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Dear Minnesota,
I came to MN in 2000, after a couple of jobs, I was hired on at the U. Long story short, using the Regent's Scholarship and working full time, I was finally able to make a dream of mine come true. In 2021, wearing a mask, borrowed robes and my son's cap (he graduated in 2019), I made the walk across the stage and received my Bachelor's Degree from CCAPS. I've been at the University for over 18 years and plan to retire from here.

Dear Minnesota,
As a first-generation graduate from a rural farming community in central Minnesota, my time at the University of Minnesota has profoundly shaped both my life and my career path. This journey ignited my passion for addressing health disparities, driven by the injustices I witnessed growing up and working in a metro emergency room.

In my role as a university staff member, I firmly believe in our unique position to address the institution's historical community injustices through collaborative endeavors that span various disciplines. Simultaneously, we have the power to amplify voices from all walks of life. We can forge a path towards a more just and equitable future by graciously stepping aside when needed, allowing our communities to lead our collective efforts.

To me, the University serves as a compelling example of the boundless potential of education to ignite profound transformations. It stands as a testament to the idea that where you come from does not have to define where you can go. It resoundingly reminds us that every person possesses the ability to inspire positive change. I want Minnesotans to know that the University of Minnesota is more than just an institution; it is a catalyst.

Dear Minnesota,
The University of Minnesota has played an instrumental role in shaping my life and, by extension, the lives of Minnesotans. Throughout my 15 year career in the College of Liberal Arts, Student Unions & Activities, Orientation & Transition and Experiences, and finally the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, I’ve been dedicated to ensuring that students embark on a meaningful university journey, one that transforms their lives and endures long after graduation. The University of Minnesota's impact extends far beyond the walls of the campus, and I'm immensely proud to have played a small part in making our great state even better.

Dear Minnesota,
I’d like you to know that the first open heart surgery took place at the University of Minnesota in 1952.

I’m grateful to Dr. C. Walter Lillehei and his Golden Gopher medical colleagues for performing this historic procedure because, years later, I needed the same surgery to replace my defective aortic valve. Had the surgery not been available to me – and had Dr. Lillehei not also developed the first prosthetic heart valve – it’s possible that I wouldn’t be here today.

The discovery of this life-saving surgery at the U of M spawned a robust medical device industry in the Twin Cities, which employs nearly 26,000 people and generates billions of dollars to the state’s economy. One of those companies is Fridley-based Medtronic, which developed the prosthetic valve that was implanted in me and is giving countless people like me a second chance.

Because of top-notch faculty and students, progress towards such life-changing discoveries is happening each day at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and its four coordinate campuses.

This progress will always have a special place in my heart.

Dear Minnesota,
I received my B.A. from the University of Minnesota CLA in 1985 in Geography/Anthropology. Shortly after graduating, I was able to secure a job as a cartographer at an aerial survey company. While it lasted only 10 months before a big layoff left me jobless, I soon got another job in digital mapping in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Fast forward to this summer (2023), where I just retired after 37+ years in Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a career I have loved for the duration. I owe all of it to the Geography and Anthropology department staff at the U of M.

In a related funny side story, in 1985, I chose not to walk for graduation and got my degree mailed to me instead. I've always kind of regretted not taking part in the pomp and circumstance especially after all the hard work I put in. So, when my daughter graduated from the U of M in political science in 2018, she let me borrow her robe and folio for a photo re-creation. It provided a little closure some 33 years later.

The University of Minnesota is the window on the world. Through the experience of studying at the U of M with multi-national class mates, and learning from outstanding faculty, I had really grown, from an innocent Japanese girl lived in an insular country and a homogeneous society, to a woman who have a more global perspective and understand diverse outlooks. Forty years has passed since I completed Master’s degree. Minnesota is still my most favorite place to visit in the world. The U of M broadened my world and horizons, and alumni networks enriched my life. I would like to remain passionate about maintaining my strong connection with the U of M and Minnesotans, as long as I am alive

The first thing I think of when I think of the University is that I made lifelong friends. Even though I grew up ten miles from campus, I lived in Sanford Hall my freshman year. My parents were supportive of me moving away, and I did indeed make friends. Two of my friends were in my wedding, and I still see them regularly. To this day, I have felt part of the U of M community.

My advisor, Prof. Perry Blackshear, was pretty influential on my student experience, too. He was a pioneer and he started what would become the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the U of M. There is no doubt choosing to secure my engineering degree at the U of M was instrumental to my career. The economy was in a downturn when I graduated, but I got a job right away. I ended up working for 3M for 38 years in many different, exciting roles.

I can't even describe how much I grew at “the U.” I still walk on campus and feel all warm and fuzzy.

Dear Minnesota,
The relationships that you can build at the University of Minnesota are endless! I met my wife at the University and now we have a future Gopher in our family.

I decided to attend the University of Minnesota after I was discharged from the U.S. Air Force. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I was hesitant because I was a first-generation student and had never taken my studies seriously. But once I was accepted I never looked back.

I explored my love of art until my wife Kathy asked me one day, “what are you going to do with that degree?” so I switched my focus to accounting and went into business.

My time at the University has impacted me so much both personally and professionally. Professionally, it gave me a world-class business degree that I used to launch my career in finance and consulting that has lasted over 40 years and is still going! Personally, it is the place that molded and enriched the lives of my three children and set the direction for their careers, making it a very special place for our whole family.