Share your memorable connections

From M, spring 2003

To mark the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's 100th anniversary, the UMAA is asking alumni to share how they make the University of Minnesota connection. For many, it's through Gopher football. Below are some memories and comments gleaned from dozens of e-mails and letters sent to the association.

"After the Wisconsin game in 2001, we braved the drizzle and walked back from the dome. At about the Washington Avenue Bridge, the most remarkable thing happened. We heard the Marching Band approaching behind us. They marched and played their way across the footbridge. ...When we reached the [Northrop] mall area, something really inspiring happened. We stopped to applaud the band [and] they marched by us and filled the mall full of the sounds of The Minnesota Rouser! The sound echoed off the brick and concrete throughout campus. That sound transported me back in time to 1967!"
Wayne Rendahl--Winona, Minnesota

"After graduating in 1966 and lettering in tennis, I was able to get M Club seats [for football]. This time I took my father to the games. He loved sitting in the M section and was proud of my accomplishments."
John P. Wanous, B.A. '66--Columbus, Ohio

"My wife and I have sought ways to reconnect to the University and have found unbridled pride and fun in reacquainting ourselves with the Gopher football experience. As season ticket holders since 1996, we've rekindled relationships and made new friends....We take considerable pride in showing our Gopher roots with our fall maroon and gold mums and the M flag that proudly flies in front of our home. We've made friends with neighbors who are alums, fans, or friends of the U."
Jay R. Syverson, B.A. '93--Burnsville, Minnesota

How do you make the U of M connection? Do you attend arts programs, volunteer with your local alumni chapter, or take continuing education classes? Share your thoughts and, if possible, a specific meaningful memory by sending them to: Chris Coughlan-Smith, UMAA, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040 or cough003@umn.edu.