Eagle athletics at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The presentation was made to U of M Crookston Chancellor Fred Wood to support scholarships for student-athletes.

"Financial support is the focus of UMC Teambackers and this organization has benefitted countless athletes since it was organized 21 years ago," says Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising. "I am grateful to everyone who invests in our student-athletes, and I value their support for Teambackers."

The Teambackers Club is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for the U of M, Crookston. It operates in conjunction with the development office, athletic department, and the University of Minnesota Foundation. For the past 19 years the Teambackers Club has helped support athletic scholarships for student-athletes in 11 sports on the Crookston campus. 

Learn more about Teambackers by visiting www.goldeneaglesports.com/teambackers. 

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 28 bachelor's degree programs, 20 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 11 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Conservationist Awards from the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Conservation Society. 

 

The Award is given to outstanding conservation students at a Minnesota college or university and consists of a $ 500 stipend. Students are typically nominated by one of more of their professors based on their academic and leadership achievements. They are also required to complete an essay in which they outline how they would personally address the range of current conservation issues but especially those related to soil and water conservation. 

 

Jackson, from Walker, Minn., recently graduated with a degree in natural resources management and is on a career track appointment with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He will be based in Crookston on a training assignment this summer. In the summer of 2012, Jackson was on assignment in Duluth [Minn.] where he worked with Dan Weber, a 2003 graduate who is based there with the NRCS. Wade is an older-than-average student who made a considerable sacrifice to return to college and complete his degree. 

"We especially appreciated Wade sharing his life experiences in classes and their conservation implications," notes Professor Dan Svedarsky. "It was especially fitting that Kathy Fillmore was able to present Wade with his award since Kathy also completed her UMC degree as an older-than-average student." Fillmore, a '99 graduate, is now a district conservationist with the NRCS in Thief River Falls, Minn. 

Guetter is from Miltona, Minn., and is on a career track with the NRCS but has launched his career in North Dakota, having worked in Valley City, Bottineau, and now this summer in Fessenden. Guetter is maintaining a 3.75 grade point average while majoring in wildlife management and natural resource management and plans to graduate at the end of winter semester of 2013. He also finds time to provide key leadership to the Golden Ducks, Crookston Chapter of Duck Unlimited as well as being a member of the UMC Natural Resources Club. 

"Bob did not grow up on a farm but purposely wanted to gain first-hand farm experience since NRCS personnel work with private  landowners so he hired on part-time with Wayne and Kevin Capistran Farms of Crookston," according to Svedarsky. "Somehow or another, Bob was able to squeeze a lot into a full schedule and do a great job on all of it!" Guetter received the UMC John Polley Soil and Water Conservation Award in 2012. 

Background

The Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Conservation Society is affiliated with the national Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), a nonprofit scientific and educational organization -- founded in 1943 -- that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy. SWCS has over 5,000 members around the world, including researchers, technical advisors, teachers, students, farmers, and ranchers. Members come from nearly every academic discipline and many different public, private, and nonprofit institutions. Chapters, numbering 75 are located throughout the United States and Canada and conduct a variety of activities at local, state, and provincial levels and on university campuses. Discussions are underway between Regional One Representative, Kathy Fillmore and UMC conservation faculty to establish a student SWCS affiliated chapter on the UMC campus.

For more information, contact Svedarsky at 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@crk.umn.edu).

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 28 bachelor's degree programs, 20 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 11 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Faculty and staff were honored for years of service along with the retirement of Tom Baldwin, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs; Vicki Svedarsky, assistant counselor in Career and Counseling Services; and Mike Vivion, chief pilot in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. The event was also an opportunity to recognize two department heads who are leaving campus for other opportunities: Jack Geller, head, Liberal Arts and Education Department and Adel Ali, head, Math, Science, and Technology Department. 

Individual faculty and staff were presented awards for their contributions to the Crookston campus: 

Rachel McCoppin, associate professor, Liberal Arts & Education Department - Distinguished Teaching Award presented by Thomas Baldwin.

Michelle Christopherson, director, Center for Adult Learning - Distinguished Professional and Administrative (P&A) Award presented by Connie Camrud. 

Linda Wilkens, Copy Center Operator, UMC Printing & Design - Distinguished Civil Service and Bargaining Unit Award presented by Tom Sondreal.

Ken Bulie, lecturer, Business Department - Outstanding Service Learning Faculty Award 

reented by Lisa Loegering.

Josh Parrill, student personnel coordinator, 

Academic Assistance Center - Outstanding Community Service Award presented by Kenneth Johnson.

Melissa Parkin, catering supervisor, Dining Services - Builder of Diversity Award presented by Lorna Hollowell. 

The entire campus community was also thanked for its overall support for students with disabilities by Laurie Wilson. 

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Building, a project spearheaded by the Polk County Historical Society, was the purpose of this year's third annual Pi Run. Several members of the board of the Polk County Historical Society were on hand on Tuesday, May 7 to accept a $1,000 check for the Carnegie restoration project from Junior Alex Skeeter, the president of Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The race, hosted by ALD on April 20, 2013, included 100 runners in a 5K and 10K race along with 9 children participating in a fun run.  

The Pi Run was sponsored by Herc-u-lift, Inc., headquartered in Maple Plain, Minn., with help from HB Light and Sound in Grand Forks, N.D., and from RBJs, Hugos, Anytime Fitness, and Erickson Embroidery all located in Crookston. 

The goal of the Polk County Historical Society's Carnegie restoration project is to eventually use the building as an arts and cultural center for the community and region. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1984 and the Lake Agassiz Regional Library of Crookston, built that same year, stands adjacent to it. 

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

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. 

To become a member, students must attend an orientation, three videoconference speakers, three consecutive Success Networking Team (SNT) meetings, complete community service hours, and participate in a three-hour long Leadership Training Day.  For more information about the National Society of Leadership and Success, visit www.societyleadership.org.

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

 Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Honor Society welcomed its new members. Brian Dingmann, Ph.D., the society's faculty advisor welcomed the initiates and their guests and introduced the guest speaker, Chancellor Fred Wood, who shared with inductees his educational story and some words of advice. 

Along with welcoming the new members, the society announced its new executive board for the 2013-14 academic year led by President Alexandra Skeeter, a junior double majoring in health sciences and biology from Milwaukee, Wis.; Vice President Mary Mikutowski, a health sciences major from Still water, Minn.; Treasurer Brittany Looker, a sophomore double major in biology and health sciences from Rochester, Minn.; and Secretary Josee Plante, a sophomore majoring in health sciences from Manitou, Manitoba, Canada. All Senior members of ALD were awarded cords in recognition of their graduation. 

New inductees include the following students:  

Amberly Pesall, a double major in agricultural business and equine science from New Brighton, Minn.; Alyssa Newburg, an equine science major from Maple Grove, Minn.; Kathryn Sheetz, a biology major from Grand Rapids, Minn.; Shaun Curtis, a software engineering major from St. Cloud, Minn.; MeganBetcher, a natural resources major from Red Wing, Minn.; Brileigh Spilde, an elementary education major from Hillsboro, N.D.; Emily Steeley, an equine science major from Porstmouth, R.I.; Kayla Stampfle, a natural resources major from Arden Hills, Minn.; Chloe Nelson, a biology major from Little Falls, Minn.; Joseph Stefanik, a double major in agricultural systems management and agricultural business from Lebanon, Ind.; Kendra Pahl, a biology major from Fargo, N.D.; Ashley Reichert, an animal science major from Clearbrook, Minn.; Timilehin Kolade Adeniyi, a software engineering major from Bronx, N.Y.; Kaylin Beatty, an equine science major Andover, Minn.; Craig Gapinski, an animal science major from St. Cloud, Minn.; Kole Pederson, a quadruple major in aviation, agronomy, agricultural business and agricultural systems management from Bejou, Minn.; and Stephanie Lane, a natural resources major from Holly Springs, N.C. 

Eligibility for membership in the national honor society for first-year students is based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better during the first term or year of college while a student is enrolled full-time. Less than 20% of college freshman achieve this high level of academic performance.

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

days in Brazil and weeks in preparation for a powerful learning abroad experience. The trip, which took place from March 16-24, 2013, took students to sugar cane farms, dairy operations, huge cities, beautiful waterfalls, a tour of Itapu Dam, and much more. 

Chuck Lariviere, instructor in agricultural business, led the students on trip showing them the rich agricultural areas and giving them an opportunity to compare the agriculture they are familiar with to the work going on in Brazil. It was all a part of a global studies class that led to the study abroad in Brazil.   

"Students have a real opportunity for growth when they choose to study abroad," said Lariviere. "Learning to approach questions from more than one perspective and with a more global approach is a powerful tool in creating a deeper understanding of yourself and others. The trip to Brazil brought learning in my class to a whole new level."

Unique aspects of the trip included visits to some  large farm operations to see the cultivation of such crops as corn, soybeans, and sugarcane; reaserch facilities to witness work being conducted on citrus, rubber, mango, coffee, and jatropha, along with other crops; visits to some of Brazil's dairy operations; and a chance to see the increased logistical challenges caused by lack of infrastructure and transportation. The students also had the chance to stand in two different countries while visiting the Itapu Dam  which spans the border between Paraguay, and Brazil. They also witnessed the incredible power and beauty of the water falls at Iguassu Falls National Park.

Sightseeing opportunities took them to the large cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Lonrinda. It also included a visit to Christ the Redeemer, the famous statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, considered to be the largest art deco statue in the world. The beauty of Brazil intrigued them and it is an experience they will long remember, but the class agreed they came home with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for home. 

Students traveling to Brazil over spring break included Ashley Hoffman, a senior double majoring in agricultural business and agronomy from Shevlin, Minn.; Matthew Green, a senior triple majoring in agricultural business, agronomy, and agricultural systems management from Greenbush, Minn.; Alex Prudhomme, a junior majoring in agronomy from Crookston, Minn.; Alex DeBoer, a junior majoring in agricultural systems management from Crookston, Minn.; Travis Duresky, a junior majoring in agricultural systems management from Waskish, Minn.; Johnathan Sorenson, a sophomore majoring in agricultural systems management from Fisher, Minn.; Gregory Sparby, a senior majoring in agricultural systems management from Grygla, Minn.; Brian Oachs, a junior double majoring in agronomy and agricultural systems management from Herman, Minn.; Max Johnson, a sophomore majoring in  agricultural systems management from Langdon, N.D.; Bryce Gillie, a senior majoring in agronomy from Hallock, Minn.; Kayla Erickson, a senior double majoring in 

agricultural education and agricultural business from Scandia, Minn.; Amanda Crook, a senior double majoring in agricultural business and agronomy from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada; and Jeremy Love, a junior majoring in agricultural systems management from Fisher, Minn. 

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

The UMC Center for Adult Learning's involvement as the Digital Campus Calling Center has positioned the campus not only for inclusion in this recognition but also UMC's prominent role in providing online degree programs in the undergraduate area for the U of M system.(Go to www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online‐schools/university‐of‐minnesota and click on Bachelor's.) 

The Guide to Online Schools portal lists over 500 institutions, all analyzed as part of the rankings study. Since this information is compiled from U.S. Department of Education sources, students are presented with a list of programs and data points but little custom content.

For more information about the University of Minnesota Crookston and its online degrees, visit www.umcrookston.edu/online, call 800-862-6466 ext. 8681, or e-mail cronline@umn.edu.  

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Minnesota, Crookston on Saturday, May 11. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium and will include almost 200 students, representing 13 countries and 25 states and honoring more than 25 online graduates who are setting foot on the campus for the very first time.  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 special reception will be held on Friday, May 10 for all online graduates from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the NWSA Alseth Business Boardroom located in Dowell Hall. A reception for international student graduates will be held following commencement exercises at 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

On Saturday 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, 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 John R. Frobenius, from St. Cloud, Minn., who will also assist with the conferring of the degrees. 

U of M, Crookston alumnus Kevin Kopischke '72 (in photo, top, right) will give the commencement address. Kopischke, who graduated from the U of M, Crookston with a degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management in 1972, is the president of Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minn. Kopischke earned  his doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota; his master's in educational leadership and a bachelor's in marketing education, both from St. Cloud State University. 

University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board President Karl Syverson '11 will bring greetings from the UMCAA and welcome the new graduates to the alumni association.

Graduating senior Adam Switzer (in photo, left), Crookston Student Association (CSA) president, will speak on behalf of the Class of 2013 and pass the torch of education, a Crookston campus tradition, to Junior Alexmai Addo (in photo, right, below) the incoming CSA president. Switzer, from Apple Valley, Minnesota is majoring  in Sport and Recreation Management. Addo is a communication major from Monrovia, Liberia.

The U of M, Crookston choir, under the direction of Associate Professor George French, will sing two selections, and the string ensemble, A Touch of Brass will perform as part of the graduation ceremony.

The 2013 commencement exercises mark the 105th 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 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.

Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. The Crookston campus was one of 690 institutions of higher education to receive this honor. The 2013 Honor Roll recipients were announced at the American Council on Education's 95th Annual Meeting Leading Change on March 4, 2013, in Washington, D.C. 

According to the definition of community service defined for recognition on the honor roll, the U of M Crookston engaged in 39,481 services hours. Community service includes activities designed to improve the quality of life of off-campus community residents, particularly those deemed low-income, and includes both direct service to citizens and indirect service.

Applications for the recognition are evaluated on the university's three exemplary projects based on the scope of the project, evidence of project effectiveness, and impact on the community.  For each project, Lisa Loegering, assistant director of community engagement, is required to provide the number of students and staff who participated in the project, the total number of service hours, the number of individuals served, and the effectiveness of the project.

Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, CNCS has administered the award since 2006 and manages the program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education and Campus Compact. 

More information about the U of M Crookston's community service efforts can be found at www1.crk.umn.edu/services/ce. More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees can be found at nationalservice.gov.  

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

The University of Minnesota Crookston Music and Theater Department will perform the farcical black comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" on Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2013. The performances, which begin at 7:30 p.m., will take place in Kiehle Auditorium. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 for adults and $3 for students and children. 

The comedy is directed by Junior Beth Motley, an equine science major from Vadnais Heights, Minn., and is an undergraduate research project for Motley. "Arsenic and Old Lace," by playwright Joseph Kesselring, is the story of a drama critic named Mortimer Brewster who discovers his eccentric, elderly aunts are actually homicidal maniacs. The play was written in 1939 and made into a film in starring Cary Grant.  

Members of the cast include Martha Brewster played by Liz Massie, a junior from Eagan, Minn., majoring in communication; Abby Brewster played by Joanie Melichar, a sophomore from Richfield, Minn., majoring in early childhood; Teddy Brewster played by Justin Burogz, Crookston, Minn.; Elaine Harper played by Sarah Lanners, a sophomore from Nashwauk, Minn., majoring in horticulture; Mortimer Brewster played by Nathan Anderson, a sophomore from Appleton, Minn., majoring in agricultural education; Jonathan Brewster played by Dylunn Frazee, Crookston, Minn.; Dr. Einstein played by Sam Haugen, a sophomore from Fertile, Minn., majoring in agronomy; Officer Brophy played by Bomi Jang, a sophomore from Yangpyeong, South Korea, majoring in marketing; Officer O'Hara played by Johnnie Pauly, a junior from Wrenshall, Minn., majoring in equine science; Mr. Witherspoon/The Rev. Dr. Harper played by Emily Steenhout, a senior from Backus, Minn., majoring in equine science; Lieutenant Rooney played by Hyeseung Ko, a sophomore from Seoul, South Korea, majoring in marketing; Mr. Gibbs played by Cholong Sung, an ESL student from , Seongnam South Korea

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

competition at the Midwest Student Conclave in Twin Lakes, Mich.  This is the first time University of Minnesota Crookston students attended the conclave and competed in the quiz bowl.    Members of the team were natural resources majors Senior Jennifer DuBay, Apple Valley, Minn.; Junior Michael McMahon, St. Paul, Minn.; Sophomore Alisha Mosloff, Thief River Falls, Minn.; and Senior Matt Toenies, Randall, Minn.

"We totally rocked!" said senior wildlife management student  Jennifer DuBay.  "It was great fun.  This was without a doubt a great victory for us and a great example of the education a student can receive in the Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston."

"I heard someone in the crowd say 'Is that kid a genius?'"aid Jim Schneider, advisor to the host chapter at Michigan State University.

"This is an incredible achievement," said John Loegering, U of M Crookston professor and student chapter advisor.  "To compete so well against the powerhouse programs of the Midwest at the team's first appearance at this level is a real testament to the commitment and dedication of these students to their studies, their academic performance, and their profession.  I am very proud of their performance." 

The student chapter won the state competition last February and will compete in the national competition next fall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The quiz bowl is a one-on-one competition between teams and features questions on  wildlife biology, taxonomy, ecology, biogeography, biodiversity, population ecology, management techniques, conservation policies, and other topics relevant to wildlife management majors. Other wildlife programs competing included Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, Iowa State, Purdue University, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Central Missouri, Southern Illinois University, and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  

Conclaves are hosted by student chapters and offer professional training on a variety of topics.  This year students gained experience in several techniques including amphibian sampling, mist netting birds, capturing and handling small mammals, capturing fish with electrofishing gear, and locating animals with radio-telemetry.  There also was a resume workshop and networking events.  The conclave was at Camp Pinewood, a 200-acre YMCA camp near Twin Lakes, Michigan.  

The U of M Crookston Chapter has 25 members and is part of the over 10,000 members of The Wildlife Society, which represents and serves the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and habitats worldwide.

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Foley holds a McKnight Presidential Chair in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, and his work focuses on the behavior of complex global environmental systems and their interactions with human societies. In particular, Foley's research group uses state-of-the-art computer models and satellite measurements to analyze changes in land use, ecosystems, climate and freshwater resources across regional and global scales. 

He joined the University of Minnesota in 2008, after spending 15 years on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Award, the Samuel C. Johnson Distinguished Faculty Fellowship, the J.S. McDonnell Foundation's 21st Century Science Award, and the Sustainability Science Award from the Ecological Society of America. In 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He has also been named an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow.

The visit by Foley is part of a series of events taking place in recognition of Earth Week and as a keynote in a Sustainability Summit taking place on April 30 and May 1. For more information about the Sustainability Summit and all related activities, visit www.umcrookston.edu/today. 

To learn more about the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, visit www.environment.umn.edu. 

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.

Registration for the forum is free, and can be found at http://communityengagement.und.edu.  The website also includes a schedule for the day of the forum. Dan Svedarsky, director of the U of M, Crookston Center for Sustainability, and Chris May, NW Clean Energy Resource Team coordinator, are panelists.  Deb Zak, Extnsion Regional Director, and Linda Kingery, executive director of the NW RSDP, will facilitate an afternoon session, as will Ben Anderson, Extension Regional director in the Moorhead office. 

The forum will focus on civic, economic, and environmental sustainability, addressing topics such as smart government, new business ownership models, and changes in agriculture and energy.  As hosts of the forum, Warren will have the opportunity to showcase its own town story and their efforts toward creating more sustainable practices in their community such as becoming a GreenStep City.  Warren will also highlight their unique assets with their downtown businesses and nearby Audubon wildlife preserve.  Participants will have the opportunity to network and view exhibits of different regional projects, agencies, and resources.  

The forum will be held in the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School.  There will be free transportation available for UND participants on the day of the forum to travel to Warren; the bus will leave Memorial Union at 8 AM.  Warren is about 30 miles northeast of Grand Forks.  

About the Center:  The UND Center for Community Engagement links academic resources with community needs by connecting students and faculty to teaching and research projects off campus.  It was created by an act of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education in 2004.  The Center serves as a catalyst for faculty and students to learn from and with nonprofit organizations, rural communities, tribal communities, and other public partners through local and regional initiatives.  

About Community Connect:  The Community Connect project provides opportunities for rural communities to work together with UND faculty and students on the challenges and opportunities in our region.  There are three components to the Community Connect project - a community-university forum, a print journal, and a website with an online academic journal.  

About our sponsors:  The Community Connect project is supported in part by a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation and sponsorships from the United Valley Bank, the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, the Farmers Union Insurance, and private donations. 

Topics to be discussed include the fundamental concepts in fluvial geomorphology and ecology; including dynamic equilibrium, channel shape, stream flows; how our streams have been impacted by ditching and dams; and stream restoration designs and restoration projects with DNR cooperators.

Today the University of Minnesota Crookston delivers 27 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 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.