May 1, 2003

1. Cleaning up in Dinkytown
2. Differing legislative funding bills may soften blow to U
3. Minnesota--biosciences hub in the making
4. Monster bugs descend on Arboretum
5. U poised for leadership in microbial and plant genomics
6. Search narrows for new UMC leader
7. Notable figures grace spring commencements
8. Pedal with caution
9. U of M Happenings
10. Links

U IN THE NEWS

Cleaning up in Dinkytown
A beautiful spring day became a Beautiful U Day last week when more than 160 volunteers from the University and the Twin Cities community got down and dirty with brooms, garbage bags, and other cleaning supplies for an annual campus
clean-up.

U of M student volunteers help clean-up Dinkytown as part of Beautiful U 2003. Photo by Aaron Strozinsky

The clean-up also extended into the Dinkytown and Marcy-Holmes neighborhoods. This effort was especially significant this year because it came just ten days after a post-hockey championship celebration turned into a riot--U students and non-students caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to Dinkytown businesses.

Several students said they were participating in the clean-up because it was important to show their campus neighbors that a small group of vandals and lawbreakers do not represent the vast majority of University of Minnesota students. Volunteers picked up tons of trash and helped neighborhood residents spruce up their lawns and sidewalks.

Other highlights of Beautiful U Day included the Beautiful Classroom Campaign, in which students cleaned classrooms and custodians were honored for their work; and the renaming of the University's integrated waste management facility after the late Fay Thompson, former director of the U's Environmental Health and Safety department.

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Differing legislative funding bills may soften blow to U
The Senate's higher education bill includes $109.7 million more for the University of Minnesota than Governor Tim Pawlenty's recommendation. The House bill gives the U $19.7 million more than the governor's proposal.

Governor Pawlenty proposed a 2004-05 state budget that called for a $209 million cut to the University's state funding over the next two years. This would be the largest reduction in state appropriation ever faced by the University.

The House and Senate bills will now move to a Higher Education Conference Committee, which will work out their differences, before being finalized by the Legislature. If the conference committee is unable to agree, it is likely that the governor's higher education funding proposal will be adopted.

For updates on the University's state budget request and presentations at the legislature, see www.umn.edu/govrel.

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Minnesota--biosciences hub in the making
On April 17, Governor Tim Pawlenty announced a partnership between the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic that could position Minnesota as a global leader in biotechnology and medical genomics.

The "Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics" pairs the University and Mayo Clinic in a state-sponsored initiative to yield new scientific discoveries in the diagnoses and treatment of human diseases and improve technology for food and agriculture research. The partnership hopes to attract multi-million dollar research grants and world-class scientific talent to the state, which in turn would create new businesses and jobs in Minnesota.

"We have a very limited window of opportunity to capitalize on two of the world's stellar scientific resources to make Minnesota a world hub in biosciences," said Governor Pawlenty when he announced the new initiative. "Fortunately, this industry is still in its infancy, similar to where the computer industry was 25 years ago. But it's going to grow up fast."

Both the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic rank in the top 30 U.S. institutions that successfully compete for National Institutes of Health research funding, and last year collectively managed $700 million in major research projects. Among other things, the partnership will inventory existing areas of expertise, resources, and capabilities and identify priorities for joint research. The U and Mayo Clinic will also match the $2 million seed money from the state over the next biennium, which will be used for planning and launching the first research project.

Pawlenty says he will encourage the state to finance an additional $70 million over five years to partially support the faculty, equipment, technology, and scientific infrastructure to successfully compete with other states that are aggressively promoting this type of research.

"The potential of biotechnology and medical genomics is huge, and so is the cost of development," says Hugh Smith, chair of the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors. "Neither the University nor Mayo Clinic can do it on our own, and even working together we cannot fund a competitive initiative without the additional partnership of the state."

Editors note: For information about a special conference on biosciences, see the Happenings section.

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Monster bugs descend on Arboretum
This summer, skip the repellant. The big bugs at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, part of the U's College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, won't bite.

Bug-eyed: This giant Praying Mantis is one of several giant bugs crawling around in the "Big Bugs" exhibit.

On Saturday, May 3, the Dave Rogers' "Big Bugs" exhibit will open at the Arboretum in Chaska--the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest. This larger-than-life insect collection that has made stops in Disney World's Epcot Center will be making its first appearance in Minnesota and the surrounding five-state area. "Big Bugs" will feature thirteen sculptures including a seven-foot assassin bug, a 15-foot spider on its web, a dragonfly with 17-foot wingspan, and a family of ants with the largest being 25 feet long and weighing 700 lbs.

The sculptures are created from a combination of natural materials--whole trees, cut green willow saplings, dry branches, and other forest materials.

"Our goal is to educate visitors about the beneficial role of insects in the environment, and help people see that there is another alternative to thinking about insects besides the 'zap it' or 'stomp it' approach," says Sandy Tanck, youth, family, and teacher program manager at the Arboretum's Marion Andrus Learning Center.

Watch out for the 700-pound ants!

Insects outnumber us by 158 million to one, Tanck explains, and they make enormous contributions to our natural environment despite their size. They aerate soil, eat weeds, pollinate flowers, make honey, decompose dead plants or animal material, and release organic matter into the ecosystem.

"Big Bugs" will run through the end of September with a series of special events. Among them are a bug zoo, the Buggy Brigade for families with tots in strollers, and on Father's Day, Dad's Bug Out Day. Eighty percent of the exhibit is funded through private giving.

The Arboretum is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission $7 for adults or free for members and children under 18. (Admission is also free every Thursday after 4:30 p.m.) For more information about the Dave Rogers' Big Bugs exhibit, call 952-443-1400 or see www.arboretum.umn.edu.

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U poised for leadership in microbial and plant genomics
The University of Minnesota's Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics, which opens next week, will be the first facility of its kind in the nation at a public research university and the research conducted there could launch the U into national prominence.

Microbial and plant genomics involves the study of life at its basic level--the gene. Researchers in the new Cargill building on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul will conduct basic research that could lead to disease- and drought-resistant crops, new ways to treat and prevent human and animal health problems, and new methods to improve the environment.

An artist's rendering of the new Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.

"One of the University of Minnesota's strengths is the rich diversity of research on genomes of different organisms," says Charles Muscoplat, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences.

"The Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics will unite genomics researchers from agriculture, biology, ecology, medicine, veterinary medicine, and other fields. Together, we can make much more progress than we can by working alone."

The $20 million, 64-000-square-foot building will house at least 15 groups of scientists and features a liberal use of glass to reflect the University's open policy on genomics research. The facility will also have laboratories with open layouts, microbial and plant growing areas, a robotic center for screening new biological compounds, teaching space, and offices.

Cargill gave $10 million toward the construction of the building, and the state contributed an additional $10 million. This facility is the first in the University's new biotechnology precinct on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul. Other buildings will house research in biocatalysis, bioenergy, biomaterials, and biosensors.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 5, at 2 p.m., on 1500 Gortner Ave. Speakers will include University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks and Cargill Inc. Chief Executive Officer Warren Staley.

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Search narrows for new UMC leader
First, there were 11; now there are 4. The finalists for the position of chancellor at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), will meet with various campus and community groups over the next week.

The final candidates are Ben Johnson, president of Peru State College, Nebraska; John Anderson, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, New York; Ellen-Earle Chaffee, president of Valley City State University, North Dakota; and Velmer Burton, Jr., dean of the Graduate School and professor of sociology at North Dakota State University.

"We were very fortunate to attract a strong pool of candidates," said Robert Jones, chair of the Chancellor Search Committee and University vice president and executive vice provost. The committee received 55 applications for the position, and of those, 11 candidates were interviewed by the committee, who then advanced four finalists.

Each finalist will interview with University officials on the Twin Cities campus before proceeding to Crookston to meet the community and speak at public forums--John Anderson will speak on Friday, May 2; Ellen Chaffee on Tuesday, May 6; and Velmer Burton on Wednesday, May 7. (Ben Johnson presented on April 30). The forums, which include a question-and-answer session, will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in Youngquist Auditorium in the Agricultural Research Center on the UMC campus.

UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant is stepping down on June 30 after 18 years at the helm. He plans to take a one-year sabbatical before returning to UMC in a consultative or development capacity.

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Notable figures grace spring commencements
FBI agent Coleen Rowley, named a Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2002, is among the notable speakers at this year's spring commencement ceremonies at the University.

Rowley, who last year criticized high-ranking FBI officials for blocking investigations that might have prevented the 9/11 terrorist attacks, will speak at the Law School commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m., in Northrop Memorial Auditorium. Her presentation will follow earlier commencement speeches at other colleges by well-known personalities--former Surgeon General David Satcher at the Medical School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m., in Northrop Auditorium; former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson at the Institute of Technology ceremony on May 9, 7 p.m., Northrop Auditorium; and former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development Commissioner Rebecca Yanisch at the College of Continuing Education ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m., Northrop Auditorium.

More than 7,500 students are expected to graduate from the University's Twin Cities campus this spring. Because it graduates so many students, the campus does not hold a single ceremony. Instead, collegiate units coordinate and host their own graduation activities. There will be 21 college commencement ceremonies on campus between May 2 and August 23. The University's campuses in Crookston (UMC), Duluth (UMD), and Morris (UMM) each have one commencement ceremony for graduating students.

For a complete list of Twin Cities campus graduation ceremony dates, locations, and general details, see www.umn.edu/twincities/commencement. For commencement ceremony details at UMC, see www.crk.umn.edu/newsevents/notices02-03/grad2003.htm; UMD, see www.d.umn.edu/commencement/; and UMM, see www.mrs.umn.edu/events/commencement.

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Pedal with caution
If you're one of the thousands this spring season who have turned or will turn to bicycles for transportation or exercise, the University's Parking and Transportation department has some tips to offer for a safer and theft-free ride.

• Never ride on a sidewalk unless it is designated as a bike lane with pavement markings.
  
  
• Always yield to pedestrians.
  
  
• Ride on the right with traffic.
  

  Alert traffic and pedestrians with proper hand signals when turning.

  
  
• Obey all traffic signs and signals, just as you would when driving a car or walking.
  
  
• Use hand signals to let drivers on the roadway or pedestrians know what you intend to do.
  
  
• Don't leave your bike unattended. Use a cable and lock to deter theft.
  
  
• Never attach your bike to handrails, trees, fences, bus shelters, or patio furniture (unless you want an excuse to buy a new bike, because it will likely be impounded).
  
  
• Minnesota law requires headlights and reflectors for nighttime riding. Use your lights and wear light-colored or reflective clothing when cycling at night.
  

For more tips on biking, including how to safely hitch a bicycle to a public bus rack, see www.parkandtrans.umn.edu/biking.htm.

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U OF M HAPPENINGS

Planes and pancakes
The University of Minnesota, Crookston, Flying Club and Crookston Aviation will host their annual "drive-in, fly-in" pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crookston Municipal Airport (three miles north of Crookston on Highway 75). The breakfast, which will include pancakes, hashbrowns, and sausages, is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under five. The event will also feature antique aircrafts, classic cars, and airplane rides ($10 per person, weather permitting). Proceeds will go to the UMC Flying Club activities.

Melanoma Monday
The University's dermatology department is giving free skin cancer screenings on May 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of Melanoma Monday, an annual event to raise awareness of skin cancer. "An asymmetrical mole, a darkly pigmented mole, or one with an irregular border should raise a red flag," says Stephen Tan, U dermatology instructor. The free service will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis in 4-175 Phillips-Wangensteen Building on the Twin Cities campus. For more information and directions, call 612-625-4605.

Summit on biosciences
University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks and College of Biological Sciences Dean Robert Elde are among invited speakers at the "Governor's Biosciences Summit" on Monday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Minneapolis Hilton, 1001 Marquette Avenue. The U is a cosponsor of the event, which will explore details of the Minnesota biosciences initiative. Tickets are $25. To register or for more information, see www.PositivelyMinnesota.com.

Health advice via the black box
"Health Talk & You" is in its 16th and final season on Twin Cities Public Television. Upcoming programs include animal to human infections (May 4), cancer (May 11), minimally invasive surgery (May 18), genomics (May 25), kids health (June 1, with part 2 on June 8), aging (June 15), and complementary medicine (June 22). The show airs in the Twin Cities on Sundays at 7 p.m. on TPT Channel 17 and is rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. on TPT Channel 2. For local listings, see http://tpt.org. "Health Talk & You," which was nominated for a regional Emmy Award last year, is hosted by Greg Vercellotti, senior associate dean for education in the U's Medical School.

Four governors discuss budget crisis
Former Minnesota governors Arne Carlson, Al Quie, Wendell Anderson, and Elmer Andersen will speak about "Community, Consensus, and the Common Good" on Monday, May 12, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., in the Humphrey Center on the Twin Cities campus. The 2003 Freeman Forum will also include presentations by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, state senators Dean Johnson and Mee Moua, and University President Bob Bruininks, who will give the keynote address on the importance of education in promoting the "good life" in Minnesota. Tickets are $35 per person ($25 for students and educators) and includes lunch, refreshments, and a copy of a new book, Freeman--The Governor Years. To register, see www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/freemanforum.

Polly wants a good owner
Parrot Island bird store owners Terry and Shari Beaudoin, along with four parrots, will speak about the care, feeding, and parenting of parrots--from budgies to Amazons--at the Raptor Center auditorium on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. Parrot Parenting 101 is free to Raptor Center members, and $5 for nonmembers ($3 children ages 10-18). To learn more, see www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu.

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LINKS

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