Aging of America
… 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
The oldest baby boomers turn 65 in 2011, and the U.S. Census Bureau expects the 65 and older crowd to grow from 39.4 million in 2010 to 69.4 million in 2030. The aging of America is the focus of author and researcher Margaret Cruikshank's new book, "Learning to Be Old." She will speak at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work's "Aging in Practice" workshop at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Earle Brown Center, 1890 Buford Ave., St. Paul. Improving vitality during aging has become the center of many policy discussions on housing, health care, insurance costs, and the impacts of aging on families and communities. After Cruikshank's talk, social workers who practice in the field of aging will lead breakout sessions. For more information, call Mary Weeks at (612) 625-8712. News Service contact, Catherine Peloquin, (612) 624-8038.

U spring cleanup
… 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
University of Minnesota students who want to show that Spring Jam Week is more than music and partying. will spend an afternoon cleaning up neighborhoods in Dinkytown and Marcy-Holmes. Projects this year include picking up litter, cleaning out the grates around trees in Dinkytown, and cleaning up Marcy Park. Cleanup starts and finishes at McDonald's in Dinkytown. Event coordinator Jan Morlock says last year's cleanup drew about 150 students and community volunteers who collected over 300 bags of litter. Sponsors include the Spring Jam Committee, University Services, University Relations, the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association and the Dinkytown Business Association. Call Morlock at (612) 624-8318. News Service contact, Bob San, (612) 624-4082.

Thank you, faculty and staff donors
… 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 22
On Tuesday, the University of Minnesota will say a big Thank You to the more than 11,000 current and retired faculty and staff who have contributed a total of $62 million to Campaign Minnesota. The Twin Cities campus celebration begins at 11:45 a.m. with a parade up Northrop Mall from Kolthoff Hall to Northrop plaza. President Bob Bruininks will lead the way, followed by representatives of U colleges. On the plaza, faculty and staff donors will receive maroon and gold potted plants provided through a special donation. After the recognition, a tree planting will be held by the Physics building, also on the mall. About 7,700 current employees--about 30 percent--have made gifts to the campaign, which began in 1996 and runs through June 30. It's also Beautiful U Day, and the U will also supply a free lunch on the plaza. Both events are sponsored by the university. For more on the recognition event, call Martha Douglas at (612) 626-9712. News Service contact, Deane Morrison, (612) 624-2346.

Lavender Graduation
… 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24
The University of Minnesota's seventh Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony will be held Thursday in the Campus Club West Dining Room in Coffman Union. The annual event allows U gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered graduates and their families to celebrate the students' accomplishment. Graduates receive a certificate of graduation and rainbow tassel. This year's commencement speaker is Nicholas Metcalf, executive director of Minnesota Men of Color, a social service organization by and for GLBT people of color and allies. Contact the GLBT studies department, (612) 625-0537. News Service contact, Bob San, (612) 624-4082.