University of Minnesota, Crookston News

Tim Moe Named U of M Crookston's Teambacker of the Year for 2013

2013-05-20T15:43:59Z

The 2013 Teambacker of the Year Award at the University of Minnesota Crookston was presented to Tim Moe at the annual Fun Nite held Friday, April 29, 2013. The event was held at the Crookston Eagles and raises money for UMC athletic scholarships. Kari Torkelson, president of UMC Teambackers presented Moe with the award. The evening raised more than $19,000 in support of scholarships for student-athletes.

Moe has been on the board of Teambackers for four years and has served as vice president for two. He is active in Teambacker events and initiatives including golf tournaments and the annual Fun Nite.

Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising, admires Moe for his commitment to Teambackers. "Tim Moe is a dedicated, hard-working member of the board who cares about the athletic department on our campus."

UMC Teambackers is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for UMC. It operates in conjunction with the UMC Development Office, the Athletic Department and the University of Minnesota Foundation. For more information on Teambackers, contact Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising at 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@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.

In the photo: Tim Moe, 2013 Teambacker of the Year, was presented his award by Teambacker President Kari Torkelson (left).

Ag Lender Update Session to address farmer and lender concerns

2013-05-20T13:40:55Z

University of Minnesota Extension will be holding an Ag Lender Update Conference in Moorhead on Wednesday, May 29th. The meeting will address concerns about farm profitability during times of high market volatility and other current farmer/lender issues. Topics included are planning for profit and why a written plan is needed. The session will address producer concerns regarding defending their land base, ideas for negotiating land rent contracts, and tips for success. Addressing changes in agriculture will be covered including a look at the economics of adding tile drainage on rented land, and also ideas for farm transition, including machinery sharing and transfer.

For additional information on the conference and to receive a registration form contact U of M Extension educator Bill Craig at 218-281-8692 or email craig030@umn.edu.

Alpha Lambda Delta Shares Take of the Pi (Run) with Polk County Historical Society for Carnegie Building Restoration

2013-05-07T15:49:26Z

It was the reason for running. Sharing proceeds to help with the restoration of the Carnegie

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.

Background

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.

In the photos, at top right, left to right, are Sandy Kegler, Kristina Gray, and Jerry Amiot from the Polk County Historical Society with Alex Skeeter and Elizabeth Tollefson, representing ALD.

At bottom left, Alex Skeeter (seated) signs the check from ALD to help with the restoration of the Carnegie Building with Polk County Historical Society board members Jerry Amiot (right) and Kristina Gray (left).

National Society of Leadership and Success Holds Annual Induction Ceremony at U of M Crookston

2013-05-07T12:48:10Z

The Crookston Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) held its third annual induction ceremony on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Bede Ballroom at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

The spring 2013 inductees included the following students:

Last Name	First Name	Major	Year
Chin	Tiffany	accounting	senior
Hernandez	Alissa	double major in equine science and animal science	junior
Bendel	Cayla	natural resources	junior
Rasmusson	Haley	double major in early childhood education and elementary education	junior
Haugen	Samuel	agronomy	sophomore
Smith	Miah	health sciences	sophomore
Amundson	Sabra	animal science	junior
Berglin	Samantha	criminal justice	junior
Furry	Michael	natural resources	junior
Selvestra	Drew	criminal justice	sophomore
Barsness	Tiana	double major in health sciences and biology	senior
Jennings	Jesse	criminal justice	junior
Berg	Steffanie	communication	junior
McMahon	Michael	natural resources	junior
Vatthauer	Brooke	health sciences	sophomore
Hettver	Chelsey	animal science	junior
Maiga	Mariam	software engineering	senior
Borowicz	Matthew	health sciences	junior
Fennell	Danae	organizational psychology	senior
Guetter	Casey	natural resources	senior
Bellrichard	Kayla	double major in business management and marketing	sophomore
Johnson	Sarah	animal science	junior
Miller	Brooks	software engineering	sophomore
Mikutowski	Mary	health sciences	sophomore
Peterson	Katrina	double major in animal science and business management	senior
Schneider	Alyssa	double major in early childhood education and elementary education	junior
Romero	Amber	double major in animal science and equine science	sophomore
Maung	Myint	criminal justice	sophomore
Underdahl	Drew	agricultural business	senior
Schmidt	Braden	health sciences	sophomore
Pederson	Kole	quadruple major in aviation, agronomy, agricultural systems management, and agricultural business	junior
Mears	Erin	criminal justice	sophomore
Ostergren	Kaitlyn	accounting	senior
Looker	Brittany	double major in health sciences and biology	sophomore
Twaddle	Marcus	natural resources	senior
Rozell	Sean	business management	senior
Wood	Aliscia	early childhood education	senior
Skeeter	Alexandra	double major in health sciences and biology	junior
Perea	Josh	criminal justice	junior
Buscher	Alexandra	business management	senior
Prudhomme	Kurt	software engineering	junior

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.

Alpha Lambda Delta Inducts Members in Ceremony at U of M Crookston

2013-05-07T12:28:48Z

In a ceremony held Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2013, the University of Minnesota, Crookston

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.

In the photo: Back row, left to right: Kole Pederson; Timilehin Koladi Adeniyi; Curtis Shaun; and Chancellor Fred Wood. Middle row: Elizabeth Tollefson, staff advisor; Stephanie Lane; Craig Gapinski; Emily Steeley; Katie Sheetz; and Brian Dingman, faculty advisor. Front row: Megan Betcher; Ashley Reichert; Chloe Nelson; Brileigh Spilde; and Alyssa Newburg. Not pictured: Joseph Stefanik, Kayla Stampfle, and Amberly Pesall

Agriculture Study Takes U of M Crookston Students to Brazil over Spring Break 2013

2013-05-06T19:26:27Z

For thirteen students from the University of Minnesota Crookston, spring break meant ten

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.

In the photo at top, right (left to right): Chuck Lariviere, Alex DeBoer, Brian Oachs, Johnathan Sorenson, Alex Prudhomme, Matt Green, ryce Gillie, Ashley Hoffman, Greg Sparby, Kayla Erickson, Travis Duresky, Amanda Crook, Max Johnson,and Jeremy Love.

Middle, left: Chuck Lariviere, Alex DeBoer, Travis Duresky, Kayla Erickson, Matt Green, Bryce Gillie, Johnathan Sorenson, Alex Prudhomme, Ashley, Hoffman, Brian Oachs, Gregory Sparby, Amanda Crook, Jeremy Love, Max Johnson.

Entrepreneur and Small Business Exchange Planned for Tuesday, May 21, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center

2013-05-06T18:08:34Z

The Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES) is hosting its inaugural Entrepreneur and Small

Business Exchange on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The exchange will be held in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The event is free and will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn from each other and address issues they face. For more information or to register for this event, contact Rachel Lundbohm, associate director of CRES, at rlundboh@umn.edu or (218) 281-8190.

The Entrepreneur and Small Business Exchange will include speakers, a luncheon, and a roundtable discussion. All are welcome to attend from those thinking about starting a business to those who own an established business.

Background

The mission of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies is to encourage entrepreneurship through educational leadership, applied research, and insightful consulting. CRES engages the students, faculty, and research facilities of the University of Minnesota, Crookston in order to stimulate the entrepreneurial culture and strengthen the economic vitality of northwest Minnesota.

CRES serves the eleven county region of northwest Minnesota, including Beltrami, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties, and is located in Dowell Hall 117on the Crookston campus.

For more information, contact Lundbohm or visit the CRES Web site at www.umccres.org.

Two Awarded Sather Scholarships for 2013-14 by U of M Crookston

2013-05-06T17:59:49Z

Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota Crookston for the

prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year are Brooke Holtman (top, right), a sophomore from Fertile, Minn., majoring in marketing and Kurt Prudhomme (bottom, left), a junior from Crookston, Minn., majoring in software engineering.

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 a high school graduate of Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau, or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay describing an experience or 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.

Spring 2013 Student Awards Ceremony Recognizes Achievement in Academics, Athletics, Service, and Leadership

2013-05-01T16:59:29Z

The annual Student Awards Program, a celebration of student service, leadership, and academic and athletic achievement, was held recently at the University of Minnesota Crookston. Assistant Professor Denis Maier, who teaches in the Business Department, was the 2012 Outstanding Educator and hosted this year's recognition.

Visit the online photo album.

Award recipients include the following students:

CSA Student Senators and Officers

Brooke Novak; Ross Sigler; Bryce Gillie; Aaron Soltau, Heather Rodriguez; Mariah Gautsche; Emily Goff; Molly Sheehan; Anthonette Sims; and Gyaltso Gurung, Laura Gabrielson; Ashlynn Hartung; Alexmai Addo; Adam Switzer; Kayla Bellrichard; and Shaolei "Sorry" Jin.

Outstanding Ambassadors

Catlin Kersting, Tashi Gurung, Sam Zuck, Katie Hagen, Sarah Morris, Jordan Melbye

Tony Taylor, Kevin Lamp, Alex Skeeter, Alissa Hernandez, Jessica Girgen, Mikala Guidinger

Sorry Jin, Danny Lee, Bryce Gillie, Justin Goodroad

Ambassador of the Year Award

Bryce Gillie

Outstanding First-Year Biology Award

Ashley Martell

Outstanding Future Educator Award

Dabitna Chung, Amy Van Treeck

Marketing/ Management Academic Achievement Award

Dain Park and Alex Buscher

Marketing/Management Outstanding Leadership Award

Dain Park, Abbey Wemimo, Hannah Reysen, Kayla Bellrichard

Distinguished Service to the Accounting Program

Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee

Outstanding SRM Student

Kari Bodine

Outstanding Communication Student

Jessica Stuber

Outstanding Communication Minor

Connie Vandermay

SOS Service Award

Alexmai Addo, Catilin Kersting

Outstanding SOS Leader

Almir Krdzalik

Peer Connection Service Award

Alexmai Addo and Brooke Novak

Peer Mentor of the Year Award

Catlin Kersting

Regal Spirit Award

Kayla Bellrichard, and Tyler Lowithan

Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award

Kyle Kreklow, Kurtis Wacker, Joey Schmidt, with Kristie Walker

Norman Pankratz Memorial Conservation Award

Jenny DuBay

John Polley Soil and Water Conservation Award

Trent Brenny and Andrew Albertsen with Dan Svedarsky

The Wildlife Society Travel Award

Alisha Mosloff

Outstanding Animal Science

Sara Scott (pre-vet)

Outstanding Equine Science

Jess Charles (pre-vet)

Outstanding Ag Business Student

Amanda Crook

Outstanding ASM Student

Leonard Will and Matt Green

Outstanding Horticulture

Ashlynn Hartung

NACTA Recognition

Meats Team: Dustin Wiese, Katie Hagen, Justin Goodroad and Derek Suhonen

Ag Business Dustin Smith, Katie Hagen, Matt Green, and Kayla Erickson

Ag Computers: Cedric Citrowske, Amanda Crook, Drew Underdahl and Brian Oachs

Outstanding International Student Scholars Award

Ashley Yun Zhor; Brennan Andreas; Danny Lee; and Tashi Gurung

Learning Abroad Office Ambassador Awards

Tim Baker; Amanda Corneliussen; and DeAndra O'Connell

Support of Diversity Award

Outstanding Theater Student Award

Liz Massie

Tyler Lowithan

Nathan Anderson

Outstanding Music Service Award

Rebecca Apitz

Miah Smith

Outstanding Writing Tutor

Rowenna Fillmore

Computer Help Desk

Melissa Freitag

Student Employee of the Year

Adam Hoff

Female and Male Student Athlete of the Year

Chelsea Wiesner and Almir Kradzlik

Female and Male Outstanding Athlete of the Year

Brittany Wiese and Brittany Looker and Richard Haley

Justin Knebel Memorial Award

Broderick Schmidt

Dale Knotek Community Service Award - Delta Theta Sigma (DTS)

Joshua Bruggman, Tim Lee, Brett Carlson, Clayton Lenk, Aaron Soltau, Marcus Twaddle

Kasey Okke, Adam Switzer, Dan Kimm, Hannah Reysen, Sami Benoy, Evan Boreen, Amanda Corneliussen, Brittany Fox

Presidents Volunteer Service Award

Megan Luxford, Chia Moua, Kari Bodine, Bailey Stratton (online student), Katie Nenn, Kevin Lamp Tony Taylor, Krista Kenyon, Emily Goff, Alexmai Addo, Catlin Kersting, Kayla Bellrichard, Alissa Hernandez, Almir Krdzalic Kasey Okke, Sean Rozell, Tyler Lowthian, Bryce Gillie, Ross Sigler

Student Volunteer of the Year Award

John Niemczyk with Lisa Loegering

Student Programmer of the Year

Ashley Hoffman

Outstanding CSA Senator

Alexmai Addo

Outstanding CSA Voting Delegate Award

Megan Luxford

Faculty and Staff Awards

Outstanding Educator

Ron Del Vecchio

Most Supportive of Students

Phil Baird

Outstanding Service to Students

Lisa Samuelson

Student Achievement Awards

en Williams, Bryce Gillie, Almir Krzadlic, Matt Green

Krista Kenyon, Tashi Gurung, Abbey Wemimo, Brooke Novak

Alexmai Addo, Danny Lee, Sam Zuck- Roscoe, and Alex Skeeter

Man and Woman of Year

Dae Yuel Danny Lee and Sam Zuck-Roscoe

Athletic All-Academic Team - 3.2 GPA or higher and lettering in the same sport for two years

Rachelle Alcini - Women's Soccer

Matthew G. Borowicz - Football

Carli Bunning - Women's Basketball

Karen Carpenedo - Equestrian - Western

Jessica Charles - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Jensen Crots - Women's Soccer

Zach D. Cymbaluk - Men's Golf

Amanda Krueger - Equestrian - Western

Kelly Gustofson - Women's Golf

Rachel Halligan - Women's Soccer

Shelby Hollinger - Softball

Jesse Jennings - Baseball

Caitlin Kelley - Equestrian - Western

Samantha Kramer - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Almir Krdzalic - Men's Basketball

Brittany Looker - Women's Volleyball

Stacey Marcum - Softball

Ashley Martell - Women's Basketball

Myint Maung- Football

Keith McBride - Football

Erin Mears - Women's Soccer

Mary Mikutowski - Women's Volleyball & Golf

Brooks Miller - Baseball

Hannah Nedrud - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Amanda Overman - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Casey Paris - Women's Tennis

Josh Perea - Football

Angela Peterson - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Josee Plante - Softball

Jordan Prill - Baseball

Jesse Roscoe - Men's Golf

Shannan Salm - Equestrian - Western

Hannah Schiller - Women's Volleyball

Broderick Schmidt - Men's Basketball

Alyssa Schneider - Women's Volleyball

Christopher Secrest - Football

Drew Selvestra - Football

Alexandra Skeeter - Women's Volleyball

Joseph Stearly - Football

Andrew Steinfeldt - Football

Annalee Sundin - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Brooke Vatthauer - Softball

Chelsea Wiesner - Women's Volleyball

Yahna Zastrow - Equestrian - Western

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.

University of Minnesota Ranks among Top 25 in 2013 Online College Rankings

2013-05-01T14:55:24Z

The University of Minnesota has been ranked among the top 25 in the 2013Online College Rankings by the Guide to Online Schools. This is the second year the U of M has been featured on this list. The ranking is based upon quality and affordability of online degrees.

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.

Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2013 at the U of M, Crookston Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium

2013-05-01T14:37:47Z

The Class of 2013 will be honored during commencement exercises at the University of

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.

U of M Crookston Named to 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

2013-04-30T15:01:34Z

The University of Minnesota Crookston was named to the 2013 President's Higher Education

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.

Background

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.

CANCELED: U of M, Crookston Junior Beth Motley Directs Comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" on Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2013; Performances at 7:30 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium

2013-04-29T13:25:43Z

This event has been CANCELED.

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

U of M Crookston Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society wins Wildlife Quiz bowl Competition at the Midwest Student Conclave in Twin Lakes, Mich.

2013-04-23T13:43:32Z

The Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society team took top honors in the wildlife quiz bowl

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.

In the photo, left to right, are Jenny DuBay, Matt Toenies, Alisha Mosloff, Michael McMahon.

Jon Foley, Ph.D., director of U of M Institute on the Environment to speak at U of M Crookston on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at 7 p.m., Bede Ballroom

2013-04-23T13:23:44Z

Jon Foley, Ph.D., director of the Institute on the Environment (IonE) at the University of the Minnesota, will speak at the University of Minnesota Crookston on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at 7 p.m. His presentation "Can we feed the world without destroying it?" will take place in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. The event is free and the public is invited.

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.