Contact: Deborah Zak, regional director, Northwest, Extension Regional Office, Crookston, 218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: U of M Extension educator Bill Craig at 218-281-8692 or email craig030@umn.edu.

Contact: Lana Rakow; lana.rakow@und.edu; 701-777-2287

Contact: Linda Kingery, executive director, U of M Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697 (kinge002@umn.edu)

Contact: Linda Kingery, executive director, U of M Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697 (kinge002@umn.edu)

Contact: Jack Geller, director, The EDA Center, 218-281-8248 or 507-381-0720; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, development and alumni relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Marlene LeBlanc, Extension Regional Center, 218-281-8696 (mleblanc@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

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

As of July 2, 2012, the Regional Extension Office of Crookston, which includes the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, has moved to the Valley Technology Park just north of University of Minnesota, Crookston campus. The Valley Technology Park's newest tenants began the move late last month and have officially vacated their prior occupancy at the U of M, Crookston in favor of the new location.

Though they have moved, all staff phone numbers and e-mails remain the same. The increasing growth at the U of M, Crookston campus and the need for more office facilities created the opportunity for the change.

The new location will allow easier access to regional Extension staff. When asked about the move from the U of M, Crookston to the Valley Technology Park, Deb Zak, Northwest Regional Extension director, is nothing but smiles, "the chance to relocate presented itself as an opportunity for our office to improve in many ways. We have almost doubled our work space and are now much more accessible to the public." Visitors can pull into the parking lot at the Valley Technology Park and enter the Extension office through the east entrance of the building.

In addition to easier access for the community, Zak has other reasons for being a fan of the move, "I love the new offices. It is the first time in my career I have been able to design new offices and order new furniture."  Working with the CHEDA, the U of M, Crookston and Extension made it possible to complete the move without missing a day of operation.  

The new address for the Regional Extension Office of Crookston is 510 Country Road 71, Crookston, Minn., 56716. Their phone number is 888-241-0781.

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

In the photo, left to right: Deb Zak, director, Crookston Regional Office, U of M Extension; Marlene LeBlanc, executive administrative specialist; Bill Craig, Extension educator/instructor; Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership; Karen Myszkowski, community program specialist; DeeAnn Leines, Extension educator/assistant professor; UMC student workers/summer interns Alex Busher, Brooke Novak, and Abbey Wemimo.

Contact: Deborah Zak, Regional Director, Northwest, Extension Regional Office, Crookston. Phone: 218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781. E-mail: dzak@umn.edu; Austin Czichotzki, communicatons assistant, 218-281-8446 (czich003@crk.umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assista

A reception in honor of University of Minnesota, Crookston Chancellor Charles H. Casey and First Lady Barbara Muesing will take place on Thursday, June 14, 2012. The reception, which is open to all, will take place in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center from 2 - 4 p.m.  Crookston Mayor Dave Genereux will announce June 14 as Chancellor Charles H. Casey and Barbara J. Muesing Day at 3 p.m. the day of the reception.

Casey began his appointment as chancellor at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on September 12, 2005. Prior to his appointment he served as dean and director of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. From 1979 to 1991, he was a member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and from 1989-1991 served as chair. He was the vice chair of the North Central Extension Directors, as well as serving on the University of Minnesota Foundation Board, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute Advisory Board, and the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development Board.

Barbara J. Muesing began working for the U of M in 1965, serving as an extension educator, program leader, and district director. She also served ten years as the executive director and corporate secretary to the U of M Board of Regents. She has dedicated herself to a variety of pursuits including University outreach, continuing education, rural health, and vital aging.

Chancellor Casey and Barbara have worked diligently throughout the years on behalf of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Their service, leadership, and dedication have benefited the campus in countless ways. We thank them for their support and wish them the best in the future.

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

In the photo: First Lady Barbara J. Muesing and Chancellor Charles H. Casey

Contact: Andrews Svec, director of communications, 218-281-8438, (asvec@umn.edu); Ruth Navarro, communications assistant, 218-281-8446 (nava0085@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The annual Faculty and Staff Day Program was held Tuesday, May 8, in Bede Ballroom.  Faculty and staff from all units across campus attended the luncheon and program that followed.  The theme for the day was "We're from Everywhere," and faculty and staff commemorated their heritage by donning clothing representing some part of their heritage. Hosting the event were Rachel Lundbohm, instructor in the Business Department, and Kristie Jerde, assistant director of residential life.

Kenneth Johnson, MBA, instructor, Business Department, was presented with the Distinguished Teaching Award.  Donna Larson, accountant, Business Affairs Office, received the Distinguished Civil Service/Bargaining Unit Award.  Two individuals received the Distinguished Professional & Administrative Award: Melissa Dingmann, MEd, director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Kenneth Bulie, JD, CPA, lecturer, Business Department.  

The Outstanding Service Learning Faculty Award was presented to ADawn Melbye, MEd, instructor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, and the Outstanding Community Service Award went to Jamie Fagerholt, MBA, tutor and testing coordinator, Academic Assistance Center.  Rachel Lundbohm, MBA, instructor, Business Department, was recognized for her Presidents Civic Engagement Stewardship Award from the Minnesota Campus Compact.  

Jim Schaar, MDiv, lecturer, Liberal Arts and Education Department, was recognized with the Support Award for Students with Disabilities.  And Tom Feiro, environmental health & safety specialist, presented the campus with a special award of recognition from the Crookston Fire Department.

Chancellor Charles H. Casey and Albert Sims, director of operations  at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center recognized faculty and staff for their years of service. Dale Kopecky, farm foreman at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center was recognized for 40 years of service. Paul Aakre, assistant professor in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Department; Susan Brorson, professor and head of the Business Department; Tom Feiro, environmental health and safety specialist; Krista Proulx, library assistant; John Schleicher, building and grounds worker; and Deb Zak, campus regional director for Extension were all honored for their 35 years of service. Recognition was also given for 25, 20, 15, and 10 years of service.

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

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

The 74th Annual Honor Banquet sponsored by the Red River Valley Development Association will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012, beginning at 12 noon in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, University of Minnesota, Crookston.  Tickets for the noon banquet are available for $15.00 from the Extension Regional Office, Crookston and can be reserved by calling 1-888-241-0781.  Payment can be made at the door.

Individuals from northwest Minnesota will be honored as Valley Farmers and Homemakers for the good example they have set with their family life, community service, farming or agribusiness operations and their efforts to conserve natural resources.  Funding for the Red River Valley Development Association is provided by the 14 counties in northwest Minnesota.

The Northwest Minnesota Youth Leadership Awards will be presented to several outstanding young adults from the area.

The Red River Valley Development Association includes directors from 14 northwest Minnesota counties.  The 2012 Directors and Honored Couples are:

County	Director	Honored Couple	Town
Becker	Bruce Hein	Don and Pam Skarie	Detroit Lakes
Clay	Clarice Schmidt	Mark and Judy Anderson	Hawley
Clearwater	Allen Paulson	Dale and Lois Miller	Leonard
Kittson	Gary Johnson	Justin and Donna Dagen	Karlstad
Lake of the Woods	Ken Horntvedt	Lyle and Millie Wiskow	Baudette
Mahnomen	Jean Nelson	Robert and Kathleen McNamee	Mahnomen
Marshall	Gary Satre	Mike Baird	Warren
Norman	Burton Rockstad	Paul and Carol Houglum	Perley
E Otter Tail	Roger Fremming	Vince and Becky Crary	New York Mills
W Otter Tail	Daniel Roehl	Greg and Dawn Johnson	Pelican Rapids
Pennington	Gladys Hallstrom	Michael and Linda Hanson	Goodridge
E Polk	Jerry Erickson	Chuck and Barbara Schulstad	Erskine
W Polk	Curt Knutson	Greg and Marlene LeBlanc	Crookston
Red Lake	Larry Johnson	Roger and Janel Walter	Plummer
Roseau	Buddy Erickson	Gene and Eunice Millner	Roseau
Wilkin	Milan Drewlow	Lowell and Connie Seidler	Rothsay

For more information, contact Deborah Zak, Regional Director, Northwest, Extension Regional Office, Crookston.  Phone:  218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781.  E-mail:  dzak@umn.edu

Contact: Deborah Zak, Regional Director, Northwest, Extension Regional Office, Crookston. Phone: 218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781. E-mail: dzak@umn.edu

University of Minnesota, Crookston, Chancellor Charles H. Casey, D.V.M., announced today that he plans to retire at the end of the 2011-12 academic year.  Casey has been UMC chancellor since September 2005 and has held other University leadership roles over nearly 35 years, including serving as a member of the Board of Regents and as dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension.

Casey, whose last day as chancellor will be June 30, 2012, made the announcement during his "state of the campus" address to the UMC community.  He expressed pride in the growth of the campus during his tenure, citing accomplishments including new programs, gains in enrollment and diversity, strategic facility investments, and completion of a comprehensive strategic plan.

"This is the right time for me to step down after a long and satisfying career," said Casey.  This is a time of significant challenges for higher education, but by most measures, the University of Minnesota, Crookston is thriving and well positioned for further growth.  I have great confidence in the future under the leadership of University President Eric Kaler."

Casey added, "I will always be grateful for the support I've received.  The faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota, Crookston are incredibly talented and committed to the campus as well as to the success of our students."

University Senior Vice President Robert J. Jones, who with Kaler oversees the University's four coordinate campuses, said Tuesday that plans for a national search for Casey's replacement will be announced soon, with the goal of having a new chancellor on board at Casey's departure.

"Chancellor Casey has been an exceptional leader for the Crookston campus and for the greater University," said Jones, who was on campus for Casey's address.  "He has steered the campus to a new level of excellence as a teaching and applied research hub for northwestern Minnesota."

"Chuck's contributions to the entire University and state have been significant, including his leadership for UMC, Extension, and on the Board of Regents," said Kaler.  "I thank him for his exemplary service and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition for the Crookston campus."

During Casey's tenure, the campus added several new degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in biology, criminal justice, environmental sciences, marketing, and software engineering.  The number of online degree programs, and student enrollment in such programs, expanded significantly, with an emphasis on high-quality educational services for nontraditional or continuing students, community organizations, and the workforce.  In 2009, the campus also became home to an online-learning support and referral center serving the entire University system.
 
The Crookston campus saw significant enrollment gains including four consecutive years of record high enrollment.  The number of degree-seeking students hit an all-time record of 1,600 for fall semester 2011, a 52 percent enrollment increase over the six-year period from 2005 to 2011. Two new residence halls, Centennial Hall (2006) and Evergreen Hall (2009), were built to accommodate the influx of students.  Casey said that securing approval from the Board of Regents for construction of an additional residence hall will be a priority during his final semester as chancellor.

The diversity of the UMC student body also grew under Casey's leadership, with increased enrollment of both students of color and international students.  In fall 2011, students of color represented approximately 11 percent of the student body, compared with 8 percent prior to Casey's arrival in 2005.  International students were 9 percent of the student body in 2011, compared with just under 3 percent.  Agreements that Casey signed with schools in Korea and China accounted for much of the international growth; overall, UMC now welcomes students from 30 countries and 40 states.

Casey, who holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, was a two-term member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, from 1979 to 1991 (from 1989 to 1991 as chair). Prior to his appointment as chancellor, he served six and a half years as dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; before that, he spent seven years as director of outreach services for the University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  He was the vice chair of the North Central Extension Directors and served on the University of Minnesota Foundation Board, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute Advisory Board, and the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development Board.

Early in his career, Dr. Casey served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, worked for 27 years as a practitioner in rural veterinary medicine, and was a partner in the Dodge Veterinary Clinic in West Concord and Dodge Center, Minnesota.  He is a lifetime member of both the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  He has served on a number of local volunteer organizations.
 
He is a member of Phi Zeta Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine and Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture, and has received awards including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota, Director's Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Extension Service, Torch & Shield Award from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and Minnesota Veterinarian of the Year.

Casey is married to Barbara Muesing and has three adult children and three grandchildren.

Chancellor search committee announcement.

Contact: Andrew Svec, UMC director of communications, asvec@umn.edu, 218-281-8438; Kate Tyler, System Academic Administration, ktyler@umn.edu, 612-626-8535

If you are interested in growing more of your own food or scaling up production to market garden scale, the upcoming Local Foods College is designed for you. The series, which begins on January 24, 2012, will offer an overview of the basics, from planning to soils, fruit and vegetable production and business planning. The series, available via interactive television (ITV) at several locations across northwestern Minnesota, continues on Tuesday evenings through mid-March. Registration is $10 per session or $50 for the entire series.

Participants will learn from practitioners and educators and share personal experiences with others who are part of the growing movement to build resilient local food systems. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.rsdp.umn.edu/Northwest and payment sent to the Regional Extension Office Crookston, 2900 University Ave, Crookston, Minn., 56716.

Participants will choose the location as well as select the sessions they wish to attend and may bring a family member or partner along for no additional cost. Host sites include the University of Minnesota Crookston; Bemidji State University; Minnesota State University Moorhead; Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls; Central Lakes College in Staples;
Clearwater County Courthouse in Bagley; Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette; and
Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls. Check the locations for the Local Foods College sites.

Session topics will include: Whole farm planning, nutrient cycles and interactions; soils and composting; vegetable production and planning a market garden; starting and managing an apple orchard; small fruit production; backyard poultry; and farm business management. For more detailed information or questions, visit www.rsdp.umn.edu/Northwest or call 888-241-0781.

The Local Foods College is sponsored by the University of Minnesota; Statewide Health Improvement Program; Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education.

The Local Foods College is one aspect of a movement to strengthen local and regional food systems. It encompasses healthy foods for healthy people, stronger demand for healthy local foods, available accessible and affordable healthy local foods, and marketing and policy support for farmers and food producers. To learn more, visit www.localfoods.umn.edu.

The Northwest Minnesota Sustainable Development Partnership serves the people in northwestern Minnesota as they experiment with innovative ideas, build and strengthen relationships and take practical steps into a hopeful future. They connect university resources and citizen leaders in support of regional aspirations for natural resources, clean energy, agriculture and food systems, and resilient communities. The Northwest region encompasses Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay and Wilkin counties.

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

Contact: : Linda Kingery, executive director, NWRSDP, 218-281-8697 (kinge002@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Russ Severson, Extension educator in crops, will be retiring on December 29, after 38 years with the University of Minnesota. A retirement reception, celebrating Severson's career will take place on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 3 - 5 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  

Severson began his career in 1973 as a Research Scientist at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston, Minn. In 1986, he joined University of Minnesota Extension where he served as a county educator in Polk County, eventually serving both Polk and Red Lake counties. Since 2008, Severson has served as Extension educator for crops programs in the Extension Regional Office in Crookston.

Over the past 38 years, Severson has planned and participated in numerous educational programs and coordinated and conducted applied research in crops vital to the economic and environmental sustainability of the people in Northwest Minnesota.  He has been active in the West Polk County Crop Improvement Association and Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota & National Association of County Ag Agents. He was the recipient of several awards including:  USDA Award for Superior Service from the Farm Credit Mediation Program; NACAA Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award; West Polk County SWCD Friend in Conservation Award and Minnesota Crop Improvement Association Honorary Premier Seedsman.

The Severson retirement reception is taking place at the conclusion of the Soybean College Workshop held the same day at the U of M, Crookston. For more information on the Soybean College, visit www.extension.umn.edu. The brochure and registration form can be downloaded.

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

Contact: Deb Zak, director, Extension Regional Office, Crookston, 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Early registration deadline for Soybean College Monday, December 12.

Soybean producers and agriculture professionals interested in practical and in-depth management information to help maximize profits in soybean production are encouraged to participate in the Soybean College at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The interactive combination of hands-on lab experiences and lectures will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Registration is $40 before December 12 or $50 at the door the day of the event. Lunch will be provided for participants.

The Soybean College is a joint collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences; Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council; University of Minnesota Crookston; and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center. Payment must accompany registration $40 registration before December 12. Checks should be made payable to University of Minnesota Extension. Registration with payment can be mailed to UMN Extension RO - Moorhead, Amanda LeGare, 715 11th Street No., Ste. 107C Moorhead, Minn., 56560-2083.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, with a welcome at 8:30 followed by a general session on the Soybean Trade Mission to China and MSGA: Facing Policy Issues Together with Kurt Krueger, farmer and President of Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

The opening session will be followed by a series of lectures and laboratories to be repeated during the day at least once. The concurrent sessions begin at 10:05 a.m. and run until 3:10 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon.

Lecture session topics include: Soybean Fertility Program for Northwest Minnesota with Dan Kaiser from the University of Minnesota; Soybean Agronomics with Seth Naeve, University of Minnesota; Addressing Soil Compaction with Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota; Developing Weed Management Plans with Jeff Gunsolus, University of Minnesota; and Soybean Cost of Production and Market Considerations for 2012 with Bill Craig and Bret Oelke, both from the University of Minnesota.

Laboratory sessions are designed to provide participants with hands on experiences and exposure to a variety of current production issues. Topics of the labs include: Soybean Disease Recognition and Challenges with Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota; Insect Issues in Soybeans with Phil Glogoza, University of Minnesota; Matching Soybean Growth Stages with Crop Management with Doug Holen, University of Minnesota; Beyond the Soil Survey Book with Kristina Walker, University of Minnesota; and Soybean Cyst Nematode Lab: How to Determine Egg Counts from Soil Tests with Kasia Kinzer, North Dakota State University

The brochure and registration form can be downloaded. Sponsors of the 2011 Soybean College are Pioneer Hi-Bred, Farm Business Management - Northland Community and Technical College, REA Hybrids, Hyland Seeds, Triangle Ag. LLC, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, SunOpta Grains and Foods Group, Thunder Seeds Inc., Dairyland Seeds / Heartland Seeds.

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

Contact: Deb Zak, director, Extension Regional Office, Crookston, 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Filled with more than 200 guests, Bede Ballroom was the site of the annual Torch & Shield Recognition held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Wednesday, October 27, 2011.  The highest honor given by the campus, the Torch & Shield Award, celebrated the leadership of four individuals who have aided in the development of the Crookston campus, the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) and Extension. The evening, hosted by Charles H. Casey, chancellor at the U of M, Crookston and Albert Sims, director of operations at the NWROC, also was an opportunity to recognize and thank donors.

This year's Torch & Shield honorees included  Robert Nelson, registrar and director of institutional research, U of M, Crookston;  Kathleen O'Brien, vice president for university services, University of Minnesota; Li Shuming, president of Zhejiang Economic and Trade Polytechnic, Hangzhou, China; and Carol Windels, professor of plant pathology, Northwest Research and Outreach Center.

President Li addressed the crowd via Skype from Hangzhou, China. The U of M, Crookston collaborates with ZJETP and a number of students from that institution currently attend the Crookston campus, where they are working to complete their bachelor's degrees.

Greetings from the University of Minnesota Foundation were brought by Frank Robertson, director of planned giving. Robertson was joined by Corby Kemmer, director of development and alumni relations at the U of M, Crookston, to recognize members of the Presidents Club.

The evening included a second focus showcasing student achievement. Brooke Hamilton, a junior from Adams, Minn., majoring in business management, opened the evening with the solo Silent Noon from "House of Life" accompanied by George French, director of music and theater on the Crookston campus. Ben Williams, a junior from Excelsior, Minn., majoring in natural resources, spoke to the audience about the importance of student academic scholarships. The evening was captured on video by Tony Taylor, a junior majoring in marketing from Sheridan, Wyo., who works as a student assistant in Media Services.

Concluding the evening was a research presentation by Katy Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department. Joining her were two students, Tyler Brazier, a senior from Greenbush, Minn., majoring in software engineering; and Beth Walters, a senior from Crosslake, Minn., majoring in environmental science. Together with Smith they presented their work on the impact of wetland plants on the restoration of contaminated soil sediments and the construction and design of a greenhouse gas collection chamber.

Allison Noll, a senior double majoring in agricultural business and agricultural education from Mahnomen, Minn., works as a student assistant in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations and was an integral part of the evening's activities. The string trio playing during the social included two student musicians, and a number of students attended the event as representatives on advisory committees. Students in the Horticulture Club were responsible for the floral arrangements and Student Ambassadors assisted during the evening. A number of students also were involved in serving the banquet following the program.

For more information on Torch & Shield, visit www.umcrookston.edu/torchandshield.

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

In the photos:
Top right photo: (left to right):Carol Windels, professor of plant pathology, Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC);  UMC Chancellor Charles Casey; Robert Nelson, registrar and director of institutional research, UMC; Albert Sims, director of operations, NWROC;  Kathleen O'Brien, vice president for university services, University of Minnesota.

Center right photo: President Li addresses the audience at Torch & Shield via Skype.

Bottom left photo: Students featured at the Torch & Shield Recognition were (left to right): Ben Williams, Beth Walters, Brooke Hamilton, Tyler Brazier, and Tony Taylor.

Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, development and alumni relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer @umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.  The University of Minnesota, Crookston will host a horse owner education program on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) on the campus. The cooperative program between the U of M, Crookston and U of M, Saint Paul is designed to assist current horse owners as well as those interested in owning a horse in the future.
 
The program is recommended for ages 13 and up but is open for everyone. Registration is required for this program and the deadline is Wednesday, November 9 at 11:59 p.m. The program registration fee is $25. In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, an e-mail will be sent to all participants. Mail registration(s) and check(s) made out to the U of M to: Registration Coordinator, University of Minnesota, 405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St Paul. Minn., 55108. Online registration is also available at www.regonline.com/FallRegionalHorse. Registration questions can be directed to 1-800-876-8636.

The doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and light refreshments will be served throughout the day. There will be three sets of hour-long sessions. Participants are invited to select the program of their choice.

Programs running concurrently at 9 a.m. include Winter Care led by Marcia Hathaway, Ph.D., from the U of M; and Equine First Aid Away from Home led by Gemma Drees, D.V.M., from the Red Lake Falls Vet Clinic. 

At 10 a.m. the concurrent programs are Selecting and Extending Your Hay Supply led by Krishona  Martinson, Ph.D., from the U of M; and Body Condition Scoring and Weight Estimation with Jennifer Earing, Ph.D., and Beth Allen, both from the U of M.

The last two sessions for the day begin at 11 a.m. and include Feeding the Problem Horse led by Hathway, and Conformation: Form to Function led by ADawn Melbye instructor  from the U of M, Crookston. The day concludes with an optional question and answer session with program speakers from noon to 12:30 p.m.

For more information about this event, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of more than 1,500 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
 

Contact: ADawn Melbye, instructor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, 218-281-8125 (amelbye@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The 73rd Annual Honor Banquet sponsored by the Red River Valley Development Association will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, beginning at 12 noon in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, University of Minnesota, Crookston.  Tickets for the noon banquet are available for $15.00 from the Extension Regional Office, Crookston and can be reserved by calling 1-888-241-0781.  Payment can be made at the door.

Individuals from northwest Minnesota will be honored as Valley Farmers and Homemakers for the good example they have set with their family life, community service, farming or agribusiness operations and their efforts to conserve natural resources.

The Northwest Minnesota Youth Leadership Awards will be presented to several outstanding young adults from the area.

The Red River Valley Development Association includes directors from 14 northwest Minnesota counties.  The 2011 Directors and Honored Couples are:

2011 Red River Valley Farmer and Homemaker Honored Couples:

County	Director	Honored Couple	Town
Becker	Bruce Hein	Curtis and Darlene Ballard	Ogema
Clay	Clarice Schmidt	Lloyd and Janice Alm	Hawley
Clearwater	Allen Paulson	John and Pam Arneson	Shevlin
Kittson	Gary Johnson	Marshal and Lorna Hemmes	Humboldt
Lake of the Woods	Ken Horntvedt	George and Judy Swentik	Baudette
Mahnomen	Jean Nelson	Eugene and Sharon Bisek	Mahnomen
Marshall	Gary Satre	Eric and Lori Johnson	Warren
Norman	Burton Rockstad	Duane and Carol Johnson	Flom
E Otter Tail	Roger Fremming	Eugene and Brenda Roller	Hewitt
W Otter Tail	Daniel Roehl	Willis and Joyce Roehl	Fergus Falls
Pennington	Gladys Hallstrom	Van and Deanna Swanson	Thief River Falls
E Polk	Jerry Erickson	Floyd Balstad	Winger
W Polk	Curt Knutson	Elliott and Michelle Solheim	Crookston
Red Lake	Larry Johnson	Calvin and Susan Harmoning	Red Lake Falls
Roseau	Buddy Erickson	Kelman and Elizabeth Kvien	Roseau
Wilkin	Milan Drewlow	Dan and Renae Froslie	Rothsay

For more information, contact Deborah Zak, Campus Regional Director, Extension Regional Office, Crookston.  Phone:  218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781.  E-mail:  dzak@umn.edu

Contact: Deborah Zak, Campus Regional Director, Extension Regional Office, Crookston, 218-281-8684 or 1-888-241-0781 ( dzak@umn.edu)

Are you: 1.  An involved citizen?  2.  A believer in volunteerism?  3.  Someone who likes to speak to your neighbors?  4.  A lover of trees?  Yes, yes, yes, yes?  Then we need you!

Be a part of Minnesota's one-of-a-kind program to prepare communities for the Emerald Ash Borer.  You may not be able to stop the borer, but you can help prevent catastrophic losses to your leafy communities.

The Emerald Ash Borer training is scheduled in Crookston from 6 - 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25 and from 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 in Kiehle 116.

The University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has funded a program that helps communities get the best information for identifying and combating the nasty borer as well as replanting the streets and parks with a more diverse palette of trees.  However, we can't do it without you!

We are looking for a few good volunteers that will become EAB-Community Outreach Volunteers.  You will be the source of information for your community, the information that will help your town or county make the best decisions about managing the pest, recovering from the damage it causes, and planting a more diverse and healthy community forest for the future.

You will receive training on the use of a standardized Power Point program on emerald ash borer identification, management and recovery.  This training is 100% funded by the agency partners...we ask nothing more than your willingness to volunteer and help your community by providing the best, unbiased, research-based information.

The details:
1.    Training will consist of 8.5 hours of class activities and exercises.

2.    Small classes: 6-12 people.

3.    You will be provided with a compact disk of the standardized Power Point program on emerald ash borer identification, management and recovery for your use.

4.    You will receive ongoing support from the community preparedness team at the University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources and Extension.

5.    Training will be conducted in March and April in a community near you.

6.    Your role will be to voluntarily present the information to any group in your community that is looking for the best, University research-based information: county fairs, school programs, Arbor Day programs, city councils.  Yours will be the voice of accurate information.

For more information:  please contact Deborah Zak, Campus Regional Director, University of Minnesota Extension, Extension Regional Office, Crookston.  Call 1-888-241-0781 or e-mail, dzak@umn.edu.

Photo of adult emerald ash borer from www.extension.umn.edu/issues/eab/.

Contact: Deborah Zak, Campus Regional Director, University of Minnesota Extension, Extension Regional Office, Crookston, 1-888-241-0781 (dzak@umn.edu)

Making the most of a field day for students is the topic of a workshop slated for Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The Best Practices for Field Days workshop, which focuses on how to maximize the field day experience, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom on the Crookston campus. The $15 registration fee includes lunch.
 
Field days are community events that bring together professionals, volunteers and teachers with school children for a day of learning about their environment. In educational field days, students rotate through multiple presentations on environmental topics.

The Best Practices for Field Days workshop is designed to help organizers and   presenters improve the field experience for students by helping them learn and retain important concepts, plan a comfortable and memorable setting, ensure the day runs safely and smoothly, create more useful evaluations, market an event, and to employ designs that help connect youth with nature.

All workshop attendees will receive the Best Practices for Field Days: A Program Planning Guidebook for Organizers, Presenters, Teachers, and Volunteers and a companion CD of tools and templates. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/FieldDays or contact Jolene Beiswenger at 218-281-8027.

The workshop is sponsored by University of Minnesota Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership and its partners University of Minnesota, Crookston, University of Minnesota Extension, Northwest Regional Development Commission, International Water Institute River Watch, Polk and Mahnomen Public Health Programs, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.
 

Contact: Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697, kinge002@umn.edu; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Seven projects have been supported through the awarding of $500 mini-grants from a unique working partnership focused on connecting children and nature. The mini-grant project goals are to connect children with nature, get children outdoors, develop community support for unstructured outdoor activities, provide multiyear benefits for encouraging a personal experience in outdoor places, help remove barriers to outdoor activities, such as access issues, safety concerns, and negativity of natural play or other concerns.

The partnership, which includes the University of Minnesota, Crookston; University of Minnesota Extension; Northwest Regional Development Commission; Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership;  International Water Institute River Watch; Polk and Mahnomen Public Health Programs; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, awarded the grants in December and is looking to fund a second round in February 2011.  Applications are encouraged.

The mini-grant opportunities are available to any school, club, group, community, or non-profit organization directly involved with educating or caring for children located in Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and Wilkin counties. To be considered for the next round of funding applications must be received by February 1, 2011. For more information or to access the application form, visit www.umcrookston.edu/childrenandnature.

The seven projects receiving funding in December included several projects in the Crookston community: The Northwest Mental Health Center's summer program gardens will encourage children in grades K-6 to participate in gardens at 12 school sites tying nutritional benefits to working with nature in a garden. The School Age Care's school garden project will help support learning during the summer program using the garden at Washington School. Little Villagers Child Care  at the Villa St. Vincent will use their grant to provide children with outdoor program supplies including a toboggans, composter, bug nets, and shovels, etc. Highland Elementary School will purchase digital cameras to be used for the sixth grade's annual field trip to Itasca and for a winter survival unit at the U of M, Crookston's Nature Center.

The Ada- Borup Elementary School will use their funding to purchase digital cameras for their after-school science enrichment program for grades 3-6. In Newfolden, Minn., Marshall County Central's mini grant award will help defray transportation costs for a field trip to Wolf Ridge for a field-based science learning experience, and Marshall County's McCrea 4-H Club will use funds to learn about native fish in Minnesota through an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Contact: Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 218-281-8697, kinge002@umn.edu; Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The Torch & Shield Award recognizes the leadership of individuals and organizations who have been influential on the development of the University of Minnesota, Crookston; Northwest Research and Outreach Center; and Extension. It is the highest recognition awarded by the campus and this year three individuals and an organization will be honored with the award. A social, program, and banquet celebrating the award recipients will be held on Tuesday evening, October 26, 2010. The evening also  honors the donors who have given in support of the campus over the past year.

The event will be live streamed that evening at http://www3.crk.umn.edu/people/services/MediaServ/Stream.htm. Click on "Connect to Live Event"


The 2010 Torch & Shield Award recipients are:

Susan Brorson, Ph.D., is a professor and head of the Business Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She has served as head of the department for the past six years.  Brorson has embraced and nurtured educational innovation.  First, through teaching as the U of M, Crookston transitioned to a technology-focused baccalaureate campus in the 1990s, and most recently, through her work as an administrator. Under her leadership, the Business Department has grown to offer five baccalaureate degrees online and serve more than 400 degree-seeking students. Her work on the campus spans more than 30 years, and she has served as a role model for young women and consistently championed the role of women through her support and encouragement. She has twice been honored by the U of M, Crookston with the Distinguished Teaching Award, and in 2001 she was recognized by Women in Technology International for contributions to the advancement of technology. Brorson holds a doctorate in teaching and learning and a master's degree in marketing education from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and a bachelor's degree in marketing education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Phil Baird is an associate professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the U of M, Crookston where he has served since 1979. An innovative and dedicated instructor, Baird has served as an adviser to countless students. He has received Crookston campus recognition including UMC Student Association awards for Academic Adviser of the Semester, Outstanding Educator of the Year, and Outstanding Service to Students, as well as the Distinguished Teaching Award. He has also received the University of Minnesota's President's Award for Outstanding Service and the Horace T. Morse University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education. For the past 28 years, Baird and Tom Feiro have taken his students each spring to the Deer River District on the Chippewa National Forest for a long weekend of planting trees and experiencing the meaning of service, hard work, teamwork, and responsibility. Their crews have planted more than 155,000 trees. Baird has also coordinated the Northwest Urban Forestry Workshop for the past 27 years; designed to provide training and the advancement of urban forestry for cities and counties in northwestern Minnesota and the region. Baird holds a master's degree in forest administration and management and a bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation resources management, both from Iowa State University in Ames.

David Hoff joined the teaching staff at the University of Minnesota Technical College in Crookston in 1967. He is responsible for starting the ag business program in 1970, served as interim chair of the Ag Division in 1988-89, and was involved in many of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conferences over the years serving as judging team coordinator from 1988-2004. Hoff initiated the discussion leading to a cooperative agreement with the Agricultural Education Department at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul which allowed students to earn their agricultural education degrees on the Crookston campus. In 1978-79, he was part of a teacher exchange to Berkshire College of Agriculture in England. He holds a master's degree in agricultural economics and a bachelor's degree in agricultural education, both from North Dakota State University in Fargo.

KROX AM Radio 1260 is only the second organization to be recognized with the Torch &
Shield Award. Founded in April 1948, the
station has been broadcasting everyday for more than 62 years. It is owned and operated by Gopher Communications Company, which is comprised of Frank and Jeanette Fee. A community-minded radio station, KROX works in cooperation with the University of Minnesota, Crookston and covers news stories from the campus as well as broadcasting Insight Radio, a weekly radio program featuring students, faculty, and staff on the Crookston campus. The station is also dedicated to the broadcasting of Golden Eagle athletics and has traveled countless miles to bring athletic action to the fans. Staff members at KROX include: Frank Fee,  general manager, sales, news and sports; Jeanette Fee, office manager; Chris Fee, traffic director, announcer, Web site and sports; Tom Helgeson, sales; Raymond Lee, morning announcer and host of Valley Talk; MaryAnn Simmons, news director; Jacob Fee, announcer and Web site coordinator; Joshua Leyh, afternoon/evening announcer; Cecil Malme, Alisa Cardinal, Mark Anderson who serve as weekend and part-time announcers; and Stan Mueller, station engineer.

The purpose of recognizing someone with a Torch & Shield Award is to honor contributions of significance to higher education, the Crookston campus, and the region; recognize champions of UMC, NWROC, and Extension for their impact on the region through teaching, research, and outreach; and distinguish both high profile individuals and those who have been "quiet" contributors to the success of the U of M, Crookston. For more information or to view past recipients of the award, visit www.umcrookston.edu/torchandshield.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,400 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Contact: Corby Kemmer, director, development and alumni relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Interactions with nature when we are children make a difference in our health and well-being. Simple steps can help reconnect young children with nature, and create a mass movement encouraging these interactions to improve health and wellness in every child.

The upcoming Connecting Children and Nature Conference, scheduled for September 29, 2010, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will engage K-12 educators, parents, and public health workers, along with community leaders and resource managers, in an effort to reconnect children with the natural world.

Keynote speaker Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., will present The Ecology of Hope:  Building a Movement to Reconnect Children and Nature.  Cheryl Charles is President and Co-founder, with Richard Louv and others, of the Children and Nature Network (www.childrenandnature.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to building a movement to re-connect children and nature.  Cheryl will speak about the growing disconnect between children and nature, indicators of what Richard Louv calls nature-deficit disorder, and the scientific as well as common-sense evidence of the benefits to children from direct experience with nature on a daily basis in their lives.  Grounded in research as well as experience, Cheryl offers practical suggestions for action by parents, grandparents, physicians, urban planners, architects, designers, business leaders, public officials, academics, educators and others concerned about the nature of childhood, the health of communities and the future of the Earth.  The presentation will address why it is important to connect children and nature and what is the role of the conference attendees to do this work.
During the noon lunch, participants will share stories of their childhood memories of interacting with nature.

During the day breakout sessions will include such topics as nature engaged families; using technology to connect students and nature; environmental education resources; organizing a community bike/walk audit; fundraising for community projects; and a look at the health benefits when children and nature connect.

The conference is funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is sponsored by US Fish & Wildlife Services, Rydell Wildlife Refuge, Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Extension Environmental Science Education, University of Minnesota, Crookston, NW Statewide Health Improvement Program Cluster, Northwest Regional Development Commission, and U of M Regional Extension - Crookston.

For more information on the Connecting Children and Nature Conference, visit www.umcrookston.edu/childrenandnature or Deborah Zak at 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu).

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 17 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including several online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates from more than 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Contact: Deborah Zak, director, Regional Extension Office, 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Fifty 4th through 8th grade students from the summer's "Reach for the Sky" Science and Math Academy on the White Earth Indian Reservation will go where few have gone before, without space suits and years of training. They will launch science experiments to the edge of outer space ("near-space" - the upper reaches of the atmosphere, above 80,000 ft) with 30 or more experiments that the students will build, to test science theories and to apply hands-on science and math to their world.  On-board cameras will document the view from so high in the atmosphere that the sky is black even in the daytime, and the curve of the Earth is visible.
 
The Reach for the Sky program will be launching experimental packages on two large helium-filled weather balloons early on Wednesday morning, June 9, 2010, from somewhere near the Circle of Life School (exact launch location is weather dependent and will be selected by Tuesday afternoon). Preparations will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The two balloons will carry 8 student-built miniature spacecraft, with about 5 science sensors plus a camera in each one, as well as tracking radios. The students will work in teams on Monday and Tuesday to build their flying spacecraft laboratories and outfit them with sensors and cameras. The data they collect will be sent down by radio to computers on the ground, or downloaded once the payloads are retrieved. 

Working with university students from the U of MN's High Altitude Balloon Team, the students will use the data to address questions that they set out to answer earlier in the week when they built their experiments. "What does the landscape look like from that height?" and "Are we really facing global climate change?" and "How does the sun's radiation change as we go up?" and "How does the temperature change with the changes in atmospheric pressure?" are just some of the questions students may be trying to answer.  The balloons will have GPS units on them for tracking and will be recovered after the flight by the University's High Altitude Balloon team, directed by Professor James Flaten from the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium.
 
The Reach for the Sky project is in its 3rd year where culturally relevant science has been used to study various aspect of physics of flight, engineering, renewable energy, wind energy, human powered machines, and more. It is sponsored with the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development and the College of Extension, by a grant from the National Science Foundation ITEST division, and by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium through the U of MN's Institute of Technology.

Contact Stephan Carlson at 651-283-7261 or Deb Zak at 218-686-6141 with additional questions.

The White Earth Academy of Math and Science, celebrating its twelfth anniversary in 2010, is an innovative summer program that provides opportunities for students and teachers to learn science and math using a curriculum that is relevant to the Ojibwe culture and leading to improved academic performance. The students will be visiting the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota on Monday and Tuesday, June 28-29.

Contact: Dr. Stephan Carlson, 651-283-7261; or Deb Zak, 218-686-6141

PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED.

A workshop created for better understanding of how to work and lead with people from multiple generations is being presented by University of Minnesota Extension. The U-Lead Workshop on "Understanding Generational Differences" will be held on the Crookston campus on Thursday, June 10, 2010. The workshop, slated to begin at 5 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, is designed to help build a better understanding of generational differences in order to work and live together successfully. Cost for the workshop is $25 and registration must take place one week prior to the workshop; dinner is included in the registration fee.

The workshop is for county extension committees, commissioners, advisory boards, program volunteers and others interested in this vital topic in today's workplace. Workshop attendees will explore how four generations in today's society differ in values and views of the world, how multiple generational characteristics influence the ability of a group to work together, and identify ways to apply learning for effective group work with multiple generational members. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the third U-Lead Advisory Academy. Learn more by reading the ULAA Generations Workshop Brochure. 

For more information, contact Cindy Weber at 888-241-3214. 

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 bachelor's degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture and natural resources; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of about 1,300 undergraduates, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Contact: Deb Zak, U of M Extension, 218-281-8684 (dzak@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)