University of Minnesota, Crookston News

Faculty and Staff Receive Awards during annual Faculty and Staff Day at U of M Crookston

2013-05-20T16:15:42Z

Recognizing excellence and celebrating success was the highlight of Faculty and Staff Day held May 14, 2013, at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The annual event is held to commemorate the completion of the academic year and honors achievement.

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.

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

2013-05-07T15:49:26Z

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

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

2013-05-07T12:48:10Z

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

The spring 2013 inductees included the following students:

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

The National Society of Leadership and Success is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals. The Society offers life-changing lectures from the nation's leading presenters and a community where like-minded success oriented individuals come together and help one another succeed. The Society also serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world.

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

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

2013-05-07T12:28:48Z

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

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

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

New inductees include the following students:

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

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

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

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

2013-05-06T17:59:49Z

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

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

Students receiving the Russell O. and Inez Sather Memorial Scholarship must be advanced standing students maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average and a high school graduate of Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau, or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay describing an experience or person who has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.

Dr. Russell Sather began serving as an internist with the Northwestern Clinic in Crookston in 1937. He was called to active duty during World War II from 1942 until 1946 and returned to Crookston in 1947 where he continued to practice until 1985. The scholarship was established in 1986.

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

2013-05-01T16:59:29Z

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

Visit the online photo album.

Award recipients include the following students:

CSA Student Senators and Officers

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

Outstanding Ambassadors

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

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

Sorry Jin, Danny Lee, Bryce Gillie, Justin Goodroad

Ambassador of the Year Award

Bryce Gillie

Outstanding First-Year Biology Award

Ashley Martell

Outstanding Future Educator Award

Dabitna Chung, Amy Van Treeck

Marketing/ Management Academic Achievement Award

Dain Park and Alex Buscher

Marketing/Management Outstanding Leadership Award

Dain Park, Abbey Wemimo, Hannah Reysen, Kayla Bellrichard

Distinguished Service to the Accounting Program

Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee

Outstanding SRM Student

Kari Bodine

Outstanding Communication Student

Jessica Stuber

Outstanding Communication Minor

Connie Vandermay

SOS Service Award

Alexmai Addo, Catilin Kersting

Outstanding SOS Leader

Almir Krdzalik

Peer Connection Service Award

Alexmai Addo and Brooke Novak

Peer Mentor of the Year Award

Catlin Kersting

Regal Spirit Award

Kayla Bellrichard, and Tyler Lowithan

Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award

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

Norman Pankratz Memorial Conservation Award

Jenny DuBay

John Polley Soil and Water Conservation Award

Trent Brenny and Andrew Albertsen with Dan Svedarsky

The Wildlife Society Travel Award

Alisha Mosloff

Outstanding Animal Science

Sara Scott (pre-vet)

Outstanding Equine Science

Jess Charles (pre-vet)

Outstanding Ag Business Student

Amanda Crook

Outstanding ASM Student

Leonard Will and Matt Green

Outstanding Horticulture

Ashlynn Hartung

NACTA Recognition

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

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

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

Outstanding International Student Scholars Award

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

Learning Abroad Office Ambassador Awards

Tim Baker; Amanda Corneliussen; and DeAndra O'Connell

Support of Diversity Award

Outstanding Theater Student Award

Liz Massie

Tyler Lowithan

Nathan Anderson

Outstanding Music Service Award

Rebecca Apitz

Miah Smith

Outstanding Writing Tutor

Rowenna Fillmore

Computer Help Desk

Melissa Freitag

Student Employee of the Year

Adam Hoff

Female and Male Student Athlete of the Year

Chelsea Wiesner and Almir Kradzlik

Female and Male Outstanding Athlete of the Year

Brittany Wiese and Brittany Looker and Richard Haley

Justin Knebel Memorial Award

Broderick Schmidt

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

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

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

Presidents Volunteer Service Award

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

Student Volunteer of the Year Award

John Niemczyk with Lisa Loegering

Student Programmer of the Year

Ashley Hoffman

Outstanding CSA Senator

Alexmai Addo

Outstanding CSA Voting Delegate Award

Megan Luxford

Faculty and Staff Awards

Outstanding Educator

Ron Del Vecchio

Most Supportive of Students

Phil Baird

Outstanding Service to Students

Lisa Samuelson

Student Achievement Awards

en Williams, Bryce Gillie, Almir Krzadlic, Matt Green

Krista Kenyon, Tashi Gurung, Abbey Wemimo, Brooke Novak

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

Man and Woman of Year

Dae Yuel Danny Lee and Sam Zuck-Roscoe

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

Rachelle Alcini - Women's Soccer

Matthew G. Borowicz - Football

Carli Bunning - Women's Basketball

Karen Carpenedo - Equestrian - Western

Jessica Charles - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Jensen Crots - Women's Soccer

Zach D. Cymbaluk - Men's Golf

Amanda Krueger - Equestrian - Western

Kelly Gustofson - Women's Golf

Rachel Halligan - Women's Soccer

Shelby Hollinger - Softball

Jesse Jennings - Baseball

Caitlin Kelley - Equestrian - Western

Samantha Kramer - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Almir Krdzalic - Men's Basketball

Brittany Looker - Women's Volleyball

Stacey Marcum - Softball

Ashley Martell - Women's Basketball

Myint Maung- Football

Keith McBride - Football

Erin Mears - Women's Soccer

Mary Mikutowski - Women's Volleyball & Golf

Brooks Miller - Baseball

Hannah Nedrud - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Amanda Overman - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Casey Paris - Women's Tennis

Josh Perea - Football

Angela Peterson - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Josee Plante - Softball

Jordan Prill - Baseball

Jesse Roscoe - Men's Golf

Shannan Salm - Equestrian - Western

Hannah Schiller - Women's Volleyball

Broderick Schmidt - Men's Basketball

Alyssa Schneider - Women's Volleyball

Christopher Secrest - Football

Drew Selvestra - Football

Alexandra Skeeter - Women's Volleyball

Joseph Stearly - Football

Andrew Steinfeldt - Football

Annalee Sundin - Equestrian - Hunt Seat

Brooke Vatthauer - Softball

Chelsea Wiesner - Women's Volleyball

Yahna Zastrow - Equestrian - Western

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

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

2013-05-01T14:55:24Z

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

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

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

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

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

2013-05-01T14:37:47Z

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

Minnesota, Crookston on Saturday, May 11. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium and will include almost 200 students, representing 13 countries and 25 states and honoring more than 25 online graduates who are setting foot on the campus for the very first time. A reception in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center, will precede the commencement ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend both events; no tickets are required.

A special reception will be held on Friday, May 10 for all online graduates from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the NWSA Alseth Business Boardroom located in Dowell Hall. A reception for international student graduates will be held following commencement exercises at 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

On Saturday at 2 p.m., the formal procession of faculty, candidates for degrees, and platform guests will begin from the Sargeant Student Center to the gymnasium led by Mace Bearer William Peterson, professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department. The procession also includes Faculty Marshal W. Daniel Svedarsky, professor and director of the Center for Sustainability on the Crookston campus.

Bringing greetings from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is the Honorable John R. Frobenius, from St. Cloud, Minn., who will also assist with the conferring of the degrees.

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

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

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

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

The 2013 commencement exercises mark the 105th graduating

class to be recognized on the Crookston campus. A live audio stream of the commencement exercises will be available at www.umcrookston.edu/people/services/MediaServ/Stream.htm.

For more information, visit the commencement Web site at www.umcrookston.edu/commencement.

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

2013-04-30T15:01:34Z

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

2013-04-29T13:25:43Z

This event has been CANCELED.

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

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

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

Fred E. Wood, Ph.D., to be Inaugurated as Fifth Chancellor for the U of M Crookston on Thursday, April 18, 2013

2013-04-11T22:16:16Z

Ceremonies for the inauguration of Fred E. Wood, Ph.D., as the fifth chancellor for the

University of Minnesota Crookston are scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Kiehle Auditorium. The ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m. and a reception will follow at 2 p.m. in the Northern Lights Lounge in the Sargeant Student Center. All faculty, staff, students, alumni, along with the public are invited to attend the inauguration and reception as guests of the campus in celebration of this historic event.

At 10 a.m. that morning, everyone is invited to attend the dedication of Heritage Hall, the newest residence hall on campus. Heritage Hall is located west of Centennial Hall and provides students with a new style of suite living. Designed primarily for freshman and sophomores, the two bedroom suites, with study room and private bathroom will provide a spacious living environment for four students. The 43,043 square foot, two-story building can house up to145 students in 35 two-bedroom suites furnished with a study room and bathroom facilities--approximately 700 square feet per suite.

Special guests on campus for the dedication and inauguration will include University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler, Karen Kaler, and several members of the Board of Regents.

An online guest book is available along with inauguration details at www1.crk.umn.edu/events/inauguration.

Background

Wood comes to the University of Minnesota after a 26-year career at the University of California, Davis, a public, land-grant, research university within the University of California system. There, he served as vice chancellor of student affairs from 2007 to 2012, in addition to holding other leadership positions such as interim vice provost for undergraduate studies and associate dean of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science in addition to concurrently serving as a tenured chemistry faculty member there. He began his work as chancellor for the Crookston campus on July 2, 2012.

A first-generation college student, Chancellor Wood earned a B.S. in chemistry in 1980 and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry in 1984, both from UC Davis. As chancellor, Wood will be the chief academic and executive officer for the Crookston campus, responsible for leveraging its unique strengths in undergraduate education, applied research and public engagement within the broader mission of the University of Minnesota.

He has early ties to Minnesota and the Red River Valley. His mother was born in Crookston, and her family farmed in St. Vincent, Minn. during her youth, so although he grew up in California, he says he felt connected to Crookston and Minnesota right from the start. His wife, Mary, joins his excitement and enthusiasm for the Crookston campus and shares his connection to the campus, community, and region.

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 to Host Third Annual Pi Run on Saturday, April 20, 2013, with New Route and New Race Distance; Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the old Carnegie Library

2013-04-01T18:34:58Z

All proceeds to benefit the Carnegie Library Restoration Project Fund

Alpha Lambda Delta at the University of Minnesota Crookston is hosting the third annual Pi

Run on Saturday, April 20, 2013. The run will include a new route along with a new distance for runners. A 10K has been added to the traditional children's Fun Run and the Pi Run, a race of 5 km (3.1 miles), a distance roughly equal to Pi. Registration is $20 for adults and $5 for students. For a registration form, visit www.theirrationalrace.com or call 218-281-8432 with questions. All runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.

The schedule for the morning begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration in the Carnegie building at Ash Street and 2nd Avenue in Crookston followed by the Fun Run at 9:30 and the Pi Run and 10K at 10 a.m. Awards will be presented to the top three overall female and male finishers. All children participating in the Fun Run will receive a finisher's medal. Early registration guarantees 5K and 10K runners a shirt.

The race route will follow a similar one to the 2012 Ox Cart Run hosted by the Crookston Running Club starting and ending at the Carnegie building.

All proceeds from the race will benefit the Polk County Historical Society Carnegie Library Restoration Project Fund. The goal of the Polk County Historical Society's library renovation is to possibly turn the Carnegie building into 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.

Major sponsors for the Pi Run include Herc-u-lift Inc. and HB Sound & Light. Anyone interested in contributing to the project should contact Brian Dingmann at 218-281-8249.

Background

Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is an honor society at the University of Minnesota, Crookston for students who have maintained a 3.5 or higher grade point average and are in the top 20% of their class during their first year or term of higher education.

In the photo: Chancellor Fred Wood hands in his registration forms for the 3rd Annual Pi Run to Alpha Lambda Delta President Alexandra Skeeter.

Crookston Community Ball to Raise Scholarship Support while Swinging to the Oldies on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 7 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center - CANCELED

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THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

The Crookston Student Association at the University of Minnesota Crookston will host the first-ever Crookston Community Ball on Saturday, April 13, 2013, in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. The evening which begins at 7 p.m. with appetizers will be followed by a dinner at 8 p.m.and a dance with music from the 60s and 70s. A cash bar will also be available. Formal attire is preferred and tickets are $25 per person/$50 per couple. All proceeds will support student scholarships at the U of M Crookston. Tickets are limited and may be purchased by contacting Chris at 218-281-8144.

Fifth Annual Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo Celebrates Northwest Minnesota Artists on Friday, April 12, 2013, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston

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Spring means it's time for celebrating the fifth annual Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo at

the University of Minnesota, Crookston. This year's celebration will pay tribute to the artists of Northwest Minnesota and takes place on Friday, April 12, 2013, beginning at 3:30 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public. The food, art, and entertainment will strive to adhere to the artistry, materials, and ingredients indigenous to the Mexican people.

From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., there will be art demonstrations in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center; a Northwest Arts Exhibit in the Prairie Room and a Silent Auction in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center; and a drum-making and rhythm activity for young children in the Eagles Nest, Sahlstrom Conference Center. The Drum Circle, led by Diane Lagasse, is designed for music lovers of many ages, but younger children must be accompanied by a parent. The two Drum Circle sessions are limited to 35 per session and take place in Owen Hall 270, one session at 4:30 and one at 5:30 p.m. This activity is also popular with junior and senior high age as well as adults.

Video presentations from Fresh Voices youth leadership students will take place every half hour in the Northern Lights Lounge. Crookston High School students will have an exhibit in the International Lounge.

From 4:30 to 7 p.m., a Mexican supper will be served in Brown Dining Room, followed at 7:30 p.m. by a performance of Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc, a professional dance and drumming group from St. Paul, Minn., in Kiehle Auditorium. The celebration concludes with a family dance from 9 until 11:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom with a DJ from Z Martin Entertainment.

The art demonstrations will feature Crookston artists Irene Bertils working in chalk pastels; Trey Everett who uses words to create his art; and Mary Jane Doak, an artist who creates mosaics using a variety of materials. Joining these local artists will be fiber artist Sue Jacobson, from Fertile, Minn., and potter Karla Nelson from Grand Forks, N.D., who is an art teacher in the "Artists in the Classroom" program in the Grand Forks School District, and a teacher at Muddy Waters Clay Center. She will be making pottery and demonstrating the potter's wheel. Also taking place simultaneously will be opportunities for children to use comparable art materials to create their own works of art.

The silent auction will to raise scholarship support for the Ramona Mendez Endowed Scholarship fund. The academic scholarship honors the memory of Ramona Mendez, a long time employee of UMC Facilities. Her son Kenneth is a graduate of the U of M, Crookston and a lead member of the fiesta planning committee. The scholarship was initiated during the 2011 "Fiesta in the Spirit of the Cinco de Mayo."

Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc (DMC) is a community of individuals and families that are dedicated to the preservation, promotion and practice of the Mexica/ Azteca culture including ceremonies, dance, accurate history, arts and craft, and philosophies. Fiesta organizers believe this troupe, with their dedication to the preservation, promotion, and sharing of the Mexican culture, reflects their own goal of providing quality artistic, cultural education for all who attend the Fiesta. To learn more about DMC, visit http://www.cuauhtemoc.org.

Background

The fiesta is sponsored in part by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, which serves the seven counties located in the northwest corner of the state. The Arts Council receives funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment from the Minnesota State Legislature. Other sponsors include the Crookston Convention and Visitors Bureau; Northwest Mental Health Center; Tri-Valley Opportunity Council; and Concerts and Lectures; Diversity and Multicultural Affairs; Career and Counseling Services; and the Coca Cola Community Initiative Fund at the U of M, Crookston.

The goal of the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the U of M, Crookston is to promote learning, understanding, and appreciation for the Mexican culture through traditional Mexican entertainment, crafts, and cuisine. The planning of the event includes students, faculty, staff from departments across the Crookston campus along with members of the Crookston community, and the Crookston High School VOICES Hispanic Youth Leadership group.

In the photo: Tiles in the Eagles Nest on campus commemorate Cindo de Mayo.

"Making a Case for Homelessness" focus of Two-part Event, Thursday evenings, March 28 and April 4 at the U of M, Crookston

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Featuring Terri "Detroit" Hughes, Skid Row resident, whose story is part of recently released documentary "Lost Angels: Skid Row is My Home"

Skid Row, the homeless capitol of the world, is home for Terri Hughes, an inspirational

speaker and advocate for the homeless from Los Angeles, Calif. Hughes, whose story is featured in the documentary "Lost Angels: Skid Row is My Home," will be speaking on Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Kiehle Auditorium on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus. Her presentation, which begins at 7 p.m., will be a follow up to the showing of the documentary "Lost Angels" at 3:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom that afternoon. Events are free and the public is invited to attend.

"Lost Angels," which was released on March 19, demonstrates how proactive approaches to homelessness-most specifically that of providing housing-are helping many to recover from mental illness and substance abuse and to find stability (www.skidrowismyhome.com).

"The Soloist" will also be shown in Bede Ballroom on Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Hughes was one of many Skid Row residents who were extras in the 2009 movie starring Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., and Catherine Keener.

In many ways, the story of Hughes is the story of Skid Row and a testament to the human spirit. She has been a part of the Skid Row community since 1981 and in and out of homelessness her entire life. In "The Soloist" she says "there was no screen manipulation, it wasn't acting; we were given the space to be ourselves."

"The Soloist" tells the story of Los Angeles journalist Steve Lopez, who befriends a homeless Juilliard-trained musician. He writes a series of stories on the homeless man in an effort to help him, but runs into trouble with the realities of the man's personal demons and the larger social injustices faced by the homeless. Those issues are also ones Hughes will address in her presentation Thursday evening.

"There has been chaos on Skid Row even through the late 1990s when there were no services available," Hughes explains. "But places like the Midnight Mission, the L.A. Mission, and the Lamp community have provided support, and lives of Skid Row residents have been turned around. When the mentally ill, drug addicted, and those lacking housing have access to the assistance they need, they heal."

Hughes story like so many others is important because at any time in life we could find ourselves or someone we care about facing homelessness. "I am you. We are your fathers and mothers, cousins, and grandkids," says Hughes. "If we don't unite on the issue of homelessness we won't be able to change anything. I want it to stop."