Technology has changed the classroom in many ways.  For University of Minnesota Crookston faculty members Sharon Neet and Sue Brorson, these changes are at the heart of some ongoing research on the role of eBooks in education at the university.

Their research provided them an opportunity to collaborate with Anders Berggren, an information technology professional at the U of M Twin Cities and an online instructor for the Crookston campus in software engineering.

The investigation began when Neet and Berggren began discussing the possibility of preserving and distributing old, out-of-print books that are no longer constrained by copyright. 

With Berggren's help on the technology side, Neet, who teaches history on the Crookston campus, made available as an eBook, Leaves of Life, a work originally published in 1912 by J. A. Wayland. It was the first foray into e-publishing for Neet, and it has fueled her curiosity. 

Interestingly, the University of Minnesota Crookston initiated a project exploring the use of tablet computers by faculty in spring 2012. This opportunity to use eBooks in the classroom together with Neet's interest in e-publishing was well-timed.

Brorson has a significant interest in eBooks particularly as head of the Business Department and as a longtime faculty member. Her department is also a leader in the effort to maintain the highest standard of quality for students learning online. 

"In fall 2012 according to our survey, the campus had 54 eBooks across 22 courses available to students on campus and online," Brorson said. "Cost for textbooks is more than $700 per semester and changes in the eBook world made offering textbooks as eBooks make sense. They are low cost and sometimes are available at no cost for students."

Early research shows that tablets or readers, i.e. iPad, Kindle, etc., are best suited for electronic textbook users. Students without a tablet were less like to enjoy the eBook experience. However, online students found them more desirable probably because they expect to access the information they need electronically.  

Berggren and Brorson joined Neet at a history conference in Omaha in March 2012 to present their respective work in the publishing and use of eBooks at the Missouri Valley History Conference. Interest in their presentation, "Books and eBooks: the future of textbooks and research materials," proved popular and that popularity will continue as publishers move toward more electronic access of textbooks. 

"The world of eBooks is changing things," Neet says. "This is a whole new paradigm for textbook use."

It also opens the door for anyone to publish as Neet explains, "Families can share a family cookbook or a family history in a whole new way. They are no longer restricted by printing costs or by having to learn to use publishing software. They can develop a Word® document, include photos if they want to, and publish it as an eBook. It is easy and anyone can do it."

The publishing tools are available free and are limited only by the available support for the device being used. Works that were once only part of a special collection and not available for interlibrary loan could become accessible to anyone through eBooks publishing. 

The Neet, Brorson, and Berggren collaboration represents interdisciplinarity and intercampus cooperation to move forward shared research and instructional material developments.  

Neet is working publishing her fifth book this summer--a 1920s marketing book. She combines her interest in history and eBooks to provide access to the very old books in a whole new way. Today's students will have the opportunity to read from an original text if it is available, and having them available makes them an exciting option for both instructor and student. 

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.

completion of another Clean Water for Everyone (CWFE) project through the student organization, Enactus at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The completion of a project in the Bonjeh schools situated in Okokomaiko (PPL) Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria, is part of ongoing work in that country to provide clean water. 

"Our themes for the work in Lagos, Nigeria, this year were water, sanitation, and education and Enactus took several steps in order to bring this work to fruition," says Abbey, who spearheaded the effort. 

A 1600-gallon water system was installed providing access to water for more than 1,000 school students coupled with another 15,500 from the surrounding community receiving indirect benefit. They also renovated three toilet facilities and built two additional ones. Along with the work for increased access to clean water and sanitation, a reciprocal relationship with the school has resulted in one-year scholarships for 30 students in Bonjeh school. The average annual (three terms) school fees per student is $190. After a negotiation process with the principal and owners of the school, they agreed to award 30 Bonjeh School students one-year full scholarship. 

This agreement means CWFE only paid 19% ($1300) and Bojeh schools invested $5700 in scholarship money bringing the project total to $7000. 

"The scholarship selection process was very competitive, as the students were required to submit an essay, a letter of recommendation, academic records, and a resume," Abbey says. "We received over 100 applications but painstaking selected 30 student based on the quality of their essay.

"Students of Bonjeh Schools will now have access to clean water, proper sanitation, and 30 students will have access to a one-year full scholarship, Abbey continues. This project would have been impossible without the boundless support of the Crookston community and the generous donations of people around the country. 

Abbey is deeply grateful on behalf of Clean Water for Everyone extends his gratitude to the University of Minnesota Crookston Encatus team, the Crookston community and the Clean Water for Everyone project team. 

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.

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.

As an interdisciplinary major, the finance curriculum draws heavily from courses in business, general education, management, marketing, and accounting.  It is designed to help students understand the dimensions of performance and risk relevant to financial services within a company; assess consumer financial needs, describe and apply financial concepts, theories, and tools; and prepare personal financial plans.  

Students in the major will focus on the skills needed to qualify for entry-level employment positions such as financial analysts, personal financial advisors, actuaries, and other positions in securities, commodities, and financial services.  According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, it is expected that the finance and insurance industry will increase the number of jobs by 9% from 2010 to 2020. Learn more about the major at www.umcrookston.edu/finance. 

Sue Brorson, head of the Business Department on the Crookston campus, is pleased with the addition. "Offering a degree in finance provides our students with another option for a career in a business field," Brorson says. "It is a major that will fill a need within an organization that is both relevant and critical to success. 

"Teaching contemporary financial measures of performance and risk as well as providing an understanding of how the financial services component industries interact with each other is an exciting opportunity for students and  will prove a benefit to their future employers."

A minor in humanities offered through the U of M Crookston Liberal Arts and Education Department was also approved at the May Board of Regents meetings, bringing the academic offerings to 28 majors, 20 minors, and 11 majors offered online.

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.

lessons from her time on the Crookston campus as a visiting scholar. Chen came to the Business Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston in late January 2013 from Zhejiang Economic and Trade Polytechnic (ZJETP), in Hangzhou China. The U of M Crookston established an international partnership with ZJETP in late 2005 to enhance opportunities for students to study and faculty to work collaboratively and Chen, the director of finance and insurance teaching and research at ZJETP.  

It was Chen's first time in the United States, and when she arrived, she was immediately impressed by the welcome and the helpfulness of others who introduced her to the Crookston campus. She is particularly grateful to Susan Brorson, head of the Business Department for the opportunity to be involved in a variety of learning environments. 

Brorson enjoyed the opportunity to host Chen. "It has been a pleasure to host Yingying Chen as a visiting scholar from ZJETP, one of our international partners," Brorson says. "Although she came to learn more about the U.S., the U of M Crookston, and teaching, we have learned much about China and ZJEPT from her." 

Chen and Brorson have discussed the potential of additional collaborative efforts between business programs in both universities.

The opportunity has been a powerful one for Chen. "I will use what I learned about the different styles of classroom teaching here when I return to my own classroom," Chen says. "I enjoyed the personalized, student-oriented teaching style that inspires students to learn more self-consciously, independently, and produces a good result."

Chen observed classes in macro economics, managerial finance, risk management and insurance, and principles of management, Internet marketing, principles of marketing, along with some online courses. She has also presented to groups on economic growth in China, Chinese history, culture, geography, and demographics. These presentations she says "helped her to make comparisons between the two countries and allowed her to interact with students from different countries and backgrounds on campus."

Chen is also grateful to Kimberly Gillette and the faculty in Business Department. "I appreciate their help," she says. "And, I am thankful they allowed me to observe classes and have a chance to learn their diverse, distinctive teaching method."

She participated in campus assembly, department meetings, and online course meetings that provided her the opportunity to learn more about shared governance, campus management, and more. Chen also compared the management of a typhoon in Zhejiang province to the flood insurance offered in Minnesota. The opportunity for deeper discussions with business instructors Ken Bulie, Les Johnson, and Oxana Weiland gave her ideas and provided her with inspiration to further her research.

As a visiting scholar, Chen offered assistance to the Confucius Institute site located on the Crookston campus, working with Chunhui Wang, the institute's assistant director, to build a better understanding of Chinese culture and the Chinese language. 

Her last day on the Crookston campus was Friday, May 17, but she is not leaving the United States yet. She is headed to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to continue her research, and she says she is sorry to go because of the many wonderful relationships she has made and the great learning experience she has had while she was here. 

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.

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. 

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.  

 

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.

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.

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.

Visit the online photo album.

Award recipients include the following students:

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.