College of Science and Engineering Named for Alumnus James Swenson

Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin and College of Science and Engineering Dean James P. Riehl have announced the naming of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering after long-time UMD friend and benefactor James I. Swenson. Mr. Swenson is a 1959 UMD graduate with a major in chemistry. Chancellor Martin and Dean Riehl further announced the most recent generous gifts to the College by James and Susan Swenson and the Swenson Family Foundation--which have now reached 21 million dollars. The new donations include gifts of 7.7 million dollars for science and research scholarships, along with 3 million dollars toward the construction of a new civil engineering building on the campus.   Read More Here

21 Million Dollar Donor Says His UMD Education Was Outstanding

James I. Swenson attributes much of his outstanding success to the education he received at UMD. And he and his wife, Susan, have given back generously--with gifts totaling over 21 million dollars. In 1999, the Swenson Family Foundation donated 10 million dollars to UMD, the largest single gift the campus had ever received. Of that 10 million dollars, 7.5 million dollars was committed to construction of the James I. Swenson Science Building (opened Fall 2005), and 2.5 million dollars was designated for chemistry and biochemistry academic scholarships. Since then, the Swenson Family Foundation has supported numerous additional programs and activities at UMD and has awarded over 200 scholarships and undergraduate research fellowships to UMD students.   Read More Here

New Civil Engineering Program to Begin Fall 2008

A new Bachelor of Science degree program in Civil Engineering is set to begin Fall 2008. Plans for a stunning new building to house the program are also underway. According to College of Science and Engineering Dean James P. Riehl, the development of the program is in direct response to engineering personnel needs expressed by the private and public sectors in the region and the career aspirations of prospective students and their parents. Areas of focus were determined after consultation with engineering and manufacturing firms in Duluth and Greater Northeastern Minnesota.   Read More Here

Remarkable Michael S. Berman Political Collection Donated to UMD

The distinguished Michael S. Berman Collection, a compilation of over 1,000 political artifacts--including photographs, documents, political publications, bumper stickers, campaign buttons, posters, jewelry, and other significant items, opened on the UMD campus this fall. The remarkable collection was donated by UMD alumnus Michael Berman, and provides important insights into America’s recent political history, as well as its social and cultural past. The memorabilia spans the last 40 years, and dramatically outlines Berman’s extensive professional career as an important figure in the American political scene. Over 50 pieces from the collection are included in this first exhibition, which will continue in the UMD Library (4th floor) for several months.   Read More Here

Innovative Online Graduation Planner Launched

In spring 2001, a great idea was hatched at UMD. The idea was to create a simple, direct online system for students to keep track of their academic classes, with ease of planning and clarity of direction, as they work toward their degree. The concept envisioned an easy, online program for students to plan for their degree requirements, to review completed coursework, to see what they had left to complete, and to understand the sequencing required. From this idea, the Graduation Planner (a comprehensive, personalized, web based, long range graduation planning system) was born.   Read More Here

KUMD and CLA Partner to Create Expanded Journalism Program

Vice Chancellor for University Relations Bill Wade and College of Liberal Arts Dean Linda Krug have announced the start of an innovative collaboration between radio station KUMD and the College of Liberal Arts. The new partnership will allow the College’s Journalism Program to offer hands-on studio and industry courses to be taught at the 100,000 watt FM radio station located on campus. The integration of KUMD (103.3 on the FM dial) into the curriculum will enable the journalism program (which currently offers a degree minor) to expand. Plans are to begin offering a comprehensive journalism major by fall semester 2008.   Read More Here