CROOKSTON, Minn. – University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks will address graduates at the U of M, Crookston during its commencement exercises on Saturday, May 7, 2011. The ceremony, which recognizes the 103rd graduating class on the campus, will begin at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium.
Bruininks was appointed the 15th president of the University of Minnesota on November 8, 2002, and will be stepping down from the role of president at the end of June 2011. He has served the university for more than 40 years, formerly as a professor, dean, and executive vice president and provost. With more than 65,000 students system-wide, the U of M is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country. Both as a faculty member and as an administrator, Bruininks has worked to advance the public mission and responsibilities of the University.
“Anytime we host the University’s president on our campus, it is indeed a pleasure for us,” said Andrew Svec, chair of the commencement committee. “But, having President Bruininks here to give the commencement address will make this day one of the most memorable in our history, and we are truly looking forward to having him here with us to celebrate the Class of 2011.”
Since 2004, Bruininks has overseen a transformative strategic positioning effort at the University that has raised the bar considerably for the University's academic profile, its service to students and the community, and its stewardship of resources.
At the end of his presidency, Bruininks will join the faculty at the Humphrey Institute on June 30, 2011. The Humphrey Institute ranks among the top professional schools of public affairs at public universities in the country.
Events on graduation day begin with a reception in the Sargeant Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the reception and the graduation ceremonies that follow. Commencement will begin with the traditional processional by faculty, staff, and graduates from the student center to Lysaker Gymnasium at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.umcrookston.edu/commencement.
