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Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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August 6, 2009
Susan Beasy Latto, Director, UMD Public Relations 218 726-8830 slatto@d.umn.edu
Tom Larson 763-753-1838 tomlarson25@comcast.net
Carey Bohn 952-215-2418 c.bohn@mchsi.com

visit the First Street Gang's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=77622742991


"The First Street Gang" UMD's Colorful, Vibrant
Alumni Group to Hold 40th Reunion
Honors its Unique Legacy with a Large Scholarship and Seminar Room Dedication


"The First Street Gang"—the colorful, unique and energetic UMD alumni group will hold its 40th alumni reunion August 28 and 29 on the UMD campus. Over 100 people are expected to attend and festivities which will include the dedication of the "First Street Gang" seminar room in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics and further fund raising for its large UMD scholarship fund.

"The Gang" cordially invites any past members to the festivities, where there will be time to meet and greet old friends, a program about the group's purpose, video presentation, banquet, and a scholarship fundraising raffle. These loyal friends of UMD and are brought together for a common purpose of supporting UMD and the university's endeavors. "The First Street Gang" has sponsored a scholarship in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE) and has also donated finances for a seminar room in the LSBE, which is to be dedicated to the group during the Reunion.

Forty years ago the "Gang" grew to become the largest school-recognized social organization on the UMD campus. It dominated intramural sports, held the best and largest parties, and attracted an incredible array of talented and friendly people. "The Gang" became a legend in its own right.

The original "First Street Gang" was a group of 18 UMD students who began as an informal sports organization and started as a "rap against the frats." Over the years, "The Gang" grew from a group described as "enough guys to play football" to include well over 200 participants. The founding members, Tom Larson and Bob Hofstrom, graduated in the early 1970s, and the "First Street Gang" continued off and on for over 35 years. Children of some original members of the group have attended UMD and revived "The Gang," although it never achieved the size and status it had when it started.

When former member Geoff Spencer was killed in an automobile accident in the fall of 2001, many members put urgency into following up the dream of a First Street Gang Scholarship. The scholarship exists as an endowed fund, which awards an annual scholarship of $1,000. Now members promote it and contribute each year to the Geoff Spencer scholarship.

In 2009, its 40th anniversary year, the First Street Gang is sending out an appeal for help to make the First Street Gang Geoff Spencer Commemorative Scholarship one of the largest scholarship funds in the School. "The Gang" is currently planning to increase the fund to $100,000 and hopes to achieve an increased level of visibility to keep "The Gang" a "top-of-the-mind" presence for members and supporters.

Anyone interested in stopping by for some of the activities is invited to contact:

Tom Larson (763-753-1838) tomlarson25@comcast.net

Carey Bohn (952-215-2418)

For more information visit the First Street Gang's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=77622742991


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