College centennial will recognize 100 distinguished alumni

College of Education and Human Development alumni have been inspiring minds for a century through their work in various fields of education and other careers. From teachers to psychologists to policymakers to business leaders, alumni of the college, located throughout Minnesota and throughout the world, have made an impact on society then and now.

As part of the college’s upcoming centennial celebration, we will honor 100 alumni who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers. We invite you to nominate graduates of the college who have made significant contributions to society and whose successful careers and/or volunteer activities began with the education they received from the college.

The nomination process is easy. Send us basic information using a form found at education.umn.edu/alum and we’ll contact the nominee for additional details. If you don’t have computer access, please call 612-625-1310 to request a form by mail. The nomination deadline is Nov. 15, 2005; early nominations will be appreciated.

Congratulations, Glen!

Glen Sorenson (B.S., ’76), an anatomy and physiology teacher at Proctor High School in Proctor, Minn., and an alumnus of the college, has been named by Education Minnesota as the 2005 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. He was one of 10 finalists chosen from a total of 141 candidates.

Sorenson was a wildlife biology major at the University, but after enjoying a stint teaching children at a wildlife reserve, he decided to become a teacher. He changed his major to education and prepared for licensure in life science and Earth science.

Although the college prepares only 10 percent of Minnesota’s licensed teachers, 50 percent of those named Minnesota Teacher of the Year since the award began in 1964 have earned licenses, degrees, or done graduate studies here.

State funding approved for Education Sciences Building

With passage of a state bonding bill in early April, the proposed renovation of the former Mineral Resources Research Center (MRRC) into a new Education Sciences Building will become a reality. The bonding bill will provide $14.5 million of the $21.7 million cost of the project. College, University, and possible private donations will cover the remaining costs. Construction planning will begin this summer.

When completed, probably in 2007–08, the building will house the Department of Educational Psychology, the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, the Center for Early Education and Development, and the Office of Educational Accountability. The move will allow for better communication and interaction among faculty, students, and the community with offices, public gathering places, and labs.

Leaders in Minnesota education

Peggy Flanagan (B.S., child development, American Indian studies) was elected to the Minneapolis School Board in November, one of the youngest candidates—at 25—to ever win a seat on that board. She works as coordinator of urban immersion service retreats for the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

Ben Kanninen (Ed.D., ’04, educational administration), superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, was named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year for 2005–06.

Celebrating the college centennial at the State Fair

The college will, for the fifth year, have a booth in the U of M Building at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 25 to Labor Day, Sept. 5. In connection with the college’s centennial, the focus will be on fun activities related to the history of education in Minnesota, but we also will be giving away rulers, encouraging visitors to “send a postcard to your favorite teacher,” and hosting a children’s activity area and computer/video activities. Our centennial theme is “Inspiring Minds for a Century.”

The Arctic explorer/educators from Nomads Adventure & Education, who work with the college to promote adventure learning, will present stage shows with their Polar Huskies in front of the U of M building on both Saturday mornings of the fair.

New Web site launched for high school students

Youthhood.org is a new Web site that provides students, teachers, mentors, and parents with an online, research-based, transition curriculum focused on preparing for life after high school.

Created by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition in the college’s Institute on Community Integration, Youthhood is interactive, fun, and best of all, free.

Anyone working with transition-aged youth can go to www.youthhood.org for an exciting online resource. Questions? E-mail us at youthhood@umn.edu or call Pam Stenhjem at 612-625-3863.