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 second story in a series. Read the first story and submit your favorite memory through this form.

Chelsea Gruber

Assistant Athletic Trainer — Swimming and Diving
Athletic Medicine, Athletics, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2018

Favorite memory: Prior to starting my career at the University, Emily Wendolek and Erin Moore took me out to lunch on my graduate assistantship interview at the old Kafe 421. To this day, these two women (and that wild rice burrito) are a major reason I still work here eight years later!

Kate Ostrem

Development Officer
Minnesota Carlson, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2018

Favorite memory: My favorite memory occurred on my very first day on the job when we celebrated a transformational $10 million gift from the Carlson Family Foundation — funding study abroad scholarships and programming for Minnesota Carlson students. Since that day over eight years ago, the depth of philanthropic support across the University of Minnesota community continues to be truly inspiring.

Naomi Skulan

Metadata and Technical Services Coordinator
Rodney A. Briggs Library, Morris campus

Year you began working at the University: 2016

Favorite memory: Working to preserve our campus history and collect important memories of the campus and community at our annual Alumni in the Archives event in Morris. I love connecting with a mix of current students and alumni as we help to preserve and share the history of our campus and our region.

Kalie Strus

Senior Media Relations and Editorial Strategist
College of Science and Engineering, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2023

Favorite memory: One of my favorite memories was talking with Dr. Jennifer Mitchell in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences about her research on meteorites and being able to hold a piece of the moon. One of many amazing labs in CSE!

Clancy Theade

Social Media and Content Associate
School of Music, College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 2019

Favorite memory: When we were able to surprise the Marching Band with Timothée Chalamet! It was a giant secret that took a lot of coordination behind the scenes to keep and it definitely paid off in a big way!

Colleen Ware

Communications Generalist
Office of Institutional Advancement, College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities campus

Year you began working at the University: 1996

Favorite memory: Having a grad photo session with my daughter who graduated from CLA, the same school where her dad and I met and graduated from, where I've worked for 25 years, and where her "Pop C" taught at the School of Music. 2019-2022 had some rough times but it was glorious to celebrate this milestone with her.