadership role in this challenge. "The Community Energy Challenge has been an excellent program that has brought a new sense of awareness regarding energy use throughout the community," said Ehren Zimmerman, Dean of Students/Principal at Rothsay Public School. "And it has brought a new approach to hands-on learning for our faculty, staff, and students. Now it's our turn to pay it forward and keep the savings going."

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.

In the photo: To celebrate the success of the Campus Energy Challenge at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Otter Tail Power Company donated two basswood trees. The shade trees were planted on the west side of the Early Childhood Building to help provide energy savings in the summer. Project leaders and guests marking the event include (left to right): Student Green Team leader Ben Williams, Center for Sustainability Director Dan Svedarsky, Vice Chancellor of Academics and Student Affairs Thomas Baldwin, Chancellor Charles Casey, Otter Tail Power Company Project Manager Jon Fabre, University of Minnesota, Crookston, Facilities Green Team member Brian Christianson; former Student Green Team lead Lisa Gentele, Otter Tail Power Company Crookston Area Energy Management Representative Ken Johnson, Otter Tail Power Company President and CEO Chuck MacFarlane, Minnesota Department of Commerce Deputy Commissioner Bill Grant, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar's Moorhead Office Representative Andrew Martin, U.S. Senator Al Franken's Northwestern Minnesota Field Representative Valerie Graveseth, and U.S. Representative Collin Peterson's Red Lake Falls Office Representative JoAnn Zutz.

Contact: Cris Kling, Otter Tail Power Compnay, 218-739-8297; Andrew Svec, director of communications, U of M, Crookston, 218-281-8432 (asvec@umn.edu)

Celebrating student achievement highlighted the annual Student Awards Program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston recently. Associate Professor Rachel McCoppin, who teaches in the Liberal Arts and Education Department, was the 2010 Outstanding Educator and hosted the evening's recognition of student service and achievement. "Celebration of Excellence" served as the evening's theme and provided an opportunity to recognize some of the University's top students, faculty, and staff.

2010 -2011 CSA Senators and officers
Shawn Friedland, president, senior, New Bern, N.C., biology
Anna Wagner, vice president, senior, Brandon, Minn., communication
Alisha Aasness, secretary, junior, Fergus Falls, Minn., horticulture and business management
Eric Morgan, treasurer, senior, Crookston, Minn., business management
Adam Switzer, senator, sophomore, Apple Valley, Minn., sport and recreation management
Brittany Novak, senator, senior, Dahlen, N.D., biology
Brooke Novak, senator, sophomore, Dahlen, N.D., communication
Joo Hyun Bae, senator, sophomore, Seoul, South Korea, accounting,
Nana Boaten, senator, senior, Accura, GHA, marketing
Dae Yeul Lee, senator, sophomore, Seoul, South Korea, accounting
Tim Knudson, senator, senior, Monticello, Minn., natural resources
Anthonette Sims, senator, freshman, Robbinsdale, Minn., health sciences
Christina Lenhart, senator, junior, Crookston, Minn., communication
Greg Summers, senator, senior, Beatrice, Neb., health sciences and biology
Brandon Sachwitz, senator, senior, St. Paul, Minn., health sciences and biology
Thomas Haarstick, SSCC representative, senior, Vergas, Minn., agricultural systems mgmt
Jenna Rasmussen, CSSD representative, senior, Dalton, Minn., health sciences
Lauren Snively, Board of Regents representative, junior, Herndon, Va., communication
Angie Bartholomew, S.P.A.C.E. chair, senior, Maple Grove, Minn., business mgmt and equine science
Advisors: Associate Professor Ken Myers and Director of Student Activities Lisa Samuelson

Student Ambassadors
Kate Manning, senior, Wrenshall, Minn., equine science
Joe Harren, senior, Eagle Bend, Minn., agronomy
Heather Schroeder, senior, Nevis, Minn., animal science and equine science
Alvin Tong, senior, Singapore, SGP, business management and natural resources
Danielle Rueter, junior, Burlington, Wis., sport and recreation management
Janie Bauer, senior, Durand, Wis., early childhood education
Alisha Aasness, junior, Fergus Falls, Minn., horticulture and business management
Bryce Gillie, junior, Hallock, Minn., agronomy
Kristine Neu, senior, Pelican Rapids, Minn., horticulture and communication
Jackie Dullinger, senior, Hutchinson, Minn., biology and health sciences
 Sam Westby, senior, Erhard, Minn., animal science and agronomy
Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture
Alyssa Aaland, senior, Hatton, N.D., animal science
Samantha Lahman, senior, Parkers Prairie, Minn., animal science

Ambassador of the Year
Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture

Academic Assistance Center Awards
Outstanding Tutor Awards
Joe Stearly, sophomore, Hamlake, Minn., marketing
Erin Hoium, sophomore, Little Canada, Minn., equine science and animal science
Alyssa Krikke, senior, Grand Rapids, Mich., health sciences
Heather Donati-Lewis, senior, Narcoossee, Fla., equine science
Yangchen Gurung, junior, business management, Kathmandu, Nepal
Alysha Thielen, sophomore, Maple Grove, Minn., animal science
 Tyrell Macheledt, senior, Battle Lake, Minn., natural resources

Together Everyone Achieves More
John Plass, senior, Tulelake, Calif., agronomy
Sheila Carleton, senior, Baxter, Minn., agronomy and natural resources
Heather Donati-Lewis, senior, Narcoossee, Fla., equine science
Tammy Wrobleski, , senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture
Andrew Gorentz, junior, Dent, Minn., agronomy
Brittney Walberg, senior, Aberdeen, S.D., equine science
Eric McCoy, senior, Williston, N.D., natural resources
Mike Copple, senior, Barnesville, Minn., natural resources
Jesper Nielsen, senior, Lamberton, Minn., agronomy
Shawn Friedland, senior, New Bern, N.C., biology

Outstanding Music Awards
Eric McCoy, senior, Williston, N.D., natural resources
Matthew Green, junior, Greenbush, Minn., agricultural systems mgmt and agronomy
Daniel Kuske, senior, Belle Plaine, natural resources

Outstanding Leadership in Campus Ministry
Jenna Rasmussen, senior, Dalton, Minn., health sciences
Jamal Jihad, senior, Port St. Lucie, Fla., applied studies

Outstanding Leadership in Fellowship of Christian Athlete (FCA)
Mark Michalski, senior, Silver Bay, Wis., golf and turf management

Outstanding Achievement in Math and Physics
Caroline Fritz, PSEO, Cyrus, Minn.,

First Year Biology Award
Shelly Sontag, freshman, Shoreview, Minn., biology

Excellence in Early Childhood Education   
Lhakpa Gurung, senior, Mustang, Nepal, early childhood education
Stacy Flikka, senior, Crookston, Minn., early childhood education
   
Marketing and Management Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Katie Bower - management student, senior, Moorhead, Minn., management and marketing
Rick Chapin - marketing student, senior, Seal Beach, Calif., marketing
Chris Fowler - online management student, senior, Orlando, Fla., business management

Marketing and Management Outstanding Leadership Award
Yangchen, Gurung, junior, Kathmandu, Nepal, business management
Klint Mahne, junior, Lake Bronson, Minn., business management

Outstanding Accounting Student
Wayne Frisell, senior, Alexandria, Minn., accounting

Outstanding Achievement in Economics Award
Yangchen Gurung, junior, business management, Kathmandu, Nepal
Alexandra Buscher, senior, Merrifield, Minn., business management

Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Hospitality Award
Holly Wrzos, junior, Big Lake, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Julie Trotter, junior, Eagan, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Steffane Prestidge, senior, Buffalo, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Lauren Ferrara, junior, Eden Prairie, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Ashley Williams, senior, Big Lake, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Amoy Carty, junior, Sandy Point, KNA, hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Ryan Ellingson, junior, Wadena, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.

Outstanding Student of Communication
Major:
Eun Hye (Halie) Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea, communication
Jill Zelinsky, senior, Brooklyn Park, Minn., communication and business management

Minor:
Amanda Peterson, senior, Rochester, equine science and agricultural business

Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award
Mark Michalski, senior, Silver Bay, Minn., golf and turf management

Turf Bowl Team Award
Theodore Gutman, senior, Burlington, Iowa, golf and turf management and horticulture
Thomas Halver, senior, Chaska, Minn., golf and turf management
Mark Michalski, senior, Silver Bay, Minn., golf and turf management
Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major in golf and turf management, horticulture, and communication

Norman Pankratz Memorial Conservation Award
Sheila Carleton, senior, Baxter, Minn., agronomy and natural resources

John Polley Soil and Water Conservation Award
Austin Link, junior, New York Mills, Minn., natural resources
Chris Anderson, senior, Becker, Minn., natural resources

Outstanding Equine Science Student
Sara Wells, senior, Calgary, Alberta, CAN, equine science and biology

Outstanding Ag Business Student
BillieJo Armbrust, senior, Forest River, N.D., animal science and agricultural business

Outstanding Ag Systems Management Students
Ken Schmid, senor, Minnewaukan, N.D., agricultural systems management

Horticulture Club Service Award
Kristine Neu, senior, Pelican Rapids, Minn., horticulture and communication

MACHS Team Awards
Kristine Neu , senior, Pelican Rapids, Minn., horticulture and communication
Ashlynn Hartung, freshman, Lindstrom, Minn., horticulture
Keunyung Kim, senior, Gwangju, Korea, horticulture
Jonathan Fillmore, sophomore, White Bear Lake, Minn., horticulture

Diversity Award
Kenneth Mendez, senior, Crookston, Minn., communication

Outstanding Achievement by an International Student
Qian Liu, senior, Guangdong, China, business management

Outstanding International Student Scholars
Yangchen Gurung, junior, Kathmandu, Nepal, business management
Alvin Tong, senior, , Singapore, SGP, natural resources and business management
Lhakpa Gurung, senior, Mustang, Nepal, early childhood education
Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea, communication

Outstanding Theater Awards
Beth Motley, freshman, Vadnais Heights, Minn., equine science
Bethany Jenkins, sophomore, Grand Forks, N.D., horticulture
Joe Harren, senior, Eagle Bend, Minn., agronomy

Outstanding Music Awards
Eric McCoy, senior, Williston, N.D., natural resources
Matthew Green, junior, Greenbush, Minn., agricultural systems mgmt and agronomy
Daniel Kuske, senior, Belle Plaine, natural resources

Outstanding Service to the Music and Theater Department
Timothy Unke, senior, Crookston, Minn., agronomy

Outstanding ESL Recitation Tutor Award
Steffane Prestidge, senior, Buffalo, Minn., hotel, restaurant, and tourism mgmt.
Brianna Bernhardt, freshman, Sauk Rapids, Minn., agricultural education
Katy Baskerville, junior, Tracy, Minn., accounting

Outstanding  Help Desk Employee Award
Michael Schliep, junior, Holloway, Minn., software engineering

Dale Knotek Community Service Award
Horticulture Club

Outstanding Student Volunteer of the Year
Rory Held, senior, Cold Spring, Minn., information technology management

President's Volunteer Service Awards
Gold Certificates:
    Rory Held, senior, Cold Spring, Minn., information technology management
Silver Certificates:
    Heather Donati-Lewis, senior, , Narcoossee, Fla., equine science
    Shawn Friedland, senior, New Bern, N.C., biology
Bronze Certificates:
    Austin Czichotzki, junior, Barnesville, Minn., communication
    Jackie Dullinger, senior, Hutchinson, Minn., biology and health sciences
    Jessica Fenlason, senior, Evansville, Minn., agricultural education and natural resources
    Joseph Harren, senior, Eagle Bend, Minn., agronomy
    Trey Johnston, sophomore, Angus, Minn., communication
    Annie Kelly, junior, Jordan, Minn., equine science
    Samantha Maki, senior, Hoyt Lakes, Minn., early childhood education
    Katie Manning, senior, Wrenshall, Minn., equine science
    Eric Morgan, senior, Crookston, Minn., business management
    Kristine Neu, senior , Pelican Rapids, Minn., horticulture and communication
    Brooke Novak, sophomore, Dahlen, N.D., communication
    Alysia Osowski, senior, Grafton, N.D., agricultural business
    Kalpana Parsons, senior, Mahtomedi, Minn., early childhood education
    Kaitlyn Tollefsrud, junior, Hawley, Minn., equine science and agricultural education
    Abbie Westby, senior, Erhard, Minn., agricultural education
    Benjamin Williams, sophomore, Excelsior, Minn., natural resources
    Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management,    communications, and horticulture.
    Katelyn Zins, junior, Starbuck, Minn., communication

UMC Athletic Department All Academic Team (3.2 grade point average or higher)
Janie Bauer - Volleyball, senior, Durand, Wis., early childhood education
Katie Bowar -- Softball/Soccer, senior, Moorhead, Minn., business management and marketing management
Kayla Bowar -- Softball/Soccer, senior, Moorhead, Minn., business management and marketing management
Cody Brekken - Football, senior, Crookston, Minn., sport and recreation management
Joe Stearly - Football, sophomore, Hamlake, Minn., marketing
Jessica Charles - Equestrian, junior, Belgrade Lakes, Maine, animal science
Laura Critchett - Equestrian, senior, Shoreview, Minn., equine science
Jensen Crots - Soccer, sophomore, Chesterton, Ind., health sciences
Sarena Diederichs - Softball, senior, St. Cloud, Minn., sport and recreation management
Timothy Ennis - Football, senior, Lancaster, Calif., sport and recreation management
Megan Eul Women's - Basketball, junior, Rosemount, Minn., early childhood education
Amanda Flint - Equestrian, junior, Aberdeen, S.D., equine science
Megan Flynn - Soccer, junior, Chanhassen, Minn., health sciences
Erin Fowle - Softball, sophomore, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, early childhood education
Theresa Hamel -- Women's Golf, senior, Lakota, Minn., agronomy and agricultural business
Gina Jaroszewski -- Women's Basketball, senior, Moorhead, Minn., sport and recreation management
Lauren Kessler -- Women's Basketball, junior, Albertville, Minn., early childhood education
Megan Kramer - Equestrian, junior, Owatonna, Minn., equine science
Alyssa Krikke - Volleyball, senior, Grand Rapids, Mich., health sciences
Walter Lunsford - Football, sophomore, Upatoi, Ga., criminal justice
Stacey Marcum - Softball, sophomore, Merrill, Wis., undeclared
Keith McBride - Football, sophomore, Lodi, Wis., business management
Mark Michalski -- Men's Golf, senior, Silver Bay, Wis., golf and turf management
Alisha Moritz -- Women's Basketball, senior, Emily, Minn., sport and recreation management
Addie O'Neil - Equestrian, sophomore, Redwood Falls, Minn., equine science
Anna Ogaard - Soccer, senior, Maple Grove, Minn., applied studies
Justin Overby - Football, junior, Langdon, N.D., agronomy
Angela Peterson - Equestrian, junior, Detroit Lakes, Minn., equine science
Brett Rice - Football, sophomore, Poynette, Wis., business management
Melanie Rodriguez - Equestrian, junior, Chanhassen, Minn., animal science
Danielle Rueter - Volleyball, junior, Burlington, Wis., sport and recreation management
Christopher Secrest - Football, sophomore, Hollywood, Fla., criminal justice
Amy Van Treeck - Equestrian, sophomore, Sheboygan Falls, Wis., agricultural business
Kaytlin Weiger -- Equestrian, equine science
Sara Wells - Equestrian, senior, Calgary, AB, Canada, equine science and biology
Tammy Wroblewski -- Women's Golf, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture
Bri Zabel -- Women's Basketball, senior, Northfield, Minn., business management

Outstanding Student Programmer Award
Brooke Novak, sophomore, Dahlen, N.D., communication

Outstanding Crookston Student Association (CSA) Senator
Greg Summers, senior, Beatrice, Neb., health sciences and biology

Outstanding Club Representative
Jakob Voight, sophomore, Minot, N.D., biology

Faculty Recognized by UMC Students for Service and Achievement
Most Creative Use of Technology: Brian Dingmann, Ph.D.
Most Supportive of Students: Kevin Thompson, Ph.D.
Outstanding Educator: Kevin Thompson, Ph,D.
Outstanding Service to Students: Pam Sullivan

Student Achievement Awards
Brittany Novak, senior, Dahlen, N.D., biology        
Nana Boaten, senior, Accra, GHA, marketing
Alyssa Krikke, senior, Grand Rapids, Mich., health sciences
Derek Ricke, senior, Park Rapids, Minn., sport and recreation managment
Kristine Neu, senior, Pelican Rapids, Minn., horticulture and communication
Joseph Harren, senior, Eagle Bend, Minn., agronomy
Heather Donati-Lewis, senior, Narcoossee, Fla., equine science
Alvin Tong, senior, Singapore, SGP, natural resources and business management
Lhakpa Gurung, senior, Mustang, Nepal, early childhood education
Shawn Friedland, senior, New Bern, N.C., biology
Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea, communication
Austin Czichotzki, junior, Barnesville, Minn., communication
Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture

Man and Woman of the Year
Two students were named "Man and Woman of the Year," the year's top academic, service and leadership award. Honors go to Man of the Year, Austin Czichotzki, junior, Barnesville, Minn., communication; and Woman of the Year Tammy Wroblewski, senior, Milwaukee, Wis., triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture.

Special thanks to the Northwest Educational Improvement Association and the Crookston Noon Day Lions Club for their continued support of the awards reception and program. Members of the Student Awards committee are Lisa Samuelson, George French, Sue Jacobson, Lynette Mullins, Patti Tiedemann, and Kristie Walker.

Visit the Student Awards Program photo album .

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 (same026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

John Loegering, Ph.D., associate professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, was elected to the position of president-elect of the North Central Section of The Wildlife Society (TWS). The three-year commitment includes serving as the section's president and past-president as well.

A certified wildlife biologist, Loegering (photo at right) currently serves as advisor to the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society, a group he helped organize when he arrived on the Crookston campus in 2000. His efforts were recognized in 2004 when he received the Student Chapter Advisor of the Year from The Wildlife Society at the 11th Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta.

He also received the Outstanding Service Award from the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society in 2008 and served as the organization's president in 2009. Loegering, who advises more than 35 undergraduate students, has a unique teaching appointment that includes a 50% joint appointment on the St. Paul campus that focuses primarily on outreach and research. Loegering has been a member of The Wildlife Society for more than 26 years, and over that time, has served as an officer at the student, state, and section levels.  He currently serves as the treasurer for the College and University Education Working Group of TWS.

His leadership comes at an important time for the organization, "I appreciate the opportunity to serve and lead these large scale organizations at a time when interstate cooperation is critical to successful natural resource management," Loegering says. "Challenges such as chronic wasting disease, Asian carp, climate change, or invasive species management clearly will benefit from a regional strategy.  I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the strategic conservation management of the resources in the Midwest."

The North Central Section includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Sections are the regional networks of The Wildlife Society in North America and bring a regional perspective to wildlife conservation issues and enable members to be active in professional affairs in a regional context. They promote cooperative efforts and the exchange of information among wildlife professionals and Wildlife Society chapters in a broad geographic area. For example, they recently sponsored a symposium for Midwestern states on the impacts on wildlife of lead in the environment, principally from hunting and fishing activities.  Continuing to develop these multi-state information exchanges on critical issues will be one of Loegering's priorities as president.

The mission of The Wildlife Society is to represent and serve the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and its habitats worldwide. To learn more, visit http://joomla.wildlife.org.

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: John Loegering, associate professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281-8132 (jloegeri@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston recently honored students with achievement and service awards at the annual Student Awards Reception. The ceremony is held each spring to honor those who have made outstanding leadership and service contributions or who have achieved high academic standing at the University's Crookston campus.

Thirteen students received Student Achievement Awards, which the U of M, Crookston presents to recognize those students who have excelled not only academically, but also through leadership and service to the University and local community.

Students receiving the Student Achievement Award were:
Brittany Novak, a senior from Dahlen, N.D., majoring in biology;       
Nana Boaten, a senior from Accra, GHA, majoring in marketing
Alyssa Krikke, a senior from Grand Rapids, Mich., majoring in health sciences
Derek Ricke, a senior from Park Rapids, Minn., majoring in sport and recreation management
Kristine Neu, a senior from Pelican Rapids, Minn., majoring horticulture and communication
Joseph Harren, a senior from Eagle Bend, Minn., majoring in agronomy
Heather Donati-Lewis, a senior from Narcoossee, Fla., majoring in equine science
Alvin Tong, a senior from Singapore, SGP, majoring in natural resources and business management (not pictured)
Lhakpa Gurung, a senior from Mustang, Nepal, majoring in early childhood education
Shawn Friedland, a senior from New Bern, N.C., majoring in biology
Eun Hye Kang, a senior from Seoul, South Korea, majoring in communication
Austin Czichotzki, a  junior from Barnesville, Minn., majoring in communication
Tammy Wroblewki, a senior from Milwaukee, Wis., who is a triple major golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture

From this group, two students were chosen as the "Man and Woman of the Year," the year's top academic, service and leadership award. Honors for 2011 go to (pictured l to r) UMC Man of the Year, Austin Czichotzki (at left in photo), a junior from Barnesville, Minn., majoring communication; and Woman of the Year Tammy Wroblewski (at right in photo), a senior from Milwaukee, Wis., who is a triple major in golf and turf management, communications, and horticulture. Czichotzki is the son of Terry and Sandi Czichotzki and Wroblewski is the daughter of Diane and Jeff Wroblewski.

Faculty and staff, also recognized during the evening, are significant in that the entire student body votes to select the award recipients. Awards for Most Creative Use of Technology went to Associate Professor Brian Dingmann who teaches in the Math, Science and Technology Department; Outstanding Educator, and Most Supportive of Students Awards were presented to Assistant Professor Kevin Thompson, who teaches in the Liberal Arts and Education Department; and Outstanding Service to Students was awarded to Pam Sullivan, who oversees operations in the Eagles Nest.

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 group photo, at top left: Back row, l to r: Kristine Neu, Heather Donati-Lewis, Joe Harren, and Derek Ricke. Middle row: Brittany Novak, Halie Kang, Alyssa Krikke, Nana Boaten, and Lisa Samuelson, director of student activities. Front row: Lhakpa Gurung, Tammy Wroblewski, Austin Czichotzki, and Shawn Friedland.

In group photo, at bottom, left: (l to r): Shawn Friedland, president of the Crookston Student Association; Pam Sullivan; Kevin Thompson; Brian Dingmann; and Anna Wagner, vice president of the Crookston Student Association.  

Contact: Lisa Samuelson, director, student activities, 218-281-8507 (same026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota, Crookston for the prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year are Matthew Green (photo at left below), a junior from Greenbush, Minn., majoring in agricultural systems management and Falyn Johnson (photo at right), a junior from Hallock, Minn., majoring in agricultural business.

Students receiving the Russell O. and Inez Sather Memorial Scholarship must be advanced standing students maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average and having graduated from a high school in Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau, or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay on a person who has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.

Dr. Russell Sather began serving as an internist with the Northwestern Clinic in Crookston in 1937. He was called to active duty during World War II from 1942 until 1946 and returned to Crookston in 1947 where he continued to practice until 1985. The scholarship was established in 1986.

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 relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu) Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) held their 2011 conference at Breezy Point, Minn., recently. At an awards presentation, the Crookston Composite Squadron - 134 was honored with the Recruiting Award. The award was presented on Saturday, April 9, and eight members of the squadron and their guests were present at the awards ceremony.

Members of the Crookston squadron include several members of the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus community including: Lois Kriegh, a senior from Crookston, Minn., majoring in business management, who serves as the squadron commander; Kenneth Johnson, business instructor, is the leadership officer and character development officer for the group; Kara Bowen, an accounting lecturer in the Business Department serves as testing officer; and students Nongye Lo, a junior from St. Paul, Minn.; and Karl Syverson, a senior from Minneapolis, Minn., are both majoring in business management and involved with aerospace education for the squadron.

The Crookston Composite Squadron is made up of both senior members and cadets. Senior members can be 18 years and older and cadets range in age from 12 to 21 years old. Kriegh has been a part of CAP for more than 8 years. Their mission consists of three parts: aerospace education, emergency services, and the cadet program.

Minnesota Wing is a member of the North Central Region of the Civil Air Patrol, and consists of four groups and 25 squadrons, and some 1200 individual members. All members of the Minnesota Wing are unpaid civilian volunteers. The squadron located in Crookston was originally formed in 1944 but later disbanded. This newly formed squadron received their charter on November 19, 2010. The work of CAP is a part of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary and falls under Homeland Security operations.

If you would like more information on CAP, contact Commander Kriegh at krie0200@umn.edu or visit www.gocivilairpatrol.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: Kenneth Johnson, instructor, Business Dept., 218-281-8178 (joh02053@umn.edu) ; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The sounds of sacred music will fill the Kiehle Auditorium during a concert by choir, under the direction of Associate Professor George French, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and refreshments will follow the performance. Everyone is welcome.

Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria, one of his most familiar and popular sacred pieces accompanied by a string orchestra, will highlight the evening's concert. Along with this classical treasure, the choir will perform several selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and others.

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, Liberal Arts and Education Dept., 218-281-8266 (gfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

With measurements complete, results of the groundbreaking Campus Energy Challenge, a collaborative project between the University of Minnesota, Crookston and Otter Tail Power Company, will be announced on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.  The announcement will be made at a special energy-savings celebration at Noon in Sargeant Student Center on the Crookston campus.  The entire community is welcome to attend.

In a first-of-its-kind program, U of M, Crookston students, faculty, and staff worked with Otter Tail Power Company to reduce electric energy consumption on campus by as much as 15 percent in the first year.  In the case of the U of M, Crookston, that translates to approximately a million kilowatt hours.  Through a combination of encouraging simple behavior modification--such as assessing personal energy use, turning off lights, and unplugging phone chargers when not being used--and installing more energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and other technologies, both organizations hope to attain or even surpass that 15 percent savings goal.

In Crookston the April 19 event begins at 11:45 a.m. in Sargeant Student Center with a community-wide networking opportunity.  Attendees will be able to meet U of M, Crookston and Otter Tail Power Company officials, get photos taken with Regal the Golden Eagle and Ollie the Otter, enter a drawing for a free energy-efficient landscape design and installation to be done by students, and enjoy light refreshments.

At noon in the Northern Lights Lounge in Sargeant Student Center, the announcement of energy savings will be made.  Scheduled to speak are Cris Kling, director of public relations, Otter Tail Power Company; Chuck MacFarlane, president, Otter Tail Power Company; Charles Casey, chancellor, U of M, Crookston; and William Grant, deputy commissioner, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Division.  Following the announcement and speakers, a ceremonial tree planting will be held (weather permitting) near the Early Childhood Development Center.  The first 300 attendees at the energy-savings celebration will receive a free sapling tree that can be planted to help reduce carbon emissions.

The Campus Energy Challenge is a pilot project that is part of Otter Tail Power Company's Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program approved by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security.  Otter Tail Power Company will also announce the results of the Community Energy Challenge, a similar program working with the community of Rothsay, Minn., on the evening of April 19, in Rothsay.

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minn.  It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com.

Contact: Andrew Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu)

Earth Week will be marked by several events at the University of Minnesota, Crookston including a campus clean up, activities to raise awareness, and a celebration of campus efforts to save energy. Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD) will kick off the week on Monday, April 18, 2011, with Trash and Recycling Awareness Day, an effort to demonstrate how much trash an individual creates in a single day.

On Tuesday, April 19, Otter Tail Power Company will join members of the campus and community for a celebration of the success of the Campus Energy Challenge, a special project that brought Otter Tail and the U of M, Crookston together to help reduce energy consumption. Special highlights include community-wide networking beginning at 11:45 a.m. followed by an energy savings celebration at noon with remarks by Chuck MacFarlane, president of Otter Tail Power Company, Charles H. Casey, chancellor at the U of M, Crookston and William Grant, deputy commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Division. A ceremonial tree planting will take place at 1 p.m., weather permitting.

Beautiful "U" Day will be the focus on Wednesday, April 20 and include a campus and community cleanup. At noon in Youngquist Auditorium, Dr. Larry Baker, a research professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities will present "Urban Heat Islands and Global Climate Change." Everyone is welcome.

An internationally recognized authority on the water and nutrient cycle of urban environments, Baker will be the featured speaker in the evening as part of a "sustainability supper seminar" beginning at 5 p.m. with a meal in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. His evening presentation, open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. in Youngquist Auditorium on the topic "Urban Ecosystems and Implications for Global Survivability." To make reservations for the meal, contact, Michael Knudson, Minnesota GreenCorps member at 218-281-8128 (knud0189@umn.edu). For more information on Dr. Larry Baker, visit www.bbe.umn.edu/People/LarryBaker.

On Thursday, April 21, the campus and community are invited to join in a Critical Mass Bike Ride. The ride begins at 5:30 p.m. and participants are asked to gather at Crookston High School parking lot for the ride. Helmets are required. Because of liability concerns, Critical Mass bike rides are not sponsored by any person or entity, they are just a group of people getting together to go on a ride.  The route will be on roads and paths that are not as busy and all traffic laws will be obeyed.  Those who are unfamiliar with riding on streets will be informed by more experienced group riders.  
 
A mini-grant from the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment helps fund the series of bi-weekly, "sustainability supper seminars" designed to educate the campus and the local community on sustainability applications as well as explore the "Communiversity" concept.

Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, marks the anniversary of what may be considered the birth of the modern environmental movement. The first Earth Day was held in 1970. To learn more, visit www.earthday.org.

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: Michael Knudson, Minnesota GreenCorps member, 218-281-8128 (knud0189@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

A spring music concert by the choir and band at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium. One of the evening's highlights will be solo performances by graduating seniors.  Refreshments will follow the concert and everyone is welcome to attend.

The choir and band are under the direction of Associate Professor George French who teaches in the Liberal Arts and Education Department on the Crookston campus. He has been the director of music at the U of M, Crookston since 1980.

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, Liberal Arts and Education Dept., 218-281-8266 (gfrench@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Doris Cooper was hired  recently as the grants and contracts coordinator at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Her major responsibilities will be to research, identify, and communicate potential sources of funding to support research projects and program development opportunities, to coordinate sources of funding for future grants and contracts, and to assist faculty members with grant writing and coordination of necessary resources.  She began her new role on Monday, April 4, 2011.

Cooper came to the U of M, Crookston from the University of North Dakota (UND), where she most recently served as executive director for the UND Alumni Association and UND Foundation.  She has also served as director of development marketing and communications at UND, as a marketing and communication coordinator for the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, ND, and as associate director of public relations for Jamestown College.  Cooper holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from UND.  

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 Baldwin, senior vice chancellor, academic affairs, 218-281-8340 (tbaldwin@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The lives of a Hispanic family in Minnesota are the basis of "Minnecanos," a story to be told in a performance by the Mixed Blood Theatre at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The Minneapolis-based theater company will be on stage in Kiehle Auditorium on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 7 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs on the Crookston campus, has free admission and everyone is welcome to attend.

"Minnecanos," a term created to describe Minnesotans of Mexican descent, is also the name given by Mexican immigrants to the topping knife, the tool used to harvest and clean sugar beets. The performance is the story of an old man awakening his great-granddaughter's interest in their shared Chicano history in a touching and invigorating renewal of family and culture.
 
The play's author, Joe Minjares, turns his personal experiences growing up on Minneapolis' north side into the 45-minute performance that also addresses major milestones in Hispanic history.  For almost a decade, "Minnecanos" has been performed throughout the upper Midwest.

The mission of Mixed Blood Theatre 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.

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 University of Minnesota, Crookston Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team traveled to the 2011 Regional Competition on March 30, in Minneapolis, Minn., where they were named Regional Champions for a 12th consecutive time. They will be competing against teams from around the United States at the National Competition in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 10-12. They are coached by business instructors Kenneth Johnson and Rachel Lundbohm.

Along with being named a Regional Champion, the team was also recognized with a 4.0 Club award which recognizes quality educational programs, success in SIFE, and long-term sustainability to improve the quality of life and standard of living for others, and a Club 44 award, recognizing a SIFE membership of 44 or more active members.

The SIFE Presentation Team, made up of six students from four different countries included: Alexandra Buscher, a senior from Merrifield, Minn.; Chan Liew, a junior from Seoul, South Korea; Dae Yeul Lee, a sophomore from Seoul, South Korea; Abbey Wemimo, a sophomore from Lagos, Nigeria; Yangchen Gurung, a junior from Kathmandu, Nepal; Klint Mahne, a junior from Lake Bronson, Minn. The team also included a Video Tech Team whose members were James Kriegh, a junior from Crookston, Minn.; and Xi Zhou, a senior from Chong Sing, China; presented a 24-minute video presentation that showcased a majority of the projects the SIFE team has done through the year, followed by a five-minute question and answer session.

There were 20 teams from 10 different states in attendance, and the team competed against five other teams in their league including teams from Wisconsin, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Minnesota. Of the five teams in the league in which Crookston's team competed, two were selected to go on to nationals. Along with the U of M, Crookston, the other team selected was North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn.

After the presentation, the team was free to attend a job fair which was hosted by SIFE as well as a luncheon and round-table discussion. During the discussion team members met with representatives from various businesses.

The team will now prepare for nationals by making changes to their presentation and annual report based on feedback they received during the competition. Some 400 teams will compete at nationals in May.

SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Participating students form teams on their university campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The mission of SIFE is to bring together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. To learn more about SIFE, visit www.sife.org.

To learn more about the business program at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/bus.

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: Rachel Lundbohm, business instructor and SIFE co-advisor, 218-281-8190 (rlundboh@umn.edu); Kenneth Johnson, business instructor and SIFE co-advisor, 218-281-8178 (joh02053@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (lt

University of Minnesota, Crookston students, Timothy Knudson, Monticello, Minn.,  and Adam Kleinschmidt, Glenwood, Minn., were the co-recipients of the 2011 Student Conservationist and Scholarship Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Both seniors, Knudson is majoring in wildlife management and water resource management and Kleinschmidt is majoring in wildlife management, natural resources law enforcement, and wildlife management. The award winners were announced by Chapter President, Russell Kleinschmidt, at the annual meeting of the professional organization held in St. Cloud, Minn., on March 22, 2011.

In announcing the awards, President Kleinschmidt noted that, "Both individuals are deserving of the scholarship and exhibit exceptional motivation in their studies and work experience in natural resource conservation.  It is delightful to see such promising young individuals enter the natural resource and conservation profession." Knudson is president of the UMC Chapter of The Wildlife Society and plans to work as a research technician with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife in Yukon Flats, Alaska. Adam Kleinschmidt is the area chairman and founder of the Golden Ducks Chapter of Ducks Unlimited based in Crookston, as well as an active member of other conservation clubs on the Crookston campus. He will be working as a management technician at the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge near Crookston.

The award consists of a $ 500 cash award. This marks the 8th time in the last 10 years that a UMC student has received this prestigious honor. Russell Kleinschmidt is a UMC wildlife management graduate and is currently a district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service of U.S.D.A. based in Wadena, Minn. Holly Sandberg won the award in 2009 and is currently a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Alaska. Lisa Gentele, a soil conservation technician with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alexandria, Minn., won the award in 2010.  

"We're extremely pleased with the track record of our Natural Resources students in receiving this honor," according to Ron Del Vecchio, professor and head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. "It reflects well on not only the students but the quality instruction delivered by faculty in the department." Brenda Miller, a civil engineer by background, is the primary instructor in the Soil and Water Conservation program and adds, "Our students respond well to the hands-on type of instruction which we provide and this also serves the needs of employers as well. Graduates are more 'job ready.'"

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, from left: Adam Kleinschmidt; Ron Del Vecchio, Ph.D., professor and head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department; Soil and Water Conservation Instructor Brenda Miller; and Timothy Knudson.

 

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, professor and director, Center for Sustainability, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota announced recently Alumna Dr. Kari Torkelson as one of this year's recipients of the Alumni Service Award, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon alumni of the University. A reception for Torkelson will held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

Torkelson, a past president of the U of M, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA), will be formally recognized during commencement exercises on May 7, 2011, on the campus. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium. Torkelson is both humbled and pleased by the recognition, "It doesn't seem quite right to be honored for something you love to do--promoting and supporting UMC," she says.

"Kari is an outstanding and valuable ambassador of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Her leadership and passion for our campus are unparalleled," says Charles H. Casey, chancellor. "We are extremely proud to call her one of our alumni. She leads by example in every way."

Torkelson attended the U of M, Crookston from 1989 to 1991 while the campus was still a two-year technical college. As a student, Torkelson participated in volleyball, basketball, sang in the choir, served as a resident assistant, and was a member of the Campus Ministry.

She transferred to North Dakota State University, Fargo, and then transferred to Indiana University, Bloomington, where she completed her bachelor's degree, and then, went on to complete her doctorate of optometry there as well. She is currently an optometrist at Lifetime Vision Center in Grand Forks, N.D.

Torkelson participates in many service activities. She is a member of the Teambacker Board, All-Campus Advisory Board, North Dakota School for the Blind Foundation Board, and the Red River Habitat for Humanity Board. For several years, she was a member of the Grand Forks Master Chorale and served on their board.

"It is inspiring to serve on many different committees at UMC because I can see firsthand how other volunteers and administrators give of their time to make sure the campus continues to be a great asset to the University of Minnesota system and the state of Minnesota," says Torkelson.

In 2001, Torkelson received the Outstanding Alumni Award. She also was a member of the 1989-90 women's basketball team inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. For a list of other U of M Alumni Service Award recipients, visit http://uawards.umn.edu/Award_Recipients/Alumni_Service_Award_Recipients.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: Corby Kemmer, director, development and alumni relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)