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

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu);Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Dan Svedarsky, director, Center for Sustainability, 218-281-8129 (dsvedars@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

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

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Christo Robberts, advisor, Crookston Student Association, 218-281-8144 (crobbert@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Leah Stroot, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dept., 218-281-8101(stro0525@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Julie Christensen, University News Service, jrchris@umn.edu, (612) 626-1720; Andrew Svec, director, communications at U of M, Crookston, 218-281-8432 (asvec@umn.edu)

Contact: : Natasha Reierson, assistant director, athletics, 218-281-8423 (kuhle007@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Contact: Natasha Reierson, assistant director, athletics, 218-281-8423 (kuhle007@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The University of Minnesota, Crookston Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team traveled to the 2012 National Exposition held May 22, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. The successful team of students is advised by Sam Walton Fellows Kenneth Johnson and Rachel Lundbohm, instructors in the Business Department and assisted by Courtney Bergman, lecturer in the Business Department. 

Dae "Danny" Yeul Lee (at right) received the SIFE Student Leader Scholarship in honor of the SIFE Alumni of the Year. A panel of at least three past recipients of the SIFE Alumni of the Year Award reviewed the applications and selected the recipients. Lee was selected one of the top five recipients of the year and will receive a $1000 scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year. Applicants were required to submit an essay describing themselves, how the direction of their life has been positively impacted through their joining and participation in SIFE, and how they feel that this change will impact their future.

Lee appreciates what he has learned through involvement with the organization. "SIFE has given me the opportunity and experience to develop my leadership skills that will serve me well in the future, but more importantly, it helps me empower others to change the world for themselves," he said.

SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Participating students form teams on their university campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The mission of SIFE is to bring together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. To learn more about SIFE, visit www.sife.org.

To learn more about the business program at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/bus.

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: Kenneth Johnson, instructor, Business Dept., 218-281-8178, (joh02053@umn.edu); Ruth Navarro, communications assistant, 218-281-8446 (nava0085@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Mark your calendars and practice your swing to get ready for a series of summer golf tournaments sponsored by Teambackers at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The tournaments take place at a number of the area's beautiful golf courses and all proceeds go to support scholarships for student-athletes on the Crookston campus.

Anyone interested in playing in the golf tournaments should contact Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising, at 218-281-8436 for details.

The Teambacker Summer Golf Tournament Series for 2012 includes the following locations:

Mark Olsonawski Scholarship Tourney, Thursday, June 28, Hallock, Minn., 10 a.m., $40, four-person teams

Heart of the Valley/Teambacker Golf Tournament, Thursday, July 12, Heart of the Valley Golf Course, Ada, Minn., $40, 1 p.m., five-person teams

U of M, Crookston Teambacker Golf Classic Golf Tournament, Saturday,  July 21, Minakwa Golf Course,  Crookston, Minn., 10 a.m., $95, five-person teams

Highway 2 Classic Golf Tournament, Saturday, July 28, Oak Lake (Erskine) and Fosston Golf Courses, starting in Fosston at 10 a.m., $40, five-person teams

The Teambackers Club is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for the U of M, Crookston. It operates in conjunction with the development office, athletic department, and the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Memberships in the Teambackers Club help support athletic scholarships for student-athletes in 11 sports on the Crookston campus. To learn more about athletics at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.goldeneaglesports.com.

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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The annual Student Awards Program, a night celebrating student service and achievement, was held recently at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Associate Professor Kevin Thompson, who teaches in the Liberal Arts and Education Department, was the 2011 Outstanding Educator and hosted this year's recognition.

Award recipients include the following students:
(Numbers correspond to the number of the photo in the online photo gallery.)

1.    Fall 2011 CSA Senators and Officers
Alisha Aasness, senior, horticulture, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea
Hannah Frey, junior, communication, La Crosse, Wis.
Kate Holmquist, senior, communication, Middleton, Wis.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.
Jennifer Rasmussen, senior, health sciences, Dalton, Minn.
Anthonette Sims, sophomore, communication, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Michelle Boateng, junior, applied studies, Bloomington, Minn.
Adam Switzer, junior, sport and recreation management, Apple Valley, Minn.
Brooke Novak, junior, communication, Dahlen, N.D.
Hannah Reysen, sophomore, double major marketing and business management, Adell, Wis.
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria
Kayla Bellrichard, freshman, business management, Elk River, Minn.
Jordan Melbye, senior, communication, Crookston, Minn.
Emily Goff, sophomore, double major animal science and equine science, Danvers, Minn.
Alexmai Addo, sophomore, communication, Minneapolis, Minn.

2.    Spring 2012 CSA Senators and Officers
Alisha Aasness, senior, horticulture, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea
Kate Holmquist, senior, communication, Middleton, Wis.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.
Anthonette Sims, sophomore, communication, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Michelle Boateng, junior, applied studies, Bloomington, Minn.
Adam Switzer, junior, sport and recreation management, Apple Valley, Minn.
Brooke Novak, junior, communication, Dahlen, N.D.
Hannah Reysen, sophomore, double major marketing and business management, Adell, Wis.
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria
Kayla Bellrichard, freshman, business management, Elk River, Minn.
Jordan Melbye, senior, communication, Crookston, Minn.
Emily Goff, sophomore, double major animal science and equine science, Danvers, Minn.
Alexmai Addo, sophomore, communication, Minneapolis, Minn.

3.    Student Ambassadors
Kourtney Brevik, sophomore, animal science, Erskine, Minn.
Jessica Stuber, senior, natural resources, Hill City, Minn.
Samantha Zuck, junior, animal science, Jamestown, N.D.
Rachel Keimig, senior, ag systems management, Princeton, Minn.
Alexandra Skeeter, sophomore, health sciences, Milwaukee, Wis.
Victoria Martin, sophomore, animal science, Worland, Wyo.
Tony Taylor, senior, business management, Sheridan, Wyo.
Amanda Pihlaja, junior, hotel, restaurant, and tourism management,  Duluth, Minn.
Erica Nelson, junior, double major animal science and equine science, Carols, Minn.
Whitney Lian, junior, agricultural education, Thief River Falls, Minn.
Bryce Gillie, junior, agronomy, Hallock, Minn.
Alisha Aasness, senior, horticulture, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Samantha Lahman, senior, animal science, Parkers Prairie, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Jordan Melbye, senior, communication, Crookston, Minn.
Josh Lunak, advisor

4.    Ambassador of the Year
Alisha Aasness, senior, horticulture, Fergus Falls, Minn.

Campus Ministry Award (No photograph available)
Jenna Rasmussen, senior, health sciences, Dalton, Minn.
Alexandra Buscher, senior, business management, Merrifield, Minn.

5.    Outstanding Leadership in FCA Award
 Jensen Crots, junior, health management, Chesterton, Ind.

Outstanding Achievement in Math and Physics Award (No photograph available)
Tyler Brazier, senior, software engineering, Greenbush, Minn.
Tyler Berglund, junior, health sciences, Warren, Minn.

6.    Outstanding First Year Biology Award
Brittany Looker, freshman, health sciences, Rochester, Minn.
Ashley Martell, freshman, health sciences, Somerset, Wis.

7.    Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award
Megan Eul, senior, early childhood education, Rosemount, Minn.
Janie Bauer,  senior, early childhood education, Durand, Wis.

8.    Outstanding Academic Achievement Award - Business Department
Alexandra Buscher, senior, business management, Merrifield, Minn.
Sheila Lynch, senior, business management, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Alisha Hillstrom, senior, business management, Maple Grove, Minn.
Christopher Bargsten, senior, double major business management and quality management, New Brighton, Minn.
Michael Cloutier, senior, business management, Zimmerman, Minn.
Bryan Boutain, senior, marketing, Alexandria, Minn.
Adam Grahek, senior, marketing, Minneapolis, Minn.
Yangchen Gurung, senior, business management, Mustang, Nepal

9.    Outstanding Leadership Award -  Business Department
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria
Julie Trotter, senior, hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, Eagan, Minn.
Tony Taylor, senior, business management, Sheridan, Wyo.
Brittany Bergemann, senior, marketing, Good Thunder, Minn.

10.    Outstanding Accounting Student
Hwee Kim, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea
Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea

11.    Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Hospitality Award
Amoy Carty, senior, hotel, restaurant, and tourism management; Sandy Point, Saint Kitts.
Lauren Ferrara, senior, hotel, restaurant and tourism management; Eden Prairie, Minn.

12.    Outstanding Communication Student Award
 Kristine Neu, senior, double major, horticulture and communication, Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.

Outstanding Communication Student (Minor) Award
Yangchen Gurung, senior, business management, Mustang, Nepal

13.    Outstanding Sport and Recreation Management Student
Paul Adelman, junior, sport and recreation management, Bellingham, Minn.
Danielle Rueter, senior, sport and recreation management, Burlington, Wis.

14.    SOS Service Award
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Alysia Osowski, senior, double major in agricultural business and agronomy, Grafton, N.D.

SOS Leadership Award
Katelyn Zins, senior, communication, Starbuck, Minn.

15.    Peer Connections Service Award
Kristine Neu, senior, double major in horticulture and communication, Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Brooke Novak,  junior, communication, Dahlen, N.D.

Peer Connections Peer Mentor of the Year (No photograph available)
Samantha Zuck, junior, animal science, Jamestown, N.D.

16.    Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award
Trenton Waters, senior, golf and turf management, Rush City, Minn.
 
Turf Bowl Team Members
Trenton Waters, senior, golf and turf management, Rush City, Minn.
Nick Walters, senior, golf and turf management, Plymouth, Minn.
Nick Harreld, senior, golf and turf management, New Brighton, Minn.
Kyle Rick, senior, double major golf and turf management and manufacturing management, Coon Rapids, Minn.

17.    Norman Pankratz Memorial Conservation Award
Ben Williams, senior, natural resources, Excelsior, Minn.

John Polley Soil and Water Conservation Award
Bob Guetter, sophomore, natural resources, Miltona, Minn.

18.    Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation
Kelsey Kaiser, junior, natural resources, Streeter, N.D.
Austin Link, senior, natural resources, Sebeka, Minn.

19.    June Shaver /The Wildlife Society Scholarship
Krista Kenyon, junior, natural resources, Sanford, Manitoba, Canada
Austin Link, , senior, natural resources, Sebeka, Minn.

20.    Outstanding Animal Science Student of the Year
 Kayla Klehr, senior, animal science, Richmond, Minn.

Outstanding Equine Science Student of the Year
 Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.

21.    Outstanding Dedication to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
Sara Wells, senior, double major equine science and biology, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

22.    Outstanding Ag Business
Alysia Osowski, senior, double major agricultural business and agronomy, Grafton, N.D.

23.    Outstanding Ag Systems Management Student
 Matt Green, senior, triple major agricultural systems management, agronomy, and ag business, Greenbush, Minn.

24.    Hort Club Award and Exceptional Service to the Hort Club Award
Catlin Kersting, sophomore, horticulture, Cloquet, Minn. (Hort Club Award)
Kristine Neu, senior, double major horticulture and communication, Pelican Rapids, Minn. (Exceptional Service to the Hort Club

25.    Study Abroad Seniors
Emily Caillier, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Crookston, Minn.
Sheila Carleton, senior, double major agronomy and natural resources, Baxter, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.
Jennifer Rasmussen, senior, health sciences, Dalton, Minn.
Trista Halland, senior, business management, Crookston, Minn.

26.    International Student Scholars Awards
Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea
Tashi Wongdi Gurung, junior, environmental sciences, Mustang, Nepal
Amoy Carty, senior, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, Sandy Point, Saint Kitts
Nana Sarkodie Boaten, senior, marketing, Accra, Ghana

Outstanding achievement by an International Student
Yangchen Gurung, senior, business management, Mustang, Nepal

27.    Outstanding ESL Student    
Han Gyu Kang, Busan, South Korea

Outstanding ESL Tutor
Tashi Gurung, junior, environmental sciences, Mustang, Nepal


28.    Together Everyone Achieves More
Yangchen Gurung, senior, business management, Mustang, Nepal
Shirley Osborne, Crooskton, Minn.

29.    Support of Diversity Award presented by the Black Student Association
Ashley Crowe, Circle of Nations Indigenous Association, senior, sport and recreation management, Long Prairie, Minn.
Rae French, coordinator of study abroad
Alvin Killough, assistant professor, Liberal Arts and Education Department
Gary Willhite, director of residential life
Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor for student affairs
Charles H. Casey, chancellor
Kristie Jerde, assistant director residential life and advisor for the Black Student Association

30.    Achievement in Music
Tyler Lowthian, freshman, business management, Richfield, Minn.
Bryce Gillie, junior, agronomy, Hallock, Minn.
Miah Smith, freshman, health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Liz Massie, sophomore, communication, Eagan, Minn.
Nathan Anderson, freshman, agricultural education, Appleton, Minn.
Chelsea Swenson, senior, software engineering, Fertile, Minn.
Beth Motley, sophomore, equine science, Vadnais Heights, Minn.
Casey Paris, sophomore, agricultural business, Fairmont, Minn.
Mark Frenzel, sophomore, agricultural systems management, Blackduck, Minn.

31.    Computer Help Desk Award
Kelsey Kaiser, junior, natural resources, Streeter, N.D.

32.    Student Employee of the Year Award
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.

33.    Athletic Department All Academic Team
To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better.  Furthermore, the athlete must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at her/his institution (true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible athletic transfers are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at that institution.

Janie Bauer, volleyball, senior, early childhood education, Durand, Wis.
Jonathon Blazek, men's golf, senior, business management, Owatonna, Minn.
Kari Bodine, women's golf, junior, sport and recreation management, Babbitt, Minn.
Carli Bunning, women's basketball, junior, natural resources, Boone, Iowa
Karen Carpendo, equestrian, senior, equine science, Bessemer, Mich.
Jessica Charles, equestrian, senior, animal science, Belgrade Lakes, Maine
Jensen Crots, soccer, junior, health management, Chesterton, Ind.
Megan Eul, women's basketball, senior, early childhood education, Rosemount, Minn.
Amanda Flint, equestrian, senior, double major equine science and agricultural business, Aberdeen, S.D.
Megan Flynn, soccer, senior, hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, Chanhassen, Minn.
Jessica Goodrich, soccer, sophomore, communication, Munster, Ind.
Kelly Gustofson, women's golf, junior, early childhood education, Hermantown, Minn.
Rachel Halligan, soccer, junior, early childhood education, Duluth, Minn.
Theresa Hamel, women's golf, senior, double major agronomy and agricultural business, Lakota, N.D.
Lauren Kessler, women's basketball, senior, early childhood education, Albertville, Minn.
Megan Kramer, equestrian, senior, equine science, Owatonna, Minn.
Almir Krdzalic, men's basketball, junior, biology, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Stacey Marcum, softball, junior, communication, Merrill, Wis.
Keith McBride, football, junior, double major business management and accounting, Lodi, Wis.
Addie O'Neil, equestrian, junior, agricultural education, Redwood Falls, Minn.
Amanda Overman, equestrian, junior, early childhood education, Lindenhurst, Ill
Casey Paris, tennis, sophomore, agricultural business, Fairmont, Minn.
Josh Perea, football, sophomore, criminal justice, Pico Rivera, Calif.
Angela Peterson, equestrian, senior, double major equine science and animal science, Detroit Lakes,  Minn.
Melanie Rodriguez, equestrian, senior, animal science, Minneapolis, Minn.
Danielle Rueter, volleyball senior, sport and recreation management, Burlington, Wis.
Alyssa Schneider, volleyball, senior, early childhood education, Racine, Wis.
Rachel Schoenborn, softball, sophomore, biology, Anchorage, Alaska
Christopher Secrest, football, junior, criminal justice, Hollywood, Fla.
Alexandra Skeeter, volleyball, sophomore, health sciences, Milwaukee, Wis.
Joseph Stearly, football, junior, health management, Hamlake, Minn.
Andrew Steinfeldt, football, sophomore, health sciences, Green Bay, Wis.
Annalee Sundin, equestrian, junior, double major equine science and animal science, Deer River, Minn.
Denise Thompson, equestrian, sophomore, equine science, Rochester, NY
Amy Van Treeck, equestrian, junior, early childhood education, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Kaytlin Weiger, equestrian, senior, equine science, Duluth, Minn.
Sara Wells, equestrian, senior, double major equine science and biology, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Chelsea Wiesner, volleyball, sophomore, double major health sciences and biology, Rochester, Minn.
Yahna Zastrow, equestrian, senior, equine science, Easton, Minn.


34.    Student Programmer of the Year
 Alexmai Addo, sophomore, communication, Minneapolis, Minn.

35.    Dale Knotek Community Service Award
Student  Athletic  Advisory Committee (SAAC)

36.    President's Volunteer Service Awards
Alexmai Addo, sophomore, communication, Minneapolis, Minn.
Sabra Amundson, sophomore, animal science, Crooks, S.D.
Chris Anderson, senior, natural resources, Missoula, Mont.
Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.
Gyungyoun "Ann" Baek, sophomore, health sciences,  Seoul, South Korea
Samm Blees, senior, criminal justice, North St. Paul, Minn.
Nana Boaten, senior, marketing, Accra, Ghana
Michelle Boateng, junior, applied studies, Bloomington, Minn.
Tiffany Breth, junior, animal science, Upsala, Minn.
Kourtney Brevik, sophomore, animal science, Erskine, Minn.
Alexandra Buscher, senior, business management, Merrifield, Minn.
Sophie Cross, freshman, animal science, Farmington, Minn.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Bryce Gillie, junior, agronomy, Hallock, Minn.
Katie Hagen, sophomore, agricultural business, Epping, N.D.
Alissa Hernandez, freshman, double major animal science and equine science, Savage, Minn.
Catlin Kersting, sophomore, horticulture, Cloquet, Minn.
Moysey Kutsev, sophomore, business management, Erskine, Minn.
Dae Yeul "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul,  South Korea
Whitney Lian, junior, agricultural education, Thief River Falls, Minn.
Nongye Lo, senior, business management, St. Paul, Minn.
Jordan Melbye, senior, communication, Crookston, Minn.
May Nabirye, junior, software engineering, Eagan, Minn.
Erica Nelson, junior, double major equine science and animal science, Carlos, Minn.
Kasey Okke, junior, agricultural education, Hawley, Minn.
Isaac Osei, sophomore, software engineering, Cottage Grove, Minn.
Alysia Osowski, senior, double major agricultural business and agronomy, Grafton, N.D.
Jennifer Rasmussen, senior, health sciences, Dalton, Minn.
Amanda Reineke, senior, double major, equine science and agricultural business, Fisher, Minn.
Hannah Reysen, sophomore, double major marketing and business management, Adell, Wis.
Donovan Rupprecht, freshman, undeclared, Thief River Falls, Minn.
Allison Schumacher, senior, sport and recreation management, Crookston, Minn.
Anthonette Sims, sophomore, communication, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Karlie Sorrell, senior, animal science, Altona, N.Y.
Anthony Taylor, senior, business management, Sheridean, Wyo.
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria
Abbie Westby, senior, agricultural education, Erhard, Minn.
Anton Young, senior, senior, natural resources, St. Cloud, Minn.
Katelyn Zins, senior, communication, Starbuck, Minn.

37.    President's Student Leadership Award
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) representing SIFE are
Tony Taylor, senior, business management, Sheridan, Wyo.
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria
Alexandra Buscher, senior, business management, Merrifield, Minn.
Dae Yuel "Danny" Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea

38.    Outstanding CSA Senator
Adam Switzer, junior, sport and recreation management, Apple Valley, Minn.

Outstanding CSA Voting Delegate Award, in memory of Karolyn Joop (No photograph available)
Victoria Martin, sophomore, animal science, Worland, Wyo.

39.    Outstanding Educator
Dennis Maier, assistant professor, Business Department

Most Supportive of Students
Kim Cousins, student personnel coordinator, Academic Assistance Center

40.    Student Achievement Awards
Alisha Aasness, senior, horticulture, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Angela Bartholomew, senior, double major business management and equine science, Maple Grove, Minn.
Sheila Carleton, senior, double major natural resources and agronomy, Baxter, Minn.
Jackie Dullinger, senior, double major biology and health sciences, Hutchinson, Minn.
Megan Eul, senior, early childhood education, Rosemount, Minn.
Yangchen Gurung, senior, business management, Mustang, Nepal
Samantha Lahman, senior, animal science, Parkers Prairie, Minn.
Whitney Lian, junior, agricultural education, Thief River Falls, Minn.
Kristine Neu, senior, double major, horticulture and communication, Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Brooke Novak, junior, communication, Dahlen, N.D.
Samantha Zuck, senior, animal science, Jamestown, N.D.
Chris Anderson, senior, natural resources, Missoula, Mont.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.
Matthew Green, senior, triple major agricultural systems management, agronomy, and agricultural business, Greenbush, Minn.
Dae Yeul Lee, junior, accounting, Seoul, South Korea
Abbey Wemimo, junior, business management, Lagos, Nigeria


41.    Man and Woman of the Year
Kristine Neu, senior, double major in horticulture and communication, Pelican Rapids, Minn.
Austin Czichotzki, senior, communication, Barnesville, Minn.

42.    Student Volunteer of the Year Award
Alissa Hernandez, freshman, double major animal science and equine science, Savage, Minn.

43. Outstanding Service to Students
Phil Baird, associate professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department

From the group of students received the Student Achievement Awards, two students were chosen as the "Man and Woman of the Year," the year's top academic, service and leadership award. Honors for 2012 go to (pictured l to r) UMC Man of the Year, Austin Czichotzki, a senior from Barnesville, Minn., majoring communication; and Woman of the Year Kristine Neu, a senior from Pelican Rapids, Minn., who is a double major in horticulture and communication. Czichotzki is the son of Terry and Sandi Czichotzki and Neu is the daughter of Mark and Karen Neu.

Special thanks to the Crookston Noon Day Lions Club for their continued support of the awards reception and program.

Members of the Student Awards committee are Lisa Samuelson, Sue Jacobson, Lynne Mullins, Patti Tiedemann, Terrill Bradford, Christiana Boadu, Kayla Bellrichard, and Emily Goff.

Visit the Student Awards Program photo gallery.

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: Student Achievement Award recipients
Back row: Brooke Novak, Abbey Wemimo, Chris Anderson, Megan Eul, Dae Yuel "Danny" Lee, Alisha Aasness, and Angie Bartholomew.

Front row: Whitney Lian, Matt Green, Austin Czichotzki, Kristine Neu, Jackie Dullinger, and Yangchen Gurung.

 

Contact: Lisa Sameulson, director, student activities, 218-281-8507(samue026@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota, Crookston for the prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year are Matthew Green, a senior from Greenbush, Minn., majoring in agricultural systems management; Moysey Kutsev, a sophomore from Erskine, Minn., majoring in business management; Whitney Lian, a junior from Crookston, Minn., majoring in agricultural education; Presley Mosher, a sophomore from Fertile, Minn., majoring in horticulture; Ruth Navarro, a junior from Crookston, Minn., majoring in communication; and Leonard Will, a junior from Thief River Falls, Minn., majoring in agricultural systems management.

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 or resident of Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau, or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay describing an experience or person who has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.

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

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 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: Matthew Green (top, right), Moysey Kutsev (top left),  Whitney Lian (middle, right), Presley Mosher (middle, left), Ruth Navarro (bottom, right), and Leonard Will (bottom, left).

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)

A cultural celebration with something for everyone, the Fourth Annual "Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The day is filled with activities for the whole family and celebrates the rich tradition of the Mexican people. This year's fiesta also recognizes the Month of the Young Child with many activities focusing on children and families.

From 2-5 p.m., Children can choose from nearly a dozen arts and crafts activities in Bede Ballroom and the International Lounge in the Sargeant Student Center featuring more than 200 piñatas made by event volunteers this year. This important aspect of the Fiesta is led by Early Childhood Education (ECE) students, faculty, ECE program alumni, and Month of the Young Child volunteers. Games, music, and rhythm activities will take place in the International and Northern Lights lounges. Information booths, a scholarship table, and a mini marketplace will be located throughout the Sargeant Student Center and into the Eagle's Nest in the Sahlstrom Conference Center.

Music and a performance of an anti-bullying skit by True Players will also be part of the afternoon in the Prairie Room. Featured musical performers include both professional balladeers, Cathy and Abel Pineiro, and local talent Bryan Sanchez. Snacks for children will be available from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Folk dance classes, for those who have pre-registered, will be held in the Lysaker Gymnasium in the Sports Center on campus. The dance sessions will include age appropriate folk dance steps and begin at 2 p.m. for students in grades kindergarten through second grade; followed at 3 p.m. for students in third through sixth grades; and concluding with a session at 4 p.m. for students in grades seven through adult. For more information or to pre-register for a session, contact Anna Corona at 218-521-0245; Rosa Quiroz at 218-289-7479, or Rae French at 218-281-8339. News release on dance sessions.

Beginning at 4 p.m., there will be appetizers in the Eagles Nest and an authentic Mexican dinner will be served in Brown Dining Room from 4:30 until 7 p.m. featuring the talent of several area cooking experts including two all-time favorites: tamales and Mexican rice.

Following the dinner at 7 p.m., entertainment moves to Kiehle Auditorium for a performance by Los Alegres Bailadores, a dance troupe from St. Paul, Minn. Many of the dances will feature the younger members of the dance troupe to draw attention to the children who dance with Los Alegres Bailadores.

Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement regarding the progress of the Ramona Mendez Endowed Scholarship fund drive. The academic scholarship honors the memory of Ramona Mendez, a long time employee of UMC Facilities, whose son Kenneth is a graduate of the U of M, Crookston and a lead member of the planning committee. The scholarship was initiated during last year's "Fiesta in the Spirit of the Cinco de Mayo."

The evening concludes with a family dance from 8 to 12 p.m. in Bede Ballroom featuring Crookston's own VJ (video disc jockey) Nico from Z Martin Entertainment, playing Cumbia, Tejano, and Mexicano music and more.
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 event 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; RiverView Health; Crookston Police Benefit Association; and Concerts and Lectures; Diversity and Multicultural Affairs; the Coca Cola Community Initiative Fund; and the Department of Liberal Arts and Education, all at the U of M, Crookston.

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: Children dancers from Los Alegres Bailadores, a dance troupe from St. Paul.

Contact: Kenneth Mendez, office support assistant, Post Office, 218-281-8329 (mende089@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Two students in the horticultural studies program at University of Minnesota, Crookston recently received scholarships sponsored by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Foundation. The scholarship recipients are Lexi Salonek (at right), a freshman from Montrose, Minn., and Alisha Aasness (at left, below), a senior from Fergus Falls, Minn.

The MNLA scholarship program recognizes superior students enrolled in horticultural or landscape studies programs at several area colleges and universities.  The scholarships are designed by MNLA and its member companies to help grow future leaders in the nursery and landscape industry.

Two MNLA member firms sponsored the scholarships for the University of Minnesota - Crookston students. Countryside Gardens, Inc., based in Delano, sponsored the scholarship for Salonek and Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape, based in Hastings, sponsored the scholarship for Aasness.
 
To be eligible for an MNLA scholarship, applicants must possess a "C" grade average or better, present letters of recommendation from instructors and employers, and submit an essay stating their career goals and objectives. 

The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is the state's largest green industry trade association with over 1,200 member companies.  Members include nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, irrigation contractors, commercial flower growers, tree care specialists, professional gardening services, and turf and landscape management professionals.
 

Contact: Jodi Larson, MNLA Foundation Program Director (jodi@mnla.biz)

Fish for prizes and support scholarships at the same time during the 2nd Annual Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament to be held Saturday, February, 4, 2012. The tournament, which supports scholarships at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, will be held at Zippel Bay Resort on Lake of the Woods, Williams, Minn. Tickets are available for $25 ($30 at the gate) by contacting Alysa Tulibaski at 701-215-4300 or Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436. Tickets are also available at Zippel Bay Resort, 6080 39th St. NW, Williams, Minn., 800-222-2537.

Registration, limited to the first 150, begins at 10 a.m. on the ice at the tournament site with fishing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to catch a fish, along with prizes for the largest walleye, northern, sauger, and perch caught during the tournament. The registration fee also includes a $5 raffle ticket and road access fee. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the gate. All proceeds from the tournament support the Justin Knebel Memorial Scholarship Fund at the U of M, Crookston.

Background

Justin Knebel, who played basketball for the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagles, grew up in Warroad, Minn., graduating from Warroad High School in 2001. A talented athlete, he lettered in basketball, cross country, and track. After graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston where he played basketball as a point guard for the Golden Eagles. Head Basketball Coach Jeff Oseth describes him as the ultimate team player working hard on the court and in the classroom.  

Besides his passion for playing basketball, Knebel loved the Warroad area and outdoor sports in Minnesota, making the ice fishing tournament an apt tribute to the memory of this outstanding student-athlete. For more information on the tournament, visit www.umcrookston.edu/justinknebel.

Members of the planning committee for the event include Corby Kemmer, Bill Tyrrell, Stephanie Helgeson, Amber Bailey, Rose Ulseth, and Alysa Tulibaski.

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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The 3rd Annual Hoops for Halloween hosted by the Crookston Lions Club and held in October 2011, included 57 teams from across the local area. Teams from both North Dakota and Minnesota participated in the basketball tournament which yielded $2,000 in support of Golden Eagle Women's Basketball at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Members of the women's basketball team serve as referees during the tournament. The competition is for boys and girls in grades 3 through 9. Next year's tournament is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2012.

The tournament initiative was led by Crookston Lions Club Member Garrett Borowicz, who recently presented a check to Head Women's Basketball Coach Mike Roysland.

Borowicz was pleased with the tournament's outcome. "The tournament was a huge success and with ten teams more than last year it continues to grow," Borowicz says. "We could not put this tournament on without the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagle Women's Basketball Team volunteering to do the refereeing. It has been a great partnership. With the continued effort of the Crookston Noon Day Lions Club, UMC, and sponsorships from our local businesses, we will be able to continue to grow this event and bring more people to our community."

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): 

Corby Kemmer, director of development and alumni relations; Garrett Borowicz, representing the Crookston Lions Club; Mike Roysland, head women's basketball coach; and Charles H. Casey, chancellor at the U of M, Crookston.

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)

The Collegiate Crops Judging Team from the University of Minnesota, Crookston competed in the national crops contests recently finishing second in both the Kansas City and Chicago contests. Members of the 2011 team include seniors Chase Boen, Karlstad, Minn., double majoring in agronomy and agricultural business; Matthew Green, Greenbush, Minn., triple majoring in agricultural systems management, agronomy, and agricultural business; and Ethan Hulst, Crookston, Minn., majoring in agronomy. The U of M, Crookston Collegiate Crops Team is coached for the second year by Rob Proulx, a lecturer in agronomy in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

In their second place finish in the Kansas City, Mo., the team placed 192 points behind Kansas State University and 875 points ahead of South Dakota State University.  The contest, held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at the Kansas City Board of Trade, saw the team take first in grain grading, second in plant and seed identification, and second in seed analysis. A scholarship award of $500 from the Kansas City Board of Trade was awarded to the team for their second place finish.
Individually, Hulst finished third overall with a first in seed analysis and earning honors as an All-American in grain grading and seed analysis (scores of 95% or better); Green finished sixth overall; and Boen finished seventh overall and earned honors as an All-American in grain grading (score of 95% or better).

With their second place in the Chicago Collegiate Crops Contest, held Saturday, November 19, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., the team finished 215 points behind Kansas State University and 162 points ahead of South Dakota State University. The team was second in grain grading, second in plant and seed identification, and third in seed analysis.

Individually, Green finished fifth overall earning a scholarship award of $500 from the CME Group/Chicago Board of Trade; Hulst finished sixth overall and took honors as an All-American in plant and seed identification (score of 95% or better); and Boen finished in eighth place overall.

The crops contests integrate a student's knowledge of agronomy into three categories: seed analysis, grain grading and crop and weed identification. The Kansas City and Chicago contest represent the national finals of collegiate crops competition for the year. Preparation for crops contests teaches evaluation of crops for quality relative to certification, viability, and marketing.

The first Collegiate Crops Contest was held in 1923 and in Kansas City in 1929. Collectively in the 88 years of competition, 161 crops contests have taken place. Teams from the U of M, Crookston have competed in the crops contests for 40 years. They have finished in the top four 30 times and four times when the team fell out of the top four, the teams consisted of only two members rather than the usual three-member team. Both times those teams placed sixth overall. To learn more about the contests, visit www.crops.org/students/contests.

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: Coach Rob Proulx, Matthew Green, Ethan Hulst, and Chase Boen.

Contact: Rob Proulx, instructor, agronomy, 218-281-8136 (prou0041@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Agriculture and Natural Resources Activities Day brings high school students from some 40 high schools to the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Friday, December 2, 2011. The annual event, which involves the students competing in more than 20 contests, has been held on the campus since 1969.

Ranging from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock and sales, the day is fraught with excitement and culminates in an awards ceremony. The contests are overseen by U of M, Crookston Agriculture and Natural Resources Department faculty. The day begins early with registration for the equine contests beginning at 7:15 a.m. All activities conclude with the awards ceremony at 1:15 p.m.in Lysaker Gymnasium.

Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. Over $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students.  Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest, $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual, and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded for the third place individual.

More information regarding Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day is available by contacting Leah Stroot at 218-281-8101 or visit www.umcrookston.edu/agnatrday.

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: : Leah Stroot, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, 218-281-8101 (stro0525@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)

A scholarship assisting "non-traditional" women in completing their education at the University of Minnesota has been awarded to three students from the Crookston campus. Recipients of the Carol E. Macpherson Memorial Scholarship include: Senior Beth Debeltz, a health management major from Embarrass, Minn.; Junior Donna Malarkey, a quality management major from Crookston, Minn.; and Sophomore Nan Wright, an organizational psychology major also from Crookston.

"It is an honor for our campus to have three women awarded the Carol E. Macpherson Memorial Scholarship," says Melissa Dingmann, director of financial aid at Crookston. "We know that sometimes students can feel daunted by the thought of re-entering the academic world, but help exists in the form of scholarships designed to assist them in the transition. These three award recipients are most deserving, and they are dedicated, hard-working students who are committed to their educational goals."

"I hope to develop and capitalize on my experience at UMC," says Malarkey.  "My mother was a 1945 graduate of the Northwest School of Agriculture, and I hope to be able to follow her example and call myself a U of M, Crookston alumni in 2012. As a non-traditional student, self-supporting, with limited resources, the scholarship assistance is deeply appreciated."

Recipients of the scholarship are chosen by a selection committee including University staff and faculty with particular interest and expertise in assisting non-traditional women students. In order to be considered for the scholarship, a student must be 28 years or older, been out of school for at least five years, be in good academic standing with the U of M, and meet half-time enrollment status. A weighted list of selection criteria includes the strength of the student's written personal statement, reference letters, and other special circumstances.  

Wright appreciates her scholarship. "I am grateful to the foundation and family for their belief in and support of me, and I assure you, I will do all I can to be worthy of the honor," she says.

It is much the same for Debeltz, an online student, "First of all I would like to say thank you to the family of Carol E. Macpherson. It is an honor to be selected and I am very grateful. I also would like to thank the staff and faculty at the University who selected me as well. This scholarship will help me attain my career goals as a wife and a mother, and I look forward to paying it forward to others in the future."

The scholarship was created in the late 1970s and is sustained through the generosity of Macpherson's family. To learn more about the scholarship, visit www.umn.edu/women/macphersonHistory.html.

The three recipients have been invited to attend an awards and recognition event on October 21, 2011, in Memorial Hall in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus. The Celebrating University Women Awards & Recognition event, which takes place from 3 -5 p.m., is designed to honor outstanding U of M women students, staff, and faculty. It is free and the public is welcome. RSVP online at z.umn.edu/2011wmcawards.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 18 minors, and more than 40 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 about 1,450 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: Melissa Dingmann, director, financial aid, 218-281-8576 (Dingmann@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Support University of Minnesota, Crookston athletics while practicing your golf swing this summer at the UMC Teambacker Golf Classic on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Minakwa Golf Club in Crookston.

The five person scramble will consist of 18 teams and will begin with registration at 10 a.m. and tee off at 11 a.m. There will be a $90 entry fee per person which will cover green fees, an entry gift, prizes, coffee, dinner, and a contribution to the UMC Scholarship program. The registration deadline is July 8 and will be limited to the first 90 golfers. Please join us in this scholarship fund-raising event and enjoy the company of UMC alumni, staff, and friends.

If you are interested in participating in the tournament, contact Bill Tyrrell at 701-740-5278 or btyrrell@umn.edu.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 29 bachelor's degrees, 18 minors, and more than 40 concentrations, including ten 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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Treasurer of UMC Teambackers Adam Maruska, '00, recently presented a check for $20,000 to Chancellor Charles H. Casey at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The money will support scholarships for student-athletes on the Crookston campus.  

The Teambackers Club is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for the U of M, Crookston. It operates in conjunction with the development office, athletic department, and the University of Minnesota Foundation.

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

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.

In the photo (l to r): Corby Kemmer, director of development and alumni relations; Chancellor Charles H. Casey; Adam Maruska, Teambackers treasurer; and Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising.

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota, Crookston for the prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year are Matthew Green (photo at left below), a junior from Greenbush, Minn., majoring in agricultural systems management and Falyn Johnson (photo at right), a junior from Hallock, Minn., majoring in agricultural business.

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 having graduated from a high school in Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau, or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay on a person who has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.

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

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 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)

It's a celebration Ramona Mendez would have loved, and one her son, Ken, is proud to have brought to the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Music, dance, and authentic Mexican cuisine highlight the "Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" taking place on the Crookston campus on April 15, 2011. With new activities, this year's event promises to be the best one yet and the evening will also mark the kick off of the Ramona Mendez Endowed Scholarship fund drive.

The "Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" is the kind of event Ken feels his mother would have loved and planned herself. "The celebration would have been the perfect night with music and dancing and all the things she loved," Mendez says. "And, I know the scholarship announcement would have truly humbled my mother who was a very unassuming woman."

The scholarship was the idea of Leticia Sanchez who works for Migrant Health Services in Crookston Mendez explains. Sanchez shared the idea with some other women and it caught on. Corby Kemmer, director of development and alumni relations on the Crookston campus is encouraged to see the creation of the scholarship fund. "We are here to support students as they pursue their dreams of an education," he says. "The scholarship fund created to honor the memory of Ramona Mendez is a tribute to Ken as he completes his bachelor's degree and an encouragement to others to do the same."

The scholarship is something Ken says he could not have imagined a few years ago. A senior majoring in communication, Ken will graduate in May and his only regret is that his mother cannot see him graduate. "I know how happy my graduation would have made her, and it is bittersweet that she cannot be here to share the day with me and my family."

The "Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo" begins at 4 p.m. and runs through midnight with a host of activities for all ages. From 4 to 7 p.m. there will be a marketplace and children's activities in the Sargeant Student Center. Authentic Mexican cuisine will be featured at a dinner beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Brown dining room and running concurrently will be a social with appetizers and music in the Eagles Nest. From 7 to 9 p.m. a program in Kiehle Auditorium will feature the dance troupe, Los Alegres Bailadores from Cottage Grove, Minn. The evening concludes with a family dance with the music of Sonora Café in Lysaker Gymnasium from 9 p.m. to midnight. All events are free and everyone is welcome.

The evening is made possible by a grant from the State of Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Foundation Legacy Amendment, University of Minnesota Crookston Concerts and Lectures fund and the Coke Community Initiative fund, a grant for cultural projects from the Crookston High School, and a donation from RiverView Health in Crookston.

For more information on the Legacy Destination weekend, visit www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/legacy/crookston/index.aspx.

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: Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs, 218-281-8580 (will3140@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

University of Minnesota, Crookston Senior Tammy Wroblewski, Milwaukee, Wis., was named a recipient of a $1,000 North Central Turf Grass Association (NCGTA) scholarship. Wroblewski, a triple major in golf and turf management, horticulture, and communication, was awarded the scholarship during the NCTGA annual meeting held in Fargo, N.D., in late February.

Last summer, she completed an internship at the U of M, Crookston working in the areas of golf and turf management and horticulture. Her advisors are Kristina Walker, assistant professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and Rachel McCoppin, associate professor in the Liberal Arts and Education Department.

An active student at the U of M, Crookston, Wroblewski has been a member of the Golden Eagle Golf Team, served as an Ambassador, was named to the Athletic All-Academic Team, and worked as a tutor in the Academic Assistance Center.

The purpose of the North Central Turf Grass Association is to promote the turfgrass industry, to encourage and support the further study and research of turf, to gather and distribute this information, and to represent this group on matters of policy regarding the turf grass industry. To learn more, visit http://www.nctga.net.

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: Kristie Walker, assistant professor, Natural Resources Department, 218-281-8116 (kswalker@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The first annual Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament was held early in February on Zippel Bay & Resort on Lake of the Woods in Williams, Minn., to raise money for scholarships. More than $6,000 was garnered in support of the Justin Knebel endowment fund and University of Minnesota, Crookston for student-athletes.

Thank you to all sponsors, donors, participants, Zippel Bay & Resort, and a special thank you to Tournament Sponsor, Roseau County Ford. The tournament ran from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with more than 70 fisher men & women participating.

"The Justin Knebel Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament was a fun experience. It was great to see all the people that came to support the event," said Jeffrey Kroll, Custom Stripes, Inc. It was pretty easy to convince me to be a part of the tournament. I got to go fishing and support education, what a great combo! I am already looking forward to next year."

Special thanks to Justin's parents, Mark and Janet, for their tremendous support and to the tournament committee members from the U of M, Crookston: Alysa Tulibaski, student experience and parent coordinator; Amber Bailey, e-communications manager; Corby Kemmer, director of development; Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising; Stephanie Helgeson, athletic director; and Rose Ulseth, executive accounts specialist in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations.

Next year, the second annual tournament is slated for Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the same location. For information, contact Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations at 218-281-8434.

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.

In the photo (l to r), standing: Bill Tyrrell, Amber Bailey, Stephanie Helgeson, and Corby Kemmer. Seated: Alysa Tulibaski.  

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

One student in the horticultural studies program at University of Minnesota-Crookston recently received a scholarship sponsored by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Foundation.  The scholarship recipient was Theodore Lenneman, a senior double majoring in golf and turf management and horticulture from St. Michael, Minn.

The MNLA scholarship program recognizes superior students enrolled in horticultural or landscape studies programs at several area colleges and universities.  The scholarships are designed by MNLA and its member companies to help grow future leaders in the nursery and landscape industry.

The MNLA Commercial Arborist Committee co-sponsored the scholarship for Lenneman.

To be eligible for an MNLA scholarship, applicants must possess a "C" grade average or better, present letters of recommendation from instructors and employers, and submit an essay stating their career goals and objectives.

The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is the state's largest green industry trade association with over 1,200 member companies.  Members include nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, irrigation contractors, commercial flower growers, tree care specialists, professional gardening services, and turf and landscape management professionals.

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:  Cassie Larson, Education & Industry Advancement Director, 651-633-4987, (cassie@mnla.biz); Sue Jacobson, instructor, horticulture, 218-281-8118, (sjacobso@umn.edu)

A fishing tournament in memory of Justin Knebel, who played basketball for the University  of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagles, will be held on Lake of the Woods at Zippel Bay Resort, Williams, Minn. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2011, honors the memory of Knebel who loved the Warroad area and outdoor sports in Minnesota.

Registration, limited to the first 150, is at 10 a.m. on the ice at the tournament site with fishing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to catch a fish, the smallest fish caught, along with prizes for the largest walleye, northern, sauger, and perch caught during the tournament. 

Tickets are available for $25 ($30 at the gate) by contacting Alysa Tulibaski at 218-281-8570 or Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436. Tickets are also available at Zippel Bay Resort, 6080 39th St. NW, Williams, Minn., 800-222-2537.  All proceeds from the tournament support the Justin Knebel Memorial Scholarship Fund benefiting students at the U of M, Crookston.

Knebel grew up in Warroad, Minn., graduating from Warroad High School in 2001. A talented athlete, he lettered in basketball, cross country, and track. After graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston where he played basketball as a point guard for the Golden Eagles. Head Basketball Coach Jeff Oseth describes him as the ultimate team player working hard on the court and in the classroom.  

In the fall of 2002, Knebel became ill and was unable to participate with the team in conditioning but eventually was cleared to resume activity by his doctor. The evening before the first official practice was to begin, Knebel passed away unexpectedly from complications but left behind a legacy of dedication, determination, and a drive to excel.

For more information on the tournament, visit www.umcrookston.edu/justinknebel. Members of the planning committee for the event include Corby Kemmer, Bill Tyrrell, Stephanie Helgeson, Amber Bailey, Lew Hanson, Jeff Oseth, Rose Ulseth, Derek Ricke, and Alysa Tulibaski.

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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436, (btyrrell@umn.edu); Alysa Tulibaski, student experience and parent coordinator, 218-281-8570 (hauge450@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@u

RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 4-7 p.m.

The most wonderful time of the year will get a jump start when the U of M, Crookston hosts its fourth annual holiday social on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a silent auction, and throughout the evening until 7 p.m., there will be several raffles. All proceeds will be used to support scholarships on the Crookston campus. Wine and hors de oeuvres will be served. Admission is free and public is invited to attend.

Three new raffles have been added to this year's event. The holiday raffle is one of the most exciting additions. It includes a grand prize of a day spa courtesy of Shear Sisters, an overnight stay in a Jacuzzi suite from the AmericInn of Crookston, and Lynn Willhite Watercolor apparel.

Second and third prizes include a Hugo's After-hours Selection; and a maroon and gold ensemble sponsored by the U of M, Crookston Bookstore. The number of tickets is limited and may be purchased for $25 by contacting members of the holiday social committee. Also new are the $2 per chance wine raffle and a $2 per chance bucket raffle along with the many baskets/containers available on the silent auction. There will be something for everyone.

Back again this year is the UMC Horticulture Club selling their holiday arrangements, candy bouquets, and wreaths to decorate your home and to give as gifts. If you would like more information, visit the holiday social Web page at www.umcrookston.edu/holidaysocial.

Planning committee members for the holiday social include: Sherry Just, Emily Knutson, Jody Clauson, Ardith Pelton, Diane Bachmeier, Jeannine Windels, Barbara Muesing, Judy Nepple, Corby Kemmer, and Michelle Christopherson.

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: Michelle Christopherson, director, Center for Adult Learning, 218-281-8679 (mchristo@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The fundraising arm of the athletic program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Teambackers, announces Alumnus Adam Maruska, '00, as Teambacker of the Year. Maruska, vice president of Crookston National Bank has served as treasurer of the Teambacker organization for five years. He is also an integral part of the planning for the annual Bill Tyrrell Walk-a-thon, a fundraising effort that raised more than $9,000 this spring.

Maruska received his award during Fun Nite, held last weekend. The largest annual fundraising effort for Teambackers, Fun Nite raised more than $18,000 with record attendance numbers.

"It is very rewarding to work for an organization that benefits student-athletes," Maruska says. "I played football at the U of M, Crookston, and I know what it means to be a student-athlete and receive scholarship support."

Since 2004, Maruska has worked at Crookston National Bank. He was a double major in ag business and agronomy at the U of M, Crookston.  Maruska and his wife, Crystal, have a son and live near Crookston.

Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising praised Maruska for his dedication and support of Teambackers. "I have great respect for Adam," Tyrrell says. "He understands what it means to be a student-athlete, and he continues to serve the organization by providing leadership and support in his role on the board. "

For more information on Teambackers, visit www.goldeneaglesports.com/teambackers.

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.

In the photo: Bill Tyrrell (left) and Adam Maruska (right).

Contact: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The first two recipients of the Zak American Indian Scholarship were announced recently at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The 2010-11 recipients of the scholarship were Junior Dustin Roy, a natural resources major from Waubun, Minn., and Senior Krystal Caldwell, an agriculture major from Warwick, N.D.

Certificates were presented to the recipients after the first annual powwow held on the Crookston Campus on Saturday, April 24, 2010. For a student to be eligible for the scholarship, he or she must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe; must have completed at least one year of college; and have a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

The Zak American Indian Scholarship was established in 2010 by John and Deborah Zak.  John works in University Relations at the U of M, Crookston, and Deborah works for the University of Minnesota Extension where she is the campus regional director, Extension Regional Office, Crookston.

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.

In the photo (l to r): Students Dustin Roy and Krystal Caldwell with Deborah Zak.

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

Scholarship recipients were recently named by the University of Minnesota, Crookston for the prestigious Sather Scholarship. Recipients of the Sather Scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year are Matthew Green, a sophomore from Greenbush, Minn., majoring agricultural systems management; Falyn Johnson, a sophomore from Hallock, Minn., majoring in agricultural business; and Cassie Wilson, a sophomore from Thief River Falls, Minn., majoring in natural resources.
 
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 having graduated from a high school in Polk, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Marshall, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Roseau or Kittson counties. Applicants were required to write an essay on a person or experience that has had a major impact on their life. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee including Ardell Knudsvig, chair; Adam Maruska; Carl Moland; Judy Neppel; and Lori Wagner.

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

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 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: Corby Kemmer, director, development & alumni, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Bill Tyrrell's 4th Annual Golden Eagle Walk for Student Athletes will kick off some fundraising fun at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Thursday, April 29, 2010. The walk-a-thon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field on the Crookston Campus. Crookston National Bank is sponsoring the food and beverages available during the walk for everyone who comes out to support the effort. Anyone interested in making a pledge of $10/mile (or $50) or more will receive one of Bill's walk- for-student-athletes t-shirts.

The following day everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of food, fun, games and prizes while during the 15th Annual Teambackers Fun Nite on Friday, April 30 at the Crookston Eagles Club. The evening begins with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner; games begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Fun Nite are $50 and available from a Teambacker member or by calling Director of Athletic Fundraising Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436.

Fun Nite is an annual event and ticket holders are eligible for more than $1500 in prizes. Numerous live and silent auction items will be available along with raffles and other games.

The Teambackers Club is an athletic promotion and fundraising organization for UMC. It operates in conjunction with the U of M, Crookston Development Office, the Athletic Department and the University of Minnesota Foundation. To learn more about supporting student-athletes through Teambackers, visit www.goldeneaglesports.com/teambackers.

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: Bill Tyrrell, director, athletic fundraising, 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Three students attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston have been awarded the East Polk County Fair Board Scholarship for 2010. This year's scholarship recipients include Tori Rhode and  Megan Hoff, both from Crookston, Minn.; and Matthew Nielsen, Fisher, Minn.

The scholarship, established in 2004, recognizes the history and significance of the East Polk County Fair which was held annually in Fosston, Minn., for many years. When the fair was discontinued after 1996, members of the fair board decided to leave a legacy from the East Polk County Fair to students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Their unique scholarship was designed to provide students from Polk County, Minn., with a preference for students from the 16 townships located in East Polk County. Student recipients must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

"The value of a scholarship in a student's life is hard to measure," states Corby Kemmer, director of the Office Alumni & Development. "We are pleased and grateful that we can honor the legacy of the East Polk County Fair with scholarships for U of M, Crookston students."
For information on opportunities to support scholarships on the Crookston campus, contact Kemmer at 218-281-8434.

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: Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations, 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Two students in the horticultural studies program at University of Minnesota, Crookston recently received scholarships sponsored by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Foundation.  Scholarship recipients are Jada Ellenberg, Perham, Minn., and Kristine Neu, Pelican Rapids, Minn.

The MNLA scholarship program recognizes superior students enrolled in horticultural, nursery or landscape studies programs at several area colleges and universities.  The scholarships are designed by MNLA and its member companies to help grow future leaders in the nursery and landscape industry.

In photo at left: Annette Cayard, Dakota County Technical College, left, and Jada Ellenberg, University of Minnesota , Crookston, right, with scholarship sponsor Mike McNamara, Hoffman and McNamara Nursery & Landscape.

In photo at right, below:  Front row (left to right): Davin Shokes, University of Minnesota - St. Paul, third from left, and Kristine Neu, University of Minnesota , Crookston, sixth from left, with scholarship sponsors Dennis Ullom, St. Croix Tree Service, Jim Walsh, Vineland Treecare, Steve Sylvester, S & S Tree Specialists, Inc., Bert Swanson, Swanson's Nursery Consulting, Greg Krogstad, Rainbow Treecare, Jim Ostvig, Ostvig Tree Service, and Dave Nordgard, A Top Notch Equipment. 

Two MNLA member firms co-sponsored the scholarships for the University of Minnesota, Crookston students.  MNLA Commercial Arborist Committee sponsored the scholarship for Neu.  Hoffman and McNamara, based in Hastings, sponsored the scholarship for Ellenberg.
 
To be eligible for an MNLA scholarship, applicants must possess a "C" grade average or better, present letters of recommendation from instructors and employers, and submit an essay stating their career goals and objectives. 

The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is the state's largest green industry trade association with over 1,500 member companies.  Members include nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, irrigation contractors, commercial flower growers, tree care specialists, professional gardening services, and turf and landscape management professionals.     
                             
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: Cassie Larson, Education & Industry Advancement Director - cassie@mnla.biz; Sue Jacobson, instructor, horticulture, 218-281-8118 (sjacobso@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The third annual Women's Holiday Social at the University of Minnesota, Crookston raised more than $6,795 for student scholarships on the campus. More than 120 people gathered to celebrate the season, connect with friends of the University, enjoy refreshments and listen to holiday music on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, while bidding on some 20 holiday baskets with a value totaling more than $2,750; handcrafted items; artwork as well as participating in raffles and a live auction featuring a French gourmet dinner for four.

Two of the baskets received special awards during the social: Best of Show went to the Academic Assistance Center for their basket themed "Handmade from the Heart." The Chancellor's Choice was awarded to University Relations and the Office of Alumni & Development for their basket which featured the theme "The Good Life."

During the evening, several items were raffled  and winners included Peggy Henry, who won the Hugo's Family Marketplace Party Basket; Natasha Kuhle was the winner of a gift package from TLC Family Hair Care and Salon and Red River Massage Spa Treatment; Richard Jones  won a Dessert of the Month for 6 months, compliments of Erica White, an information technology specialist in the Office of Admissions; and Lori Wagner was the recipient of a fresh floral arrangement from the U of M, Crookston Horticulture Club.

All proceeds from the raffles, silent & live auctions go to the Women's Project Fund to support awareness and the recognition of scholarly work and service throughout the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

A special thank you to Hugo's Family Marketplace, TLC Family Hair Care and Salon, Red River Massage, the UMC Horticulture and International Clubs, Sodexo, Two Fool's Vineyard and the entire community who shared their creative talents in raising awareness for women's scholarships at UMC.

This year's social was a success through the involvement of Emily Knutson, Sherry Just, Ardith Pelton, Audrey Eickhof, Judy Neppel, Barbara Muesing, Jeannine Windels, Michelle Christopherson, Mary Beth Sargeant, Tricia Sanders, Erica White, Amber Bailey, Amber Evans-Dailey, Laurie Wilson, Stephanie Helgeson, Leanne Butt, Kim Knutson, Jess Schein, Yvonne Valgren, Alyssa Aaland, Anna Ogaard, Katie Bowar, Kayla Bowar, Jodi Steiner, Jennifer Severinson, Heather Sperling, Natasha Kuhle, Lynnette Mullins, Audrey Eickhof, and Corby Kemmer.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Contact: Michelle Christopherson, director, Center for Adult Learning, 218-281-8679 (mchristo@umn.edu) ;Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

The holiday season is a time for tradition, and once again, it is time for a University of Minnesota, Crookston tradition, the 3rd Annual Women's Holiday Social. The social, which raises money for student scholarships, takes place in the Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Holiday gift baskets can be viewed beginning at 3 p.m. with bidding and drawings from 4-7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the live and silent auctions, vie for some unique raffle items, and enjoy holiday refreshments.

"We raised over $2,600 for women's scholarships last year so we added a few venues for additional bidding due to popularity," said Jeannine Windels, social co-chair. A spa treatment and dessert of the month are a few items set to be raffled off along with a live auction including a gourmet dinner for four beginning at 6:30 p.m.  

"We have a great committee and many University and Community women are contributing their time, talents and energy to raise more dollars for women's scholarships at the U of M, Crookston," Windels said.  There are several themed baskets, along with jewelry, refreshments, holiday arrangements and great gift ideas highlighting this year's event.

In the past the primary audience for the social has been women within the Crookston community; however, last year the committee saw more men in attendance and bidding on items for their wives, friends, and co-workers.  "This is a great event, we are raising money for scholarships at the U of M, Crookston and we are welcoming all to this year's social so stop out, bid, and donate to UMC scholarships", said Michelle Christopherson social co-chair.

All proceeds from the silent auction, raffle, and live auction go to the Women's Project Fund to support awareness and the recognition of scholarly work and service throughout the University of Minnesota, Crookston. This year's social is being organized by Jeannine Windels, Diane Bachmeier, Ardith Pelton, Judy Neppel, Barbara Muesing, Sherry Just, Emily Knutson and Michelle Christopherson.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

Contact: Michelle Christopherson, director, Center for Adult Learning, 218-281-8679 (mchristo@umn.edu); Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director, communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn. - The highest  honor given by the University of Minnesota, Crookston will recognize three individuals and an organization who have provided leadership and aided in the development of the U of M, Crookston, the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC), and Extension. This year's recognition will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, and marks the first time an organization has received the award.

Recipients of the 2009 Torch & Shield Award are:

Orlyn Miller has worked for the University of Minnesota for 22 years and is currently director of planning and architecture. He plays a major role in the development and management of the capital planning and budgeting processes at the university. For the past two decades, he has provided assistance on capital planning and campus planning issues at the Crookston campus including Bergland Laboratory, Early Childhood Development Center, Kiehle Hall renovation, Student Center, and the two most recent residence halls, Evergreen and Centennial. Prior to his work at the university, Miller was a member of a landscape architectural/engineering firm, where he obtained broad experience in strategic planning, project design, project management and governmental relations. Miller and his wife, Sharon, have two children and four grandchildren.

Jim Sims was head football coach at the U of M, Crookston from 1976-1995. During his tenure, the U of M, Crookston Technical College won three division team championships, and he was named division coach of the year twice. Sims taught health, physical education, and recreation and was the program manager for two years. He went on to serve as the co-curricular activities director for the high school in Thief River Falls, Minn., until he retired in 2007. In 2002, Sims was inducted into the U of M, Crookston's Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sims, and his wife, Sharon, have two children and three grandchildren.

Erma J. Vizenor, Ph.D., was elected as the chairwoman of the White Earth Reservation in 2004 and is the first woman to lead the largest tribe in Minnesota.  As chairwoman, she represents all districts on the White Earth Reservation. Vizenor has worked her entire career in education on the White Earth Reservation.  She holds an undergraduate degree in elementary education; a master's degree in guidance and counseling; and a specialist degree in education administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead.  A Bush Leadership fellowship gave her the opportunity to earn a master's degree in community decision-making and lifelong learning; and a doctoral degree in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.  Vizenor has two daughters and four grandchildren.

The Crookston Daily Times has roots dating back to 1885 and was locally owned until 1972. It is currently owned by GateHouse Media, a Fairport, New York-based company that owns approximately 500 media properties. The Times' operation also consists of the Valley Shopper and the Halstad Shopper. The Times itself is widely considered to be the smallest daily newspaper in Minnesota, and one of the smallest dailies in the nation. The paper publishes Monday through Friday and is a rarity in the business in that it goes to press in the afternoon and is delivered in the afternoon. With eight full-time staff members, the staff at the Times includes Publisher Randal Hultgren and newsroom staff consisting of Managing Editor Mike Christopherson, City Editor Natalie J. Ostgaard, and Sports Editor Derek Martin. Through a program with the Carl and Eloise Pohlad Foundation and the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Times is also able to employ a Crookston High School student as an intern each summer. Also, this school year, through the School to Work program in Fisher, a Fisher High School senior Nickole Wurden is currently spending two hours each morning in the newsroom.

The Torch & Shield Award presentation takes place in conjunction with the U of M, Crookston's annual donor recognition. The Torch & Shield Award was first presented in 1966 when it was initiated by Crookston campus Founding Provost Stanley Sahlstrom. For more information on Torch & Shield, visit www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/TorchShieldRecipients.htm.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. 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 of communications, 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu)

Crookston, Minn.  - A gift from an alumnus from the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA), now the University of Minnesota, Crookston, will provide scholarships for upper division students beginning in the fall semester 2010. Harris Peterson, '42, recently made a gift to the University of Minnesota Crookston that establishes a new scholarship fund of more than $141,000.

From the fund, six scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded annually to students majoring in agriculture who are residents of North Dakota or Minnesota. Peterson who has generously supported the campus over the years, made this most recent gift in an effort to encourage students in their pursuit of a baccalaureate degree with a focus on juniors and seniors.

"Our sincere appreciation to Harris for his act of philanthropic generosity in support of student scholarships on the Crookston campus," states Corby Kemmer, director of development and alumni relations. "It was a pleasure to work with Harris and his associates on this gift and we thank him for his continued investment in the U of M, Crookston."

Peterson is the founder, president, and general manager of Minn-Dak Growers, Ltd., a worldwide supplier of mustard, buckwheat, safflower, and confection sunflower ingredients to the food industry. He has generously supported the Northwest Research and Outreach Center's research on buckwheat and contributed significantly to the building of a gazebo on the Campus Mall, a project that commemorates the NWSA and its legacy to the region. The Harris A. Peterson Gazebo is the focal point of the mall and is the location of many campus events.

The Top Aggie was awarded to Peterson in 1987. The Top Aggie is the highest award given to alumni of the Northwest School, a residential high school that operated on the site of what is now the U of M, Crookston from 1906 - 1968. For more information on supporting student scholarships, visit www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/giving.html.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.

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