College of Education and Human Development celebrates a centennial

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Alumni raise a toast at the centennnial gala Saturday night.

Photo by Greg Helgeson

By Peggy Rader

Brief, May 10, 2006

McNamara Alumni Center's Great Hall became a ballroom Saturday night when the College of Education and Human Development threw a festive party in honor of its centennial year.

More than 400 illustrious alumni and friends from around the country and the world were on hand to celebrate in black tie and glittering gowns.

One hundred of those alumni were honored, including Susan Hagstrum, an educational consultant with the Bridgewater Group before taking on the role of University of Minnesota First Lady; University regent David R. Metzen; former Crookston campus provost and regent Stan Sahlstrom; internationally known futurist Joel Barker; local policy leaders Mitch Pearlstein and Matthew Stark; teachers' union leader Louise Sundin; Charles Turnbull, governor of the Virgin Islands; deans and professors of colleges of education around the world; leading Minnesota teachers and educators; entrepreneurs from all areas of the business world; and leaders in parks and recreation around the United States.

Dean Steven Yussen, who received a Ph.D. in child development from the college, was honored with a surprise award of 101st Distinguished Alumnus.

Another highlight of the evening was a program including comments from alumni, students, professors, and President Robert Bruininks. The program concluded with a look to the future as the college becomes the new College of Education and Human Development, joining with the Departments of Family Social Science and Postsecondary Teaching and Learning and the School of Social Work on July 1.

For more information about the celebration, see 100 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners.

Peggy Rader is the director of communications, College of Education and Human Development.