Support the U! Thousands of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends of the U of M firmly believe in higher education’s role in pushing our state forward. These citizens are working across the state and across U of M campuses to actively engage elected officials about the University’s initiatives and other key issues, including UMD’s proposed American Indian Learning Resource Center.
Alumni are the University’s most important advocates, hundreds of thousands strong and in every corner of the state, around the country, and around the world. Alumni from all the campuses have started over 10,000 Minnesota companies that employ 500,000 people and generate $100 billion in annual revenue. The University of Minnesota system is vital to the economy of Minnesota.
You can help. You have an important story to tell. Maybe it’s a about a professor who helped spawn an interest that became a passion … or a career. Maybe it was an opportunity to learn through hands-on research. Or the chance to meet and learn from other students that opened you up to a world of possibilities.
Other ways you can help:
1.Take action
View current University of Minnesota system legislative issues and contact elected officials.
2. Share your story
Your personal UMD story is compelling evidence of the value of the University.
3. Engage officials
See who represents you at the capitol in St. Paul and in Washington, D.C. and urge their support.
4. Letters to the editor
This is one of the most effective ways to educate others and influence elected officials. See some examples and find your local paper.
5. Spread the word
Help ensure the UMD’s voice is heard to demonstrate that changes effect all campuses of the University of Minnesota System. Use your presence, whether it be on social media outlets, by phone, or in person.
6. Participate
Attend “Support the U Day” or other activities that interest you.
More about UMD’s proposed American Indian Learning Resource Center:
UMD, with a 40-year commitment to American Indian studies, has become a center of American Indian learning. UMD has educated and trained more American Indian doctors than almost any other university in the United States; has produced tribal leaders, teachers, and business people for Indian reservations; and is committed to preserving American Indian languages, culture, and traditions. The AILRC building will enhance the educational foundation for all students across the entire campus and will house classrooms, a library, along with meeting and gathering spaces. Currently, UMD’s American Indian programs are scattered and squeezed into spaces across UMD’s campus. The project’s total construction cost is estimated at about $11 million, with $7.3 million being a part of the University’s bonding bill request that is currently before legislative committees. If passed, UMD will provide $3.6 million for the project and construction could begin within six weeks after the legislative and the Governor’s approval.
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