E-Express—a newsletter for alumni, donors, and friends

Join the UMMAA at these upcoming events!

For additional information on these events or to RSVP, continue reading or contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at 320-589-6066 or alumni@morris.umn.edu.

50th Commencement

Saturday, May 11
Morris Campus

Morris Alumni at the Nationals Ballpark

Sunday, June 9
National Ballpark (1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003)
For ticket information, contact Elizabeth Thoma ’09 by May 23.

Friends of Cougar Football Golf Outing

Friday, June 14
Thumper Pond, Ottertail

Alumni Networking Breakfast and Tour Opportunity

Thursday, June 20, 7:30 a.m.
Aveda Corporation Headquarters (4000 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449)
RSVP by June 17

Lake Minnewaska Boat Cruise Event

Wednesday, July 24, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Torgy’s Fun Country Houseboat (23583 Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN 56334)
RSVP by July 19. Tickets are $25 per person.

Morris Alumni at the Saint Paul Saints

Thursday, August 1
Midway Stadium (1771 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55108)
Tickets available online

Ryan Vernosh: The Fierce Urgency of Now

The Division of Education and Education Minnesota Student Program (EMSP) welcomed Ryan Vernosh, 2010 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, on March 28. Vernosh inspired future teachers by providing insights into his experience and a perspective on the societal importance of education. The event was made possible by generous contributions from alumni and others to the Division of Education. Enjoy the photos!

Jazz Fest Photos

On April 5 and 6, Morris celebrated its 35th annual Jazz Fest. Joined by guest artists Bill Pierce and Steven Davis, the West Central All Stars, the Alumni Jazzers, and UMM Jazz Ensembles provided performances not soon to be forgotten. Check out photos from the concert and the Alumni Jazzers after-party!

World Touch Cultural Heritage Week Photos

Last month Morris commemorated its 40th annual World Touch Cultural Heritage Week. Through a fantastic lineup of lectures, seminars, and activities, the campus community enjoyed a week of learning and celebration. Enjoy the photos from this year’s events.

Entering the Job Market with Help from Morris Connect

With Commencement just around the corner, graduating seniors are looking for connections as they enter the job market. You can help these new alums by reaching out through Morris Connect! Zac Van Cleve ’13 writes, “Morris Connect is great for Morris students because it opens up opportunities that might otherwise not be available to them. It also provides many seniors like myself with a great first place to start their job and internship search through networking.” Would you like to connect with graduates as they take their next steps? Sign-up today, or contact Erin in the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at 320-589-6067 or erinc@morris.umn.edu!

Save the Date—Homecoming 2013

Save the date for Homecoming 2013: September 27–29, 2013! Do you have an idea for a special reunion gathering? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at 320-589-6066 or alumni@morris.umn.edu.

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler Visits Morris

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and his wife, Karen Kaler, visited Morris on Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6. The two had the chance to explore campus and meet with members of the local community.

2013 Rural Arts and Culture Summit to be Held in Morris

The 2013 Rural Arts and Culture Summit, “Leveraging Arts and Culture to Build Thriving Communities,” will take place June 5–6 on the Morris campus. The summit will celebrate the transformative power of arts-based community development in rural areas.

Kim Receives Faculty Distinguished Research Award

Jong-Min Kim, professor of statistics, has been awarded the University of Minnesota, Morris Faculty Distinguished Research Award.

Jennifer Deane Receives All-University Horace T. Morse Award

Jennifer Kolpacoff Deane is a 2013 recipient of the Horace T. Morse—University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.

Your gifts inspire and support new graduates

This year’s graduation is quickly approaching—Morris students with degrees in everything from physics to philosophy are preparing for their next steps. Help us welcome our newest graduates to the UMM alumni family by taking part in a developing tradition. Send a note of congratulations to a graduate and make a gift to the UMM Alumni Annual Fund. Your gifts are greatly appreciated, and your loyal giving can make an immediate impact in many ways. Your support provides educational experiences, research, and study abroad opportunities. Your support says, “We believe in you” and helps to expand central alumni networking programs like Morris Connect and the annual Alumni and Students Networking Day. Contributions of all sizes add up to make a huge difference. Will you celebrate your degree and your accomplishments today by making a gift to help shape the future for students tomorrow?

In partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation, 100 percent of all gifts designated to the Morris campus are received by and invested in the Morris campus.