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April 2007

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U of M alum to be honored at 2007 annual celebration has a great story and a unique talent
- World-renowned tuba soloist Stan Freese will perform at the 2007 annual celebration with keynote speaker Tony Dungy -
April 23, 2007

With two sons whose resumes include performing with Green Day, Sting, Nine Inch Nails and Jewel, University of Minnesota alumnus Stan Freese has a lot to be proud of. Not to mention the fact that Freese, a Disney talent booking agent, is considered one of the best tuba players in the world, and, that he will be honored during the 2007 University of Minnesota Alumni Association’s (UMAA) Annual Celebration program starting at 8 p.m., May 8, at Mariucci Arena, 1901 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis.

At the event, Freese will be presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award; the University of Minnesota’s highest award presented to alumni.

“I am totally blown away by this award from the U of M and am truly humbled and grateful and still in disbelief,” said Freese.

Freese will receive his award and perform with the University of Minnesota marching band as part of the evening’s entertainment. The theme for the night is bringing Gopher football back to campus: a new home for the team and improved facilities for the marching band.

Freese is available leading up to the event to talk about his award and what it’s like having a family with incredible musical talent.

“Both of my sons are presently and have been for a long time involved in the pop music scene,” said Freese. “We are a busy tribe of musicians and loving every second of it.”

Tickets for the 2007 UMAA Annual Celebration program are still available. Reserve your seat by calling U's ticket office at (612) 624-2345 or by going online at www.alumni.umn.edu.

Bee shortage could lead to food shortage
- U of M researchers working to educate the public and prevent the decline -
April 9, 2007

According to U of M researchers, disease, parasites and disappearing habitat are just some of the reasons why the overall, nation-wide bee population is under serious stress. And that could mean a shortage of fruits and vegetables for all of us.

U of M professor Marla Spivak says honey bees pollinate a large number of fruits and vegetables shoppers buy at our local grocery stores. Those bees are also responsible for pollinating countless flower species.

“Without honey bees, and other bee pollinators, the produce section in our grocery stores would have about one-third fewer fruits and vegetables,” said Spivak. “It is impossible to estimate how many flowers would not set seed.”

At the University of Minnesota, Spivak, her fellow professors and U of M students are focusing all of their research and efforts on keeping bees healthy. They teach several classes which are open to the public, provide education materials and conduct research which will hopefully lead to stronger immune systems in honey bees.

Spivak has spent more than 20 years studying bees and is available for interviews about the impact of a lower bee population and what both bee keepers and the general public can do about the problem.

To interview Spivak, contact Justin Ware at (612) 626-1720 or ware@umn.edu or Julie Christensen at (612) 626-4077 or reuve007@umn.edu.

U of M business students help new grads prepare for the “real world”
April 5 , 2007

In an effort to equip new university grads for life after college, a group of U of M business students have created the “Alumni Advisor” -- a self-help guide to surviving the first years after graduation. It includes tips on career planning, effective money management, insurance and first time house buying.

Published by Carlson School of Management students for the class, “Entrepreneurship in Action,” the “Advisor” will be distributed free of charge to upcoming graduates.

“The intention was to give something useful to students that they can’t get in the classroom,” said Nick Goldstein, one of the business’ organizers. “We want this to be something they can keep for a long time and always be able to refer back to.”

Advertising space for each chapter of advice was sold to outside businesses that corresponded with their services. For example, the chapter on home buying was sponsored by the real estate firm, Edina Realty. All profits from the project will be donated to a scholarship that is yet to be determined.

To interview Goldstein about the “Advisor” and the student business, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu or Asim Dorovic at (612) 624-0214 or dorovic@umn.edu.