April 10, 2024

Inside This Issue

Feature: Animals make us better people.
Awards and Recognition: Announcing the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished McKnight University Professor Award; and more.

Animals make us better people

Jo-Elle Mogerman in a red sweater at the Philadelphia Zoo

“We have more visitors to accredited zoos in the U.S. than go to see sports teams,” says Jo-Elle Mogerman (MS ’94), who thinks a lot about how to keep zoos relevant and build beneficial relationships between people and wildlife. Over 183 million individual tickets are scanned annually at zoo entrances—more than the total MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL attendance combined. Mogerman is president and CEO of the 160-year-old Philadelphia Zoo—the nation’s oldest.

Awards and Recognition

Announcing the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished McKnight University Professor Award; Dana Carroll has received an early-career award from the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco; the U.S. Department of State recently presented the University of Minnesota with the English Language Specialist Top Producing Institution Award; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

New grants management system to go live Apr. 29

MN-GEMS (Minnesota Grants Electronic Management System), the University's new grants management tool that will replace the EGMS platform, is on track to go live Apr. 29. MN-GEMS will include automated functionality, process transparency, and system integrations that will expand capabilities in all aspects of grants management. MN-GEMS training is available for research administration staff, faculty, and others who will use the system. See the MN-GEMS webpage for more details.

Register your international travel

All faculty, staff, and students (including graduate assistants, residents, and fellows) who are planning to travel to another country for academic or University-related purposes are required to register their travel before they depart. The International Travel Registry is part of the University's efforts to ensure that all travelers are prepared and educated about safe and healthy travel abroad.

Good practices for retaining files after people leave the University

After people leave the University, their U of M email and Google Workspace accounts will be closed and their contents deleted according to a timeline determined by their role and affiliation with the Health Care Component. Effective onboarding and offboarding practices are critical to prevent the loss of files that should remain at the University. RSVP to join a webinar (or receive a recording) about Google Workspace onboarding and offboarding.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Apr. 8-12 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. As a state known for its extreme weather conditions, this dedicated week serves as a reminder to prepare for seasonal threats (video). It's also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit. In the event of severe weather on campus, the University will send a SAFE-U Alert with directions to stay safe.

Apply for the Technology Commercialization Early Innovation Fund

The Technology Commercialization Early Innovation Fund supports short-term projects that advance early-stage innovations, providing $3,000 to $10,000 per project to advance the technology readiness of an innovation. Open to all U of M researchers and employees, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff. The application opens Apr. 15; submissions are due May 24. An online information session will be held Apr. 29, 11-11:30 a.m.

Join the Communicators Forum

The U of M Communicators Forum aims to promote excellence in communications and enhance cooperation among communications professionals working at the University. Forum members find a range of year-round opportunities for professional growth, networking, and career development, as well as a regular newsletter, access to a robust email group where you can ask questions and find and share resources, and more.

University of Minnesota Alumni Association travel opportunities

Explore amazing locations around the world with the U of M Alumni Association. Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited for curated educational and engaging travel experiences where the details are taken care of for you. Select from 45 tour destinations in 2025 and enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with others from our University community. View the 2025 Travel Guide or opt-in for information.

Talking autism-friendly colors with the U of M

Selecting paint colors for your living room, office, or classroom can be a big decision—one that impacts not only the feel of the room but the emotions of those within it. Research suggests color may play an even more important role for children with autism. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."

Crookston

Tile art comes to life on the walls of Dowell Hall

Susan Warner hanging tile art on a brick interior wall

Regional artist Susan Warner and faculty, staff, and art committee members from the U of M Crookston helped to bring agriculture-focused tile art compositions to life on the walls of Dowell Hall. Warner says the projects took months of research, note-taking, and multiple conversations before four central images emerged.

Faculty present at Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus conference

U of M Crookston Business Department faculty Oxana Wieland (finance) and Al Fattal (marketing) recently participated in the “Leveraging New Realities: Innovations, Successes, and Challenges" conference sponsored by the U of M's Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus Program. The case studies highlighted how each professor had used best practices in course design to internationalize their respective courses, as well as the challenges that they encountered during the design process.

Duluth

New UMD clinic program helps patients reclaim their speech

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. This chronic neurological condition affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to move and speak. Samantha Burlingame, a clinical instructor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is working to create a new speech-language therapy program to give Parkinson’s patients in the Twin Ports area and beyond the tools to regain their voices and communication skills.

Performances at UMD

Duluth domed events center seen from outside

April marks a busy time for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences on the Duluth campus. From concerts to plays, faculty recitals to special guests, there are a variety of performances in the arts that are sure to please.

Microplastics research featured on The Lift

Elizabeth Minor, a professor from the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and Large Lakes Observatory in Duluth, was on ABC’s The Lift to discuss her work studying microplastics in Lake Superior and what folks can do to help keep these materials out of our water.

Morris

Big Crow to give student commencement address

Kianna Big Crow ’24, Pine Ridge, SD, is the 2024 Curtis H. Larson recipient and will give the student address during commencement. She is graduating with majors in economics and Native American and Indigenous studies.

Apr. 11 - Student Support Day

an older woman and a student look at a poster display

Student Support Day raises awareness of student needs. This year, U of M Morris is raising funds for the Morris Academic eXperiences (MAX) Fund.

Apr. 12 - Jazz Fest

A student plays saxophone with two trumpet players in background

The U of M Morris jazz ensembles will celebrate 100 years of Henry Mancini by playing some of his iconic compositions as part of the 43rd annual Jazz Fest. The evening concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Rochester

Apr. 15-26 - Capstone presentations

Spring graduates of UMR’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree will present a summary of their capstone experience to peers, faculty, staff, mentors, and their families. At UMR, capstones are an individually planned set of senior-year learning experiences focused on a theme that aligns with each student’s personal and professional goals. Capstone presentations are an opportunity for critical reflection and celebration in the learning journeys of students.

Introducing UMR’s new director of development and alumni relations

U of M Rochester recently welcomed Lindsey Hemker as director of development and alumni relations. Hemker will play a crucial role in fundraising efforts and fostering meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters. “We’re thrilled to have Lindsey on the UMR team as we continue our Onward campaign,” says chancellor Carrell.

Twin Cities

Dear Minnesota: Creating a legacy

Marissa, a woman with dark hair, with Goldy Gopher Mascot

Having dedicated 15 years to the U of M, Marissa knows the impact of the University across personal, community, and state levels. Take her word for it, as her career has included time with the College of Liberal Arts, Student Unions & Activities, Orientation & Transition Experiences, and the Alumni Association. “I'm immensely proud to have played a small part in making our great state even better,” says Marissa. Read Marissa’s story, explore the Dear Minnesota series, and share your own story.

Whitman spreads joy through music

Several times a week, finance professor Andy Whitman and his wife, Carol, perform tunes from the Great American Songbook to residents at Presbyterian Homes senior living facilities throughout the Twin Cities area. Through music, they connect with residents in memory care, military veterans, and more. At 85 years old, Whitman, one of the Carlson School’s longest-serving faculty members, shows no signs of stopping.

Bailey Dining Hall is open for lunch

Bailey Dining Hall on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul is open to faculty and staff; no meal plan required. Enjoy new options like an enhanced salad bar, customizable rice bar with hot and cold add-ons, and made-to-order pizza and grill items. All-you-care-to-eat lunch is available for just $13 (+tax). See hours and full menu.