UMC Commencement Set for Saturday, May 5

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Peggy (Lee) Hilton from the Class of 1968 will address the University of Minnesota Crookston Class of 2018 during commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5. Graduates will take part in the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium, Sports Center. All are welcome to attend.

Hilton is a member of the Class of 1968, the first graduating class from the University of Minnesota Crookston Technical Institute.  Graduating with high distinction, she earned an associate degree in applied science, specializing in legal.  She started her 30-year career in Crookston working as a legal secretary/paralegal and went on to work for noteworthy law firms in both the Twin Cities and in Seattle, Wash.  In 1998, Hilton retired early in order to thru-hike the 2,660-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada with her husband on his 7-month sabbatical. During her non-work life, Hilton has been a competitive runner and has engaged in extensive mountain climbing and hiking adventures. She currently lives in Seattle with her husband, Jim.

A reception in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center, precedes the commencement ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend both events; no tickets or parking permits are required. Additionally, online graduates will have an opportunity to meet faculty at 11 a.m. in the Prairie Room, Sargent Student Center followed by a special recognition for students who are Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard members taking place from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in the Prairie Room. 

On Saturday at 2 p.m., the formal procession of faculty, candidates for degrees, and platform guests will begin from the Sargeant Student Center to the gymnasium led by Mace Bearer Professor W. Daniel Svedarsky, The procession also includes Faculty Marshal Sharon Stewart, associate professor in the Math, Science, and Technology Department.

Bringing greetings from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is the Honorable Richard Beeson, St. Paul. Minn., who also will assist with the conferring of the degrees.

University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board President Eric Morgan 2012 will bring greetings from the UMCAA and welcome the new graduates to the alumni association. The U of M Crookston Community Band under the direction of TJ Chapman, lecturer in the Math, Science, and Technology Department, will perform along with selections during the ceremony by the campus choir under the direction of Associate Professor George French.

Crookston Student Association (CSA) President Dalton Javner, a senior majoring in health sciences from Hardwick, Minn., will speak on behalf of the Class of 2018. Junior Ben Koisti will accept the torch of education, a Crookston campus tradition, as the incoming CSA president.

A reception for international student graduates will be held following commencement exercises at 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

The 2018 commencement exercises mark the 110th graduating class to be recognized on the Crookston campus. A live audio stream of the commencement exercises will be available at www.crk.umn.edu/units/media-services. 

For more information, visit the commencement website at www.crk.umn.edu/umc-commencement.

International Dinner Series at the UM-Crookston

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Delight in the taste and culture of countries around the world through the annual International Dinners Series at the University of Minnesota Crookston. The 2018 series highlights the Hmong, Cayman, and Zimbabwe cultures, and concludes with the International Dinner Finale.

The dinners are scheduled for Monday, March 5, Monday, March 19, and Monday, March 26, with the finale on Wednesday, April 4. All dinners begin at 6 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. For tickets and information, contact Rae French at 218-281-8339 (rfrench.umn.edu). Tickets are limited and a savings is available when purchasing tickets for the entire series.

Individual tickets for adults: $20 for meals in March and $25 for the final International Dinner on April 4; Individual tickets for students: $10 meals in March; $15 for the final International Dinner in April; Series tickets: Complete ticket set for all 4 meals are $75 for adults; Students (18 and under) are $65.

These dinners are family friendly and a highlight for people interested in culture, musical entertainment, and cuisine.

Monday, March 5, “I am Hmong, so Where Am I Really From?” Featuring Henry Soung, who is from St. Paul, Minn., and a senior majoring in communication; starting at 6 p.m.

Monday, March 19, Grand Cayman Islands, “Cayman Style: A Taste of Paradise,” featuring April Ebanks-Agurci, a freshman majoring in elementary education would love to share a bit about retirement and tourism in the Caymans; starting at 6 p.m.

Monday, March 26, “Legends and Culture of Zimbabwe,” featuring presenter, Marshall Mbanga, a freshman majoring in information technology management.  He will share his love for his country and its legends and the world of soccer; starting at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4, Final International Dinner- starting at 5 p.m. with booth displays in the Northern Lights Lounge followed by the International Dinner and Show at 6 p.m. 

The dinner series concludes with dances, singing, instruments, and more. There will be booths on display, food from several countries, and international student performances. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The International Dinner Series is a longstanding tradition at the U of M Crookston and highlights the culture and cuisine of selected countries annually. To learn more about international programs, visit www.umcrookston.edu/international

U of M Crookston Ag Arama 2018

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston will host the 43rd annual Ag Arama on Friday and Saturday, January 26-27, 2018. This year’s Ag Arama is dedicated to Assistant Professor Paul Aakre who has taught agriculture on campus for more than 40 years. This year’s theme for the weekend is “Never Going Outta Style.”

Most of the Ag Arama activities take place on Saturday, January 27, in the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) located on the north edge of the campus. Everyone is invited to attend and no parking permits are required.

Contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural business, and natural resources highlight Ag Arama weekend. They serve as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members. Ag Arama is planned and operated by a committee of students advised by Terrill Bradford and Brenda Miller, who both teach in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

On Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the animal showmanship contests begin and the public is welcome to watch the competition as it unfolds in both novice and experienced categories. Students compete in western and English horse showmanship, goat, lamb lead, and dairy, beef, sheep, and swine showing.  The novices are paired with experienced students prior to the contests to prepare for the day.

From 9 a.m. to noon, an agricultural industries show features some of the latest in agricultural equipment. At 1:30 p.m., the Round Robin Showmanship will begin followed by alumni showmanship at 2 p.m. Coronation of the Ag Arama royalty takes place at 2:30 p.m. followed by the presentation of specialty awards and the sweepstakes presentation.

An alumni social will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at the I.C. Muggs, 1500 University Avenue, followed by the Ag Arama Dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with Silverado at the Crookston Eagles, 105 South Broadway. Admission is $10.

RRV Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The annual community-wide Red River Valley Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be held at the University of Minnesota Crookston on Monday, January 15, 2018. The day’s events commence at 10:30 a.m. with a Unity Walk beginning at the Crookston Inn and ending on campus at the Kiehle Auditorium with a celebration program. Everyone is invited to join the walk and the celebration and lunch that follow.

The celebration program includes speeches, performances, and the announcement of the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Award. The award is a special honor that was first presented in 2013. It recognizes a Red River Valley native or resident who has actively impacted their community by promoting diversity, multiculturalism, equality, and human rights through demonstrated leadership, service, and advocacy on behalf of underrepresented populations and diverse individuals.

A free lunch social follows the celebration program in Brown Dining Room.

The Red River Valley Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Crookston Office of Diversity and Multicultural Programs, Crookston campus academic departments, and student clubs in collaboration with regional community partners.

For more information, contact Lorna Hollowell, U of M Crookston director of Diversity and Multicultural Programs at lhollowe@umn.eduor 218-281-8580.

The University of Minnesota Crookston now delivers 34 bachelor's degree programs, 22 minors, and 40 areas of emphasis on campus as well as 14 degree programs entirely online.  These degrees are offered in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 undergraduates from more than 20 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  "Small Campus. Big Degree."  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.