September 21, 2022

Inside This Issue
  • Building a better world.
  • Feature: The patient and the doctor who believed in something bigger. 
  • Awards and Recognition: Emily Vraga is part of a team that was awarded $5M from the NSF; and more.
Top News

Building a better world

Graphic reading M is building a better world

The University of Minnesota is adapting to the needs of a rapidly changing world by creating new ways of thinking, of doing, and of being—in fields ranging from agriculture to the liberal arts, business to health care, law, and more. Explore how the University is preparing students to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

 

The patient and the doctor who believed in something bigger

Sarah Ewald and Brenda Weigel in a doctor's office

Sarah Ewald, diagnosed with cancer at just 18, says the decision to participate in a clinical trial to treat her cancer was easy. Even if the trial medicine didn’t help her, maybe it could help others. Learn more about her experience.

 

 

Awards and Recognition

Emily Vraga is part of a team that received a $5M Phase II Convergence Accelerator cooperative award from the National Science Foundation; Cheri Friedrich has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition 

U-Wide News

UROC Research Agenda grant competition

The U of M Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) seeks faculty proposals to address critical issues outlined in the UROC Research Agenda through collaborative, community-based research projects. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to three tenure-track or tenured faculty either to support one 0.25 FTE graduate research assistant or to support other specific project needs. Proposals are due Oct. 24, 8 p.m. 

Nominations open: John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising

Nominations are open for the 2022-23 John Tate Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. By highlighting examples of outstanding advising, the Tate Awards identify professional models and celebrate the role that advising plays in the University's educational mission. Recognize excellent undergraduate academic and career advising by nominating a candidate for the Tate award. Nominations are due Jan. 3.  

Partnering to prepare for the next pandemic

Nurse giving a woman a vaccine shot

A new collaboration among the School of Public Health, the Minnesota Department of Health, and public health agencies across Minnesota aims to help create a sustainable 21st-century public health workforce in Minnesota. Called "Minnesota Prepared," the initiative will focus on two key components: strengthening the public health workforce by broadening the pathway to careers in public health, and revitalizing education and training for public health professionals. 

 

How weight teasing affects health behaviors and weight status among diverse young people

Recent research from the School of Public Health shows that young people across ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups experience negative health effects from weight stigma, defined as discrimination or teasing regarding their weight. 

Researchers combine data science and machine learning to improve traditional MRI image reconstruction

University of Minnesota scientists and engineers have found a way to improve the performance of traditional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reconstruction techniques, allowing for faster MRIs to improve healthcare. 

Latino emerging farmers eye dairy enterprises

For participants in a University of Minnesota Extension course, all of whom emigrated from Central America, there’s no multi-generational connection to U.S. farmland, operations, livestock, or equipment. But like many hoping for a future in agriculture, the interest and the work ethic are solidly in place. With a variety of skills and experience, often hard-won through working for others, Latinos look for ways to lower barriers to farm ownership

ISSS fall Intercultural Workshop Series

Faculty and staff interested in working effectively with international students and colleagues can now register for the Intercultural Workshop Series, organized by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). All but one of the workshops will be held virtually. Workshops begin Oct. 13.

Crookston

U of M Crookston Multicultural International Club students win chalk art contest

University of Minnesota Crookston students involved with the Multicultural International Club participated in the annual “Chalk It Up” art event in downtown Crookston. The students won first place in the student art contest sponsored by Crookston Rotary Club. Students earned a $350 cash prize for their artwork.

Duluth

Through Dec. 18 - Black women in art exhibit

Photo from exhibit featuring a Black woman reclining on a loveseat

UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art examines works of art that picture Black women or that were produced by Black women in the exhibition “There Is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art.” The exhibit offers a perspective on the experiences of Black women, primarily in the United States. 


 

Homecoming 2022

Cheerleaders on football field

UMD will celebrate Homecoming/Alumni Weekend Oct. 1. The UMD vs Minnesota State-Moorhead football game kicks off at 12:05 p.m. in Malosky Stadium. Alumni Relations will host tailgating and a Homecoming Beer & Cider Sampler event beginning at 10 a.m. Bulldog men’s hockey vs Arizona State begins at 6 p.m. in Amsoil Arena. See the schedule of events

 

‘Office Hours’ with Sharyl Samargia-Grivette

Sharyl Samargia-Grivette

In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD speaks with Sharyl Samargia-Grivette, associate professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Sharyl looks at variables we control and those we can’t control when she considers a variety of problems. She applies the strategy in ways from considering what bait to use and where to fish, to teaching lessons involving speech language pathology and audiology.

Morris

Sept. 21 - IAS Oral History Collaborative reading group

With funding from the U of M Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Morris will kick off a series of conversations about oral history with an informal reading group. Anyone and everyone interested in telling local stories is welcome. 4 p.m., Briggs Library.

Rochester

Echocardiography collaboration

student reading an echocardiograph

UMR's educational collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences prepares future echocardiographers to be part of the diagnosis of cardiac conditions and assess heart function by taking 2-D and 3-D heart images. Watch this video to learn more about this fast-paced program, which allows students to complete the necessary clinical hours they need to begin their career.

 

National Campus Safety Awareness Month

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. One of UMR's primary concerns is to create and maintain safe living and learning environments for UMR students. Learn more about safety measures at UMR and stay informed in the latest edition of “Things You Should Know,” a monthly social media campaign to inform students of important topics.

Twin Cities

Review what you can do to help keep campus safe

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is working to eliminate crime, threats, and violence on our campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review what you can do to help keep campus safe, including ways to protect University areas, including buildings and people.

UMAA opens in-person MN Alumni Market storefront

Table display of MN Market products

The U of M Alumni Association’s MN Alumni Market has opened a new storefront for in-person shopping and order pick up, located inside McNamara Alumni Center. The MN Alumni Market is the first and only store to exclusively support alumni-owned businesses and services with an online store, online directory, and now a storefront. Discover more than 100 alumni entrepreneurs and recommend alumni-owned businesses to the market. View fall market hours. Email Wing Witthuhn for alumni-made gift ideas, custom orders, or bulk discounts.

The man behind Goldy

Nick Legeros with a granite M and a small Goldy statue

Sculptor alumnus Nick Legeros crafted the iconic bronze Goldy on the East Bank of the Twin Cities campus—as well as other well-loved works throughout the Twin Cities. Legeros is also now at work on a commission for U of M Duluth, a bronze of the school’s bulldog mascot, Champ.


 

Journalism School hits 100

Students at drawing tables in the 1940s

When the Board of Regents first approved the department of journalism as a course of study in 1922, they could not have foreseen the force the program would become, not only in the community but also in the country. Today, through the lens of its centennial, it’s possible to chart the program’s course as a pioneering institution now known as the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

 

Campus Club fall membership drive

Graphic reading "where the UMN community meets" Campus Club

The Campus Club is the University’s premier restaurant and event venue, located in Coffman Union. Join the Campus Club during the fall membership drive for $88 dues, special incentives, and more. Faculty, staff, students, and departments can join at this low rate.


 

Sept. 26-Oct. 1 - Homecoming 2022

Homecoming week is the 107-year tradition that brings together Gophers of all ages for a week of celebration. Events include a free concert, a Gopher football game, blood drives, the Homecoming Parade, and more. See the Homecoming events schedule.

Oct. 4 - Health Careers Fair

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students who have an interest in health careers to attend the Health Careers Fair. Students will connect with U of M health degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, as well as pre-health student groups and community organizations that provide volunteer or employment opportunities to pre-health students. Noon-3 p.m., Great Hall, Coffman Union.

UMTC featured events

tryptic image of drought, green farmland, and ocean

Sept. 22 - Climate Policy in Economics 

Sept. 22 - Global Food Security and How We Feed Each Other 

Sept. 24 - Field Fest at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 

Sept. 26 - Price Transparency From Medical Insurers is Live - Now What? 

Sept. 28 - Why China Has the Best (and Worst) Education System in the World 

Sept. 29 - Liberal Arts Engagement Hub open house 

Sept. 29 - Interdisciplinarity Now and Tomorrow: A Conversation with Jennifer Gunn and Bianet Castellanos 

Oct. 7 - First Fridays: The Game’s Afoot 

Oct. 11 - The Kerlan Award: Andrea Davis Pinkney 

See the full Events Calendar