Former Gopher Ben Utecht Faces Life After Concussion Head-On

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2015

Former Gopher Ben Utecht faces life after concussion head-on

ALSO: PREVENTING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAMPUS / WEIRDOS OF THE UNIVERSE / 2016 ALUMNI TRAVEL GUIDE FIND YOURSELF BREATHLESS...AGAIN.

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Volume 114 • Number 4 / Summer 2015

4 Editor’s Note Features 6 Letters 12 8 About Campus Championships never get old, pipe dream fulfilled, and transgendering U.S. history 34 Alumni Stories What Bay Area alumni are up to and childbirth gets its due 38 Gophers Forever NEUTRINOS: YUKO SHIMIZU NEUTRINOS: YUKO • TRAILBLAZERS: MOIRA TRAVEL LENNOX GOHAGAN • CASTLE: COURTESY We welcome our new life members.

40 Travel Guide A guide to the Alumni 21 Whose Responsibility? Association travel Trailblazing new initiatives at the U are engaging all students program’s tantalizing in conversations about preventing sexual assault. 2016 destinations BY SUSAN MAAS 18 Unstoppable Alumni Cheryl Robertson, Rob Stewart, and Ben Utecht have taken very different life paths. What they have in common is perseverance. BY MELEAH MAYNARD, ANDY STEINER, AND RICK MOORE

28 Weirdos of the Universe 46 Gopher Connections Understanding the enigmatic neutrino might be the key to Make the most of your member perks: explaining why we’re here. U physicists are at the forefront The Raptor Center and the Minnesota of unraveling the mystery. Landscape Arboretum BY DEANE MORRISON 48 Campus Seen Our photo finish ON THE COVER: Ben Utecht, photographed by Mark Luinenburg

MinnesotaAlumni.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Jim du Bois, ’87 Chair-Elect Alison Page, ’96 Vice Chair Dan McDonald, ’82, ’85 Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Ulsaker Weise, ’81 Past Chair Susan Adams Loyd, ’81 President and CEO Lisa Lewis Judy Beniak, ’82, ’10 Wendy Williams Blackshaw, ’82 Natasha Freimark, ’95 Gayle Hallin, ’70, ’77 Randy Handel Linda Hofflander, ’83 Douglas Huebsch, ’85 Janice Linster, ’83 Laura Moret, ’76, ’81 Alex Oftelie, ’03, ’06 Amy Phenix, ’08 Roshini Rajkumar, ’97 Clinton Schaff, ’00 Kathy Schmidlkofer, ’97 Alfonso Sintjago, ’14, ’15 Joelle Stangler, ’16 Dave Walstad, ’88, ’91 Jean Wyman

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOVERNANCE President Eric Kaler, ’82 Board of Regents Richard Beeson, ’76, chair Dean Johnson, vice chair Thomas Anderson, ’80 Laura Brod, ’93 Linda Cohen, ’85, ’86 Tom Devine ’79 Michael Hsu, ’88 Peggy Lucas, ’64, ’76 David McMillan, ’83, ’87 Abdul Omari, ’08, ’10 Darrin Rosha, ’90, ’91, ’93, ’96 Patricia Simmons

Contact the Alumni Association To join or renew, change your address, or obtain benefit information, go to MinnesotaAlumni.org or contact us: McNamara Alumni Center 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040 800-862-5867, 612-624-2323 [email protected]

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation. • "' . ';/{" -~<-= ~"\,s. · N vs. M vs. I vs. ,, *l1!10 GAME #BRICKBYBRICK on SALE JUnE 17 MYGDPH£RSPDRTS.CDM You pick the games: one non-conference game and one Big Ten game. Editor’s Note MINNESOTA PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SINCE 1901

President and CEO A Common Good Discussion Lisa Lewis hen I was in graduate school at the University’s School of Vice President of Marketing and Communication Journalism & Mass Communication, I took a course in inter - Jerry Abrams Wpretive reporting from the venerable Professor Jean Ward. Jean, Editor who was full of common sense and had a talent for getting directly to the Cynthia Scott heart of the matter, expected reporters to zero in Senior Editor on the context of a story and tell readers why it was Meleah Maynard important. Context, she said, is everything. Copy Editor Education reporting, Jean felt, generally fell short Susan Maas of this standard, with too much of it focused on the Contributing Writers minutiae of funding and too little on what was hap- Greg Breining, Erin Hinrichs, pening not just in schools but in the communities Shannon Juen, Susan Maas, they serve; how well, or not, students and families Rick Moore, Deane Morrison, Erin Peterson, Andy Steiner were faring and why; and what was at stake. I thought of Jean as I was reflecting on a historic Art Director conversation that took place on May 4 on the stage Kristi Anderson, Two Spruce Design at Northrop. The Office of the President and the College of Education and Media Partners Human Development hosted a discussion among all six of the University Access Minnesota of Minnesota’s living presidents: C. Peter Magrath (1974–1984), Ken Keller Gopher Sports Update (1985–1988), Nils Hasselmo (1988–1997), Mark Yudof (1997–2002), Bob Bru- Advertising Rates and Information ininks (2002–2011), and Eric Kaler (2011–present). Moderated by Star Tribune Ketti Histon writer Lori Sturdevant, the subject of the conversation was the future of higher 612-280-5144, [email protected] education and Minnesota. The conversation turned early and often to the subject of funding, which, as Minnesota (ISSN 0164-9450) is published President Magrath noted, is “extraordinarily more difficult” than it was during four times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring, and his tenure. Indeed, you do not need to go back to the Magrath administration to Summer) by the University of Minnesota see the sharp decline in public funding. In 1997, as just one measure, state fund- Alumni Association for its members. ing covered 70 percent of the cost of educating a student at the U and tuition Copyright ©2015 by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association covered 30 percent. In 2015, the proportion was reversed, with the state covering McNamara Alumni Center 42 percent and tuition 58 percent. What’s going on here? 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 200 People far more qualified than I have spent years addressing that question. Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040 But I think the presidents got to the crux of the matter with their observations 612-624-2323, 800-862-5867 fax 612-626-8167 that higher education is increasingly viewed as a private good, not a common www.MinnesotaAlumni.org good. Hasselmo said he is “alarmed” at the change of attitude on this point among Minnesotans since he served at the U. Keller called the idea that education is not To update your address, call 612-624-2323 or e-mail [email protected] a public good “devastatingly bad.” And Yudof pointed out that higher education Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, is just one of several institutions whose standing as a public good have eroded. and additional mailing offices. Gated communities, private police departments, and private armies, to name a POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: McNamara Alumni Center few, are all expressions of this phenomenon, he noted. 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 200 Keller called on universities to assert their value as a public good. I don’t Minneapolis, MN 55455-2040 know how better to do that than lift up the stories of how University research changes lives and how alumni impact their communities. We have several shin- ing examples in this issue. As you read about David Carr, Cheryl Robertson, Ben Utecht, Rob Stewart, the NOvA project, and others, consider how the University of Minnesota fulfills its mission as a public good. Reasonable people can and should debate vigorously many aspects of higher education. But there should be no confusion about its essential value as a public good. After all, context is everything. n

Cynthia Scott (M.A. ’89) is the editor of Minnesota. She can be reached at [email protected]. 2300 Brown Avenue SHER STONEMAN Waseca, Minnesota 56093

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MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

SUMMER 2014

EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF THECELEBRATE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 100 YEARS BURNING QUESTION REFLECTIONS ON ‘FOREIGNER’ | WINTER 2015 GOLDYMADE POSSIBLE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STYLE WHATHOMECOMING CAN 2014 The article “The Great Bird Shower of Thanks for your article and sensitiv - MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | SPRING 2015 WE DO ABOUT 1904” [Spring 2015] makes one wonder: ity toward the use of the word foreigner CLIMATE [Spring 2015]. I joined the University of CHANGE? would such an event today bring claims

Minnesota graduate school in physics in PLENTY. of “climate change”? David Newman (B.A. ’50) late 1968. Having come from Lebanon, ALSO: Greek Revival Rochester, Minnesota SevenGenerations University of Alumni researchers shareIn the their MOOC action agendas I had to work with the Foreign Student GophersHow Fouzia Working Saeed changed Pakistan M.A.G.I.C. Rappin’ with PAGE 34 Tall Paul Advisers Office, then under the direction Bohemian Flats PAGE 12 GLOBAL Come to Life PAGE 32

ALUMNI• PLUS • WINTER READING of Dr. Josef Mestenhauser. About two TAKEpage 40 years later I headed the International ACTION

Student Association and, in consultation ALSO Thriving in Sioux Falls / The Great Bird Shower / The Brothers Grimmer with Dr. Mestenhauser, we decided to move away from the term “foreign” to I wanted to express my appreciation for “international” for the same reasons you your Editor’s Note in the Spring issue. Hav- eloquently stated. ing worked in alumni relations, having Yousef Makdisi (Ph.D. ’76) spent years on diversity committees, and Port Jefferson, New York just being one of those guys who doesn’t fully understand the negativity that some SKY-U-MAH! Editor’s Note: Distinguished International have toward “others,” I both enjoyed your I fly a lot and often leave the magazine in Emeritus Professor Josef Mestenhauser missive and found it a valuable, power- the seat pocket, hoping subsequent pas- (Ph.D. ’52) was a revered teacher in the ful message. Thank you for reminding sengers will draw inspiration from all the College of Education and Human Develop- Minnesota readers that we thrive best as good things happening at my alma mater, ment. He died on March 14 at age 89. The a society when we welcome difference, a place that changed my life for the better Mestenhauser Legacy Initiative of the experience diversity, and practice a life- in so many ways. I felt especially proud University’s Global Programs and Strategy long education of the human experience. to leave the Spring 2015 issue for others. Alliance recognizes his long career of advo- Michael Wall Rob Britton (B.A. ’73, M.A. ’76, Ph.D. ’78) cacy for and commitment to students. St. Paul McLean, Virginia CORRECTION The article “Devoted to Congolese Farm- ers” [Spring 2015] incorrectly stated the number of arable acres in Democratic Republic of Congo. The correct figure is approximately 197 million acres.

Submit a letter at MinnesotaAlumni.org/ opinion or write to Letter to the Editor, Minnesota Magazine, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 200, Minne- apolis, MN 55455. Letters many be edited for style, length, and clarity. Now Showing: Three Timelines

THE TWEET BEAT of University History News and views from Gophers on social networks Enjoy three different looks at the University of University of Minnesota Alumni Association @UMNAlumni Minnesota’s achievements throughout its 163-year Congratulations to alum Steve history in one rewarding visit. The Heritage Gallery in Dowling (CLA), Apple’s newest VP of communications. the McNamara Alumni Center presents three separate historical timelines; each based on one of the three Kappa Alpha Theta @umntheta We had so much fun volunteering with founding principles of the University….Education, alumnae last night at Feed My Starving Children. We packed 14,040 meals, Research and Service. Each timeline is distinctive and which is enough to feed 38 children for packed with information, photographs, graphics and an entire year! historical objects to reward the casual visitor or the Coach Marlene Stollings @Stollings in-depth reviewer. Make plans to visit the Heritage Congratulations Amanda Zahui and Shae Kelly for being WNBA draft Gallery…then stay for lunch at D’Amico & Sons! picks! Proud day for Gopher women’s basketball. Amanda Zahui B. @AmandaZahuiB Välsignad. Dieu Merci Tulsa Shock #32. Coach Nikita Lowry Dawkins @ CoachNikDawk Minnesota WBB: 1 of only 5 programs in the nation to have multiple WNBA draft picks last night. Will YOU be NEXT? @koalasibala From the Great Lakes to Guangzhou, I’ll always be a Gopher. Todd Reubold @treubold Way to go, @GopherM tennis! First Big Ten title in 20 years! Research Listening @StudyListening Was time for my #UMNAlumni membership renewal, so I’ve become a The Heritage Gallery is open most Mondays thru Saturdays. @UMNAlumni lifetime member. Please call ahead at 612-624-9831 for daily viewing hours.

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 7 About Campus It Never Gets Old The Gopher women’s hockey team won its sixth national title overall and third in four years on March 22 at Ridder Arena, defeating Harvard 4–1. “It’s somewhat surreal, but when you’ve 500 screaming fans cheering for you, it sure gives you an extra boost,” says Coach Brad Frost. Pictured are seniors Rachel Ramsey (No. 5) and Rachael Bona (No. 7) and sophomore Lee Stecklein (No. 2). To listen to the match start to finish, go to the March 25 show on GopherSportsUpdate.com.

8 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA So Long, Old Country Geographer

John Fraser Hart, the University’s oldest professor, retired in May at the age of 91. Since 1967, shortly after he joined the U, students in Hart’s Geography of the United States and Canada course have been captivated by his extraordinary lectures. Calling himself “just an old country geographer,” Hart is a firm believer that the best way to learn about geography is to see it. On research trips, he visited all kinds of places, from small farms to big cities, taking pictures and talking with people along the way. Over the years, he turned those photos into more than 40,000 slides, 25,000 of which he used regularly in class while telling stories of what he saw, heard, and experienced. “I can’t take students on a helicopter ride, so I do the job that students can’t do. I go out, take pictures, bring them back and show them what it’s like,” he says. Though he once told his mother that teaching was the last thing he would ever want to do, Hart recently enthused, “Academia is the best life in the world.” In retirement, he plans to spend more time with his wife, Meredith, and the rest of his family. —Meleah Maynard

Transgendering U.S. History

The University of Minnesota Librar- histories will, she says, reflect changing ies’ Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection attitudes about gender. in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans- “We want to hear from people who gender Studies is one of just a hand- were around when the University was ful of GLBT archives in the country, doing sex reassignment surgeries in housing more than 100,000 books, 1967, as well as young people who more And still magazines, reference books, and other and more seem to be rejecting the con- no TV. . .” items. A new oral history project is cept of gender as binary and thinking Facebook commenter about to significantly expand the col- of themselves as somewhere between Greg Amluxen on lection’s materials related to the trans- male and female,” she explains. “I can’t Gophersports.com gender community. imagine how we’ll be talking about gen- after a story about Funded by a $256,000 grant from der in another 50 years, but I want to the women’s hockey the Chicago-based Tawani Founda- document as much as we can now.” Gophers winning their sixth national tion, the Transgender Oral History The Tretter Collection is named championship. Project is a collaboration between for its founder, Jean-Nickolaus Tret- Their games are not the Tretter Collection and the U’s ter. He began collecting books, photo- televised. Program in Human Sexuality, one of graphs, and historical documents in the world’s largest clinical, teaching, the early 1970s after leaving the Navy, and research programs dealing with where he was a decorated linguist human sexuality. Over the next three during the Vietnam War. His collec- years, up to 400 hours of oral histories tion was housed in his tiny St. Paul will be gathered from as many as 300 apartment until he donated it to the transgender men and women of all University in 2000. —M.M. ages in the Upper Midwest. Tretter Collection curator Lisa Learn more about the Vecoli says the project is the largest and Tretter Collection in a video interview with Lisa Vecoli at most ambitious of its kind ever under- AccessMinnesotaOnline.com. Go to the February 11 broadcast. HOCKEY: ERIC MILLER/GOPHER ATHLETICS LISA • MILLER/UNIVERSITY OF ERIC ATHLETICS HART: MINNESOTA MILLER/GOPHER HOCKEY: taken in the United States. The oral

Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 9 About Campus

Pipe Dream Fulfilled

The Northrop’s Aeolian-Skinner Opus 892 pipe organ will finally be restored, thanks to a $4 million gift to the University of Minnesota from alumnus Dr. Roger Anderson (B.S. ’47, M.D. ’52). President Eric Kaler (Ph.D. ’82) made the announcement during his annual State of the University address on April 2. Installed in the Northrop in 1930, the famed organ has 6,975 pipes, is approximately 40 feet tall, and spans the width of the main stage. The restoration will cost $2.8 million. The remainder of Anderson’s gift helps fund a new home for the Bell Museum of Natural History on the St. Paul campus and a new position at the Weis- DISCOVERIES man Art Museum.

Could a microbiome shaped by parasites lead to better health? Elise Morton, a postdoctoral ecologist at the University of Minnesota, is examining the microbiome—the trillions of bacteria and other microscopic organisms that live in the human gut—from rural villagers in western Africa. Her work may help shed light on a popular debate: If we had the microbiome of our hunter- gather ancestors, would we be free of modern diseases such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease? Morton and colleagues, including Laure Ségurel, a researcher from the French National Center for Scientific Research in Paris, and Morton’s adviser, assistant professor of genetics, cell biology, and development Ran Blekhman, have sequenced the gut bacteria of 64 people from three subsistence groups in the Cameroon rainforest. Some were farmers, others fishermen, and others hunter-gatherers. Springing to Their Feet Their microbiomes differed markedly from those of industrialized people Alumni Association Board Chair-Elect Alison and from one traditional group to another. Diet played an important role, but Page (M.S., M.H.A. ’96) leads the crowd in the biggest shaper of the gut community was parasitic infection. Presence of applauding speaker Kenny Blumenfeld (B.S. ’01, M.A. ’05, Ph.D. ’08) at A Toast to Every the amoeba Entamoeba produced a microbiome that was more diverse in the Season, the UMAA’s Annual Celebration, number and composition of microbes. at the McNamara Alumni Center on April Just why wasn’t clear. Perhaps the ameoba changed the community direct- 17. Page will begin her term on July 1, succeeding Jim Du Bois (B.A. ’87). ly by preying on various classes of microbes. Or perhaps the amoeba triggered the humans’ immune response in a way that changed the makeup of the gut community. It’s possible that the parasitic infection was beneficial, important for immune system development while doing no harm to the human host. While Morton’s work doesn’t yet answer the question whether there’s In my wildest imagination a Paleo-gut shaped by parasitic infection that will restore modern humans to health, it does support the idea that the microbiome is highly adaptable. I didn’t think it would “The microbiome is a core component of our physiology that affects many come to pass.” aspects of our health and even behavior. It’s clearly something that we can Rob Kuznia (B.S. ’99), who learned on control in a way that can have significant effects on our health,” Morton says. April 20 that he won a Pulitzer Prize for —Greg Breining uncovering and reporting widespread corruption in a Los Angeles County school district. The stories by Kuznia and two colleagues at the Daily Breeze led to DISCOVERIES: GEMMA CORRELL • DISCOVERIES: APPLAUSE: JOEL MOREHOUSE the firing of the superintendent and an ongoing investigation by the FBI.

10 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA No Expiration Date Human Subjects Team Moves Forward Who needs to comb through scholarly journals when you can watch research in The team charged with implementing action on stage? In June, Minneapolis- improvements to the University of based Pangea World Theater in Minnesota’s human subjects research Minneapolis will premier the play No practices has submitted the draft of Expiration Date: Sexuality & Aging, a its action plan to President Eric Kaler theatrical interpretation of the qualitative (Ph.D. ’82). A public comment period data from a study conducted by Sara Mize ended on June 1. The final report is and Alex Iantaffi, faculty in the University expected in early June; it is likely to of Minnesota’s Program in Human include both short-term and long- Sexuality. Written by playwright Meena term steps aimed at implementing Natarajan, the play draws from the focus recommendations made by an exter- group narratives of 61 seniors of diverse nal review panel to improve protec- backgrounds and sexual orientations who tions for human research subjects. discussed their experiences of sexuality To read more about the recommenda- and aging with researchers. For dates and tions and action plan, visit research. times, visit PangeaWorldTheater.org. umn.edu/advancehsr.

Tweets of Yore

If we had Twitter 100 years ago, what would your alumni association have been tweeting? We looked back to see what was trending:

The December 1957 Gopher Grad announced plans to build a two-level bridge with a moving sidewalk to shuttle students across the Washington Avenue Bridge. Officials called it a logical means of getting students across the river between classes. #OnSecondThought

The October 16, 1916, Minnesota Alumni Weekly reported that an angry Professor C.P. Bull was on the lookout for the “absentminded professor” who walked away with his derby hat from the annual faculty supper. Someone else’s derby was left in its place, but it did not fit Professor Bull. #RagingBull

Get the latest from the Alumni Association. Follow us on Twitter @UMNAlumni. ERIC HANSON

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 11 12 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA hat’s the premise underlying the University of Minnesota’s Trailblazing initiatives approach to combatting sexual assault and fostering healthy to engage students in relationships. Campus sexual assault isn’t a new problem, but several high profile cases, combined with survivor advocacy conversations about campaigns, heightened media scrutiny, and recent attention from Con- masculinity are key gress and the White House have made addressing it a growing priority to the U’s efforts to for many colleges and universities. And at the U, addressing it includes prevent sexual assault. getting at its root causes—with increasing involvement from male students. “Let’s be honest: Women are tired of being told how to protect them- By Susan Maas selves from violence,” says Katie Eichele, executive director of the U’s Illustration by Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education, which provides support to victims of sexual André da Loba violence while raising awareness about how to end it. “We need to enlist men, too.” Or as freshman Jackson Ridl, a Beta Theta Pi member and volunteer violence prevention educator with the Aurora Center, puts it, “You can’t make 100 percent change by only including 50 percent of the population. We have to all have an understanding that sexual assault is something we’re not going to allow.” The U’s prevention efforts are five-fold: educating students about consent and healthy relationships, empowering women, teaching bystander intervention skills, promoting gender equity, and reevaluating what it means to be a man. Of these, the fifth is a novel

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 13 Peyton Owens III, Jackson Ridl, and Katie Eichele

initiative that’s prompted campus-wide conversations. Under address it, whether that’s inserting themselves into it, working Eichele’s guidance and with leadership from students in the collectively as a group to stop it, or looking for authorities to Greek community, Athletics, and residence halls, the conversa- help,” Owens says. tions are happening in sometimes unexpected places. Student athletes are introduced to Step Up training via team meetings, in addition to participating in other presentations and Creating male allies discussions during the spring, Owens says. “For our student ath- Eichele and other staff have been deliberate and methodical in letes, these events are mandatory. That’s our expectation: This reaching out to young men at the U, including athletes and fra- is no different than having to go to class or team practice. This ternity members. Presentations on sexual violence prevention— is part of your education and it’s non-negotiable—it’s vital to the some focused on defining consent, some on bystander interven- success and safety of our entire University.” tion tactics aimed at stopping assault—are now incorporated into The U’s Greek system has embraced the approach, which, first-year programs, as well as programs for freshman residence according to assistant vice provost for student life Lamar Hylton, halls and fraternities and sororities. may be key to fraternities’ survival. As a Phi Beta Sigma alumnus, Step Up, Aurora’s bystander intervention program, guides that’s important to him. “When I’m walking around campus in my male and female students in how to respond when they witness three letters, I don’t want there to be unfair assumptions about a sexual assault unfolding. A fundamental part of Step Up’s effec- me: If reputation is going to be the ‘hook’ that gets fraternities tiveness is simply giving bystanders permission to be involved, engaged, that’s where we can start,” he says. says Peyton Owens III, assistant director of athletics in charge of Some are already engaged. Last November, Phi Beta Sigma student athlete development. organized a panel discussion about what they called “toxic mas- “Because the initial recognition [that something might be culinity.” The event was the brainchild of senior George Darvehn, unfolding right before them] can just paralyze people, we’re who suggested to his fraternity brothers that they hold a public

trying to give them a blueprint so they have various ways to forum after watching the film “The Mask You Live In,” which MOIRA LENNOX

14 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA How Prevalent? In 2013, University of Minnesota students were surveyed* about their experiences with sexual assault, defined as actual or attempted sexual intercourse or other sexual touching without one’s consent or against one’s will. The research found:

22% of female students have experienced a sexual assault in their lifetime 6.6% of those occurred within the previous 12 months

5% of male students have experienced a sexual assault in their lifetime 1.6% within the past 12 months

Of the students who indicated they have experienced a sexual assault, only 29.1% said they reported the incident What is Consent? 13.2% reported it to the police Last year, California became the first 29.7% reported it to a health care provider state to pass a law requiring mutual, unambiguous affirmative consent * The 2013 College Student Health Survey, conducted by Boynton between college students before they Health Service at the University of Minnesota, was sent to undergrad- have sex. The so-called “Yes Means uate and graduate students enrolled in 29 postsecondary institutions Yes” approach is intended to clarify in Minnesota. It collected information about students’ experiences and what it means to give consent. behaviors in a wide range of health concerns, including sexual health The University of Minnesota’s and sexual assault. Of the 44,688 students who received the survey, 6,000 were from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Of those current policy reads: 6,000 students, 2,071, or 34.5%, completed the survey. Consent: Informed, freely and actively given, and mutually understood. If physical force, coercion, intimidation, and/or threats are used, there is no consent. If the victim/ explores how restrictive social norms and expectations around survivor is mentally or physically masculinity hurt boys and men, as well as girls and women. incapacitated or impaired so that the “They were all for it,” Darvehn says, calling the panel victim/survivor cannot understand “phenomenal.” the fact, nature or extent of the sexual Participants spoke about how stereotypical ideas of man- situation, and the condition was or hood—stoicism, extreme independence, physical toughness, would be known to a reasonable and sexual promiscuity—harm both women and men. “The person, there is no consent. This audience really got into the question of, ‘what does it mean to be a includes conditions due to alcohol or fraternity man on this campus?’ We got a lot of positive feedback. drug consumption, or being asleep or People are happy to be having this conversation.” unconscious. In fact, the event drew so much interest that Sigma Phi Epsilon The Minnesota Student Association convened a follow-up panel. Several hundred students, many of is exploring an “affirmative consent” them fraternity and sorority members, packed an auditorium in the policy that would require a “yes” Tate Laboratory of Physics on April 14 to delve into the ways rigid by both parties. Advocates at the definitions of manhood enable and fuel sexual violence. University believe such a change would Among the topics explored was how alcohol can intersect eliminate needless ambiguity and with sexual assault. Panelist Tim Garay (B.S. ’14), an Aurora encourage students to talk more openly Center volunteer, says he and his colleagues advise students that about what they do or do not want. consensual sex and heavy drinking don’t mix. “If someone has —S.M. been drinking a lot, you honestly don’t know if they’re able to give consent. If you have to question it, maybe you shouldn’t be having sex. Wait until the next day.”

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 15 Owens is facilitating discussions about in his residence hall. “I live on the inter- say Owens and Hylton, adding a layer gender roles among student athletes, national student floor, and I have tons of of complexity to the challenge of reach- too. “These are the conversations I really friends who are also from other coun- ing them all. “We have students from the enjoy—when we’re discussing some of the tries. Everybody has different cultural South, students from the West, students things they’re seeing in their everyday life. backgrounds, and many of them have little from rural areas, students from the city. They start to put on a different lens and understanding of sexual assault, stalking, Everyone has a different idea of what’s say, ‘Hmmm. What is this really saying or relationship violence,” Sun says. acceptable. So we start the dialogue about about women? About relationships?” Even among U.S.–born students, being ambassadors for the maroon and Aurora Center volunteer Enoch Sun freshmen arrive with a vast range of back- gold: expectations of the University, and has been trying to start such discussions grounds, experiences, and perspectives, of the law, first and foremost,” Owens says. “From there, the conversation takes a different shape every time. We really try to meet them where they are.” Hylton is optimistic that the conversations are yielding change. To see fraternity men stepping up to organize panel discussions on sexual violence and masculinity— to have Greek men participating enthu- siastically in conversations with Aurora Center volunteers, and becoming Aurora Center volunteers—makes him happy as an administrator and as a Phi Beta Sigma, he says. “I’m just so thankful for the leadership of the students,” he adds. He also credits the Aurora Center. “This is the first institution I’ve worked for that has a place like Aurora, with dedicated staff for prevention and advocacy around sexual assault. That says something about the priorities here,” Hylton says. Those priorties were reinforced this spring when the Office of Student Affairs gave the center funding for a new men’s engagement coordinator position. Hylton sees a need to broaden the discussion about relationship violence. “Same-sex gender violence does occur, and to exempt that from the discussion would be short-sighted,” he says. And although women assaulting men is less common than men assaulting women, Hylton thinks it should be part of the discussion, too. ”We need to look at sexual violence broadly in terms of who is impacted,” he says. Owens maintains that the effort to end sexual assault has gone from a monologue to a dialogue at the U. “We’re not here to point fingers. We’re going to talk, and we’re going to ask you, ‘What do you hear? What do you think?’ And with this approach, we’ve gotten more men on board, and they’re coming up with ideas and solutions. That’s been terrific, because this is not just a women’s issue.” n

Susan Maas is a Minneapolis-based writer and the copy editor of Minnesota.

16 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA of Minnesota 3rd grade of white students in Minnesota graduated, compared to % students are not achieving of black students and 43 reading standards of American Indian students in 2013

TO HELP CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT in GAP IN SCHOOLS, WE’RE BROADENING kindergartners in Minnesota did not reach the 75% achievement OUR APPROACHES TO LEARNING. level for overall school readiness

We believe nothing should ever limit a child’s opportunity to succeed in school. That’s why the University of Minnesota is imagining innovative new ways to % 41 design classrooms and learning experiences. With local teachers and leaders, we applied our research expertise to create initiatives that blend science, technology, engineering, math and literacy skills to get kids more engaged in of 8th grade students in learning. Together, we’ve created new models that make academic achievement Minnesota are not achieving math standards even more attainable. It’s one more way the future is being Made in Minnesota.

D E A I N M

M A I N T N E S O

Crookston Duluth Morris Rochester Twin Cities

umn.edu © 2015 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 17 18 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 19 upset and confused her even more: “I thought, ‘I hate this. Why am I here?’” she recalls. Up until that point, she had imagined global public health work was “sitting on the ground with village women sharing stories and teaching health.” Later, while mulling over what had happened after the woman died at the hospital, she realized that not caring whether women live or die isn’t okay in anybody’s culture. “And that was the beginning of my thinking that what I was seeing wasn’t normal, that something was very wrong,” she says. ny romantic notions that Cheryl Robertson From that point on, Robertson, an associate professor in the (M.P.H. ’88, Ph.D. ’00) might have had about University of Minnesota’s School of Nursing, stopped seeing being a public health nurse were shattered in herself as a do-gooder providing primary health care around 1985, when she found herself driving down a rutted road in a the world. Instead, she began trying to understand what hap- beat-up Land Rover, trying to get a dying pregnant woman to pens to people and their communities when they suffer the a hospital in Uganda’s capital city, Kampala. Howling in agony worst things imaginable. One thing she learned for certain: in the backseat, the woman desperately needed a cesarean sec- Unending war, trauma, and displacement destroy community tion to save her and the baby, which was positioned sideways. and civility. “People often expect those who suffer horribly to “Move, move, move, a woman is dying here!” screamed behave honorably,” Robertson says. “But that doesn’t always Robertson, honking the horn at the drivers of two trucks that happen. Chronic violence often breeds coarseness, self-pres- were blocking the road. One of the men was smoking while ervation, and cruelty.” the other ate lunch. Instead of moving, they just stared at her, so she jumped out of the car and implored, “Can’t you hear her screaming?” They could, and they did nothing. Finally, Gidget Goes to Africa when they’d finished their break, the men slowly got into Straight talking and five feet tall with short, bright red hair, their trucks and made way for the Land Rover to get through. glasses, and a knack for coordinating mismatched jewelry with As Robertson rumbled past, one of the drivers leaned out of jumpers worn over leggings, Robertson, 60, looks more like an his window and said matter-of-factly, “What’s another dead artist than a nurse researcher. Since she first lived in Uganda, woman in Uganda?” she ’s worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), His remark went against everything Robertson, then 30 and Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Tanzania, and elsewhere in on her first trip abroad as a public health nurse, believed about the world. For her dissertation, she went to Bosnia, during and people’s inherent goodness. But her own reaction to the man after the war, working with mothers and children after the fall

20 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA of Srebrenica. To escape the ethnic cleansing that had taken tion. “I remember driving up north and drinking coffee with most of the men from their villages, the women told Robertson the young mothers while I talked with them about their new how they had fled with their children into the forest where babies, and I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I can get paid for hav- they survived as best they could. ing fascinating conversations?’ I just fell in love with public Prior to joining the U, Robertson served as director of inter- health nursing.” national programs at the St. Paul–based Center for Victims From there, she studied Spanish and anthropology for a of Torture, a role that took her to some of the most turbulent year in Mexico City, earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropol- and impoverished parts of the world. Such long-term global ogy and Ibero-American Studies at the University of Wiscon- engagement has afforded her the opportunity to witness both sin-Madison, and worked as a public health nurse in migrant great change for the better—as in the case of Uganda—as well communities, homeless shelters, and in local families’ homes. as seemingly bottomless suffering in the DRC. Thirty years In 1981, Minneapolis accidentally became Robertson’s home of practice in struggling countries continues to inform her when she totaled her car downtown while driving through research on community-based healing in the aftermath of on her way back to the Southwest. Over the next 19 years, she war and civil conflict, her work with refugee families in Min- married, raised three children, got divorced, and attended nesota, and with displaced communities abroad. It has also the U, earning a master’s degree in public health, followed informed her teaching. “It has been an amazing synergy,” says by a Ph.D. in nursing. During that time, she traveled back and Robertson, who this fall will co-teach one of the University’s forth to Africa many times, starting with that first fateful first new Grand Challenges courses, Seeking Solutions to Global trip to Uganda, where she lived for an eventful two years that Health Issues. The curriculum is part of the U’s commitment included being held hostage briefly while trying to flee the to helping solve some of Minnesota’s, and the world’s, most country during a military coup. “It was like Gidget Goes to complex and urgent problems. Africa,” she says, flinging her arms out wide. “I had no idea Robertson insists she is not fearless. Rather, she says, what what I was doing, but boy did I get educated.” enables her to go places others fear is her faith that most people are good and that the odds are in her favor. Born in Los Angeles the week that Disneyland opened, she could see the “The Dork Factor” fantasyland’s Matterhorn bobsled ride from her front yard. Robertson usually spends Christmas with her parents in Califor- That sight, she figures, forever colored her worldview. “I just nia. Last year, though, she conjured up a story so they wouldn’t always think it’s all gonna be okay,” she says, laughing while worry and settled in at home to wait out her mandatory 21-day stroking one of the two fat, fluffy cats who share her Min- quarantine following a month-long trip to Ebola-ravaged Libe- neapolis townhouse. “I get teased sometimes for being naïve, ria in late November. The Minneapolis-based American Refugee because I say that I depend on the kindness of strangers, but I Committee (ARC) invited her and Dorcas Kunkel, a clinical do,” she admits with a shrug. “Most of the time, for most people assistant professor in the School of Nursing, to join a team of in most parts of the world, nothing bad happens. That doesn’t health professionals to help open a new Ebola treatment center mean something horrible won’t happen, but it usually doesn’t.” in Fish Town, a remote community near the Ivory Coast border. Raised by loving parents who met at a roller rink as teenag- With Ebola killing dozens of people by the day, she thought, “I’m ers and had limited education—her dad finished eighth grade a nurse. I’m Catholic. It only makes sense to go.” and her mom, high school—Robertson never even thought During the monthlong trip, Robertson focused on help- about going to college. Her dad often worked as a jockey and ing team members cope with the frustrations that come with bareback bronco rider in the county fair circuit; her mom was working in the developing world while Kunkel identified mostly a homemaker until later in life, when she took a job excellent nurses in the community. After training in under- with Weight Watchers. Like her dad, Robertson has always funded, understaffed treatment centers in Monrovia where loved horses, and she rode “girl” rodeo in high school. At age dying patients of all ages lay on plastic mattresses in hot, 20, she moved to northern Arizona, taking up residence in ill-equipped tents, she and the team experienced the uncoor- a commune with a boyfriend she met in the back of a cattle dinated “hurry up and wait” scenario that comes with global truck. emergency response. “One of my goals was to help people on She was taking anthropology classes at Prescott College the team accept the messiness inherent in the situation and when she spotted an ad in the Prescott Courier for nursing identify ways to contribute,” she recalls. “People would say to courses at nearby Yavapai College. “Be a Nurse for $100,” it me, ‘This is so incredibly disorganized,’ and I would say, ‘Yes, it read. Robertson, who had not considered nursing until that is. It’s like trying to turn around the Titanic.’ I was very proud moment, now says it was the best $100 she ever spent. By to be on the ARC team.” 1978, with her two-year degree in hand, she was training to be During their last week, Robertson and two other mem- a public health nurse on the Yavapai-Prescott Indian reserva- bers of the team visited health centers in the rural part of the

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 21 county. At the most remote clinic, a three-and-a-half-hour hike west of Fish Town, the team was greeted by the Jopro- ken village chief and soon found themselves hosting a community meeting, complete with dancing and singing. “It was not planned, and we were ill prepared, of course, but it was a great opportunity to answer questions and hear what people are worried about,” she says. Some of the best opportunities for learning are often accidental, says Robertson, who in April received the University’s 2015 Faculty Community Service Award, recognizing her leadership on the Ebola response team. “If you want to work in global health, the only way to cope and be of use is to be willing to do things outside of your skill set,” she explains. “You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s a message she conveys to her students every chance she gets, most pointedly in a lecture she calls “The Dork Factor.” “Everywhere I go, I’ll always be a dorky white girl,” Robertson says. She teaches students that getting to know a community means spending time with people and listening to their stories. “Part of being a dork is understanding that everyone knows you don’t belong there. If you never want to be uncomfortable, you’re not going to learn very much.” And there is always something to learn. For the last five years, Robertson has been an integral part of the Respond- ing to the Need for Family Planning (RESPOND) project. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development, the program, led by the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is building public health workforce capacity to address emerging infectious diseases in Central groups,” she explains. “Without access to literature, without and Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia. Robertson has been access to the Internet, how can they know what is already the U’s liaison to the DRC. known?” But the problem, as she has long known, is much Of all the difficult places in the world Robertson has worked, deeper than that. At Lubumbashi, while teaching a class on she readily says DRC was the hardest. Rich in timber, diamonds, armed conflict and health, a faculty member stood and said, and minerals, the country’s people are among the world’s poor- “I’m interested in this class, but I’m not sure how relevant it will est, averaging just one meal a day. Millions have been maimed, be because I don’t feel like my life has been affected by conflict.” raped, and killed as armed conflict has raged for years. Battered Looking around at the devastated room, she thought, “Oh my by shelling, the walls and ceiling of Robertson’s dank classroom gosh, yes, you have.” But, seeing the normalcy the man felt, she at the University of Kinshasa were partially caved in. More replied, “Well, just bear with me, okay?” than 1,500 nursing students crowded in to hear her lecture, Robertson sees hope. She notes that in the last 30 years which she delivered in a yell so the people leaning through the Uganda has successfully rebuilt from conditions similar to those broken windows and perched in nearby trees had some hope of in DRC today. With the RESPOND Project funded for a second hearing her. Later, when she met with faculty at the University phase, she plans to return there to work. For inspiration, she of Lubumbashi in a similarly devastated classroom and asked looks to the smart students from the U and from the African net- them to discuss possible research questions, a faculty member work universities with whom she has been working for the last asked, “Can a goat get worms?” Another raised her hand: “Can several years. “This kind of youth involvement taking control of a woman survive a sonogram?” the complex problems their countries face was unimaginable Robertson stood, silently composing herself. “I realized 30 years ago,” she says. “But we’re really seeing a new cadre of then that I needed to throw away my slides,” she recalls, her young people who are very determined to tackle the toughest eyes tearing up. “I actually feel choked up because it’s just so problems and it’s incredibly exciting to be a part of that.” n unfair that faculty and students don’t have the means to leave the country and go to conferences and work with international Meleah Maynard (B.A. ’91) is senior editor of Minnesota.

22 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Unbowed Rob Stewart take advantage of all the opportunities turned his life that were available.” Stewart was sentenced to 100 months around in of correctional control—a combination of incarceration and supervised release—for prison—and his 2007 conviction. He reduced his time became an behind bars by taking part in a boot camp program for nonviolent drug offenders advocate for at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Willow River/Moose Lake. It proved to be voting rights. a key part of his recovery. “You get out of bed at 5:15. You go to bed at 9:15 every day. You don’t take a nap. By Andy Steiner You can’t sit on your bed during the day. It is a very regimented, structured program. That was very helpful for me because I hadn’t had that type of structure for a very long time,” Stewart says. Stewart—who had spent nearly a year at Hamline University in St. Paul after graduating high school—tutored other inmates in St. Cloud and taught adult basic education and helped prepare them for General Education Development testing. As someone who had grown up middle class and had a supportive family, Stewart ob Stewart (B.A. ’12) doesn’t make excuses knew he had advantages over his peers who had limited sup- when he talks about going to prison. Even port and little education before they were incarcerated. Such before his arrest and conviction in 2007 for basic inequities, which often broke down along class and racial first-degree felony possession of cocaine and methamphet- lines, were striking to Stewart. amine with intent to sell, his life was centered on drug use. “I “Look at my situation: When I was released in 2009, I walked was spinning in a downward trajectory,” he says. into a good, supportive family that was willing and able to help Stewart, who is from Owatonna, Minnesota, started using me get back on my feet. That has made a lot of the difference drugs and alcohol at age 15. In 2005, when he was 24, he was post prison, compared with my peers who didn’t have a family arrested with four pounds of marijuana in his car and three that was able to be supportive financially and emotionally. There months later was arrested for possession of a meth pipe. Both are many supportive families out there who are willing to help offenses are fifth-degree felony controlled substance posses- get their loved ones back on their feet, but they are unfortunately sion and resulted in a four-month jail sentence in prison in St. not able. While I was incarcerated, I started to feel really pas- Cloud, Minnesota, and probation. sionate about that type of thing,” Stewart says. In some ways, the isolation of prison life was a godsend for Stewart spent his first year out of prison on intensive Stewart, 34. After he was found guilty in 2007, he went back to supervised release, completing a year of studies at Alexandria his cell and cried for three days. “Then a friend who was also Community College and living in his parents’ cabin. In fall in jail came and knocked on my cell door. He said, ‘You have 2010, after the terms of supervised release were completed, to come out and have lunch. There’s nothing you can do about he moved to the Twin Cities and enrolled at the University, it so you might as well make the best of it.’” Stewart came out completing his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in the of his cell, ate, and began what turned out to be an extreme sociology of law, criminality, and deviance in 2012. He’s now on life makeover. track to complete his Ph.D. in sociology in 2017 with a focus on “I decided that I would try to make the most of my time punishment, law, crime, and collateral consequences. while I was in there,” he says. “I started going to programs In the years since his imprisonment, Stewart has commit- like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. I ted himself to advocating for equal footing for ex-offenders. started going to Bible study, life skills classes, just trying to An important foundation for building this equal footing is

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 23 enhancing voting rights for people who have served time widely available. A few years ago, it was fairly typical for behind bars. young men to have a brush with the law and then later go “The American penal system is based on the belief on to grow up, find jobs, have families and settle down. that people can redeem themselves, so if we support this Now it is so much more difficult to outrun those records.” concept, we should give former felons the opportunity to Because past convictions appear on background checks, rejoin society,” Stewart says. “The more people that can and mug shots can show up on a simple Google search, vote, the better. When people have a say in their commu- people who have served time in prison have a harder time nity, they feel tied to that community. I think that can have finding employment or stable housing, Uggen says. only positive benefits.” “I had a student who had a conviction over 10 years Stewart views voting as a behavior that people learn ago. After that, he was a model employee, but he had a from their parents—thus, denying voting rights has a very difficult time getting housing. When I was younger, negative multigenerational impact. “If your parents voted if I had had an arrest record, I could simply move from a lot, then you’ll vote. You’ll see the importance and you’ll Minnesota to Wisconsin and nobody would ever know believe that you have power in your community. Children about my past. In those days you could leave things in the whose parents can’t vote are less likely to vote when they rearview mirror.” become adults,” he says. Uggen has found that a record of even low-level offenses Minnesota law bars felons from voting until they have limits the likelihood that an applicant will land a job inter- completed their full sentence, including probation and view. “Fourteen million people are arrested every year in supervised release. And Minnesota has some of the longest the United States. The percentage of people arrested for probation sentences in the nation, says Stewart. “There are serious violent crimes is a tiny fraction of that. In some of a significant number people in this state who get 10, 20, 30 my research, we sent people out to apply for jobs. If they years of probation. Imagine a 25-year-old who’s on felony had a three-year-old disorderly or other low-level arrest on probation and can’t vote for over a decade. That’s a pretty their record, they had a hard time getting a call back from significant amount of time to be paying taxes, to have kids potential employers,” Uggen says. going through the school district, to live in a town, own a He sees some progress. A 2014 Minnesota law, for business, but have absolutely have no say in the different instance, requires employers to wait until later in the hir- laws and restrictions you’re subject to.” ing process—at the interview stage or when a conditional It’s not just felons who lose out when their voting rights job offer has been extended—before asking an applicant are denied. Society does, too, says Stewart’s adviser Chris about his or her criminal record or conducting a criminal Uggen, a University of Minnesota professor of sociology background check. “It means that the applicant can at least who studies the effects of mass incarceration. “We are get in the front door,” Uggen says. locking up a large percentage of males between the ages of Stewart was brought up in a family that valued political 25 to 54,” Uggen says. “It’s hurting society in many ways.” participation, so not being able to vote for so many years The issue particularly impacts African American men, has been tough. Since his supervised release will be over he says—as many as 1 in 4 are blocked from voting due to later this year, he will be eligible to vote in the next election. felony convictions. A couple of years ago, Stewart became active in the Many of these convictions, Uggen says, are a result of Second Chance Coalition, a partnership of over 50 Min- stiffer federal sentencing guidelines for nonviolent drug nesota organizations that advocate for laws, policies, and offenses handed down beginning in the 1970s. In subse- practices that enable former inmates to redeem them- quent years, lawmakers have tightened penalties; in some selves and rejoin society. He is a Second Chance volunteer parts of the United States, people convicted of drug crimes spokesperson and advocates at the Legislature to change may spend years in prison and decades on probation or laws on felon voting rights. supervised release without the right to vote in local or “When it’s the first Tuesday in November and every- national elections. body else is walking around with a little red sticker that Minnesota, Uggen says, has significant racial disparities says, ‘I Voted,’ but you can’t, it’s a pretty depressing expe- in arrest rates: For African Americans, the annual arrest rience,” Stewart says. “The ability to vote conveys a signal rate is 227 per thousand—seven times the white rate of 32 of inclusion. When a community says, ‘You can vote,’ that’s per thousand. basically saying, ‘You’re an important, valuable part of this Technology further limits the ability of people to get out community.’ That’s a message more of us need to hear.” n from under the shadow of their criminal records, Uggen says. “Technology makes criminal history so much more Andy Steiner is a writer and editor living in St. Paul.

24 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA en Utecht (B.A. ’03) never imagined the day last year when he found himself sitting on a plane pouring out his love and fears in a letter to his wife, Karyn, and their daughters. Having suffered five confirmed concussions in his Gopher and pro football careers, Utecht was staring in the face the possibility that memory loss, early onset Alzheimer’s, or another brain disease might someday render him unable to express his feelings for his family. Utecht was a strapping 6-foot-7-inch tight end for the Gophers with great hands and a golden voice when he met Karyn Stordahl (B.S.B. ’03), who was also a U student athlete. She first noticed him singing the national anthem before a Gopher hockey game and thought to herself, “Why can’t I meet a guy like that?” She ultimately did, they married, and they now have three daughters, with a fourth on the way. Utecht gushes when he talks about his wife. “She was Miss Minnesota [in 2005], she was the captain of the women’s golf team, state champion out of Owatonna, top of her class from Carlson School,” he says, then starts to chuckle. “I mean, I married up big time, seriously. She’s amazing.” His heartfelt letter became the basis for a song he cowrote titled, “You Will Always Be My Girls.” In the accompanying music video, which has more than a million YouTube views, Karyn breaks down sobbing next to Ben’s hospital bed. It’s an emotional, albeit fictional, moment that Utecht is working hard to avoid in real life through his advocacy for concussion awareness and brain health. Utecht’s first concussion came in his freshman year for the Gophers in a game against Baylor, when he was briefly knocked unconscious. Three more concussions were interspersed in a decade of football success. In Utecht’s senior season in 2003, Glen Mason’s Gophers went 10–3—the team’s only 10-win season since 1905. Utecht finished his Minnesota career second all-time in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end. He then played four years for the Indianapolis Colts, catching 37 passes on the way to the Colts winning Super Bowl XLI, before moving to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008. His last concussion came during a training-camp blocking drill for the Bengals in 2009. He was knocked out for 90 seconds. “It took about eight months before I was cleared to go back and play if I wanted to,” he says. In the ensuing months, one moment in particular shook him. He was at the home of former Gopher teammate Matt

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 25 Anderle (B.S. '03) with both of their wives, talking about Anderle’s wedding. “I chimed in and said, ‘Why wasn’t I able to be at your wedding?’” Utecht says. After some awkward silence, Anderle and his wife retrieved their wedding album. “Page after page, there I was as a grooms- man in the wedding,” Utecht says. “I sang at his wedding. And I don’t have any memory of that. I don’t have any memory of that today. Those kind of situations began happening and my wife and I decided I just couldn’t, in good conscience, continue to play. ”

The Mysterious World of Concussions In the aftermath of Utecht’s penultimate concussion—a blow to the back of his helmet when he played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2007—the former Gopher had one prevailing thought. “Shake it off and let’s get back in there and play. That’s kind of where we were at with the game at that point,” he says. “Concussions were Scenes from the video “You Will Always Be My not high on the radar.” Girls,” which stars Ben Utecht and his wife, Karyn Less than a decade later there’s been a dramatic shift in concussion awareness. In April, a federal judge approved a $1 billion plan to resolve thousands of lawsuits by former National Football League players who are actively experiencing—or believe they may be developing—dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyo- trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). And this past March, 24-year-old “I still don’t feel former Wisconsin star linebacker Chris Borland announced his retirement from football after his rookie season in the NFL, a pre- emptive move over fear of the long-term effects of repeated head like we know trauma. “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I just don’t think it’s worth the risk,” he said. But for all that has been learned about the ubiquitous sports anywhere what concussion—which afflicts not only football players but also athletes playing hockey, basketball, soccer, rugby, even volley- ball—much remains a mystery. we need to “I think we’ve gotten much better at understanding the seri- ousness of this problem,” says University of Minnesota School of know about the Kinesiology researcher Don Dengel. “We’ve had really significant improvements in handling them. What I think we’re lacking now is understanding, ‘When do I put the athlete back in?’” psychology of Part of the problem is that concussions, unlike, say, knee injuries, are largely invisible to diagnostic equipment. “The brain is very different than any other organ you have in your body,” concussion.” Dengel says. “One reason is that it’s encased in a very hard shell and floating in a bath . . . and that makes it very difficult to look at.” —U RESEARCHER DIANE WIESE-BJORNSTAL Dengel has been researching the functional physiology of the post-concussion brain by increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which in turn stimulates the brain to dilate its blood vessels—an effect that shows up in imaging. The more and faster they dilate, the healthier the brain. Dengel’s colleague Diane Wiese-Bjornstal examines the psychological aspects of sports injuries in general, and began focusing on concussions a couple of years ago when the U’s

26 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport copro- a 20-week cognitive skills training program designed to work duced a video examining the dearth of research on concussions different parts of the brain and strengthen short-term memory, in female athletes. long-term memory, and speed in brain processing. One thing she’s discovered is that people may have preexisting Since he retired from football, Utecht—who comes from a musi- conditions that can complicate their recovery from a concus- cal family—has pursued a professional singing career. Growing up sion. Some examples are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Hastings, Minnesota, Utecht was in theater and played tuba in (ADHD), learning disabilities, and post-traumatic stress syn- the band. Then in 10th grade he switched his focus to singing. “I drome—the latter either in returning veterans or in athletes who was in five choirs. I was in more choirs than I was in sports,” he says. have had a traumatic injury. In college, he started singing national anthems, both at the Take someone with ADHD, which can be characterized by University and for just about every professional sport in town. impulsivity or an inability to focus and concentrate. “Well, those Mason even asked Utecht and his singing partner, former U are also consequences of concussion,” Wiese-Bjornstal says. “So placekicker Dan Nystrom (B.S. ’03), to sing the anthem at the if you already have a problem with that and then it’s compounded game immediately following the 9/11 attacks. by the [concussion] injury itself and the neurological complica- In Indianapolis he met Christian singer Sandi Patty, who tions of that, then you can see why it might be a double whammy.” became a mentor and a coach. “She was really the one that said, Research also suggests that there are some differences in how ‘Man, you really should pursue this professionally,’” he says. In the the sexes experience concussions, she says. Female athletes have ensuing years he’s released several records, including a Christmas a higher rate of concussions per time spent playing the same album, performed at many symphony shows, and toured nation- sports, like hockey, basketball, and soccer. This could be a result ally in 2012. of females being more likely to report their concussions, she And Utecht has become an advocate for concussion crisis says, or musculoskeletal differences may be at play—for example, awareness and brain research. “I was beginning to have a passion women’s necks not being as proportionately strong as men’s. to emotionally connect people to the importance of their brains, Female athletes also tend to report more symptoms, she says, but I didn’t really know how to do it,” Utecht says. “At the same which again could simply be a function of better reporting sys- time, the American Brain Foundation and American Academy tems or perhaps an increased sensitivity toward those symptoms. of Neurology (AAN) were looking for a committed person who As for what goes on in the brain in terms of mental recovery, was going to help them get people emotionally connected to their “I still don’t feel like we know anywhere near what we need brains.” He smiles. “This will be the second year that I’ve joined to know about the psychology of concussion,” she says. Many forces with them, and we’re just getting started.” athletes struggle with cognitive deficits, depression, anxiety, Last summer he testified before the Committee on Aging in and other mental health challenges after a concussion, yet often Congress, and his public service announcement for the AAN aired receive little therapy or psychological care aimed at alleviating during the state high school tournaments in March. Titled “When these symptoms. in Doubt, Sit it Out,” the spot urges coaches, parents, and athletes Dengel adds that while education continues to be paramount, to have concussions properly assessed. He was the recipient of there is no way to eliminate concussions altogether, especially in the 2014 Public Leadership in Neurology Award. athletes—let alone in violent sports like football. The video for “You Will Always Be My Girls” struck a chord “Many of us have probably had a concussion—it’s very diffi- worldwide. Utecht says the producers had originally wanted an cult to find someone who hasn’t—but the severity of what we’ve actor to portray his wife. “I said, ‘Guys, you just gotta trust me on probably experienced is much different from a soldier with a this. I know my wife, and honestly, she’s going to go there.’ It was concussion blast or a football player getting hit by another helmet amazing. Honestly, everyone in the room was just weeping. All or bouncing off the playing surface. There are so many variables that was natural—there was no acting. But it was hard, because that we just can’t control, and [much to understand about] how she had to think about the worst.” the brain really takes that blow.” Thinking about the worst has elicited the best from Utecht, from that letter penned on the plane to his efforts to help others. “I’ve learned that living for what is right overshadows any con- Family, Music, and Brain Health cern for what could be wrong in the future,” he says. “My story Soon after his last concussion, Utecht exhibited some uncharac- has really affected people. It’s been able to bridge the mind and teristic behaviors—namely, anger and lashing out—that startled the heart. . . . It’s a way to get people to care about their minds and family members. Those behaviors have disappeared, as have their brains and then lead them down a path, hopefully, where most of his primary concussion symptoms, although he suffers they begin to understand the importance of research.” n an occasional headache and long-term memory gaps still occur. But, he says, they haven’t gotten any worse. In April he started Rick Moore is a writer and editor for University Relations.

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 27 28 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Understanding the enigmatic LIKE A SECRET HIDING RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES, NEUTRINOS fly through our bodies by the billions every second, carrying with neutrino might be the key to them—physicists hope—clues to the biggest riddle of all: Why explaining why we’re here. are we here? With no electric charge and the tiniest mass of any subatomic U physicists are at the forefront particle, neutrinos are produced in the sun and by radioactive of unraveling the mystery of decay of atomic nuclei. They zip right through the Earth at close to the speed of light, almost never interacting with—hitting—any- these peculiar particles. thing. These so-called “ghosts of the universe” are also its most abundant denizens, haunting its every nook and cranny. Their reluctance to interact has made neutrinos one of the BY DEANE MORRISON most difficult particles to probe and understand. They have ILLUSTRATION BY YUKO SHIMIZU become the object of intense scientific scrutiny because their behavior may point to why our infant universe didn’t self-destruct the instant it was created. “Neutrino research is a journey to discover how our universe began,” says Marvin Marshak, University of Minnesota professor of physics. The six-year, $283 million, federally funded NOvA project seeks to discover whether neutrinos have potential as key actors in that early drama. First proposed by University of Minnesota physicists and colleagues from other institutions, NOvA involves 208 scientists and engineers from 38 institutions, including U professors Marshak, Kenneth Heller, Daniel Cronin-Hennessy, Gregory Pawloski, and Ronald Poling. Along

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 29 — U RESEARCHER RONALD POLING —

with graduate students, postdocs, and others, the U is fielding annihilation went on. The universe should have destroyed itself the largest university contingent. in mere nanoseconds. Yet somehow, one billionth of the matter NOvA begins in Batavia, Illinois, at the U.S. Department of survived to form galaxies, stars, planets, and us. That means one Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Lab, Fermilab, which gener- billionth more matter than antimatter must have been created—a ates an intense beam of neutrinos. Those neutrinos sail through case where the symmetry of the universe was broken. This is a fly the earth to a University lab, constructed in cooperation with Fer- in the ointment of physics theory, because the creation process had milab management, in Ash River in northern Minnesota. There, no obvious reason to favor matter over antimatter. a very few are detected and studied. NOvA stands for NUMI “Humans like symmetry, so we tend to think that the uni- Off-axis electron Neutrino Appearance. NUMI, in turn, refers to verse should have no preference. . . . The numbers of particles on both sides of [the matter/antimatter divide] should be equal and their behavior the same,” says Heller. A major question for the NOvA physicists is whether an imbalance in the behavior of neutrinos vs. their twins, the antineutrinos, could have led to this symmetry break. Fermilab generates beams of both, and NOvA will test whether these particles behave differently on their 500-mile journey to Ash River. If they do, and to a large enough extent, that data would help build new theories about their possible role in the mechanism that allowed a remnant of the universe to survive. Neutrinos are the only known particles whose behavior might harbor enough asymmetry to have had such a profound effect. Dur- ing the first few nanoseconds of the universe, no atoms had yet formed. Besides neutrinos, all matter and antimatter existed as elementary Fermilab, in Batavia, Illinois, shoots a beam of neutrinos to a University particles like quarks, which later combined to of Minnesota laboratory in Ash River, Minnesota. form the protons and neutrons of the first atomic nuclei. “Some asymmetry has been measured, Neutrinos at the Main Injector, the main injector being one of the for example, in interactions of quarks, but not enough to account particle accelerators at Fermilab. NUMI is the name of the beam. for the excess of matter. If the asymmetry is in known physics, it NOvA puts the U at the forefront of the world’s current neu- could only be in neutrinos and antineutrinos,” says Heller. trino experiments, with more planned. “Minnesota has a com- manding position at the center of the U.S. accelerator-based The strange pedigree of neutrinos neutrino program for the next several years, a great opportunity The 40-year-old Standard Model theory describes nature’s fun- for the U and especially our students,” says Poling, head of the damental forces and particles and how they interact. It lists 12 School of Physics and Astronomy. particles: six quarks, three varieties of neutrinos, and three other particles—in ascending order of mass, they are the electron, the Epic—but short—battle muon, and the tau. If neutrinos helped save the universe, they must have done so in To be detected, a neutrino must collide with an atomic nucleus the first few nanoseconds of its existence. Physicists believe the in the detector and be transformed into another particle. By defini- universe was born in the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, when tion, an electron neutrino is one that turns into an electron, a muon intense energy generated unimaginably large numbers of particles. neutrino turns into a muon, and a tau neutrino transforms into All should have been created in pairs—twin particles of matter and a tau. Only at the instant of detection does it acquire its identity. antimatter, which promptly annihilated each other. As the universe That’s because, due to weird quantum effects, each neutrino is rapidly expanded and cooled, particle creation ground to a halt, but actually a mix of all three varieties, which physicists call “flavors.”

30 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 2015 // 16 NORTHROP SEASON Series packages on sale now. Subscribers get the best seats, discounts, and beneﬁts! Single tickets on sale June 15.

2015 Special jazz/ﬁlm classic event Ballet West The Triplets of Belleville Sat, Oct 3, 8:00 pm with Benoît Charest and Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville Seán Curran Company Wed, Feb 17, 7:30 pm Sat, Oct 24, 8:00 pm Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Dorrance Dance Tue, Mar 1, 7:30 pm with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely Thu, Nov 19, 7:30 pm Mark Morris Dance Group Wed, Mar 30, 7:30 pm 2016 Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal Sat, Jan 30, 8:00 pm Wed, Apr 6, 7:30 pm

Jessica Lang Dance Miami City Ballet Sat, Feb 13, 8:00 pm Wed, Apr 27, 7:30 pm

Miami City Ballet’s Emily Bromberg. Photo © Alberto Oviedo. This photo is from a YouTube time-lapse video of construction of NOvA’s far detector in northern Minnesota. More than seven cameras recorded the two-year-long building process, which involved more than 700 University of Minnesota students.

It’s like having three flavors of ice cream in one carton. Unlike ice neutrino mass, is poorly understood. For one thing, particles—like cream, however, a single neutrino can shift the proportions of its the quarks and electrons that form the bulk of everyday matter— flavors, becoming a different mix. For example, shifting to a mix acquire their mass by interacting with the Higgs field, an energy with more of the electron flavor means the neutrino is more likely field that pervades the universe. But tiny neutrinos must interact to be detected as an electron neutrino. with it very weakly, and some scientists think other mechanisms This shifting, called oscillation, is key to unlocking neutri- must at least partly explain the low value of the neutrino mass. nos’ role in the early universe. The Standard Model originally Finding answers would mean wading deeper into questions of predicted neutrinos would be massless, which would mean they how different forms of matter acquire mass and how mass changes couldn’t oscillate. This was disproved by, among others, the Min- during interactions of particles. These enigmas lie at the root of nesota-based multinational experiment Main Injector Neutrino cosmology, the study of the universe’s origin. “We need informa- Oscillation Search (MINOS). It measured the apparent loss of tion about every particle and phenomenon to find the right theory muon neutrinos traveling between Fermilab and the U’s Soudan to explain how the universe formed and the rules that govern lab in Soudan, Minnesota. In fact, the “lost” neutrinos had simply it—what we call a Theory of Everything,” says Pawloski. oscillated into a new mix with less muon flavor. NOvA will compare the rates at which neutrinos and antineutri- A little light reading nos from Fermilab oscillate during the trip to Ash River. A big dif- NOvA began collecting data last summer, using a detector that’s as ference in rates would signal a break in symmetry and a possible— big as neutrinos are small: 256 feet long, 59 feet wide, 59 feet tall, though not definite—role for neutrinos in the universe’s survival. and tipping the scale at 14,000 metric tons. Its innards are 344,000 cells of PVC plastic filled with a scintillator fluid and wired with Physics for the masses fiber optics. When a neutrino interacts with an atomic nucleus in Neutrinos, besides possibly helping save the universe, may tell us the fluid, energy from the collision is converted to a light signal something about one of the most basic properties of matter: how that tells which type of neutrino—muon or electron—is involved. its building blocks—the elementary particles—acquire mass. Neu- To assemble, test, and ship the components of the detector trinos come in only three mixes, each with unique proportions of to Ash River, the University of Minnesota enlisted some of the the flavors. The masses of two mixes are known, and NOvA aims to best and hardest workers around: its own students. About 700 find the mass of the third. Called mix 3, it is richest in tau flavor. It held paid jobs in a warehouse-sized lab just a stone’s throw from is either the most or the least massive mix, and settling the matter campus, getting invaluable experience as well as a stake in one of is of great interest to physicists. the world’s premier experiments. If neutrino masses fit neatly into the Standard Model, NOvA Those students have finished their work, but the researchers will find that mix 3 has the highest mass. This makes sense, have at least five more years of data collection from NOvA. “What’s because tau neutrinos transform into the heaviest of the neutrino- exciting is being able to really probe the deepest mysteries of the associated particles—the tau. But if mix 3 should be the lightest, universe, and there’s none deeper than how it can exist at all,” physicists would need to explain why the lightest neutrino should says Heller. n be paired with the heaviest particle. This strange result could happen because mass, and especially Deane Morrison is a Twin Cities-based science writer.

32 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA “For the Minnesota fan who has (almost) AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT everything” MINNESOTA HISTORY

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Brent Assink at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall SPOTLIGHT ON BAY AREA ALUMNI WHERE GOLDY MEETS THE GOLDEN GATE

At about 7,000 strong, a vibrant University of Minnesota alumni community lives in the Bay Area of northern California—and the Bay Area Chapter of the Alumni Association is where they connect. Count on the usual social gatherings such as game watch parties, happy hours, and bike rides, to name a few, but the chapter also founded an endowed scholarship that helps send California students to the U. In 1998, then-chapter President Grant Erickson (B.E.E. ’96, M.S.E. ’98) began thinking about establishing a scholarship based on need and merit for California high school students who wanted to attend the Univer- sity of Minnesota. “The board and I started developing for the fund in earnest in about 2003,” he says. All then-current board members made seed commitments, and dona- tions came from key area alumni and local corporations with an alumni connection. Additionally, profits from chapter events went toward the fund. Chapter members continued fundraising for the next 10 years, and in January 2013 a $3,000 donation from a single alumnus took The two regal buildings housing the fund over the $25,000 target. To date, Instrumental San Francisco’s premier sympho- two students have received scholarships: Alumni ny and opera stand directly across Nikki Kyllonen from El Sobrante, who is from one another. Each pulses majoring in computer science with a minor with music driven by the artistic visions of University of Minne- in astrophysics, and Jason Chen from Dublin, sota alumni Brent Assink (M.A. ’81) and John Churchwell (M.M. a mechanical engineering major. ’94, D.M.A. ’02), who are, respectively, executive director of the —Cynthia Scott San Francisco Symphony and head of music for the San Francisco Opera. Both studied music at the University of Minnesota, gained momentum through opportunities with the St. Paul Chamber HOWO T CONNECT Orchestra and Minnesota Opera, and took their talent to San Fran- Visit the Bay Area Chapter’s website cisco. Driven by a passion for music education and innovation, the at MinnesotaAlumni.org/bayarea two play an integral role in shaping the city’s music culture. or contact the current president, Serving in his 16th year as executive director, Assink has spear- Shelby Rhodes (B.A. ’10), at headed a number of initiatives that have enlarged the orchestra’s [email protected]. profile. Inspired by his early work with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, when he was involved in taking performances to schools,

34 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA John Churchwell at the War Memorial Opera House

Assink has helped expand the San Francisco Symphony’s pres- Twin Cities, where Midwestern approachability allowed him to ence to every local classroom, grades one through five. Another make connections quickly, he says. In San Francisco, he estab- alumnus, David Strand (J.D. ’81), also contributes to the success lished himself as a distinguished mentor and performer. of the San Francisco Symphony, where he serves as the vice chair Every summer, Churchwell trains upcoming singers and of the Board of Governors. pianists at a music festival in Santa Barbara; he also works with “We basically provide much of the music education in the Adler Fellows, the Opera’s residency program for advanced classroom,” Assink says. “That’s something I think is part of what young artists. As head of music, he oversees musical preparation a symphony orchestra ought to do in the community.” of all the Opera’s performances—up to 10 per year—working with Assink’s focus on weaving the symphony into the fabric of the individual singers on their roles, assisting conductors in their community has led to a number of projects: a classical music pro- work with the orchestra, playing piano for staging rehearsals, gram for PBS, heritage concerts that celebrate cultural diversity, and maintaining the standards of excellence throughout the a new black box venue for more intimate performances, and a run of each opera. Churchwell has managed to stay engaged as program that pairs amateur musicians with professional coaches a performer as well. and stage time. “I know the satisfaction of expressing your unique vision about Churchwell carved out his niche in the West Coast arts and a piece of music without using words,” he says, speaking from his culture scene after accepting an offer to serve as the head of experience as a pianist. “It transports you to a different place.” MARC MARC OLIVIER LE BLANC music for the San Francisco Opera. He gained exposure in the —Erin Luhmann

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 35 Alumni Stories

Left: Robbin Everson and Panos Panagos greet chapter members at the February 28 chocolate tasting. Below: Everson and chapter member Prateek Khasgiwala

Robbin Everson (B.S. ’75) and her business partner, Sweet! Panos Panagos, thought they had a pretty good idea for a business when they opened Alegio Chocolaté in Berkeley, California, in 2006. But it exceeded all expectations. Rave reviews and a steady stream of customers prompted the opening of a second location in Palo Alto in 2013. In February, Everson hosted a tasting at the Palo Alto store for the Bay Area Chapter of the Alumni Association, of which she is a member. “Panos always says, ‘People from Minnesota are so nice and polite.’ I always tell him, ‘I told you we have a culture all our own.’” The quality of the chocolate is the key to Alegio’s success. “It tastes like chocolate did 100 years ago before so many things were added to it,” Everson says, explaining how they’ve partnered with chocolatier Claudio Corallo, who makes the shop’s truffles and chocolate bars from cacao beans he produces on organic farms in Africa.

Noted Gopher Alumni in the Bay Area Vineyard Founders and Owners Nancy Ascher (Ph.D. ’85), professor and chair Jason Li (Ph.D. ’96) and Katherine Zhuang (M.S. of the department of surgery, University of ’95), cofounders and CEO of Tenergy Duane and Susan Hoff (B.A. ’85, B.S. ’87) California San Francisco Michael Moe (B.A. ’86), CEO, Global Silicon Fantesca Estate and Winery Jim Becker (M.A. ’86), president and CEO, Valley Asset Management Tom Kenefick (M.D. ’60), Kenefick Ranch Richmond Community Foundation Tom Peters (Ph.D. ’73), CEO, Marin Community Peter Kitchak (B.A. ’63, UMD; J.D. ’68), Jeff Dean (B.C.S. ’90), software developer Foundation Kitchak Cellars for Google. Considered the world’s fastest Taryn Shawstad (B.A. ’82, M.A. ’88), head of Susan Krausz (B.S. ’79), Arkenstone programmer who wrote the code that compensation, Chevron Vineyards launched Google. John Stumpf (M.B.A. ’80), CEO, Wells Fargo Brenda Mixson (B.S. ’86), The Grade Cellars M. Bridget Duffy (B.S. ’84, M.D. ’91), chief Paul Volberding (M.D. ’75), one of the world’s Kent and Kathleen Rosenblum (D.V.M. ’68, medical officer, Vocera Communications foremost authorities on treating HIV infection B.A. ’69) Rosenblum Cellars. Kent is also Robert Duffy (B.S.B. ’68), retired partner at A.T. Asher Waldfogel (B.A. ’79), founder, Redback CEO of Rock Wall Wines Company. Kearney; member of the Carlson School Board Networks, Tollbridge, and Peakstream of Overseers for 20 years Daniel Whalen (M.A. ’70), founder or cofounder Jim Guzy (B.S. ’57), one of the first investors in of six telecommunications companies, Intel; chair, SRC Computers member of Humphrey School Dean’s John Hammergren (B.S.B. ‘81), CEO, McKesson Advisory Council FOREST PARKER FOREST

36 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Childbirth Gets Its Due When Katy Kozhimannil (B.A. ’99) began to study pregnancy and maternity care, it seemed reasonable to expect she would be entering a crowded research field. Child- birth is the number one reason for hospi- talization in the United States, with nearly 4 million visits annually. As a nation, we spend more money on maternity and new- born care—$50 billion—than on any other single health care need. But there might as well have been tum- bleweeds blowing across that particular research plain. That needed to change, says Kozhimannil, assistant professor of health policy and management at the Uni- versity of Minnesota. “There’s been a lot of attention focused on [healthcare for] older Americans—and rightly so—but taxpayers fund about half of all births in the United States. We have a stake in this.” Today, Kozhimannil is one of the nation’s top researchers on pregnancy and maternity care. Her findings have helped propel statewide legislation on maternity care and are serving as a foundation to transform maternal care across the nation.

How did you get interested in this topic? After I graduated from the University of Minnesota, I joined the Peace Corps and taught English to junior high students One of your areas of study is maternity care demands for operating room space. That in Mozambique. In seventh grade, there in rural areas, which hasn’t received much said, there are still about 1,100 rural hos- were about 50 percent boys and 50 per- attention even though Grand Marais and Ely- pitals in the United States that do provide cent girls in my classes. By ninth grade, it Bloomenson-area hospitals recently closed maternity care, and most of those hospi- was about 90 percent boys and 10 percent their obstetrics units. What’s going on? tals, and their clinicians and staff in obstet- girls. I saw my amazing, talented female There are a whole range of interconnected rics, are highly committed to doing so. students drop out of school for reasons issues that affect a hospital’s ability to offer that were frequently related to sexual obstetric services, including a low volume Another of your areas of interest is doulas. and reproductive health and pregnancy. of patients, the availability of anesthesia What are they and why are they so important? A whole range of issues affected young services, having nursing staff with skills Doulas are professionals who provide women very differently from their broth- in perinatal care, the need for family phy- support to women during pregnancy, ers. Those same dynamics aren’t as pro- sician training in cesarean delivery, and labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.

FOREST PARKER FOREST SARA RUBINSTEIN nounced here, but they’re still present. challenges with managing competing There is so much excellent clinicalcontinued data

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 37 Alumni Stories

that shows that this support is associated to include Medicaid coverage for doula with better birth outcomes—higher rates services in the state plan. It became law in Save the date for of spontaneous vaginal births, lower rates May 2013 and has the potential to affect Homecoming 2015 of cesarean delivery, higher breastfeeding 30,000 Minnesota women. rates, higher infant APGAR scores [which Come back to campus for home- assess appearance, pulse, grimace, activ- Wow, that was fast. coming week, September 20 ity, and respiration], and lower rates of Yes and no. Birth workers have been advo- through September 26. preterm birth. If doulas were a medicine, cating for this issue for 20 years, but they You won’t want to miss Ski-U- it would be unethical not to give it. But in needed the data to have this conversation. Mania on September 26, the part because of the cost—a private doula Because of other issues—the state pays Alumni Association’s ultimate costs between $600 and $1,500—only just $411 for the service—the reality hasn’t pregame celebration. Enjoy food, about 6 percent of women have doulas. changed much. But we’ve made a ton of entertainment, and the coronation progress on paper. We’re getting closer. of the new homecoming king and Your work is helping change that. I never forget that every data point queen. Event begins at 11:30 with There were all kinds of data problems is someone’s birth story. I want to use kick-off at 2:30 between Gophers when we started wading into these that data to inform how decisions are and Ohio. For registration and a waters, but in 2013, our study about doula made. For me, that’s the right way to list of homecoming activities, visit care, cesarean birth rates, and cost out- honor the experiences of mothers and MinnesotaAlumni.org/homecoming. comes was published in the American families in Minnesota, the United States, See you there! Journal of Public Health. One week later, and beyond. legislation was introduced in Minnesota —Erin Peterson

Remembering David Carr

Just days before he died, New York Ison recalled that “Carr often Times columnist and alumnus David described himself as a mediocre stu- Carr (B.A. ’81) learned that he was the dent on the seven-year plan in college. recipient of the 2015 Award for Excel- But even during his years at the U he lence from the SJMC Alumni Society. was emerging as a voracious reader Carr collapsed in the Times news- and a confident, gifted writer. He free- room on February 12. He was 58. A lanced for various small newspapers survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and and magazines, drawing from late addiction, an autopsy revealed that he nights in bars and long days in govern- died of complications from lung cancer, ment offices to unearth stories hidden with heart disease a contributing factor. from other reporters.” His work landed Carr’s classmate Chris Ison (B.A. him the job as editor of the weekly Twin ’83), writing in the School of Jour- Cities Reader in 1993. He was hired as nalism and Mass Communication’s editor of Washington City Paper in 1995, Murphy Reporter, said, “The national where he made his mark as an editor, outpouring of grief and gratitude that writer, and mentor of young reporters. followed Carr’s death was testimony to The Times hired him in 2002. his generosity as much as his journal- Carr reported on his own dark past ism.” Ison quoted Brian Stelter, host of as a cocaine and alcohol addict in his CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” as saying of 2008 memoir, Night of the Gun, which his mentor, “He taught me to write with became a Times bestseller. every muscle in my body, to pour it He is survived by his wife, Jill Rooney out onto the page. To write with confi- Carr; daughters Madeleine, Erin, and dence, to live with confidence, and with Meagan; and five siblings. joy, and with passion, and with heart.” CHESTER CHESTER HIGGINS JR./THE NEW TIMES/REDUX YORK

38 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Gophers Forever

The Alumni Sandra K. Dillard Lawrence A. Kurzeka Frederick J. Quinn Ruth E. Dixon Mark E. Lammers Erin L. Ranslow Association Mary J. Dooley Thomas S. Larson Kevin M. Ranslow welcomes Gary R. Dorek Ignatius K. Lee Scott W. Reeve these new life Michael Dorner Randee K. Lee Dorothy M. Rich Norma J. Eide James D. Lehmann Mary J. Roe members John R. Emery Patricia A. Lehmann Claire T. Rohlinger Christopher C. Felix Brian L. Lemay Eric M. Rohlinger Robert M. Ahrens Christopher J. Finberg Martha J. Lewis- Catharine B. Ruther Khaled Alsharji Donald A. Fondrick Hunstiger William F. Samayoa John O. Althoff Marlene A. Fondrick Gretchen A. Lieving Kelly Scanlan Mary J. Althoff Mary Ellen M. Fox Robert E. Lieving John E. Scarbrough Phyllis Althoff Linda L. Fredrickson Merlin D. Lindemann Timothy G. Gretchen L. Ambrosier Kathleen A. Gagnon Cecilia J. Lipp Schneeweis Paul W. Ambrosier Peter M. Gamades Rodney J. Lipp Jennifer J. Schneider Joel D. Amundson Timothy J. Gamboni David R. Lundquist Georgia A. Schuetzler Michael A. Andersen Jamie A. Gergen Josephine R. Lundquist Mark R. Schuetzler Susan Andersen Mary R. Gilbertson William P. Luther Michael P. Scott Sterling J. Anderson Rolf E. Gilbertson Martin Maczkiewicz Janet K. Severson Jean L. Annexstad Douglas D. Gillespie Judith S. Madden Jeffrey A. Severson Rolf J. Annexstad Shannah R. Gillespie Peter N. Madden Siva C. Sivagnanaguru John B. Atwood Jane A. Gisslen Mark C. Magney Ronald J. Smith ™ Ann Aurelius Lynn Golberstein Tammy S. Magney Coreen B. Stettner Blau Aleksa B. Babic Roman J. Gomez Douglas L. Manthei Deena R. Strohman Scott L. Balken Eric Gustafson Gwen S. Martin Mary Sullivan Douglas C. Balz Kimara L. Gustafson Gary T. Marwick Elizabeth K. Swanson Ronni K. Beatty- Michael J. Hammond Sarah E. McFarland Jeffrey A. Swanson Kollasch Catherine A. Hanson Dianne McMenomy Terri L. Symonds Claire E. Bender Peter G. Hanson Mike McMenomy Connie L. Theien- John N. Berklich Robert E. Hanson Brian J. Meline Psotka Benjamin T. Bernard Christopher J. Hasling Katie D. Meyer Heidi L. Thorson Daniel R. Bleakmore Niomi Hasling Nancy Meyer Colleen K. Tollefson Cynthia F. Bloomquist Brett R. Hildreth Barbara J. Millar Bruce D. Trulson Rebecca A. Borchardt Zoe Hildreth Cindy S. Mohr Anita Udayamurthy Robert P. Borchardt Lindsey N. Hillesheim Lawrence H. Mohr David C. Vanney John M. Bornhoft Janet M. Hively Dee M. Molean Raymond K. Voelker

Margaret A. Bornhoft Ronald M. Hoffner Timothy S. Mowbray Teresa M. Voelker ™ Ardell F. Brede Ann M. Holleschau John P. Nei Jonathan M. Wallace Barbara R. Bushey Joyce T. Holm Donald J. Nevin Maricarol Wallace Milton L. Bushey Clayton R. Houff Susanne Nevin Maureen J. Watson Alvin B. Buss Jia Hu Susan L. Nordby Denise J. Wedel Dawn L. Carlson Debra K. Ingram Wallace W. Norlander Julia A. Weiler Jean A. Carraher David Inman Bruce Noyes Bruce R. Weldon Dennis F. Cerkvenik Sharon D. James Merrikay A. Oleen- Mary E. Weller Sharon M. Chandler A. Frederick Janzen Burkey Erika B. Wood Modi Chen Brady G. Johnson John T. O’Regan Zachary J. Wood Cathy S. Christensen Lowell W. Johnson Suzanne M. Paulson Yasemin Yesil James H. Christensen Maricarol A. Johnson Michael T. Pederson Debbie A. Zamow Wah-Hui Chu Mark R. Johnson Dorothy M. Perry John D. Zamow Teresa Dale-Pfister Susan K. Johnson Chris D. Peters Chunhui Zhong Elizabeth A. Danielson William A. Johnson Rolf A. Peterson Victor Dannon Oesten Juntti Christine R. Poe Carol M. Dean Natalie Kalev-Kronik Thomas E. Poe Craig R. Dean Eugene E. Kranz Shirley A. Polejewski Kathryn E. Dick Penny L. Kranz Christopher J. Psotka Carla R. Kuehn Jane F. Kurzeka

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 39 ALUMNI TRAVEL GUIDE 2016

We invite you to travel with the Vietnam: Historic and Unplugged Hosted by University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and his wife, Karen Alumni Association in 2016. Kaler. Meet the cultured and hospitable people of Vietnam in a variety of settings, from the entrepreneurial spirit of the markets of Ho Chi Minh City The year begins with an exceptional opportunity to tour (above) to the tranquil spirit of the past in the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Vietnam in the company of University President Eric Post-tour extension in Cambodia available. January 2–13; $3,995 plus airfare. Kaler and his wife, Karen Kaler. The Kalers will be your hosts as you meet the people of Vietnam in a variety Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage of settings, from the markets of Ho Chi Minh City to the In this small Central American democracy kissed by nature, your group will Temple of Literature in Hanoi. (See listing at right.) discover a nation’s wealth in four distinct regions, from cloud forest to rain forest, Central Valley to Pacific Coast. As Costa Rica presents its staggering We hope you will explore Vietnam or other storied display of biodiversity—pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic destinations and captivating cultures with us. Many flora and fauna—you’ll enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration that celebrates Costa Rica’s wide-ranging natural resources. additional 2016 destinations will be announced at January 7–18; approximately $3,500 including airfare. MinnesotaAlumni.org/Travel. Sailing the Windward Islands Escape the depths of winter on this eight-day cruise of the Caribbean’s Dates and price information are subject to change. All prices are per tropical Windward Islands aboard the exclusively chartered, 64-passenger person, double occupancy. To be added to our travel mailing list or yacht M.Y. Le Ponant. Enjoy a classic “life under sail” round trip from Fort- request specific trip brochures, contact us at [email protected]. de-France, Martinique to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago Cays Marine Park, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Enjoy superb French-inspired cuisine! January 16–23; approximately $4,495 plus airfare.

40 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Jewels of Central America Experience the ecological treasures and exotic allure of Central America, including the Panama Canal, by small ship aboard the 210-guest M.S. Saint Laurent. Sail from San José, Costa Rica to Cartagena, Colombia, along the way visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, Osa Peninsula, Golfito, Coiba Island, Darién National Park, Panama City, the Panama Canal, and the San Blas Islands. January 22–31; from $4,499 plus airfare.

Cuban Discovery Uncover the beauty, paradoxes, and complex history of this captivating Caribbean nation. Throughout this nine-day journey, visits to Havana, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, Trinidad, and Santa Clara will offer unique opportunities to connect with a variety of local citizens such as artists, students, educators, and entrepreneurs to gain insight into one of the world’s most mesmerizing countries. January 30–February 6; price TBA

Wonders Of The Galápagos Islands A uniquely designed itinerary offering Ecuador’s Andes and Galápagos Islands. Features three nights in Quito; five days exploring the Galápagos Islands aboard a first-class expedition vessel; up-close encounters with exotic wildlife; small- group walks led by expert naturalist guides; and an excursion to the equator. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley post-tour option. February 28–March 8; approximately $4,795 plus airfare.

Sea of Cortez Enjoy a unique nautical adventure aboard the M.Y. Safari Endeavour. Explore isolated bays, volcanic islands, craggy seamounts, and historic towns while sailing through waters teeming with marine life. Swim with whale sharks and sea lion pups and observe gray whales as they enter the sea to calve. Every port is filled with exciting opportunities for recreation and leisure. March 11–20; $4,895 plus airfare. Stepping Stones of Western Europe Tanzania Safari During the Great Migration This unique cruise features Bordeaux, Brittany, Normandy, and Britain. Visit Guernsey, Channel Islands; the spectacular French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer; Experience a safari of a lifetime in Africa’s premier safari destination during the and Saint-Malo to explore the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit the beaches of Great Migration. Enjoy guided game drives through Tanzania’s finest game parks— Normandy 72 years after the historic D-Day landings, accompanied by David Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater— Eisenhower. Paris pre-cruise and London post-cruise options. with deluxe accommodations. Visit Olduvai Gorge, the “cradle of mankind.” April 23–May 1; approximately $3,995 plus airfare. Tarangire National Park post-program option available. March 14–25; approximately $6,995 plus airfare. Insider’s Japan Exploring Australia and New Zealand Japan is a land of delicate art and bustling commerce; of rich traditions and amazing modernity; and an array of fascinating sights, sounds, and tastes. This Small-group touring and the lands Down Under are the perfect combination. 13-day small-group tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as Travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa and the stunning scenery of and Ayers Rock to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mount Mount Fuji and Fuji–Hakone–Izu National Park. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical April 30–May 12; approximately $5,100 including airfare. Auckland. Features ample leisure time in Sydney, a two-night stay at Mount Cook National Park, a visit to a koala sanctuary, and much more. April 6–28; approximately $7,700 including airfare. Inland Sea of Japan and South Korea A unique combination of two nights in Kyoto, Japan, and seven nights aboard a Paradores and Pousadas five-star small ship (only 110 staterooms), exploring Japan’s inland sea and South Korea. Visit picturesque formal gardens, a classic teahouse, and Hiroshima Peace A distinctive small-group journey through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate Memorial Park. See the magnificent landscapes of Busan, South Korea, and the legends of Spain’s paradores and Portugal’s pousadas: medieval monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. Tokyo post-program option. historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. May 5–15; approximately $5,695 plus airfare. You will experience the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life. April 7–21; approximately $4,395 including airfare.

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 41 Lands and Islands of Mystery Take a trans–Pacific voyage from Tokyo, Japan, to Seward, Alaska, visiting Russia’s Far East, the Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands, and Japan’s northern islands. Call on rarely visited ports: Kushiro, Petropavlovsk, Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Homer aboard a six-star Silversea Cruises all-suite ship. Kyoto, Japan pre-cruise option. May 5–17; approximately $5,094 plus airfare.

Passage of Lewis and Clark Discover the timeless majesty of the Columbia and Snake rivers as you immerse yourself in the history and natural grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. From Spokane, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, cruise to charming towns and historic sites aboard the unique steamboat American Empress, visiting Clarkston and the Tri–Cities, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; and Astoria, Oregon. May 7–15; from $3,995 plus airfare.

Changing Tides of History: Cruising the Baltic Sea A spectacular six-country program, featuring Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Experience the cultural rebirth of the Baltic states during eight nights aboard the five-star M.S. Le Boreal. Enjoy specially arranged Sandra and Gary Peterman presentations by former president of Poland, Lech Walesa, and by Brown University Professor Sergei N. Khrushchev, son of Nikita Khrushchev. FUN, FOOD, AND WINE June 15–24; approximately $5,995 plus airfare. Now that Sandra and Gary (B.S.B. ’78) Peterman Great Journey Through Europe are retired, international travel is on the top of This extraordinary “Grand Tour” features the Netherlands, Germany, France, and their to-do list. Last year they took two trips with Switzerland, and five nights aboard the deluxe Amadeus Fleet, cruising the most the Alumni Travel Program, a Mediterranean cruise scenic sections of the Rhine River. Ride three legendary railways—the Matterhorn’s and a tour of Tuscany. More than 50 alumni were Gornergrat Bahn, the Glacier Express, and Lucerne’s Pilatus railway, the world’s on board for the cruise and after being introduced steepest cogwheel. Amsterdam preprogram option. at a mixer, many of them met up daily to take July 4–14; approximately $4,295 plus airfare. tours at different stops, including Monaco and Portofino. The group also spent time relaxing and Discovering Eastern Europe talking over meals as the ship made its way along Whether you seek to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers wonderful the coast, starting in Barcelona. “Every day was opportunities for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. Both leisurely and something new and interesting, and we took a lot comprehensive, it provides a generous overview of five distinctly different and of pictures so we can look back and remember fascinating nations: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic. what we saw,” Gary says. July 12–28; approximately $4,700 including airfare. In October, the Petermans went to Tuscany on a small-group tour that included visits to ruins, Oxford and the English Countryside cheese-making and olive demonstrations, and Travel through quintessential England, with four nights in Oxford’s landmark wine tasting at vineyards and wine estates. The Macdonald Randolph Hotel and three nights in a charming Cotswold village. Visit personalized itinerary also included dinners at the village of Bampton of Downton Abbey fame, and, by special arrangement, meet the homes of local residents and a private tour of Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill in Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Cambridge preprogram and Windsor, Buckinghamshire, River Thames some recently discovered ruins by the mayor of a post-program options. little town they visited. “They were excavating the August 19–27; approximately $3,995 plus airfare. ruins under a building and we walked all the way down in there and it was closed,” Gary recalls. “The The Magnificent Great Lakes mayor just got on the phone and the director of Immerse yourself in the glorious scenery and history of North America’s Great the site came right over to help. We’re still in touch Lakes as you sail from Chicago to Montreal aboard an intimately small ship, the with that mayor.” 210–guest M.S. Saint Laurent. Admire towering, rugged bluffs, untouched deep-green wilderness, and historic ports on this tranquil odyssey along the St. Lawrence River and all five majestic Great Lakes. August 22–31; from $4,499 plus airfare.

42 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Rivieras and Islands South Africa: Contrasts in Majesty Explore France, Italy, and Spain aboard a five-star small ship, the M.V. Tere Moana. Elegant and mysterious, South Africa invites you on an exciting safari of Visit Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Nice, Monte Carlo, treasures. Explore Cape Town’s unrivaled beauty and exotic botanical gardens; Marseille, Provence, and Carcassonne. See six UNESCO World Heritage sites; enjoy then travel up to the Cape of Good Hope and the endearing penguins of Boulders a panoramic tour of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda and a visit to Nuraghe Fortress; Beach. Visit Table Mountain and the verdant winelands and see Africa’s Big Five up a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence; and much more. Rome pre-cruise option and close in Kruger National Park. Barcelona post-cruise option. September 15–26; $5,995 plus airfare. August 26–September 3; approximately $5,495 plus airfare. China, Tibet, and the Yangtze River Peruvian Amazon Discovery Voyage This distinctive small-group journey combines a special visit to remote, spiritual Few places have the staggering breadth of natural diversity that exists along Tibet with a memorable cruise on the Yangtze, China’s fabled “long river.” Adding the Amazon River. This expedition into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle to this highly popular itinerary: intriguing Beijing, the extraordinary Terracotta explores one of the largest expanses of tropical rain forest and one of the most Warriors of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai. Visits to Tiananmen Square, the biologically diverse regions in the world. Includes two nights in Lima and a four- Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and Three Gorges are featured. night Cusco/Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley experience. October 20–November 7; approximately $5,900 including airfare. September 3–11; approximately $4,000 plus airfare. Quebec, Canada Moroccan Discovery Explore Quebec City, then travel the St. Lawrence River route, where the Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts, inviting you to encounter its ancient forest, mountain, and sea coast wilderness of the Gaspé Peninsula provides ruins and sacred mosques, vast desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs, unforgettable outdoor experiences. Observe up close an incredible variety and spirited souks. As you travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and of animal, bird, and marine life. Be charmed by Quebec’s French heritage, Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, your eyes and heart will be opened outstanding cuisine, and natural beauty. to an age–old culture and warmly hospitable people. This tour features visits to Date TBA; approximately $4,795 plus airfare. five UNESCO World Heritage sites. September 9–22; approximately $5,100 including airfare.

Peggy and Dave Lucas LASTING FRIENDSHIPS So far, Peggy (B.A. ’63, M.S.W. ’78) and Dave (M.D. ’64) Lucas have traveled to China and from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro via the Alumni Travel Program. Both trips had their high points, but China was their favorite because of the unique experiences they had and the lasting friendships they made. “Our guide in China was fantastic and there were experts at every stop, which is important. On a University trip like this, people want to feel like they’re learning something,” says Peggy, a regent of the University of Minnesota. During the trip, the Lucases were part of a small group that visited the University’s China Center in Beijing. “It was really interesting to see how many alumni there are in China and how involved they are,” Peggy recalls. “A few of us got to have dinner with them and later we shared our experience with everybody in the rest of the group. We still keep in touch with some of the people we met.”

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 43 OCEANIA CRUISES Pagodas and Palaces Discover timeless pagodas and palaces, exotic landscapes, and captivating cities as you cruise the South China Sea aboard the intimate Nautica from Singapore to alluring ports in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. January 6–24; from $6,799 including airfare.

Bridge of the Americas From Miami to Lima via the Panama Canal, encounter idyllic natural wonders, dramatic coastlines, and fascinating ancient relics along the shores of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru while sailing aboard the regal Regatta. January 20–February 7; from $4,999 including airfare.

Pacific Dreams of the Tahitian Islands Mediterranean Passage Experience the wonders of French Polynesia while cruising the South Pacific on Explore picture-perfect villages, age-old cities, and breathtaking landscapes on the majestic Marina to the enchanting tropical islands of Mo`orea, Bora Bora, this exciting 10-night cruise aboard the Riviera from Barcelona, Spain, to Istanbul, Rangiroa, and more. Savor shimmering lagoons, colorful marine life, and blissful Turkey. Ports of call in France, Monaco, Italy, and Greece will captivate you with beaches on this extraordinary voyage. their timeless intrigue. January 25–February 4; from $3,999 including airfare. April 24–May 5; from $3,799 including airfare.

Tasman Treasures Palms in Paradise Visit the land of koalas and kangaroos as you explore charming seaside towns From palm-studded emerald landscapes to man-made wonders and majestic Down Under. Discover the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of Australia, colonial architecture, experience the highlights of Central America as the regal Tasmania, and New Zealand while cruising aboard the Marina, a masterpiece of Regatta takes you from Florida to Colombia through the Panama Canal and on to sophistication. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and California. February 21–March 9; from $6,999 including airfare. April 24–May 10; from $3,299 including airfare.

Radiant Rhythms Portraits of the Past Pulsating tango rhythms, sparkling beaches, and exotic botanical gardens. Sail away on the intimate Nautica and revel in the esteemed architecture, Experience South America on a voyage aboard the intimate Regatta. Buenos Aires stunning seascapes, and cultural gems of the Mediterranean as you cruise from offers the perfect point of departure for an odyssey filled with historical, natural, Rome to Barcelona. Ports of call include Corsica, Cinque Terre, Monte Carlo, and cultural marvels in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Antibes, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia. February 27–March 11; from $4,499 including airfare. May 9–20; from $3,999 including airfare.

Journey Through the Amazon Essence of the Atlantic Journey deep into the Amazon, savoring the sights and sounds of secluded towns Sail the sparkling Atlantic from New York to Lisbon, where beautiful ports nestled amid exotic wilderness as the regal Regatta takes you on an incredible and lush islands beckon with eclectic architecture, intriguing cultures, and 22-night voyage to historic ports in Brazil and the Caribbean. enchanting, rugged scenery on a tranquil odyssey aboard the luxurious Marina. March 10–April 2; from $6,499 including airfare. May 14–28; from $2,999 including airfare.

44 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA Kent and Beth Horsager CAMARADERIE AND CONVERSATIONS For Kent Horsager (B.S. ’84), cruising the Dan- them appreciated the interesting mix of lec- prayer] to demonstrate the excellent acoustics ube River was a bucket list trip. “The Danube tures, tours with experienced local guides, and of the cathedral.” Kent recalls. flows from the heart of Europe to the Black plenty of time to explore the sites on their own. Traveling with a group of 18 alumni enriched Sea, zigzagging its way through kingdoms, A favorite part of the trip for the Horsagers the Horsagers’ experience in many ways, Kent countries, and empires, both as a joining and a happened in Belgrade, Serbia. “Our guide also says. “Our travel mates were engaged and sea- dividing force,” Horsager says. The cruise was worked as a professional opera singer, so during soned travelers and that led to great conversa- the first trip Kent and his wife, Beth, have taken the tour of St. Sava Cathedral in the capital city tions and camaraderie all along the way.” with the Alumni Travel Program, and both of he broke into a beautiful kyrie [a short liturgical

Cloisters and Courtyards northeastern shores of the North Atlantic, visiting the scenic and historic ports of Immerse yourself in the charm of coastal Spain, Portugal, and France as you Canada’s Quebec City, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New sail for 12 nights from Barcelona to London aboard the intimate Nautica. Your Brunswick; then Bar Harbor and Camden, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; and New picturesque ports of call include Málaga, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, A Coruña, Bilbao, York City. Bordeaux, and Paris. September 30–October 12; from $5,199 including airfare. May 19–June 1; from $4,799 including airfare. Iberian Inspiration Scenic Coves of the Mediterranean Experience a dazzling array of landscapes and cultures along the Iberian Coast A seven-night cruise from glamorous Monte Carlo, Monaco, to lively and lovely aboard Oceania Cruises’ elegant Marina. Your ports of call are brimming with Barcelona, Spain, aboard the majestic Riviera. Admire the stunning coastal exotic beauty and fascinating history: Lisbon, Portugal; Tangier, Morocco; scenery and enjoy the charming hospitality of Cinque Terre, Civitavecchia, Malaga, Cartagena, and Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno, Saint-Tropez, Marseille, and Palamós along the way. Portofino, Florence, and Rome, Italy. June 21–29; from $2,899 including airfare. October 5–16; from $4,299 including airfare.

Baltic and Scandinavian Treasures Mediterranean Waterways and Marinas Marvel at the storybook settings, deep history, and charming canal-laced capitals Included within the captivating itinerary of this 10-night cruise aboard the lovely of the Baltic as you sail from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Stockholm, Sweden, Marina are the port cities of Kotor, Montenegro, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Your aboard the sophisticated Marina. Along the way, visit Berlin; Klaipėda, Lithuania; other enchanting and picturesque ports of call are Monte Carlo, Monaco; Florence, Riga, Latvia; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia. Rome, Capri, Taormina, and Sicily, Italy; Igoumenitsa, Greece; and Venice, Italy. July 11–22; from $4,599 including airfare. October 22–November 2; from $4,299 including airfare.

Alaska Passages Let the rugged beauty of America’s last frontier captivate you! Sail for 10 nights aboard the serene Regatta from Seattle to Seattle, visiting the stunningly scenic ports of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, B.C., Canada. Two days at sea feature the Hubbard Glacier and the Outside Passage. July 25–August 4; from $3,599 including airfare. Bon Voyage, Cheryl British Isles Medley The Alumni Association bids a fond farewell to Travel Program Director Cheryl Jones Celebrate the beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and fascinating histories of the British Isles as you cruise from London to London aboard the elegant Marina. (B.I.S. ’81), who retired in May after a 40- Your captivating ports of call include Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow, year career at the University of Minnesota, Liverpool, Dublin, Cork, and Plymouth. 27 of them with the Alumni Association. August 6–18; from $5,499 including airfare. Cheryl provided attentive and enthusiastic service to our alumni travelers and was a wise, fun, and Greek Isles Odyssey diligent colleague. We wish her well on her next adventure. Enjoy a seven-night cruise of the iconic Greek Isles aboard the sophisticated Riviera. Along the way from Istanbul to Athens, explore the history and culture of Volos, Greece; Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey; and Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Athens, Greece. Many additional destinations to be announced! September 25–October 3; from $2,399 including airfare. Visit our website for the latest tour information. Canada and New England MinnesotaAlumni.org/Travel Set sail from Montreal aboard the intimate Regatta. Cruise the brilliantly colored

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 45 PREY TELL

Enjoy a unique, up-close experience with vultures, hawks, owls, and falcons through the Raptors of Minnesota program at the The Raptor Center, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. A great option for a family outing or group retreat, the interactive program teaches participants about the role raptors play in Minnesota’s environment and offers ways to help protect the raptor population. The program is presented nearly every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. at The Raptor Center on the St. Paul campus. Alumni Association members receive discounted pricing on the Raptors of Minnesota program. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. For more information, visit MinnesotaAlumni.org/trc.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP • Save on Gopher gear at the University Bookstores. • Access thousands of publications on select U Libraries’ online databases. • Boost your career with a professional development workshop. • And much more. Explore all your member perks at MinnesotaAlumni.org/benefits. AMBER BURNETTE

46 Summer 2015 MINNESOTA BUILDING SUMMER FUN

The University of Minnesota’s Landscape Arboretum will feature “Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks” this summer. The exhibit, comprised of 13 displays of large, nature-inspired sculptures created from Lego bricks by New York artist Sean Kenney, will array the Arboretum’s gardens now through August 30. Twenty-six sculptures will be featured, including a huge hummingbird and trumpet flower, a giant snapping turtle, a deer family, and more. Families can also enjoy Lego Builds—fun, hands-on activity sessions that incorporate science and engineering principles. Sessions are offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Admission to the Arboretum is free with an annual membership, which is available at levels beginning at $49. Members of the Alumni Association receive a 10 percent discount on the cost of Arboretum membership. For more information, visit MinnesotaAlumni.org/arboretum. SEAN KENNEY

MinnesotaAlumni.org Summer 2015 MINNESOTA 47 Campus Seen

This never gets old, either

Taken at the Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Commencement on May 1. Welcome, all new alumni.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT STREBLE