EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER:

Following a series of events celebrating Black History Month at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, the month of February will close with a "Celebration of Black History and Culture." On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 6 p.m., the Black Student Association will host an evening in Kiehle Auditorium filled with a variety of performances followed by a dessert reception. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

Highlighting the evening will be the following performances:

Angel Anderson (at left) will bring her talent as a spoken word artist to the Crookston campus. She has been featured several times at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is an inspiration to many young women and continues to create a powerful name for herself.

African Drumming and Dance, a part of the WISE Charter School since it first opened, will bring rhythm and excitement to the evening. Led by Brother Ghana MBaye from Dakaar Sengal and Brother Fatawu Sayibu from Ghana the students learn the culture, dances and different rhythms and sound from the coast of West Africa.

The Robbinsdale Cooper High School Step Team, known for their outstanding step performances, will demonstrate their skill. Step team routines are a form of dance with a history steeped in African-American culture. From New Hope, Minn., the Cooper High School Step Team is composed of students in grades 9-12 and they are widely known throughout Minnesota for their championship performances.

Jamar Esaw and Triad: 4Christ (at right) is a 33 member voice choir on a mission to promote the Word of God through song. They have shared the stage with several other major gospel acts and have caught the attention of the gospel industry with their undeniable sound and performances.
 
Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: Kristie Jacobsen, assistant director, residential life, 218-281-Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The annual International Dinner Series will feature the culture and taste of three countries during Mondays in March 2012 along with the final international dinner on Wednesday, April 11 at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The three international dinners will be held in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center highlight the countries of Cameroon, Taiwan, and Germany. The final dinner is hosted by the Multicultural International Club.

Tickets for the dinner series are available by contacting Rae French at 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu). Adult and senior tickets are $15 per evening or $50 for the entire series. Children under 10 years of age are $10 per evening or $35 for the entire four dinner series. Tickets are limited.

All dinners begin at 6 p.m. and are scheduled for Monday, March 5, 19, and 26. The series finale will be held on Wednesday, April 11 starting at 4:30 with an international display prior to the meal.

The dinner on Monday, March 5 features Cameroon and the evening's theme is "L'Afrique en Miniature" Christian Yimgnia, a senior majoring in accounting will serve as the student host for the evening.

On Monday, March 19, guests will enjoy the tastes of Taiwan with Li-Yuan Chiang, a junior majoring in business management. The evening's theme will be "Taiwan will touch your heart."

On Monday, March 26, the focus will be on Germany and students Ronny Jaeckel, a sophomore agronomy major and Nicolai Wilkins, a senior majoring in health sciences will serve as hosts for the evening. The theme is "Germany-the East and the West."

The final event in the series on Wednesday, April 11, is an international dinner hosted by the Multicultural International Club and includes a talent showcase, along with demonstrations, table displays, and entertainment from countries all over the world. At 4:30 p.m. students will present displays representing a variety of countries  in the International Lounge, Sargeant Student Center followed by the dinner in Bede Ballroom at 6 p.m.

The International Dinner Series is a longstanding tradition at the U of M, Crookston and highlights the culture and cuisine of selected countries annually. To learn more about international programs, visit www.umcrookston.edu/international.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: Nicolai Wilkins (left) and Ronny Jaeckel.

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

A $10,000 grant awarded by the Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council will support the fourth annual "Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The event is slated for Saturday, April 21, 2012. The grant, offered through the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, helps support access and exposure to the arts in all corners of the region.

Area clubs or organizations interested in helping to support the "Fourth Annual Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" are encouraged to contact Kenneth Mendez at 218-281-8329. Since the first celebration in 2009, the event was designed to honor the rich heritage of the Mexican people.

The goal of the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the U of M, Crookston is to promote learning, understanding and appreciation for the Mexican culture through traditional Mexican entertainment, crafts, and cuisine. It is held in honor of Cinco de Mayo, a day that historically, represents the victory of Mexico over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and culturally, represents Mexican heritage and pride.  

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council serves the seven counties located in the northwest corner of the state.  The Arts Council receives funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment from the Minnesota State Legislature.  This allows the Arts Council to develop services and grant programs for arts access, arts learning, and folk and traditional arts.  More information is available at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org   

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

In the photo at top, left to right:  Peter Phaiah, UMC, Rosa Quiroz, CHS, Anissa Moore, TVOC Head-Start, Ken Mendez, UMC, Laurie Wilson, UMC, Dale Knotek, NW Arts Council, Eryn Killough, NW Arts Council, Marsha Odom, UMC, Chuck Casey, UMC Chancellor, Patti Tiedemann, UMC, Tony Taylor, UMC.  NOT PICTURED: Leticia Sanchez and Anna Corona, Migrant Health Services.

Contact: Kenneth Mendez, UMC Post Office, 218-281-8329, (Mende089@umn.edu) or Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The third annual Horse Judging Open Invitational at the University of Minnesota, Crookston has been set for Friday, March 30, 2012, at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC). Both youth and collegiate teams are eligible to participate. Individuals and four-member teams will compete in 4 halter classes and 4 performance classes with reasons given on 2 classes. The entry fee is $80 per team and $20 for an individual entry. Pre-registration is required by March 16, or late fees will apply. Payment is due by Friday, March 30 and should be made payable to UMC Equine Science. Concessions will be provided.

The Youth Division welcomes teams from 4-H clubs and FFA, as well as high school teams. The day begins with registration at 8 a.m. with competition beginning at 9 a.m. sharp. The four halter classes will run from 9-11 a.m. with a break at 11:15 a.m. for lunch. From 12-1:30 p.m., the four performance classes will be held followed from 2-4 p.m. by reasons. All competitions will take place in UTOC except students will be escorted to Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center for reasons. The day concludes at 4:30 p.m. with the awards ceremony in the arena in UTOC.

Awards will be given for each team division in halter, performance, and reasons, as well as the top overall teams. The top ten individuals will be awarded in each division along with overall individual awards. Entry fees cover the cost of the awards and official judges' fees.

Visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/agri and choose Department Activities for more information and to access the registration forms, or contact ADawn Melbye at 218-281-8125 (amelbye@umn.edu).

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: ADawn Melbye instructor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, 218-281-8125 (amelbye@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Adam Kleinschmidt, a senior from Glenwood, Minn., majoring in natural resources at the University of Minnesota, Crookston received the Student Conservationist award from the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its annual meeting in Fargo,N.D. This award marks the 10th time in the last 15 years that a U of M, Crookston student has recognized with the award. The annual meeting was held jointly by the Minnesota Chapter and the North Dakota chapters of the organization.

The Student Conservationist Award is awarded to a student "who has shown a commitment to wildlife, has high scholastic achievement, and shows promise as a future wildlife professional." Kleinschmidt is double majoring in wildlife management and natural resources law enforcement.

The Wildlife Society is the professional organization made up of researchers, managers, professors and students with an interest in wildlife or who work in the wildlife field with agencies, colleges, or non-governmental organizations.

"Adam is clearly one of our most committed and passionate conservation students," according to Dr. Dan Svedarsky, wildlife professor and Director of UMC's Center for Sustainability. "He is very involved in a variety of clubs and volunteer activities, but one of his most outstanding achievements is that he has provided the leadership and spark for staging the local Ducks Unlimited Banquet in the community for the last 4 years! He has mobilized a core of some 25 students to join together and pull off this fairly major undertaking.  It is unusual for a younger student to take on leadership of this kind for the campus and community."

Kleinschmidt has accumulated a variety of hands-on experience ranging from a bio-tech at two national wildlife refuges to land management with prairie land management to yard maintenance. In the summer of 2011, he was an invasive species technician at the Glacial Ridge and Rydell National Wildlife Refuges near Crookston and plans to work there again in the coming field season.

Refuge Biologist, Jessica Dowler, had this to say about Adam; "During his time at the refuge, he exemplified the traits of an ideal employee. He was always on time, saw every job to its completion, continued to learn from new opportunities, lead field crews, and worked as part of many teams. He was a go-to guy and the entire staff knew that if Adam was on the job, it would get done and it would get done well."

While not officially on the job, Kleinschmidt also volunteered at the refuge where he organized a group of students to help with a fencing project that saved the refuge many hours and many more dollars to finish the project.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: Adam Kleinschmidt (left) is presented the Student Conservationist Award from UMC professor, Dan Svedarsky.

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, 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, Crookston has been named to the Princeton Review's "Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition."

The list of best value colleges, announced Tuesday, February 7, 2012 on the Princeton Review website and in USA TODAY, features 75 public and 75 private colleges and universities.  The U of M, Crookston was listed among the 75 "Best Value Public Colleges."  The annual list is a project the education services company launched in 2004 identifying America's top undergraduate schools offering excellent academics, generous financial aid, and/or relatively low cost of attendance.

The Princeton Review bases its rankings on surveys of administrators and students at 650 institutions it identified as having excellent academics. The selection criteria examined more than 30 factors in the areas of academics, cost of attendance and financial aid, using data from surveys conducted from fall 2010 through fall 2011. This year's list included colleges in 37 states and the District of Columbia, with California having the most schools represented: 19.  Fifty-six colleges, including the U of M, Crookston, are new to the list this year.

Using institutional data and the student opinion surveys collected, the Princeton Review selected its "Best Value" list based on data supplied by more than 650 colleges.  The top schools were chosen based on academics, the cost of attending, and the amount of aid provided to students.  The Princeton Review asserts some of the high-tuition schools on the list keep out-of-pocket costs down by offering generous financial aid packages.

More than 30 data points were assessed across three primary areas: academics, cost of attendance, and financial aid. Cost and financial aid data along with academic data came from the Company's surveys of school administrators. The Princeton Review also factored in data from surveys of students attending the schools who shared assessments of their professors and their satisfaction with their financial aid awards.

4 colleges in Minnesota made the list of 150:

     Crookston / University of Minnesota - Crookston
     Minneapolis / University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
     Northfield / Carleton College
     St. Paul / Macalester College

No North Dakota colleges were named to the list this year.

In recent years, the U of M, Crookston has seen its academic reputation garner national recognition including being named in the top three in the U.S.News and World Report "Top Public Regional Colleges" and the their inaugural Top Online Education Program rankings.

Another important feature of the Crookston campus is its "one-rate" tuition, which maintains the same rate for students from any state or country as for Minnesota resident students.

For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx. USA TODAY's coverage can be found at bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com. Users can click on an exclusive interactive map and access a database with stats and facts about each "Best Value" college plus a report on why the Princeton Review colleges were named a "Best Value." The Princeton Review has teamed up with USA TODAY to present this resource online since 2009.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: Andrew Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8438 (asvec@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones have launched a national search for a new chancellor of the Crookston campus.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) Chancellor Charles H. Casey will retire on June 30, 2012, following seven years at the post.

Contact: Andrew Svec, UMC University Relations, asvec@crk.umn.edu, (218) 281-8438 Chuck Tombarge, University News Service, ctombarge@umn.edu, (612) 625-8510

Mild temperatures and a light breeze greeted participants in the Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 4, 2012. The daylong fishing tournament, which supports scholarships at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, was held at Zippel Bay Resort on Lake of the Woods, Williams, Minn. To date, nearly $6,000 has been raised for the Justin Knebel Scholarship and this marks the successful ice fishing tournament's second year. Next year's tournament date has been set for February 2, 2013.

Results of the Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament included first fish caught, Emil Belin, Fertile, Minn.; largest walleye, Dan Quaife, Baudette,Minn.; largest northern, Marc Ulseth, Crookston, Minn.; largest sauger, Mike Lindholm, Thief River Falls, Minn. Prizes were sponsored in part by Streiff Sporting Goods  in Warroad, Minn.

The top winners in the raffle included Polly Dehnert, Grygla, Minn., who won the 19" television donated by Dakota TV & Appliance of Grand Forks, N.D., and Kevin Dammahn, Stephen, Minn., who won the U of M, Crookston jacket donated by the UMC Bookstore.

Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fund raising was grateful to those who assisted with this year's tournament. "We are thankful for help from a number of students from the UMC Natural Resources Club," Tyrrell said. "They assisted with weighing fish and a number of other aspects of the tournament. Zippel Bay Resort was a great place for fishing, and we really appreciate what they did for us along with the leadership we received from the tournament committee especially Alysa Tulibaski and Amber Bailey. It was an all around great day."

If someone is interested in donating a prize or sponsoring the 2013 tournament, contact Tyrrell at 218-281-8436 or Alysa Tulibaski at 701-215-4300. Video highlights of this year's tournament are available at http://youtu.be/qUUqidaLh6E.

Justin Knebel, who played basketball for the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagles, grew up in Warroad, Minn., graduating from Warroad High School in 2001. A talented athlete, he lettered in basketball, cross country, and track. After graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston where he played basketball as a point guard for the Golden Eagles. Besides his passion for playing basketball, Knebel loved the Warroad area and outdoor sports in Minnesota, making the ice fishing tournament an apt tribute to the memory of this outstanding student-athlete. For more information on the tournament, visit www.umcrookston.edu/justinknebel.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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 photos:

Top, right: Emil Belin, Fertile, Minn., receives his prize for the first fish caught from Alysa Tulibaski, one of the members of the tournament committee.

Bottom, left: Marc Ulseth, Amber Bailey, Alysa Tulibaski, and Bill Tyrrell with members of the U of M, Crookston Natural Resources Club for a photo on Lake of the Woods at the Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament. The club helped weigh fish and other aspects of the tournament.

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Alumni and community friends of the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) and the University of Minnesota, Crookston will gather for a social on Friday, Feb.17, 2012, at Terrace Green at ViewPoint Resort, 640 North Hawes Road, Mesa, Arizona. The annual alumni social begins at 11:30 a.m. and will run until 3 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon for $15 per person.

Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations will host this year's social and Chancellor Charles H. Casey will bring greetings from the Crookston campus.

If you are interested in attending the Arizona Social, please call Lorraine (Zipoy) Love '54, at 480-380-1247 or Sue Dwyer at the Alumni Office at 800-862-6466 ext. 8401 by Feb. 9, to confirm attendance. Disability accommodations are available upon request.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Tammy Sykes is the new program coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Along with Director Jan Aamoth, Sykes helps to manage the RSVP program in Polk, Red Lake, Kittson, Pennington, Norman, Marshall and Roseau Counties. Sykes began working as program coordinator on January 25, 2012. RSVP is housed in the Sargeant Student Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Aamoth is pleased to have Sykes working with her as part of RSVP of the Red River Valley. "Tammy will be an excellent addition to RSVP," says Aamoth. "She has worked for several years with the Lutheran Social Service Respite and Caregiver Support Program, and she is very knowledgeable about senior services. She has a real concern for making the communities in our region better for seniors."

The RSVP program strives to address critical community needs through innovative volunteer opportunities for persons ages 55 and over that enrich the lives of the volunteers and the communities they live in. RSVP has several new signature programs in many communities including Bone Builders Exercise classes, the Handyman and Groceries to Go Programs and Readers Theater.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about RSVP please contact the RSVP office at 218-281-8288.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 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: Jan Aamoth , director, RSVP, 218-281-8288 (aamot021@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)