Articles appear in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
CCE honors diverse group of graduates
(May 8, 2007) On May 5, approximately 300 students graduated with bachelor degrees from the College of Continuing Education, which offers self-designed, interdisciplinary degrees in which students draw on courses from throughout the many colleges of the U's Twin Cities campus.
Continuing the work of a lifetime
(May 8, 2007) Retiring Regents Professor Ed Schuh devoted his career to the economics of agriculture--and he's not done yet.
For the next generation
(Brief, May 9, 2007) Teen parents from area high schools visited the U to see successful student-parents in action on Student Parent Visibility Day.
Caught between a rock and a soft place
(May 4, 2007; updated May 24, 2007) Spider-Man 3 features the villainous Sandman, who makes our hero's life "particulately" hard. Physicist Jim Kakalios, an expert on sand and superheroes, tells what makes an opponent made of sand so tough.
Vice President Mondale returns to the classroom
(May 3, 2007; updated May 25) Walter Mondale, the former Vice President of the United States (1977-1981), U.S. senator, and ambassador to Japan, will be returning to his alma mater this fall to teach a lower-level course examining the ongoing battle between the President and Congress over control of the country's most vital decisions.
U celebrates new boathouse with grand opening
(May 4, 2007) U celebrates new boathouse with grand opening
Physicist elected to National Academy of Sciences
(May 1, 2007) After a lifetime of discoveries, Allen Goldman, head of the School of Physics and Astronomy, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Many scientists consider it an honor second only to the Nobel Prize.
Talking to children about violence
(From eNews, May 3, 2007) In light of recent shooting rampages at Virginia Tech and a Salt Lake City shopping center, University of Minnesota Extension educators say that it's important for parents to talk with their children about fears and personal safety.
Mini marvel
(From eNews, May 3, 2007) The University of Minnesota's first mini-satellite team is influencing an industry and launching a bright future for its Institute of Technology students.
Commencements begin
(From eNews, May 5, 2007) It's that time of the year to celebrate the achievements of the University's graduating students. From May 3 through May 18, commencement ceremonies--some featuring prominent alumni as speakers--will take place on all the U's campuses. The U confers more than 10,000 degrees annually.
Ceilings affect our thoughts and feelings
(May 1, 2007) U researcher Joan Meyers-Levy found that the height of a ceiling can make us feel expansive and encourage abstract thought, or it can focus us, fostering attention to detail.
Hanging up the keys
(From eNews, May 3, 2007) Deciding when an older person should stop driving has emotional and physical implications. But if one plans ahead, say University of Minnesota researchers, the decision doesn't have to be dramatic.
Great minds do not think alike
(May 1, 2007) More than 300 leading academics from 115 colleges and universities met at the U in April to shared their best ideas for attracting and keeping faculty of color.
So lonely they could die
(April 27, 2007) Some people can really get so lonely, it affects their health. The U's Center for Spirituality and Healing offers a lecturer who will explain how.
News coverage in the hot seat
(April 27, 2007) Two U professors offer their opinions on how news media should cover tragedies like the Virginia Tech shootings. How does one report the news without glorifying a killer?
Dungy and Freese to highlight UMAA Annual Celebration
(April 27, 2007 ) To celebrate the return of football to campus, the U of M Alumni Association will feature Tony Dungy and Stan Freese at its annual celebration on May 8.
Arabian Nights at the U: Riveting storytelling
(April 24, 2007) Fine acting and riveting storytelling... that's what you'll get from an ensemble of University of Minnesota students in its performance of the Arabian Nights in Rarig Center.
Boson buddies
(April 24, 2007) In a circular tunnel beneath the Swiss-French border, the world's largest machine is gearing up to look for the subatomic particle that confers mass on everything. Several University of Minnesota physicists are in on the hunt.
Johnson inaugurated at UMM
(April 23, 2007) Jacqueline R. Johnson was formally installed as the fifth chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Morris on April 20 during a day full of activities showcasing the campus and its students.
Energy givers
(Brief, April 25, 2007) Brenda Reeves, Twin Cities, and Barbara Elliott, UMD, are two of five Outstanding Community Service Award winners--U community members who are making a lasting difference in the greater community.
Dealing with a national tragedy
(April 20, 2007) The University community confronts its feelings after teh Virginia Tech shootings
Teachers at the top
(April 20, 2007; updated for Brief, April 25, 2007) What makes a great teacher? A look at some of the U's standout
Open, sesame: finding the key to world food security
(April 20, 2007; updated May 16, 2007) Numerous factors keep certain areas of the world from achieving complete food security. The U's Philip Pardey is co-leading an effort, funded by the Gates Foundation, to change that.
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U Reads: who is reading what
(From eNews, April 19, 2007) Each year the U's College of Continuing Education invites University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students to recommend a favorite or unforgettable book. With suggestions in hand, it produces the U Reads list--10 titles that can inspire you to pick up books you might not otherwise read.
Help for the naked ear
(From eNews, April 19, 2007) With more than 30 million U.S. workers exposed to hazardous noise, hearing loss is the most common occupational injury in the country. University of Minnesota professor Madeleine Kerr is developing a hearing-loss prevention program tailored to the growing segment of Latino construction workers.
Better care for children with autism
(From eNews, April 19, 2007) A University of Minnesota study has found that primary medical care for children with autism needs to be improved. The current care that many are receiving does not meet the criteria set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fallout from environmental policy
(From eNews, April 19, 2007) For Moira McDonald, the human fallout of a natural disaster raises questions about race, class, and public policy. The U student is examining federal flood control and agricultural policies and the relationships federal agencies have with local interest groups.
Top advisers honored
(April 17, 2007) John Tate Award winner Mary Moga is among three other recipients who are being honored for their excellence in undergraduate advising.
Getting out the vote
(April 17, 2007) Getting out the vote
Heaven in your garden?
(April 13, 2007) The U's new ornamental grass, Blue Heaven, is finally hitting garden centers. Breeding of the native grass began on campus more than a decade ago.
Trouble in pollen nation
(April 11, 2007) Honeybees have died in droves this winter, and people around the country are wondering why. University entomologist Marla Spivak offers a glimpse at the life of this hard-working insect.
UMD graduates its first Transformational Leadership Program class
(Brief, April 11, 2007) Nineteen UMD staff members completed an intensive program that has developed their skills and is now transforming campus programs on the path to excellence.
Bruininks delivers State of the U for 2007
(April 6, 2007; updated April 10, 2007) President Robert Bruininks delivered his fifth State of the U address on April 5 at the Coffman Union Theater on the Twin Cities campus, and he used the address to highlight some of the many achievements made across the University system since the strategic positioning initiative was launched two years ago.
He takes the honors
(April 3, 2007) A high-energy physicist in more ways than one, Serge Rudaz leads the effort to bring the best and the brightest together in a campuswide University Honors Program.
Sharing success
(April 3, 2007) A client at the U's Psychiatry Clinic with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) used her positive experience to benefit others living with the same challenge.
Engagement party
(Brief, April 4, 2007) The U's first Public Engagement Day will celebrate U-community partnerships.
Talk to teens about alcohol use
(April 4, 2007) For parents worried that their teens may be experimenting with alcohol, the best defense is a good long talk.
Teach locally, act globally
( ) Award-winning U faculty illustrate the importance of putting the University's mission into action on the world stage
U receives $22.5 million to study avian flu
( April 3, 2007) A new Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance at the U will receive $22.5 million over seven years to focus on disease and virologic surveillance of avian influenza viruses, providing the federal government with useful information and public health strategies for controlling the impact of an influenza pandemic.
Go with the flow
(Brief, May 9, 2007) A new MyU portal application provides U graduate students -- and in the near future, all students -- with easy access to discipline-specific library collections, tools and librarians and new ways to search all library resources.
A sea change in campus culture
(March 30, 2007) From advising to good writing and from research to study abroad, students are finding more avenues of learning and personal development, thanks to a series of efforts to transform undergraduate life.
Picturing health
( ) Think public health messages can't be cool? Check out entries in the School of Public Health's public service announcement contest.
Concerted effort
(Brief, March 28, 2007) President Robert Bruininks used the March 2007 Board of Regents meeting to celebrate the U's progress, reset the strategic goal, and look at the road ahead. The message? Excellence has no end date.
Highlighting P&A workforce diversity and excellence
(Brief, March 28, 2007) Six profiles of P&A staff highlight the broad range and professionalism of this employee group at the U. The annual CAPA celebration will be April 20.
Two-way street
(Brief, March 28, 2007) A statewide series on children's mental health is exchanging knowledge from research and practice. As interest grows, it's also showing how technology makes the room for discussion a lot bigger.
Wishing they were here
(March 27, 2007) To help in its faculty recruiting efforts, the U recently unveiled a new Web site and brochure. The resources, with the theme "Wish You Were Here," offer a peek at what it's like to live in the Twin Cities.
Gophers name Tubby Smith new basketball coach
(March 23, 2007) At a news conference on March 23, the University of Minnesota announced Tubby Smith as the new head coach of the Gophers. Smith has spent the past 10 seasons as the head coach at the University of Kentucky, where his team won the national championship in 1998.
Finding hidden lessons in reality TV
( From eNews, March 22, 2007) U professor Laurie Ouellette suggests that today's reality TV shows, while appreciated for their entertainment value, have become subtle and powerful teachers of life skills and self-management techniques.
A destination for museums and galleries
(March 20, 2007) The University of Minnesota is a treasure trove of art, history, and natural wonders--from the hard-to-miss Weisman Art Museum by the east bank of the Mississippi to the hard-to-find Larson Gallery on the St. Paul campus.
Apply now for seats on the Civil Service Committee
(Brief, March 21, 2007) Members of the 15-member CSC talked recently about benefits of serving. Civil service staff members at UMC, UMD, and UMTC are invited to seek one of five seats open for 2007-08.
From strategic positioning to strategic action
(Brief, March 21, 2007) A major theme at the Board of Regents meetings March 8-9 was transition from planning to implementation of strategic positioning initiatives, with reports from senior vice presidents Sullivan and Cerra and vice president Barceló. McKnight Land-Grant Professors for 2007-09 were also recognized.
Gopher wrestlers win national championship
(March 19, 2007) The top-ranked University of Minnesota wrestling team won the NCAA championship on Saturday night at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Gophers held off Iowa State to claim their third national championship since 2001.
Book reviews spring 2007
(From M, spring 2007) Three books by University of Minnesota professors are reviewed.
A riveting tale of the Titanic
(From M, spring 2007; updated Dec. 27, 2007) In an upcoming book, University alumnus Timothy Foecke argues that an invisible flaw in the Titanic's hull rivets may have tipped the balance toward tragedy.
In concert: Osmo Vänskä and U Symphony Orchestra
(March 14, 2007) Minnesota Orchestra's Osmo Vänskä and the University Symphony Orchestra will join forces on March 22 in an evening concert at Orchestra Hall.
Winter is losing its bite
(From M, spring 2007) Minnesota winters are warming up, and animals and plants are learning to adapt.
Recalling the medicinal plant garden at the U
(From M, spring 2007) The College of Pharmacy's medicinal plant garden, established in 1911, was one of the best in the country. Its legacy continues with current research into the healing potential of certain plants.
My alma matter
( ) Alumni reflect on their time at the University of Minnesota.
Seeking an edge in the biomedical sciences
( From M, spring 2007; updated April 5, 2007) The University of Minnesota has a rich legacy of innovation in the biomedical sciences. To ensure that it stays competitive in attracting star researchers, the U is asking the state for a unique bonding capability to invest in biomedical science facilities.
Statistically speaking, they are ahead of the curve
(March 13, 2007) Anyone who thinks statistics is dull has never taken a course from Joan Garfield or her colleagues. Topics range from weighing the odds in a game of chance to decoding advertising come-ons.
A partnership that hits the bullseye
( From M, spring 2007) A $5 million gift from Target supports three capital projects
Cook your way around the world
( From M, spring 2007) Multicultural cooking series at U's Aboretum
Expansion in the wings
(March 13, 2007) The iconic Weisman, the most widely attended university museum in the country, is adding a Frank Gehry-designed expansion funded, in part, by a newly announced $2 million matching gift from the U.
Strong associations
( From M, spring 2007) Generosity extends from current to future alumni.
Five reasons to come back to campus in April
( From M, spring 2007) Spring will soon be in the air and, whatever your tastes, the Twin Cities campus beckons with fun, entertaining, and enlightening possibilities. Pair your visit with good food and you have the makings for a great back-to-campus experience.
Building bone marrow
( From M, spring 2007) Researchers discover adult stem cells that can regenerate the immune systems of mice. Much work must be done before any new treatments become available.
New hope for hearts
( From M, spring 2007) University of Minnesota researchers have found a cell type in adult rat hearts that may someday be used to repair damaged human heart muscles.
This is madness
( ) Psychology professor Angus MacDonald, who holds a McKnight Land-Grant Professorship that honors promising young faculty at the U, is stalking the roots of mental illness to find its causes and treatments.
Calling all alumni
( From M, spring 2007) U students pick up the phone for professional and personal rewards
Mob mentality
( From M, spring 2007) Fellowship helps student get creative with his stolen identity
Remembering the Holocaust
(March 9, 2007) The University of Minnesota now has access--along with only five other universities worldwide--to the video testimonies of nearly 52,000 Holocaust survivors and witnesses.
Helping the less-than-perfect driver
(From eNews, March 22, 2007) The need for more realistic traffic simulations led University of Minnesota researchers to develop a new model to track car-following behavior--one that will give researchers better insight into preventing traffic collisions.
Goodwill gone wild
(March 9, 2007) The Pay it Forward Tour, a spring break community service trip planned and led by students, has grown exponentially since it was conceived in 2004 by four University of Minnesota freshmen.
Ten years together
(From eNews, March 8, 2007) The University's unique partnership with Fairview Health Services combines the best in medical education, patient care and research.
Snow on your roof
(From eNews, March 8, 2007) Last week two winter storms hit the upper Midwest, dumping as much as three feet of snow on roads and rooftops. University of Minnesota Extension encourages homeowners to hire professionals to clear snow or ice from roofs.
Standardized tests predict student success
(From eNews, March 8, 2006) After 80 years of controversy about the value of standardized tests, a University of Minnesota-led team has found that these tests outdo prior academic experience in predicting student success.
At the Goldstein: making of the Eames paper
(March 6, 2007) The current Goldstein Museum exhibit "Design Redux: Eames as Paper" traces the creation of a new paper line, which University students had the chance to experiment with in several design classes.
Changing perceptions
(March 6, 2007; updated March 20) The student-athletes on Jim and Meg Stephenson's women's gymnastics team are the epitome of dedication, both to their sport and their studies. An ongoing U governance committee initiative is aiming to enhance campus support for athletics at the University and share the many great stories of its participants.
Mentor for mentors
(Brief, March 7, 2007) The U of M-Crookston's Mentoring and Caring program matches college students as mentors to children in the community, providing role models and expanded horizons for the children, new skills and meaningful experiences for UMC students, and long-term benefits for the community.
The core of who we are
(Brief, March 7, 2007) Tom Schumacher, director of the University's Office of Institutional Compliance, answered questions about the U's code of conduct for faculty, staff, and volunteers, which was revised Dec. 8, 2006.
Historic bison skull on Crookston campus
(March 2, 2007) Bison, which once roamed in mass numbers in northwest Minnesota, can only be found today in nature preserves or state parks. A bison skull--estimated at more than 1,000 years old--is on exhibit at the Crookston campus.
Faces in the quilts
( ) A University of Minnesota professor is honoring American servicewomen killed in Iraq by transforming their digital portraits into full-sized patchwork quilts.
Designing a new campus landmark
( From M, spring 2007) Designing a new campus landmark
State of the U 2007
(Feb. 28, 2007; updated April 5) Annual address will focus on historic strengths, spirit and commitment to excellence as keys to future challenges.
Phillips wins Wolf Prize
(Feb. 27, 2007; updated April 10, 2007) University Regents Professor Ron Phillips has been awarded the coveted agriculture prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in genetics and genomics, particularly with corn cells.
A closer look
(Feb. 27, 2007) On Feb. 23, the U's APEXES program--dedicated to exposing students to science and engineering--hosted 60 fifth- and sixth-grade girls from the Minneapolis Afrocentric Charter School, Harvest Prep Academy.
Over the top
(Brief, Feb. 28, 2007) A new display in the Campus Club honors winners of three awards for outstanding contributions to the U and the community by faculty, staff, and students. The display was unveiled at a reception Feb. 21.
Winter greens, anyone?
(Feb. 23, 2007; updated Feb. 26) Carol Ford can grow vegetables even in the dead of winter, thanks to her greenhouse. The administrative specialist at UMM is sharing her organic bounty year-round with families in west central Minnesota.
On the identity trail
(Feb. 23, 2007) When thieves stole Andrew Schroeder's identity, he decided to turn the negative experience into a research project. The University student went to Bulgaria and photographed each place his fake credit card was used.
UMD alumna elected tribal chair
( Feb. 23, 2007) Karen Diver is the first chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The 1987 University of Minnesota, Duluth graduate heads a tribal government that employs approximately 1,700 people and has assets exceeding $300 million.
Be wary of new hardiness zones
(From eNews, Feb. 22, 2007) Horticulture experts with University of Minnesota Extension recommend caution with regard to a recently released map that shows changes in the state's plant hardiness zones.
Red envelopes for China study
(Feb. 21, 2007) Chinese New Year (Feb. 18 to March 4) just isn't the same without the lion dance and the U's Red Pockets Scholarship Appeal. Since 2004, 19 students have received awards to pursue learning abroad in Greater China.
Learning beyond the books
(Feb. 20, 2007) Students in a University course on emerging infectious diseases had the chance to learn more about pandemic influenza--and rub shoulders with world leaders like Madeleine Albright--at a national summit in Florida.
Unusual protein linked to diabetes
(Feb. 20, 2007) Professor Gary Nelsestuen and his colleagues have discovered the first variant form of a cholesterol-transporting protein, a form that may predispose many people of American Indian and Mexican descent to diabetes.
Honoring all kinds of great service
(Brief, Feb. 21, 2007) Two civil service employees who won the 2006 President's Outstanding Service Award provide examples of why it's so important to nominate your U colleagues.
Growing up healthy
(Brief, Feb. 21, 2007) Children across Minnesota will be growing up healthier due to a major initiative that focuses on community and environmental health. Communities are collaborating with U faculty in several of the 13 projects that received planning grants.
Pulling the plug on excessive energy use
(Feb. 16, 2007) Several colleges and universities across Minnesota are participating in the Campus Energy Wars to raise awareness, especially among students, of the energy and climate crises facing our planet.
A growing health threat
(Feb. 16, 2007) Food science researcher Allen Levine will open the 2007 Great Conversations series with David Kessler, former commissioner U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The topic of their discussion: the societal and biological factors associated with obesity.
Stage set for Northrop renewal
(Brief, Feb. 14, 2007) At their February 2007 meeting, U Regents heard recommendations for renovating Northrop Memorial Auditorium. The historic centerpiece of the Twin Cities campus also provided the backdrop for a broader discussion of University and state priorities in the coming year.