Weekly Bulletin Archive

November 8, 2006
Retired Multi-Ethnic Student Program Director Bill Stewart and his wife, Ida, traveled to Chicago with MSP Assistant Director Mike Miller, MSP Executive Office and Administrative Assistant Bonnie Tipcke and Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Carla Riley on November 3 to attend an MSP alumni gathering which was held that evening at the historic Chicago Firehouse. Joining the group at the Firehouse was Chancellor Jacquie Johnson who enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle with the alumni who were in attendance, and Admissions Counselor Tara Schmidt, who was recruiting in Chicago. The group returned to Minnesota the next day after an exciting evening of reconnecting with former friends and making new ones. A number of those who attended the event from the Chicago area suggested that they are considering coming to UMM next year for Homecoming! Watch for photos from the Chicago event at www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/MSP2006/MSPchicago2006.html

Advanced sale of tickets are now available for the 2006 UMM Carol Concerts performed by the UMM Choir under the direction of Ken Hodgson. Performances of this annual Holiday event will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, in the Morris Area Concert Hall. This year’s concert, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” carries on the carol concert tradition with a little extra! Order your tickets now! In honor of the Whos in Whoville, “roast beast feast” will be served before each concert. The feast will be prepared and served by Bello Cucina in the Elementary School dining area one and a half hour prior to each performance. Tickets for the performance alone are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens, children and students. The "roast beast feast" is an additional $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be obtained by sending a check (made payable to: UMM Carol Concerts) and a stamped self-addressed envelope to: Carol Concert, UMM Music Office, 600 East Fourth St, Morris, MN 56267. For further information call the UMM Music Office at (320) 589-6234.

November 1, 2006
The Cougar football team captured their first-ever Upper Midwest Athletic Conference championship last Friday during Dome Day at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. In the process, UMM won their seventh straight game, the most since the 1986 team equaled that number. The win was number seven on the year, the most wins since 1986 when UMM Cougar football was 7-1-2. After a bye week, the Cougars will close out the 2006 season at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, against Concordia College in the Fargo Dome. Read details of the game at Dome Day.

The Center for Small Towns at UMM and the City of Morris together have won the Carter Partnership Award for Campus-Community Collaboration. The award was presented by Minnesota Campus Compact during ceremonies held October 30 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/.

The Pride of the Prairie Farmers' Market and Fall Feast will be held Thursday, Nov. 9. Enjoy locally grown food and entertainment. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/.

The public is invited to meet noted author of books for children and young adults John Coy at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Morris Public Library. Coy will read from selected works, speak about the state of children's literature and on the life of a writer. Refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by Briggs Library Associates and Friends of the Morris Public Library.

October 25, 2006
The Cougar football team will play in their first-ever Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) championship game this Friday, Oct. 27, in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. UMM will meet Rockford College in an 8 p.m. game. A pre-game reception, hosted by the UMM Alumni Association, will be held at the Metrodome starting at 6:30 p.m. Plans are underway to send a fan bus to the game. For more information and updates regarding bus transportation contact Student Activities, ext. 6080. For more information about the UMAC Championship game, tickets, parking, etc., visit the Metrodome Web site. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu

UMM will join only 25 institutions nationwide in creating a national higher education steering committee on renewable energy. Lowell Rasmussen, UMM’s associate vice chancellor for physical plant and master planning, has been invited to serve as a founding member of the Higher Education Steering Committee (HEC) of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Rasmussen has played a significant role within the University of Minnesota in initiating renewable energy projects and developing partnerships across the University that advance sustainable energy priorities.

Mike S. Adams, a professor of criminology and sociology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, will deliver a lecture, titled “How to Make Friends and Annoy Feminists,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in 109 Imholte Hall. The public is invited to attend the free lecture and reception to follow. Adams’ visit to Morris is being co-sponsored by The Counterweight, UMM’s conservative student publication, along with the Campus Activities Council Convocations Committee and Young America’s Foundation. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu

The UMM mathematics discipline will host the second of two regional meetings for the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28. The MAA regional meeting brings together mathematicians from colleges and universities in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. UMM last hosted the meeting in 1999.

An event to rename Independence Hall in honor of UMM’s third chancellor David C. Johnson will be held at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in the area of Indy/Gay Lake. In the event of inclement weather the event will be held in the Independence Hall main lounge. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

Representatives from the Center for Small Towns and the City of Morris together will be attending the 2006 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award for Campus - Community Collaboration where CST and the City are one of five finalists for this statewide award. The award banquet will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. Senator John Glenn will give the keynote address and present the recipient of the award. Read more about UMM as an award finalist at www.mrs.umn.edu/services/cst/press/carter/iindex.htm

October 11, 2006
UMM will attempt to break a Guinness Book of World Records record for the largest food drive by a non-charitable organization in a 24-hour period. Bring (heavy) non-perishable food items to the Food Service Building lobby or loading dock between the hours of noon-11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18. Students will also Trick-or-Can for food throughout Morris from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on October 18. Food collected on and off campus will benefit the local Stevens County Food Shelf. Volunteers are needed to help with this food drive especially from 6 p.m.-11:59 p.m. to record the collected items. Volunteer for an hour or two by contacting Carol McCannon, ext. 6083. Watch for more details at www.morris.umn.edu

Greg Cuomo, former head of the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, and Troy Goodnough, sustainability coordinator at UMM, will be Scientists on the Spot during Science Buzz, hosted by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Cuomo will field questions October 20-November 20 about the wind turbine located at the WCROC and Goodnough will field questions November 21-December 21 about the UMM gasification project. For more information, see http://www.smm.org/buzz

October 4, 2006
Leo Treadway, communications and development manager for the Minnesota Valley Humane Society, has donated his personal journals, manuscripts and records on GLBT topics to the Rodney A. Briggs Library. "We are honored that Leo Treadway has chosen UMM as the recipient of these GLBT materials," said LeAnn Dean, director of the Library. "We eagerly look forward to the time when, with the help of other members of the UMM community, the entire collection will be accessible and available to the wider community for research and scholarship on the Gay Movement, Human Rights, HIV/AIDS education and advocacy and the GLBT religious community." A story is scheduled for the “National Coming Out Day” issue of Lavender (early October).

Al Franken will host “The Al Franken Show” live and in person in Edson Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the Air America Radio broadcast, which will air live from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. A book signing will follow the broadcast. This event is hosted by the Campus Activities Council Convocations Committee and the Student DFL. Doors to Edson Auditorium will open one-half hour prior to the broadcast. Tickets are not necessary for this free, first-come seating event. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/.

September 27, 2006
Al Franken will host “The Al Franken Show” live and in person in Edson Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the Air America Radio broadcast, which will air live from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. A book signing will follow the broadcast. This event is hosted by the Campus Activities Council Convocations Committee and the Student DFL. Doors to Edson Auditorium will open one-half hour prior to the broadcast. Tickets are not necessary for this free, first-come seating event. Read more at morris.umn.edu/.

September 21, 2006
Homecoming 2006: "The Great Outdoors" continues this weekend. For a complete list of Homecoming events and other details, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/ARHomecoming.html or contact the Office of Alumni Relations, ext. 6066.

To celebrate the Community Outreach Partnership Center's (COPC) Partnership between the City of Morris and UMM, a COPC Partnership Fall Kickoff event will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27. A variety of activities are planned for project participants. Organizers are also promoting this as a time for the general public to learn more about the program. A COPC Partnership community display highlighting the projects will be on exhibit in the Morris Public Library Conference Room beginning at 8:30 a.m. Kinnard D. Wright, head of the COPC grant project from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., will be in Morris and on hand at the community display site. Visit morris.umn.edu for Kickoff details. Listen to KMRS "Community Connection" shows at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 26 and 28, for more information from David Fluegel, Center for Small Towns and Melanie Fohl, City of Morris Housing and Redevelopment Authority director (Tuesday), plus an interview with Kinnard Wright (Thursday).

Al Franken will host "The Al Franken Show" in person in Edson Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the Air America Radio broadcast, which will air live from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. This event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Council Convocations Committee and the Student DFL. Watch for more details at morris.umn.edu/.

September 14, 2006
Troy Goodnough has been appointed as UMM’s first campus sustainability coordinator. The responsibilities of the newly established position include creating a campus sustainability plan assisting faculty and students with research, projects and curricula promoting green building, landscaping and recycling policies and serving as a resource to the community and to the region. Goodnough, along with Greg Cuomo, head of the West Central Research and Outreach Center, will be Scientists on the Spot during “Science Buzz,” a program of the Science Museum of Minnesota during October-December. Watch for more details on the UMM home page and at www.smm.org/buzz/

Professor Kathleen Neils Conzen, University of Chicago professor of history, will present the 2006 Driggs Lecture, "Why They Fought: Immigrant Colonists and Minnesota's Civil War," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, in HFA Recital Hall. Reception follows. Watch for further details at morris.umn.edu

Join the fun in "The Great Outdoors" during this year's Homecoming weekend festivities, scheduled for September 22-24. For a complete list of Homecoming events and other details, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/ARHomecoming.html or contact the Office of Alumni Relations, ext. 6066.

September 6, 2006
Bring an outerwear donation and join the fun during this Saturday's Cougar Fest. Concessions open at 5 p.m. Activities start at 5:30 p.m. On the grounds surrounding Big Cat Stadium. Admission is free for Cougar fans!

Professor Kathleen Neils Conzen, University of Chicago professor of history, will present the 2006 Driggs Lecture, "Why They Fought: Immigrant Colonists and Minnesota's Civil War," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, in HFA Recital Hall. Reception follows. Watch for further details at morris.umn.edu

Join the fun in "The Great Outdoors" during this year's Homecoming weekend festivities, scheduled for September 22-24. For a complete list of Homecoming events and other details, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/ARHomecoming.html or contact the Office of Alumni Relations, ext. 6066.

August 29, 2006
UMM is one of 163 colleges named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review in its 2007 Best 361 Colleges rankings. The publication's goal is to "identify some of the colleges and universities that [they] feel stand out within each region." The book’s ranking lists are posted at www.PrincetonReview.com

Big Cat Stadium is nearing completion. It is expected that the stadium, a UMM/Morris Area High School shared-use football facility, will be ready for the September 1 MAHS football game and the September 2 Cougar UMM football opening season game versus Lawrence University. Kickoff for the Cougars will be at 7 p.m. Watch for further updates and information about the stadium in the local media.

The Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, governor of Louisiana, will give the Opening Convocation for students who will participate in the 2006 First Year Seminar at UMM. The governor's address, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Edson Auditorium, is open to the public. Additional seating will be available in Turtle Mountain Café. Gov. Blanco is the mother-in-law of Michael Eble, assistant professor of studio art and curator of the Humanities Fine Arts Gallery. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/

August 23, 2006
UMM welcomes new Chancellor Dr. Jacqueline Johnson. Prior to UMM, Dr. Johnson served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Previously, she served as vice president for academic affairs at St. Martin's College in Washington and chair of the department of anthropology and sociology at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Johnson holds a doctorate in sociology from Purdue University and a bachelor's degree from Macalester College, St. Paul. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/

UMM is again ranked number four in the list of five top public liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2007 rankings of America's Best Colleges. This is the sixth consecutive year that UMM has achieved this status and has been the only college in the Midwest on the list.

Big Cat Stadium is nearing completion. It is expected that the stadium, a UMM/Morris Area High School joint-use football facility, will be ready for the September 1 MAHS football game and the September 2 Cougar UMM football opening season game versus Lawrence University. Kickoff for the Cougars will be at 7 p.m. Watch for further updates and information about the stadium on the UMM Web site at www.morris.umn.edu and in the local media.

The Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, governor of Louisiana, will give the Opening Convocation for students who will participate in the 2006 First Year Seminar at UMM. The governor's address, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, in Edson Auditorium, is open to the public. Gov. Blanco is the mother-in-law of Michael Eble, assistant professor of studio art and curator of the Humanities Fine Arts Gallery. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/

Jim Gremmels, who became the first men's basketball coach at UMM during the team's inaugural season in 1960 and was hired as one of UMM's original 13 faculty members, will be inducted into the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame during the UMM Alumni Association Annual Banquet on Friday, Sept. 22, as part of Homecoming weekend.

UMM will be part of the U of M systemwide exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair, August 24-September 4. UMM alumni, students, staff and faculty will staff the exhibit September 2-4. Jazz combo, "Funky Gumbo," will perform on the U stage in front of the exhibition building from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. UMM also had display booths throughout the summer at the West Otter Tail County Fair (Fergus Falls), Stevens County Fair (Morris) and Douglas County Fair (Alexandria).

Join the fun during the third annual UMM Cougar Fest on Saturday, Sept. 9. Pre-game activities for the entire family begin at 5:30 p.m. Concessions stands open at 5 p.m. Free inflatable games, face painting, music and more will be part of the fun. Cheer on the Cougars when they meet Carleton College during non-conference football action. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. under the lights of Big Cat Stadium. Admission to the game is free.

July 13, 2006
A delegation of students and adults from Jiashan, China has arrived on campus. Students are taking courses in "Perspectives on Globalization: Local, National, and International," taught by Pam Solvie, education, and English as a Second Language, taught by Nancy Pederson, UMM alumna. UMM students Tata Tromatka, Natalie Kinsky and Christa Mims are teaching assistants. In addition to courses and other campus activities, students will tour Superior Industries, Fehr Dairy, City Hall and schools in Morris, among other tours eat hotdogs at Morris Mayor Carol Wilcox's lake home and ride in the Prairie Pioneer Days Parade on July 16.

UMM will be the featured "Member Spotlight" now through mid-August on
the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education (AASHE) home page:http://www.aashe.org/ UMM has been a member of AASHE since Winter 2005.

You can still volunteer to staff the UMM booth during local and area county fairs! In an effort to increase awareness of and knowledge about UMM two new fairs have been added to the schedule this year, with hopes of adding more fairs next year. Fair dates are: West Ottertail County Fair (Fergus Falls): July 20-July 22 Stevens County Fair: August 10-13 Douglas County Fair: August 17-20 Minnesota State Fair: September 2-4(Labor Day Weekend). All volunteers will receive mileage reimbursement and free entrance and parking (if applicable) to the fair at which they work. Christine Mahoney at mahoneyc@morris.umn.edu to volunteer. Fair sub-committee members are Christine Mahoney and Judy Riley, University Relations Carla Riley, Alumni Relations Jillian Hiscock, Admissions Mike Cihak, Media Services and Rebekah Deutl, student.

June 14, 2006
High school students from the upper Midwest -- and China -- will spend two weeks at UMM participating in the 21st Summer Scholars program July 9-21. Students will take one of two college-level classes that focus on several of today's most newsworthy and compelling topics: "The Reemerging Threat of Infectious Disease," taught by Peter Wyckoff and Timna Wyckoff, biology, and "Dissent and Freedom of Expression in Today's World," taught by Paula O'Loughlin, political science, and Chris Butler, English.
In a first for this long-running program, high school students from Jiashan, China, will join the program through UMM's recent exchange initiatives with China. Several of the Jiashan students will be placed in the "Disease" or "Dissent" courses, while others will be in American culture/ESL class, taught by Pam Solvie, education, and Nancy Pederson, ESL instructor and UMM alum who teaches in the Alexandria schools. For information on the Summer Scholars program contact Karen Ellis, elliskj, or ext. 6463.

The UMM Alumni Association Board has named Jon Mukand '80 and Stuart Starner '65 as 2006 UMMAA Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. The awards will be presented during the Alumni Association Annual dinner meeting on Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, as part of UMM's Homecoming celebration.

An effort to increase awareness of and knowledge about UMM is the focus of an increased presence at local and county fairs this summer. Two new fairs have been added to the schedule this year, with hopes of adding more fairs next year. The campus community is invited to volunteer to staff the fair booths. Volunteer for more than one shift and at more than one fair if you wish. Fair dates and shift times are: West Ottertail County Fair (Fergus Falls): July 20-July 22 (3-4-hour shifts Stevens County Fair: August 10-13 (2-hour shifts) Douglas County Fair: August 17-20 (4-4.5-hour shifts) Minnesota State Fair: September 2-4(Labor Day Weekend: 4-hour shifts) (NOTE: Due to the Saturday, Sept. 2, Cougar football home game, an attempt is being made to change the dates for UMM's participation at the State Fair.).
Alums and current students will also be invited to staff the fair exhibit. UMM staff who wish to volunteer should check with their supervisor first. We ask supervisors to please be flexible with their employees' schedules if possible during the fairs.
All volunteers will receive mileage reimbursement and free entrance and parking (if applicable) to the fair at which they work. And, the rewarding feeling of raising the awareness of UMM! Contact Christine Mahoney at mahoneyc@morris.umn.edu to volunteer. Fair sub-committee members are Christine Mahoney and Judy Riley, University Relations Carla Riley, Alumni Relations Jillian Hiscock, Admissions Mike Cihak, Media Services and Rebekah Deutl, student.

The team from Morris Area High School was the overall winner of the 2006 "Academic Challenge" competition. The team earned an all-expense paid trip to compete in Washington, D.C., for the National Academic Challenge Competition in June. "Academic Challenge" is produced by Media Services at UMM and airs on Sundays each spring on Pioneer Public Television, Appleton.

The Cougar football team will travel abroad for the first time in Spring 2007. Cougar Head Football Coach Ken Crandall is coordinating the trip through Global Football. The team, along with others who want to make the trip, will to travel to Italy where the players will have two practices and one game against a club team. The 11-day trip will include travel to Milan, Venice and Florence, each for a two- day stay. The trip will end with three days in Rome. Highlights of the trip will include visits to St. Mark’s Square, the Coliseum, Vatican City and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. For more information, contact Coach Crandall at 320-589-6432.

May 3, 2006
Following interviews with four finalists for the position of UMM chancellor, the Chancellor Search Committee has submitted its report to University President Robert Bruininks and Vice President Robert Jones. The committee was asked to provide a confidential, unranked list of candidates with a summary of their strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Frank Cassell has withdrawn as a candidate. President Bruininks and Vice President Jones will select UMM's next chancellor from a pool of very highly qualified individuals. It is hoped that a UMM chancellor will be announced before the end of the current semester.

UMM has joined the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Dillard University in New Orleans to create the Global Issues Honors Consortium (GIHC). The GIHC aims to increase the number of highly qualified, well-prepared students of color in graduate and professional programs in a variety of fields and with an international focus. The consortium is being established with a major grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. For more information on the Global Issues Honors Consortium contact UMM Faculty Coordinator Bart Finzel at ext. 6195 or finzelbd@morris.umn.edu.

UMM will be an exhibitor at the Living Green Expo Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the State Fairgrounds. The Expo is Minnesota’s largest environmental event.

The Division of Education faculty invites the campus community to attend the "Education Exposition 2006," showcasing the work of elementary and secondary teacher education graduates on Wednesday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Oyate Hall.

The annual Student Honors and Awards day is set for Friday, May 12. The day's events will include: Native American Honoring Ceremony in Oyate Hall, 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. Honors & Awards Parents' Reception 6 p.m., Student Center Honors and Awards Ceremony 6:45 p.m., Edson Auditorium and Honors Recital, HFA Recital Hall, 8 p.m.

Commencement Day is Saturday, May 13. A schedule for the day includes:
Humanities Division Reception, 11 a.m., Cougar Room Education Division Reception, 11 a.m., Alumni Room Social Science Division Reception, 11 a.m., University Room and Science and Math Division Reception, 11 a.m., Science Atrium Students assemble for the ceremony, 12:30 p.m., HFA Commencement ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Campus Mall. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/events/commencement/.

Student and staff representatives from UMM will attend the inaugural Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability Conference May 17-19. "Learning from Success: Steps Toward More Sustainable Campuses" will be the focus of the conference, which will be sponsored by the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in Collegeville, the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, and the Bush Foundation, with additional assistance from Minnesota Campus Compact.

April 27, 2006
The Search Committee for the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving reminds the campus community that Allison Friedly's public presentation will be given this Friday, April 28, from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. PLEASE NOTE THE
CHANGE OF LOCATION: Allison's presentation will take place in the ALUMNI ROOM of the Student Center instead of the Prairie Lounge. Allison will talk briefly on the topic "The Keys to a Successful Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Program." This will be followed by a question and answer session. Please plan to attend. The search committee welcomes your feedback. An evaluation form will be provided at the presentation and will be accessible on the Web by Friday.

The Computer Science Seminar II Conference for Spring 2006 will take place this Friday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Science 2185 and 2200. Eight students will be presenting the results of their research on a large variety of topics. All are invited to attend.

UMM students cordially invite everyone to "say goodbye right" to Sam and Nancy Schuman during a farewell picnic from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, on the Campus Mall. Alternate site is Oyate Hall. Blair Jasper, MCSA president, will emcee a short program at 5 p.m., which will include a performance by the “Barbershop Quartet.”

The annual Student Honors and Awards day, which recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of UMM students in a variety of ways and venues, is set for Friday, May 12. The day's events will include: Native American Honoring Ceremony in Oyate Hall, 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. Honors & Awards Parents' Reception 6 p.m., Student Center Honors and Awards Ceremony 6:45 p.m., Edson Auditorium and Honors Recital, HFA Recital Hall, 8 p.m.

Commencement Day is Saturday, May 13. A schedule for the day includes:
Humanities Division Reception, 11 a.m., Cougar Room Education Division Reception, 11 a.m., Alumni Room Social Science Division Reception, 11 a.m., University Room and Science and Math Division Reception, 11 a.m., Science Atrium Students assemble for the ceremony, 12:30 p.m., HFA. Chancellor Sam Schuman will give the address during the Commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the Campus Mall. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/events/commencement/.

Minnesota's small towns and rural areas will take center stage early this June to show how they are "Working Better Together for the Common Good" - the theme for the combined Symposium on Small Towns and Minnesota Rural Summit, June 6 & 7 at UMM. Partners in the combined event this year include Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Minnesota Power and the West Central Initiative have signed on as sponsors thus far and organizers are looking for additional sponsors. The registration fee is $60 MPR members receive a 10 percent discount. Registration is up and running and open to anyone. Children's activities are planned and housing is available on or off-campus. For more program information and to register visit www.centerforsmalltowns.org or www.minnesotaruralpartners.org, or call (320) 589-6451. For sponsorship information, call Jane Leonard at 651-645-9403 or e-mail at jleonard@minnesotaruralpartners.org.

April 19, 2006
Morris and Jiashan, China, officially became sister cities as part of the International Sister City Program when an official document was signed in Jiashan April 17. Chancellor Schuman, Mayor Carol Wilcox, and others from UMM and the city of Morris are currently in China. UMM's China exchange program offers UMM students a May Term or semester in China while students from China study at UMM. Chinese students will participate in UMM's 2006 Summer Scholars Program. For more information, visit www.morris.umn.edu/.

Beautiful U Day Dedication of the UMM Alumni Memorial Labyrinth will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20 (tomorrow), in the field adjacent to the UMM North Parking Lot, next to the horse barn and the Social Science building, with a talk by Rev. Dr. Ward Bauman from the Episcopal House of Prayer, Collegeville, Minn. The public is invited to attend.

Peter Orr, plant services, Eric Klinger, psychology faculty, and Sam Schuman, chancellor, will be honored along with faculty and staff award recipients during the 15th annual Faculty and Staff Recognition dinner. The campus community is welcome to attend the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in Oyate Hall. The UMM Retirees Association will host a reception from 4-5:30 p.m. the same day at LaFave House. Return the previously e-mailed form to RSVP or contact Maggie Larson, ext. 6053, for information.

The campus community is invited to attend a Farewell Picnic for Sam and Nancy Schuman from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, on the campus Mall. This picnic-style event is sponsored by MCSA and Special Events. A short program will be held at 5 p.m. on the Mall's natural stage. Back-up site is Oyate Hall. All faculty, staff and students are cordially invited to attend.

The annual Student Honors and Awards day, which recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of UMM students in a variety of ways and venues, is set for Friday, May 12. The day's events will include: Native American Honoring Ceremony in Oyate Hall, 4 p.m. dinner at 5:30 p.m. Honors & Awards Parents' Reception 6 p.m., Student Center Honors and Awards Ceremony 6:45 p.m., Edson Auditorium and Honors Recital, HFA Recital Hall, 8 p.m.

Commencement Day is Saturday, May 13. A schedule for the day includes:
Humanities Division Reception, 11 a.m., Cougar Room Education Division Reception, 11 a.m., Alumni Room Social Science Division Reception, 11 a.m., University Room and Science and Math Division Reception, 11 a.m., Science Atrium Students assemble for the ceremony, 12:30 p.m., HFA. Chancellor Sam Schuman will give the address during the Commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the Campus Mall. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/events/commencement/.

Minnesota’s small towns and rural areas will take center stage early this June to show how they are “Working Better Together for the Common Good” – the theme for the combined Symposium on Small Towns and Minnesota Rural Summit, June 6 & 7 at UMM. Partners in the combined event this year include Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Minnesota Power and the West Central Initiative have signed on as sponsors thus far and organizers are looking for additional sponsors. The registration fee is $60 MPR members receive a 10 percent discount. Registration is up and running and open to anyone. Children’s activities are planned and housing is available on or off-campus. For more program information and to register visit www.centerforsmalltowns.org or www.minnesotaruralpartners.org, or call (320) 589-6451. For sponsorship information, call Jane Leonard at 651-645-9403 or e-mail at jleonard@minnesotaruralpartners.org.

April 12, 2006
Under the recently revised Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification system, UMM has been identified as a more selective, exclusively undergraduate, four-year public liberal arts institution with a high concentration of majors in the arts and sciences. The classification also notes UMM’s small, highly residential atmosphere. Read more at www.morris.umn.edu/.

Public presentations by the final candidate for the position of UMM chancellor, Frank Cassell, U of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, will be Monday, April 17. Cassell will give a formal presentation at 3 p.m. in Oyate Hall as well as a 5:30 p.m. reception followed by informal remarks at 6 p.m. at the Stevens County Historical Society. For more information, see http://www.morris.umn.edu/chansearch/. Reminder that feedback on the candidates is due by Friday, April 21, to Sue Gooch (goochsl Sci 1535) or Nancy Carpenter (carpenne Sci 2085).

The Historic Preservation Plan Display Committee has created the visual display that illustrates the rich history of the Morris campus buildings and of the people who have lived, studied, and worked within them, fulfilling the University of Minnesota mission of education, research and outreach. The campus community is invited to celebrate the history of the campus and the completion of this project during an informal celebration from noon to 1:30 p.m. this Thursday, April 13, in the Student Center lobby. Light refreshments will be served. Members of the committee are Susan Granger '80, Gemini Research Matt Ottinger '06 Therese Buchmiller, assistant professor of studio art Judy Korn '95, University Relations Annie Olson '05 and Stephen Gross, assistant professor of history. Mike Cihak, media services Tom Rach, Brad Svea and Lowell Rasmussen, plant services and Nancy Pederson, Getty Grant coordinator, also made vital contributions to the project.

UMM Chancellor Sam Schuman, along with two long-time employees of the campus community – Peter Orr, plant services, and Eric Klinger, psychology faculty, will leave the campus community at the end of this academic year. Orr and Klinger, who will be retiring, and Schuman will be honored along with faculty and staff award recipients during the 15th annual Faculty and Staff Recognition dinner. The campus community is welcome to attend the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in Oyate Hall. The UMM Retirees Association will host a reception from 4-5:30 p.m. the same day at LaFave House. Return the previously e-mailed form to RSVP or contact Maggie Larson, ext. 6053, for information.

The campus community is invited to attend a Farewell Picnic for Sam and Nancy Schuman from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, on the campus Mall. This picnic-style event is sponsored by MCSA and Special Events. A short program will be held at 5 p.m. on the Mall's natural stage. Back-up site is Oyate Hall. All faculty, staff and students are cordially invited to attend.

The annual Student Honors and Awards day, which recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of our students in a variety of ways and venues, is set for Friday, May 12. The day's events will include: Native American Honoring Ceremony in Oyate Hall, 4 p.m. dinner follows at 5:30 p.m. Honors & Awards Parents' Reception 6 p.m., Student Center Honors and Awards Ceremony 6:45 p.m., Edson Auditorium and Honors Recital, HFA Recital Hall, 8 p.m.

Commencement Day is Saturday, May 13. A schedule for the day includes: Humanities Division Reception, 11 a.m., Cougar Room Education Division Reception, 11 a.m., Alumni Room Social Science Division Reception, 11 a.m., University Room and Science and Math Division Reception, 11 a.m., Science Atrium Students assemble for the ceremony, 12:30 p.m., HFA. Chancellor Sam Schuman will give the address during the Commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on the Campus Mall. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at 3 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/events/commencement/

April 5, 2006
Public presentations by four candidates for the position of UMM chancellor are underway. Candidates and presentation dates are Beth Barnett, U of Scranton (April 5) Jacqueline Johnson, Buena Vista U (April 10) John Miller, Eastern Oregon U (April 12) and Frank Cassell, U of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (April 17). Each date includes a formal presentation at 3 p.m. in Oyate Hall as well as a 5:30 p.m. reception followed by informal remarks at 6 p.m. at the Stevens County Historical Society. For more information, see http://www.morris.umn.edu/chansearch/.

Minnesota’s small towns and rural areas will show how they are “Working Better Together for the Common Good” – the theme for the combined Symposium on Small Towns and Minnesota Rural Summit, June 6 & 7 at UMM. Partners in the combined event this year include Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Minnesota Power and the West Central Initiative have signed on as sponsors thus far. The registration fee is $60 Minnesota Public Radio members receive a 10 percent discount. Children’s activities are planned and housing is available on- or off-campus. For more program information and registration information visit www.centerforsmalltowns.org or www.minnesotaruralpartners.org, or call ext. 6451.

April 5, 2006
Public presentations by four candidates for the position of UMM chancellor are underway. Candidates and presentation dates are Beth Barnett, U of Scranton (April 5) Jacqueline Johnson, Buena Vista U (April 10) John Miller, Eastern Oregon U (April 12) and Frank Cassell, U of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (April 17). Each date includes a formal presentation at 3 p.m. in Oyate Hall as well as a 5:30 p.m. reception followed by informal remarks at 6 p.m. at the Stevens County Historical Society. For more information, see http://www.morris.umn.edu/chansearch

Minnesota’s small towns and rural areas will show how they are “Working Better Together for the Common Good” – the theme for the combined Symposium on Small Towns and Minnesota Rural Summit, June 6 & 7 at UMM. Partners in the combined event this year include Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Minnesota Power and the West Central Initiative have signed on as sponsors thus far. The registration fee is $60 Minnesota Public Radio members receive a 10 percent discount. Children’s activities are planned and housing is available on- or off-campus. For more program information and registration information visit www.centerforsmalltowns.org or www.minnesotaruralpartners.org, or call ext. 6451.

March 29, 2006
Public presentations by four candidates for the position of UMM chancellor will begin next week. Candidates and presentation dates are Beth Barnett, U of Scranton (April 5) Jacqueline Johnson, Buena Vista U (April 10) John Miller, Eastern Oregon U (April 12) and Frank Cassell, U of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (April 17). Each date includes presentations at 3 p.m. in Oyate Hall and 5:30 p.m. at the Stevens County Historical Society. For more information, see http://www.morris.umn.edu/chansearch Chancellor Search Committee Chair Nancy Carpenter and committee member Charles Glasrud will be the guests on KMRS (1230AM) "Community Connection" from 8:45-9 a.m. April 4.

About 60 UMM students have submitted research projects for this year's UMM Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS). Following review of the projects by the URS Committee, presentations will be given during the 6th annual Symposium on Friday, April 21. The event, open to all, celebrates student scholarly achievement and informs the campus community about the variety and quality of research on campus. Opening ceremony will begin at 2:45 p.m. in the Science Auditorium. Oral presentations will be given in Science rooms 1020, 1030, 2190 and 2200 between 3:30-5:30 p.m. Poster presentations will be given from 5:45-7 p.m. in Oyate Hall. For more information about the UMM Undergraduate Research Symposium, visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/urs/info.html

March 22, 2006
Janet Schrunk Ericksen, associate professor of English, is the 2006 recipient of the UMM Alumni Association Teaching Award. Janet has been at UMM since 2001. In addition to her teaching and research, she serves as discipline coordinator of English, and has been the assistant chair of the Humanities Division this year. Thanks to the generosity of the UMM Alumni Association, the Morris campus recognizes its outstanding professors through the UMM Alumni Association Teaching Award, an annual award created by the alumni in 1994. The purpose of the award is to honor individual UMM faculty members for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.

The campus community is invited to attend a Farewell Picnic for Sam and Nancy Schuman on Monday, May 1, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. This picnic-style event is sponsored by MCSA and the Office of Special Events. A short program will be held on the berm, with the time to be determined. The back-up site is Oyate Hall. All faculty, staff and students are cordially invited to attend. Please mark your calendars now!

March 15, 2006
Chancellor's Search Update: As the timing for on-campus visits by finalists for the position of UMM Chancellor approaches, the Search Committee would like to inform the campus community of tentative scheduling. If all goes as expected, full-day candidate visits will be scheduled sometime between March 29 through April 7. Please note that these dates are tentative this is simply a preliminary announcement so that the campus community can plan accordingly. As soon as these dates become firm and the finalists are identified, all information will be made available. The Chancellor's Search Web site is Chancellor'sSearch.

March 1, 2006
All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend the State of the U address, presented in person by University President Robert Bruininks from the Proscenium Theatre, beginning at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, March 2). The address will be broadcast from UMM to all other campuses of the U.

Dr. Pareena Lawrence is a recipient of the Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education. UMM remains the collegiate unit within the University with the highest concentration of Morse award winners. Lawrence will be recognized for her achievement at the all-University Morse-Alumni Awards Program at 3:30 p.m. April 24 in the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis.

UMM will add men's soccer to its intercollegiate athletics program beginning Fall 2006, it was announced by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sandy Olson-Loy. According to Olson-Loy, the decision is a response to increased interest in soccer among Minnesota youth. The new men's soccer program will also create a new partnership with the Morris Cougars' award winning women's soccer program. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu

February 22, 2006
Jim “Doc” Carlson ’65, UMM professor of music, was be inducted into the Minnesota Music Educators Association Hall of Fame on Friday, Feb. 17, during the MMEA winter banquet. The award recognizes Carlson’s excellence in teaching and the many contributions he has made to music education during his career. Read the story on the UMM news Web site.

The campus is invited to attend the State of the University address, to be given by University President Robert Bruininks from the Morris campus at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in HFA Proscenium Theatre. The speech will be broadcast live to the Coffman Theatre on the Twin Cities campus, in conjunction with the University Senate meeting, as well as to other U coordinate campuses. Question and answer period will follow the speech. A reception will then follow in the HFA lobby area. Direct questions regarding this event to Judy Riley, University Relations, ext. 6050.

February 15, 2006
UMM is included with the other U campuses in the expanded Founders Opportunity Scholarship program that will cover qualified incoming freshmen and transfer students. The program details were announced this week by University President Robert Bruininks. All undergraduate students from Minnesota who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant will be guaranteed scholarships and grants to cover 100 percent of their tuition and required fees, when the program is fully phased in. The guarantee will eventually benefit more than 4,500 low and moderate-income undergraduates each year across the University's four campuses. "When the Founders award program is fully phased in, we expect that more than 600 UMM students will benefit from it," said James Morales, UMM associate vice chancellor for enrollment. For more information about The Founders Opportunity Scholarship Program and other scholarships at UMM visit founders.

The Cougar women's and men's basketball teams have both advanced to post-season play, a first for the Cougars to have both teams advance in the UMAC. Cougar women will play Northwestern at Aberdeen men will play St. Scholastica at Duluth. Action takes place next weekend, February 24-25. Watch for details on the UMM home page.

Ticket order forms are available for Jazz Fest, Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8. Guest artists Nestor Torres and Reggie Watkins will join the UMM Jazz Ensembles. Forms can be picked up at the Student Center lobby Information Center, in Student Activities, or via mail as requested. All advance ticket orders will be processed on March 3. Orders may be submitted through campus or regular mail or bring your order to Student Activities. Remaining tickets, if available, will go on sale in the Student Activities office on March 6. This is a sell-out event with more than 900 visiting high school jazz musicians participating in the three days of clinics and evening performances that will include at least 20 UMM jazz combos, the West Central All Stars and the UMM Alumni Jazz Band. For more information, call Student Activities, ext. 6080.

University President Robert Bruininks will deliver the State of the U address from the Morris campus at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in HFA Proscenium Theatre. The speech will be broadcast live to the Coffman Theatre on the Twin Cities campus, in conjunction with the University Senate meeting, as well as to other U coordinate campuses. Question and answer period will follow the speech. A reception will then follow in the HFA Gallery. Direct questions regarding this event to Judy Riley, University Relations, ext. 6050.

February 8, 2006
For regular listeners of "A Prairie Home Companion," Andy Stein and the Shoe band, Prudence Johnson, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are household names. Add UMM music faculty member, Tim Sparks, and you have the makings of a rousing good time. Those who have tickets to attend this Saturday's live performance of "A Prairie Home Companion" at UMM will see these favorite APHC performers in person, along with the show's writer and host, Garrison Keillor. A few tickets remain for the "A Prairie Home Companion" live broadcast from the UMM P.E. Center, Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 4:45 p.m. General admission is $45 $15 for UMM students. For tickets, call 320-589-6356.

All APHC ticket holders are invited to stop by Oyate Hall from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday for light refreshments at a pre-performance gathering of alumni and friends hosted by the UMM Alumni Association. An RSVP is not necessary to attend the reception but is appreciated for planning purposes. Please e-mail alumni@morris.umn.edu or call ext. 6066. The UMM bookstore will be open 1-5 p.m. An assortment of Garrison Keillor's books will be available for purchase.

Ticket order forms are available for the annual Jazz Fest, Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8. Guest artists Nestor Torres and Reggie Watkins will join the UMM Jazz Ensembles. Forms can be picked up at the Student Center lobby Information Center, in Student Activities, or via mail as requested. All advance ticket orders will be processed on March 3. Orders may be submitted through campus or regular mail or bring your order to Student Activities. Remaining tickets, if available, will go on sale in the Student Activities office on March 6. This is a sell-out event with more than 900 visiting high school jazz musicians participating in the three days of clinics and evening performances that will include at least 20 UMM jazz combos, the West Central All Stars and the UMM Alumni Jazz Band. For more information, call Student Activities, ext. 6080.

University President Robert Bruininks will deliver the State of the U address from the Morris campus at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in HFA Proscenium Theatre. The speech will be broadcast live to the Coffman Theatre on the Twin Cities campus, in conjunction with the University Senate meeting, as well as to other U coordinate campuses. Question and answer period will follow the speech. A reception will then follow in the HFA Gallery.

February 1, 2006
President Bruininks will deliver the State of the University address at UMM at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in HFA Proscenium Theatre. The speech will be broadcast live to the Coffman Theatre on the Twin Cities campus, in conjunction with the University Senate meeting, as well as to other coordinate campuses of the University. An opportunity for questions will follow the address, which is open to the public.

Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. John F. Schwaller has accepted the post of president of the State University of New York College at Potsdam, effective July 1, 2006. Dr. Judith Kuechle, chair of UMM's Division of Education, will assume the task of interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean through the fall semester of the 2006-07 academic year. Dr. Leslie Meek, psychology, will serve as assistant academic dean with Dr. Kuechle.

January 25, 2006
Tom McRoberts has been appointed as the director of Continuing Education and Regional Programs at UMM. McRoberts has held the joint positions of interim director of Continuing Education and Regional Programs and director of the Center for International Programs. He will continue as director of CIP through this academic year. McRoberts is a recipient of the University's Tate Award for Excellence in Advising. Most recently, he has overseen the reorganization of CERP and the reduction of its base budget as mandated by the Budget Task Force.

UMM has received a record number of student applicants for admission for its fall 2006 incoming class. This year's 885 applicants have already surpassed last year’s number at this time by 278, an increase of 46 percent. These are the most students who have applied to UMM in the last seven years. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu

Tickets remain for the "A Prairie Home Companion" show coming to Morris on February 11. Call 589-6356 for credit card sales, or walk into the Office of Student Activities, lower level of the student center, to purchase. Student tickets (1 per student with student I.D.) are $15, and general admission tickets are $45. If you have questions please call Maggie Larson at 589-6053.

University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks will deliver the State of the University address at UMM on Thursday, March 2, at 3 p.m. The speech will be broadcast live to the Coffman Theatre on the Twin Cities campus, in conjunction with the University Senate meeting.

January 18, 2006
UMM is ranked ninth nationally among the top 15 schools as a best value for out-of-state students in the 2006 Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine exclusive survey of the 100 best values among public institutions of higher education. UMM is the only university in Minnesota to make the list. Visit the Kiplinger Web site at http://www.kiplinger.com/personalfinance/magazine/archives/2006/02/colleges.html or read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu .

December 7, 2005
Friends and loved ones, including more than 100 service veterans from the region, packed the P.E. Center gymnasium at UMM to welcome home from Iraq the soldiers of Charlie Company during a ceremony held December 5. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu

The annual holiday Toys For Tots program is underway until December 12. Bring new, unwrapped presents to Student Activities, the Common Cup Coffeehouse, or the Ranch House Restaurant to receive a coupon for $1 off any lunch entree at the Ranch House. You can also support Cougar basketball and help Toys for Tots by attending women's and men's basketball games on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10. Students who donate a new, unwrapped toy at the event will receive a free bag of popcorn. Non-students who donate a new, unwrapped toy at the event will receive free admission. Friday's matches begin at 5:30 p.m. for women 7:30 p.m. for men. Saturday's women's and men's games begin at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively. For more information, contact Community Service and Volunteerism at campusco@morris.umn.edu, or Heather Pennie, UMM head volleyball coach and contact for SAAC, at penniehl@morris.umn.edu.

November 30, 2005
The P.E. Center gym is scheduled to be the site to welcome home members of Charlie Company, representing 150-plus members of the Morris and area National Guard, on Sunday, Dec. 4. The event, hosted by the Morris National Guard, will begin at 7 p.m. The troops are returning following over a year of service in Iraq. The departure ceremony in September 2004 was also held in the P.E. Center.

The annual holiday Toys For Tots program is underway until December 12. Bring new, unwrapped presents to Student Activities, the Common Cup Coffeehouse, or the Ranch House Restaurant to receive a coupon for $1 off any lunch entree at the Ranch House. You can also support Cougar basketball and help Toys for Tots by attending women's and men's basketball games on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10. Students who donate a new, unwrapped toy at the event will receive a free bag of popcorn. Non-students who donate a new, unwrapped toy at the event will receive free admission. Friday's matches begin at 5:30 p.m. for women 7:30 p.m. for men. Saturday's women's and men's games begin at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively. For more information, contact Community Service and Volunteerism at campusco@morris.umn.edu, or Heather Pennie, UMM head volleyball coach and contact for SAAC, at penniehl@morris.umn.edu.

November 23, 2005
The UMM Strategic Positioning Task Force has conducted over 60 focus groups over the past three weeks. The input from these focus groups will shortly be available on our web site www.morris.umn.edu/strategic We care about what all stakeholders have to say about UMM’s future. For those unable to attend one of those focus group or those who wish to make additional comments, we are now offering an on line survey with several questions for your consideration. We would appreciate it if you could complete the survey by December 1, 2005. To complete the survey click on the following link www.morris.umn.edu/strategic/facultystaff and follow the 'Click here to take survey' link.

An original composition, titled "Magnificat," written by senior music major, Ben Karlen, will be featured during the 27th Annual Carol Concerts. Performances of this annual holiday event by the UMM Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Ken Hodgson, will be Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4. Performances, this year on the theme, "Jeg Er Saa Glad" Our Scandinavian Tradition (We are So Glad)," will be given at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, in the HFA Proscenium Theatre. The UMM Christmas Flute Ensemble will again provide the prelude to the Carol Concerts, beginning one half hour prior to each performance. The Ensemble, which includes 18 UMM students and members from Morris and surrounding communities, will perform nine Scandinavian, as well as some traditional, carols.

November 16, 2005
The HFA building is the recipient of an American Institute of Architects Minnesota 25-Year Award. Designed in the early 1970s by Ralph Rapson, Fellow, American Institute of Architects, Ralph Rapson and Associates, Minneapolis, the structure houses facilities for speech communication, theatre arts, music and fine arts academic disciplines for the Morris campus. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu

A Web site is available and updates are posted for the UMM chancellor search. Open forums to gather input will be held November 21-22 (see a complete schedule on the Web site). Academic Search Consultation Service has been retained to assist in the process. For more information, see http://www.morris.umn.edu/chansearch

Marvin A. Lewis, a professor of Spanish and director of the Afro-Romance Institute for Languages and Literatures of the African Diaspora at the University of Missouri-Columbia, will give The Barber Lecture in Literature. Lewis will speak on the topic, "Afro-Hispanic Literature and the Canon," at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, in HFA Recital Hall. A reception will follow in the HFA Gallery. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu

Tickets are now available for the 2005 UMM Carol Concerts, performed by the UMM choirs under the direction of Ken Hodgson. Performances of this annual Holiday event, this year on the theme, "Jeg Er Saa Glad" Our Scandinavian Tradition (We are So Glad)," will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Tickets are for general admission and go quickly, so order early! Due to the limited number of seats in the Proscenium Theatre and the high demand for seating, advanced tickets are recommended. Tickets can be obtained by sending a check (made payable to: UMM Carol Concerts) and a stamped self-addressed envelope, along with your first and second choice of performances to: Carol Concert, UMM Music Office, UMM, Morris, MN 56267.

November 9, 2005
Chancellor Search update: Several forums with Dr. Bill Franklin, the representative from the Academic Search Consultation Service who is assisting with the search, will be scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 21-22, for campus and community members to offer their thoughts regarding UMM's next chancellor. Please mark these dates more details will be provided as soon as they are available.

Marvin A. Lewis, a professor of Spanish and director of the Afro-Romance Institute for Languages and Literatures of the African Diaspora at the University of Missouri-Columbia, will give The Barber Lecture in Literature. Lewis will speak on the topic, "Afro-Hispanic Literature and the Canon," at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, in HFA Recital Hall. A reception will follow in the HFA Gallery.

Advanced sale of tickets are now available for the 2005 UMM Carol Concerts, performed by the UMM choirs under the direction of Ken Hodgson. Performances of this annual Holiday event, this year on the theme, "Jeg Er Saa Glad" Our Scandinavian Tradition (We are So Glad )," will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets for the concert are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Tickets are for general admission and go quickly, so order early! Due to the limited number of seats in the Proscenium Theatre and the high demand for seating, advanced tickets are recommended. Tickets can be obtained by sending a check (made payable to: UMM Carol Concerts) and a stamped self-addressed envelope, along with your first and second choice of performances to: Carol Concert, UMM Music Office, UMM, Morris, MN 56267.

November 2, 2005
UMM was honored October 24 as a recipient of a 2005 Green Power Leadership Award for its commitment to on-site generation of renewable energy. The Green Power Leadership Awards for green power purchasers is a component of the U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program providing technical assistance and public recognition to organizations that switch to green power for a portion of their electricity needs. Lowell Rasmussen, associate vice chancellor for physical plant and planning, and student Nick Peterson accepted the award during the National Green Power Marketing Conference held recently in Austin, Texas.

UMM is one of only 11 sites selected to receive funding for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative, a joint effort of the USDA and the Department of Energy. The UMM award will benefit the biomass gasification project, a comprehensive demonstration of a community-scale biomass energy system.

Visit the new UMM campus home page at http://www.morris.umn.edu/. This design represents hundreds of hours of work by people from all over campus. Technical advances have been incorporated, including rotating banner pictures and a much simplified way of updating the home page's content. Try refreshing the home page a few times you'll find more news there than ever before! With this design, the old, off-campus "splash page" has been retired. Each of the major "relationships:" future and current student faculty and staff member alumni and friends, and visitors now have their own "home page." Many office links are gone from the home page itself. You can still find all campus offices by following the "Directories" link.

October 26, 2005
A memorial service for UMM junior, Richard Thomas "Rick" Rose, was held Tuesday on the campus mall. The campus community is saddened that Rick, a biology major with an emphasis in teaching, a student coach, student athlete and friend, died as the result of an accident on the campus football field at the conclusion of Saturday's football game. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to Patricia Jo and Jerry Dean Rose, 3404 W. Wagonwheel Road, Benton City, Wash., 99320-8662. A memorial fund has been established by Rick's family. Contributions to the Rick Rose Memorial Fund can be made to any of the U.S. Bank branches.

October 19, 2005
The membership of the UMM Chancellor's search committee has been finalized. The members are as follows: Nancy Carpenter, chair, chemistry Jim Cotter, geology Pareeena Lawrence, economics Leslie Meek, psychology and alumna Sarah Buchanan, French Janet Schrunk Ericksen, English Gwen Rudney, education Greg Cuomo, WCROC: Cassie McMahon, Latrice Robinson, students David Swenson, Student Activities Maddy Maxeiner, External Relations and alumna Karen Ellis, Continuing Education and alumna Charles Glasrud, attorney and community member and Craig Swan, vice provost for undergraduate education, Twin Cities campus. Sue Gooch will provide staff support to the search committee. A public bid process has been launched to solicit requests for proposals from academic executive search firms to partner with the search committee in conducting an aggressive national search and recruitment process. Bids will be received by October 25, with selection of the search firm by November 1.

Don't miss all the fun this weekend during UMM Homecoming. A "Viva Las Morris!" theme will be the focus for a variety of events, sponsored by the UMM Alumni Association and the Campus Activities Council Homecoming and Traditions Committee.
Find a complete list of Homecoming events at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/UMM/HOMECOMING/ or contact the Office of Alumni Relations, ext. 6066.

This weekend's Homecoming game versus Crown College will be both historic and nostalgic. Following 35 years of football competition on "Cougar Field" at UMM, Saturday's 1 p.m. kick off may be the last on the current playing field. Beginning with the 2006 football season, the Cougars will move to a new stadium that will be a shared facility with Morris Area High School. The field will be located adjacent to Cougar Field, directly south of the UMM P.E. Center. You're invited to be part of the history of Cougar Field this Saturday. Be there for the 1 p.m. kickoff!

October 12, 2005
Congratulations to all of us, and all area residents, for the spectacularly successful dinner October 10 at the new Morris Area Elementary School to benefit recent hurricane victims. The event raised nearly $20,000 for a good cause. Proceeds from recent UMM jazz group performances raised $845.75 for Katrina victim Nancy Burtchaell '88.

UMM has been ranked third nationally among all public liberal arts colleges in the first annual Washington Monthly College Guide. The Washington Monthly College Guide ranks colleges based on a different set of criteria than other well-known rankings such as U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges. Unlike other college guides that base their rankings on academic excellence or affordable cost The Washington Monthly says, "Other guides ask what colleges can do for you. We ask what colleges are doing for the country."

The UMM Strategic Positioning Task Force (UMM CRPC) has scheduled a "kickoff" event on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. in Oyate Hall, to which the entire campus community is invited. Bliss Browne, founder of "Imagine Chicago," will serve as facilitator. The task force defines the goal of this event as raising awareness of the strategic planning process underway on campus, establishing lines of communications among interested participants, and collecting information about the UMM experience from students, faculty and staff.

"Viva Las Morris!" will be the theme for an assortment of fun activities and events during UMM Homecoming 2005, October 20-23. Sponsored by the UMM Alumni Association, along with the Campus Activities Council Homecoming and Traditions Committee.
A reception hosted by the UMM Multi-Ethnic Student Program in the MSP Lounge will kick off the weekend's events from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. The reception will honor Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Paulette Fairbanks Molin '66 and Minnesota State Representative Cy Thao '95. The UMM Alumni Association Annual Meeting and Award Banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday. Also on Friday, the Fall Ball, featuring UMM's Big Jazz Band, will begin at 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood. Tickets are $15, adults $5, UMM students. Proceeds from the event will benefit Imholte Scholarships, Humanities Phase III at UMM and Lakeside Ballroom Restoration. Free round-trip transportation hourly from UMM Student Center to the Ballroom starting at 7:30 p.m. Cougar Quad Run on Saturday. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Regional Fitness Center.
A ceremony to rename the historic UMM Social Science building John Q. Imholte Hall will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Social Science building site. A reception honoring Imholte, former UMM chancellor, will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on the Camden Hall Veranda. The Homecoming Parade will begin on campus at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The UMM Alumni Association Tailgate party will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the grounds leading to Cougar Field. Cougar football kicks off versus Crown College at 1 p.m. on Cougar Field, followed at 4 p.m. by the UMM Alumni Association post-game celebration at LaFave House.
Enjoy the UMM Alumni Association Brunch in the campus' Food Services building from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. The annual Homecoming Band and Choir Concert, featuring the alumni Concert Band and Choir, is set for 2 p.m. Sunday in HFA Recital Hall. Find a complete list of Homecoming events at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/UMM/HOMECOMING/

UMM is among nearly 300 institutions of higher education that will compete this year in College Bowl, "the varsity sport of the mind." In its 28th year, College Bowl is a game of academic knowledge and quick recall, featuring two teams of four players. UMM competition will begin with the Campus Tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Humanities Fine Arts 42 (TV studio B). The deadline for teams to sign up is 4:30 p.m. October 26 in Student Activities.

October 5, 2005
UMM will join other residents from Alberta, Chokio, Donnelly, Hancock and Morris during a Stevens County Community Fundraiser for the residents affected by recent hurricanes. The event is set for 5 to 8 p.m. (note time change) Monday, Oct. 10, in the new Morris Area Elementary School. Free food will be provided by local restaurants, along with music, dancing, a silent auction and raffles. Free bus rides from Morris Transit are available within the city limits by calling 589-1000. All proceeds will go to The Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist Gulf coast residents. For more information call ext. 6083.

There is a small "Sherman" tank rolling across the campus. It comes in the form of a black lab puppy named Sherman, who belongs for a short while to Karen Esler, the resident director of Clayton A. Gay Hall. Sherman and Esler are both part of Leader Dogs for the Blind, an organization based in Rochester, Mich., that has been providing animal helpers for more than 60 years. Esler will have the dog for a full year before he heads back to Michigan to enter the training that prepares the dogs to help with a variety of tasks. Read more on the UMM News Service Web site. To learn more about Leader Dogs check out the website at www.leaderdog.org

Professor Marshall Eakin of Vanderbilt University will deliver the 21st annual O. Truman Driggs Distinguished Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the HFA Recital Hall. His topic will be "Does Latin America Have a Common History?" Dr. Eakin has held the Chair of Teaching Excellence, has been Carnegie Foundation/CASE Professor the Year in Tennessee, recipient of the Vanderbilt Alumni Education's Education Award, the Chancellor's Cup, the Madison Sarratt Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and the Jefrey W. Nordhaus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, among other awards. A panel discussion and questions from the audience will follow the lecture. Panel will include Vicente Cabrera, professor of Spanish Stephen Gross, assistant professor of history and John F. Schwaller, vice chancellor and dean, and a specialist in Latin American history. The Driggs Lecture was founded in 1985 by history colleagues, UMM alumni, and friends of the late O. Truman Driggs, who taught history at UMM from 1963 until his death in 1989, and served as chair of the Division of the Social Sciences from 1968 to 1977.

Is Iraq becoming another Vietnam? Learning Unlimited will address this topic with a program, titled "Reflections on Vietnam and Iraq," as part of the 2005 "War and Peace" Humanities Series, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Morris Senior Center.

"Viva Las Morris!" will be the theme for an assortment of fun activities and events during UMM Homecoming 2005, October 20-23. Sponsored by the UMM Alumni Association, along with the Campus Activities Council Homecoming and Traditions Committee.
A reception hosted by the UMM Multi-Ethnic Student Program in the MSP Lounge will kick off the weekend's events from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. The reception will honor Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Paulette Fairbanks Molin '66 and Minnesota State Representative Cy Thao '95. The UMM Alumni Association Annual Meeting and Award Banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday. Also on Friday, the Fall Ball, featuring UMM's Big Jazz Band, will begin at 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood. Tickets are $15, adults $5, UMM students. Proceeds from the event will benefit Imholte Scholarships, Humanities Phase III at UMM and Lakeside Ballroom Restoration. Free round-trip transportation hourly from UMM Student Center to the Ballroom starting at 7:30 p.m. Cougar Quad Run on Saturday. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Regional Fitness Center.
A ceremony to rename the historic UMM Social Science building John Q. Imholte Hall will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Social Science building site. A reception honoring Imholte, former UMM chancellor, will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on the Camden Hall Veranda. The Homecoming Parade will begin on campus at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The UMM Alumni Association Tailgate party will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the grounds leading to Cougar Field. Cougar football kicks off versus Crown College at 1 p.m. on Cougar Field, followed at 4 p.m. by the UMM Alumni Association post-game celebration at LaFave House.
Enjoy the UMM Alumni Association Brunch in the campus' Food Services building from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. The annual Homecoming Band and Choir Concert, featuring the alumni Concert Band and Choir, is set for 2 p.m. Sunday in HFA Recital Hall. Find a complete list of Homecoming events at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/alumniRelations/UMM/HOMECOMING/

September 28, 2005
A team comprised of UMM staff, students and faculty (and friends) won the National Dodgeball League Dodgeball World Championship September 23-25 in Las Vegas. The team, the only one who competed from Minnesota, is comprised of Adam Sullivan (UMM student) Randi Peterson (UMM women's head basketball coach) Amy Van Arkle (friend of Randi) Aaron Thompson (UMM men's assistant basketball coach) Lori Sylvester (sister of Aaron) Chris Butler (English) and Nate Oakland (UMM women's assistant basketball coach). Twenty-four teams competed from states such as California, New York and Alaska. For more information about the National Dodgeball League visit http://www.nationaldodgeball.com/.

A reprise of a 1960 lecture, "Sirens Sing to Me," and a 2005 sequel, "Conquering Thanatos," will be presented by Henry Parker, Cunningham Distinguished Scholar/Professor, U of Tennessee-Martin and Ford Foundation Fellow. He will also give a First-Year Experience Presentation, "Making College Success Inevitable." Parker served on the UMM humanities faculty, 1961-65, and was UMM's first black professor. Public lecture Thursday, Sept. 29, 2:30 p.m., Cougar Room, Student Center. Parker and his wife, Marilyn Crist, will visit UMM September 28-29. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/.

A chance for girls in grades five through eight to explore science with professional scientists will be offered during UMM's "Super Saturday Science" beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Science building. A session for fifth and six graders is set for 9 a.m.-noon seventh and eighth grade students will participate from 1-4 p.m. Girls will participate in a wide variety of hands-on science experiments, meet other girls who like science, and work with scientists and science students. Find out more at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/

Residents from Alberta, Chokio, Donnelly, Hancock and Morris will come together during a Stevens County Community Fundraiser for the residents affected by recent hurricanes. The event is set for 5 to 8 p.m. (note time change) Monday, Oct. 10, in the new Morris Area Elementary School. Free food will be provided by local restaurants, along with music, dancing, a silent auction and raffles. Free bus rides from Morris Transit are available within the city limits by calling 589-1000. All proceeds will go to The Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist Gulf coast residents. For more information call ext. 6083.

September 21, 2005
Adair, Della, and Friends in "Retrospective," a show of one- and two-piano, four-hands arrangements by Adair Horgen will be performed by Horgen and Della Conroy with appearances by other talented friends at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, in the concert hall at the new Morris Area Elementary School. There will also be pieces during which the audience can sing along. Tickets are $5 per person or $10 per family and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance Center. All proceeds benefit the PRCA. Call 585-5037 for more information.

Geology Professor Keith Brugger will discuss the geologic record of climate change and its effect on ecosystems and civilization at Morris' first "Café Scientifique" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Common Cup Coffeehouse. The public is welcome to attend at no charge, and audience participation is encouraged. Café Scientifique is a new monthly series produced by the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History that aims to bring expert-led discussions on provocative science topics out of the labs and into pubs, coffee shops and restaurants throughout the state. The museum has partnered with UMM to bring a year-long series of lively discussions on topics ranging from alternative energy to duck hunting to antibiotics and organic foods. For a list of scheduled cafés, visit www.bellmuseum.org.

A reprise of a 1960 lecture, "Sirens Sing to Me," and a 2005 sequel, "Conquering Thanatos," will be presented by Henry Parker, Cunningham Distinguished Scholar/Professor, U of Tennessee-Martin and Ford Foundation Fellow. He will also give a First-Year Experience Presentation, "Making College Success Inevitable." Parker served on the UMM humanities faculty, 1961-65, and was UMM's first black professor. Public lecture Sept. 29, 2:30 p.m., Cougar Room, Student Center. Parker and his wife, Marilyn Crist, will visit UMM September 28-29. Read more at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/

UMM will again host "Super Saturday Science" beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Science building. The program gives girls in grades five through eight a chance to explore science with professional scientists. A session for fifth and six graders is set for 9 a.m.-noon seventh and eighth grade students will participate from 1-4 p.m. Girls will participate in a wide variety of hands-on science experiments, meet other girls who like science, and work with scientists and science students. Find out more at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/

Residents from Alberta, Chokio, Donnelly, Hancock and Morris will come together during a Stevens County Community Fundraiser for the residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. The event is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the new Morris Area Elementary School. Free food will be provided by local restaurants, along with music, dancing, a silent auction and raffles. Free bus rides from Morris Transit are available by calling 589-1000. All proceeds will go to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist Gulf coast residents. For more information call 589-6083.

September 7, 2005

Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Loudon Wainwright III will open the 2005-2006 Performing Arts Series season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in Edson Auditorium. Ticket information is available by calling Student Activities at ext. 6080, or visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/stuorgs/CAC/Arts.

Geology Professor Keith Brugger will discuss the geologic record of climate change and its effect on ecosystems and civilization at Morris’ first “Café Scientifique” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Common Cup Coffeehouse. The public is welcome and audience participation is encouraged. Café Scientifique is new monthly series produced by the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History that aims to bring expert-led discussions on provocative science topics out of the labs and into pubs, coffee shops and restaurants throughout the state. The museum has partnered with UMM to bring a year-long series of lively discussions on topics ranging from alternative energy to duck hunting to antibiotics and organic foods. For a list of scheduled cafés, visit www.bellmuseum.org. Café Scientifique is free and open to the public and is made possible by a grant from the University's Council on Public Engagement. The Bell Museum is part of the University of Minnesota's College of Natural Resources.

August 31, 2005
Due to weather conditions in and around Louisiana, the visit and presentation by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has been postponed. Gov. Blanco was originally scheduled to be the Visiting Scholar and speaker for the First Year Seminar opening convocation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. Tentative plans to reschedule the presentation are being considered.

Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Loudon Wainwright III will open the 2005-2006 Performing Arts Series season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in Edson Auditorium. Ticket information is available by calling Student Activities at ext. 6080, or visit http://www.morris.umn.edu/stuorgs/CAC/Arts.

Geology Professor Keith Brugger will deliver the cold, hard facts of glaciology, the science of snow and ice accumulation, and share some thoughts on the effect of global warming on Minnesota during Morris’ first “Café Scientifique” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Common Cup Coffeehouse. Audience questions and participation is welcome. Café Scientifique is new monthly series produced by the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural History that aims to bring expert-led discussions on provocative science topics out of the labs and into pubs, coffee shops and restaurants throughout the state. The museum has partnered with UMM to bring a year-long series of lively discussions on topics ranging from alternative energy to duck hunting to antibiotics and organic foods. For a list of scheduled cafés, visit www.bellmuseum.org. Café Scientifique is free and open to the public and is made possible by a grant from the University’s Council on Public Engagement. The Bell Museum is part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Natural Resources.

August 25, 2005
Chancellor Sam Schuman announced his retirement at the August 19 opening faculty and staff convocation effective June 2006. Schuman has been in senior leadership positions at the college for 11 years.
"I am leaving our college at a time when it is thriving, successful, and looking toward an even brighter future. The faculty are teachers and scholars without peer our staff is skilled and committed our alumni are loyal our benefactors are caring and dedicated and UMM students are a magnificent treasure. I will watch with keen attention and modest pride the future strengthening of our college."
As vice chancellor for academic affairs, Schuman led the semester conversion process and managed UMM's successful re-accreditation. Under his leadership as chancellor, UMM has benefited from more than $60 million in new construction on campus and raised nearly $10 million, close to double its goal, during Campaign Minnesota. Schuman was instrumental in accomplishing the successful transition to NCAA Division III status in intercollegiate athletics and led the effort to have the Morris campus declared a national historic district.

The campus community welcomes Christine Mahoney as director of communications in the Office of University Relations/External Relations. Mahoney, a native of Chokio, was previously director of advertising at Grand Casino Hinckley. She holds a master of business communication from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor of science in mass communications from Moorhead State University. As director, Mahoney will advance the college's local, regional, and national visibility, and create an integrated and effective collegiate communications program.

For the fifth straight year, UMM is ranked in the list of five top public liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2006 rankings of America's Best Colleges. UMM continues as the only college in the Midwest to appear on the list. More at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/

The Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College 2005 ranks UMM as one of three of the "best college bargains" in the nation. Says the publication: "If you've ever taken a wrong turn on the way to Duluth, you may have stumbled upon one of the very best public liberal arts colleges in the countryŠMorris combines superb students, small classes, dedicated faculty, and an isolated prairie location." More at http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/

UMM is one of 158 schools who have received The Princeton Review's Best in the Midwest designation. "We believe these schools uphold the standards of our Best Midwestern College distinction and provide students with a wide breadth of excellent schools to consider," says Princeton Review publisher Robert Franek.

UMM has been selected as a 2005 Green Power Leadership Award winner. The Green Power Leadership Awards are competitive awards that recognize outstanding commitments and achievements in the green power marketplace. The Tenth National Green Power Marketing Conference will be held in Austin, Texas from October 24-26. The Fifth Annual Green Awards presentation will occur on the first evening of the conference. Organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Center for Resource Solutions, both this conference and the National Awards are the ultimate green power marketing conference and competitive national recognition for the market-based deployment of renewable energy technologies.

According to the University of Minnesota's 2005 Student Experience Survey, the Morris campus again surpassed all other campuses in key areas of student satisfaction. UMM boasted the highest percentage of students completing the bachelor's degree in approximately four years and the highest percentage of students ranking their campus's overall academic program as excellent. UMM also rose to the top with its percentage of 'extremely satisfied' students and had the highest percentage of students ranking the cost of attendance as 'excellent.' The 2005 survey, conducted every other year by the Office of Institutional Research and Reporting on the Twin Cities campus, has not yet been published on their website.

The Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, governor of Louisiana, will give the Opening Convocation for UMM's 2005 First Year Seminar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, in Edson Auditorium, Student Center. Gov. Blanco will also meet on Thursday, Sept. 1, with small groups of First Year Seminar students. Gov. Blanco is the mother-in-law of Michael Eble, assistant professor of studio art and curator of the Humanities Fine Arts Gallery at UMM.

Tickets for the UMM Performing Arts Series are now available. The 2005-2006 season opens on Saturday, Sept. 10, with guitarist/songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. The season will also offer performances by the following artists: ARENA dances, October 1 Red Priest, October 28 Break: The Urban Funk Spectacular, February 3 and Aquila Theatre, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," March 18, along with the world renown annual UMM Jazz Fest.
Ticket information for both series and single tickets is available by calling Student Activities at ext. 6080, or visit www.morris.umn.edu/stuorgs/CAC/Arts. All performances will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the UMM Student Center Edson Auditorium.

July 22, 2005
Fourteen students from six states are participating in the 11th annual Gateway Program through August 12. The four week transition program, designed to to recruit, retain, and graduate talented students of color at UMM, features courses in English, math and computer science along with seminars on financial aid, advising, and career planning. Age range of this year's participants extends 20 years apart from youngest to oldest. Students are from El Paso, Texas Las Vegas, Nev. Chicago, and cities in Minnesota, North and South Dakota.

Spend an evening in the garden during the annual Horticulture Night, Thursday, July 28, 5-9 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Research and Outreach Center. Walking Tours include shore-land re-vegetation, a "Summer Celebrations" garden, a water garden, annual flowers, woody ornamentals, and new and unusual perennials. Demonstrations will cover landscape design tips for the backyard, a monarch larva monitoring project, culinary herbs, renewable energy, and grapes! Live music, food booths, a trade show and family activities will also be provided. The WCROC is located across Highway 59 from the Morris campus.

"UM-Morris Day" -- Monday, Sept. 5, at the Minnesota State Fair -- will include UMM jazz combo, Funky Gumbo, on the U stage in front of the U of M exhibition building on Dan Patch Avenue. The combo will entertain alternately, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with WCROC's Mike Reese, who will talk about Renewable Energy. The Morris campus will also participate in the University wide exhibit inside the building. UMM students, alumni, staff and faculty will staff the exhibit during the Labor Day weekend, Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5.

There is still time to volunteer to staff the Morris campus exhibits at both the Stevens County Fair, Aug. 11-14 (Thursday, Aug. 11 is fully staffed now!) as well as at the State Fair, Sept. 3-5. Contact Judy Riley, ext. 6050, or rileyjk to reserve a time. Note that the U of M web site will publicize the fair presence of all U campuses, including updates of which campus "celebrities" are staffing the UMM booth, and at what times. SIGN UP NOW!

Mark your calendars now for the second annual COUGAR FEST: Saturday, Sept. 17. Games and concessions begin at 11:30 a.m. Cougar football kickoff at 1 p.m.
UMM field, track field and surrounding grounds. Watch for details!