For the second year in a row, donors gave a record amount in gifts and pledges to the University of Minnesota. The total committed in fiscal year 2008 was $289 million, an increase of 15 percent compared with the $251 million raised in FY 2007. Additionally, Steven Goldstein was selected as president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation.

The following audio clip of university President Robert Bruininks discussing the record year of giving and the selection of Steven Goldstein is available for media use:

Download full sound bites package MP3 (2:10)

Posted by Andrew Swain at 9:09 PM | Permalink

In the fall of 2009, the excitement of outdoor Gopher football will return to campus with the completion of TCF Bank Stadium. To recognize the entire state's support, the U of M is hitting the road with a tour of all 87 Minnesota counties.

The following audio clip of associate athletics director David Crum discussing the county tour is available for media use:

Download full sound bites package MP3 (1:37)

Posted by Andrew Swain at 9:42 PM | Permalink

It's being built with the sweat and elbow grease of Minnesota workers, stone casts of all the state's county names ring the perimeter and visitors will be greeted by a memorial tribute to all Minnesota veterans -- TCF Bank Stadium truly is Minnesota's stadium. Its residents will be able to learn more about the 50,000 seat venue when the Alumni Association visits cities across the state to bring the "Ultimate Homecoming...Everything you want to know about the new TCF Bank Stadium."

The following audio clip of Alumni Association Margaret Carlson discussing the stadium is available for media use:

Download full sound bites package MP3 (2:18)

Posted by Andrew Swain at 7:54 PM | Permalink