- University of Minnesota commencement ceremonies begin systemwide.
- Feature: Paths to resilience.
- Awards and Recognition: New McKnight Presidential Fellows have been named; and more.
University of Minnesota commencement ceremonies begin systemwide
In the coming weeks, the University of Minnesota System will host numerous commencement ceremonies to recognize thousands of students across its five campuses for their academic achievements and congratulate them as they take the next step toward productive lives and careers. See the schedule of commencement ceremonies.
Paths to resilience
The importance of mental health is front and center in our lives. Stigmas are vanishing, programs are expanding, and we’re becoming more creative in seeking our own wellness. The journey takes perseverance and resilience. And it takes support from friends and family, teachers and counselors. Explore how the University of Minnesota is cultivating that resilience and support.
Awards and Recognition
New McKnight Presidential Fellows have been named; the U of M System has been ranked among the top schools for addressing hunger and health in the U.S. via the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings; Jerica Berge and an interdisciplinary team of co-investigators have been awarded $3.25 million by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; CIDRAP has received $1 million in grants to create a Coronavirus Vaccines Research and Development Roadmap; announcing the 2022 recipients of the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award, the Donald R. Zander Alumni Leadership Award, and the Mary A. McEvoy Award for Leadership in Public Engagement; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Seeking nominations: Vice provost/director for distributed learning
Nominations and applications are invited from U of M faculty and academic professionals for the position of vice provost/director for distributed learning. This position will be responsible for driving the development of innovative, coordinated, and scaled systemwide distributed learning models, a key commitment outlined in the Systemwide Strategic Plan, MPact 2025. See the position description for more information. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 15 and accepted until the position is filled.
Seeking nominations: Research Technical Staff Award
The Office of the Vice President for Research has announced a new Research Technical Staff Award, which recognizes research staff for their distinguished service and significant contributions to the U of M research community. Five honorariums of $1,000 each will be awarded to eligible staff who are involved in the practice of research or in support of faculty who are performing research. The nomination deadline is June 15.
OLLI seeks graduate student and postdoc instructors
Each year, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers paid, short-term teaching opportunities for University of Minnesota graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The OLLI Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year. Faculty and staff are invited to encourage interested students to apply. The application deadline is May 20. Learn more about the program.
Call for content: Sci Pride 2022 at the Bell Museum
In honor of Pride Month, the Bell Museum, in partnership with numerous colleges and schools as well as the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life, will be celebrating the scientific contributions of the U of M LGBTQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ students, alumni, postdocs, faculty, and research staff across the University are invited to present a virtual research talk by recording a brief flash talk presentation (3-minute, 5-slide max) to be shared the week of June 8. Learn more and sign up to be a presenter.
From alleys to arterials: Autonomous vehicles will change street design
With the passage of a major funding bill, the United States is on the brink of significant and potentially transformational infrastructure investments. At the same time, the auto industry is moving toward a mobility-service business model based on automated vehicles. A recent U of M project illustrates the nature of AV-ready streets to help communities prepare for this new reality.
Research Brief: New study could help reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
A team of researchers led by the University of Minnesota has significantly improved the performance of numerical predictions for agricultural nitrous oxide emissions. The first-of-its-kind knowledge-guided machine learning model is 1,000 times faster than current systems and could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Additional recent Research Briefs include “Study shows Black infants at risk for poor birth outcomes across Minnesota” and “In Florida panther, multi-pronged approach critical to disease management.”
May 27 - Walleye Tank, Minnesota's Life Science Pitch Competition
Join in the spring edition of Walleye Tank, a fun startup pitch competition and tradition highlighting Minnesota life science innovators. The event features pitches from entrepreneurs in four categories overseen by a judging panel of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. The event will be live streamed and held in person at the Carlson School of Management. Register and learn more about Walleye Tank.
May 31 - UROC Critical Conversation: Exploring Cultural Approaches to Elder Care in Minnesota
The growth and longevity of our aging population presents opportunities and challenges for Minnesota's elders, their families, and friends. Hear from a variety of University and community experts, advocates, and practitioners on the role culture and tradition play in caregiving. 4 p.m. via Zoom.
U of M featured virtual events
May 5 - The Changing Nature of Work: Impacts of COVID-19 on our Health Care Workforce
May 5 - 2022 CWIMS Annual Spring Workshop
May 7 - Online Mindfulness Retreat
May 12 - From Nixon to Biden: What Has Gone Wrong with the Sino-American Relationship?
May 18 - Webinar: Mindful Leadership Presence
Erickson Johnsen selected to lead Division of Business, Arts, and Education
Rosemary Erickson Johnsen has been selected to lead the Business, Arts, and Education Division at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She replaces Mark Huglen, who has been serving as acting head of the division since August 2021. Pending faculty and Board of Regents approval, Erickson Johnsen joins the division at the rank of tenured full professor. She will begin her duties July 1.
May 7 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to address the 2022 graduating class
Tom Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture, will address the University of Minnesota Crookston Class of 2022 at the U of M Crookston commencement, 10 a.m., Lysaker Gymnasium and live online.
‘Office Hours’ with Njoki Kamau
In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD chats with Njoki Kamau, professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. With a palpable passion for her work, Kamau describes her spirit as “indomitable.” UMD agrees and is #umdproud to have her as a strong part of its campus community.
Faculty retirements
Twelve UMD faculty members have announced their retirement, including James Allert, Stanley Burns, Timothy Colburn, John Goodge, Vicki Hansen, Jonathan Maps, and Adrian Hanson from the Swenson College of Science and Engineering; Sheryl Grana, William Payne, Gerald Pepper, and Deborah Petersen-Perlman from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and Alan Roline from the Labovitz School of Business and Economics.
Faculty and staff honored
UMD recently recognized a number of faculty and staff for their achievements. Julie Etterson, biology, received the Distinguished McKnight University Professorship Award. David Saftner, civil engineering, was awarded the Morse Award for Undergraduate Education. Michele Hatcher, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, received the Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. Steve Matthews, Alec Habig, Dahui Li, Aparna Katre, Milagros Gomez, and Kathryn Schreiner received Chancellor’s Awards for excellence in research, public service, and advising.
Morris faculty and staff honored
University of Minnesota Morris faculty and staff were recently honored at the annual U of M Morris recognition dinner. Hosted by acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen, the event provided the campus community a chance to congratulate faculty and staff award recipients and to thank retirees for their service to the campus.
Alumnus helps bring electric school buses to Morris
State officials, including the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, visited Morris last week to celebrate the addition of two electric buses to be used by the Morris Area School District. U of M Morris alumnus Sam Rosemark, '21, was instrumental in securing the funding for the buses as part of the Morris Model.
Commencement speakers announced
The University of Minnesota Rochester will hold commencement on May 14 at the Mayo Civic Center. The following were selected to speak at the ceremony: Cassidy Terrell, a biochemistry professor with UMR’s Center for Learning Innovation; Anya Vang, a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions graduate; and Rachael Ojeikhodion, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduate.
Beyond the Nest: ‘We Were all Flying by the Seat of our Pants’
Tune in to the latest episode of U of M Rochester’s Beyond the Nest podcast, where 2019 graduate Mason Schlief connects with mathematics professor Jered Bright. The two discuss Schlief's experiences with living learning communities and what led her to focus on a career pathway in resilience, mental health, and well-being. Beyond the Nest is distributed via Apple, Google, Spotify, and Podbean.
Travel opportunities through the U of M Alumni Association
Explore amazing locations on every continent with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited for curated educational and engaging travel experiences. Select from 50 tour destinations in 2023 and enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with others from the University community. View tour details, the 2023 Travel Guide, or opt in to receive travel program communications.
Former instructor and artist honored with USPS stamp
Considered one of the nation's greatest modernist artists and leader of the Native American modernism movement, George Morrison’s work is being honored through a USPS Forever stamp showcase featuring five of his abstract landscape paintings created from 1949 to 1995. A renowned painter and sculptor, Morrison taught American Indian Studies and art at the University of Minnesota from 1970 to 1983.
May 10 - Department of Public Safety open house
The Department of Public Safety is holding an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 505 Washington Ave. SE. Stop by to learn more about public safety and grab some food and giveaways.
May 10 - Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship Founders Day
Join in this ninth annual Founders Day showcase to hear from the U of M Entrepreneur of the Year and students participating in experiential entrepreneurship courses and programs. Attendees will meet researchers and students, see their prototypes, and help to select the winners. 4:30 p.m., Toaster Innovation Hub, Walter Library.
UMTC Featured Events
Various dates - May Markets at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
May 5 - PLAYsentations
May 6 - Immediacy, or, The Style of Too Late Capitalism
May 11 - Minnesota Alumni Travel 2023 Preview
June 4 - All About Dogs Day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
June 11 - U of M Day at Minnesota United