There’s no shortage of opportunities to make wonderful memories at the University of Minnesota that last a lifetime. Read some of them from six faculty and staff members below.

This is the first in a series. Submit your favorite memory through this form.

Susan Garcia Hagen

Creative Services Director 
University Marketing Communications, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2010

Favorite memory: I was married at the football stadium! My husband and I are both alumni, and we decided to have a maroon and gold wedding, complete with the guest-of-honor: Goldy Gopher.

Maija (Morton) Jenson

Journalism Instructor
Department of Communication, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Duluth campus

Year you began working at the University: 2008 (University of Minnesota Twin Cities Class of 2001)

Favorite memory: Professor John Steyaert encouraged me to start an Undergrad Art History Club back in 1989, so we could go on field trips. I was the first president and scored a room in Jones Hall, but never used it because we were busy buzzing around visiting illuminated manuscript libraries and new public art in Chicago.

Betsy McCann

Associate Director of Bands
School of Music, College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2013

Favorite memory: Watching from the sidelines as our Marching Band performed in the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show was an incredible experience. The students nailed the performance, and the level of excitement and energy on the field was indescribable.

Hannah Murphy

Assistant Professor
Math, Science and Technology Department, Crookston campus

Year you began working at the University: 2025

Favorite memory: From uncovering viral mechanisms in graduate school to guiding students as a University of Minnesota Crookston professor, my favorite University moments center on scientific discovery. Leveraging connections I built during graduate training, I helped a Crookston undergraduate secure a competitive research internship at the Hormel Institute, bringing my University of Minnesota story full circle.

Darlene Toedter

Business Analyst
Graduate Programs, Minnesota Carlson, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2000

Favorite memory: Losing and finding myself in the Gopher Way. I used a paper map at first from Parking and Transportation Services to having it digital on my phone.

Tanya Wright

Communications and Customer Experience Director
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2017

Favorite memory: I am a proud Gopher alumna. My second year as a Gopher brought the epic Halloween Blizzard of 1991 and the unforgettable weekend of snow, friendship and cozy winter adventures on campus!