The U of Minnesota, Its Strengths, Its Impact on the Eden Prairie Community, and its Challenges
Dec 06, 2016
Eric Kaler, President of the University of Minnesota
President Eric Kaler will discuss key University achievements of 2016, look ahead to the challenges of 2017, and report on the U's relationship with students and families in Eden Prairie.
Since taking office in 2011, University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler has focused on core priorities: academic excellence, access for qualified students, stewardship of tuition and public dollars, diversity and a welcoming and respectful campus climate, a world-class research enterprise that aligns with the needs of the state of Minnesota and its industries, and a deep commitment to public engagement and outreach, locally and globally. Kaler received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the 'U' in 1982.
Andrew Carson, Matt Dolan, Sam Dupont and Daniel West recounted their inspiring experience at Camp Enterprise. John Crudelle introduced them and mentioned they were given a choice to tell us about their experience in 10 minutes or take the whole program. They felt that they needed the whole program to express their appreciation for Rotary sending them. 120 students attended Camp Enterprise on Lake Independence. They worked in teams on case studies. They enjoyed working with people they had never met before. They learned how to stay open to new ideas. Six or seven students stayed in each cabin. They were assigned roles as CFOs, CEOs, General Counsel, Director of Human Resources and VP of Sales and Marketing.
They had to come up with a plan to create and market a product. They had to present before five Venture Capitalists. Additionally, they could write essays for scholarship opportunities. Five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students. These students were inspiring and every Rotarian had a sense of pride in our community and the opportunity we are able to provide young people like these.
Announcements
Family Holiday Breakfast December 20th, 2016
Community Service Grants – due November 30th
Test Drive, Next Stop, Reality – Brittany O’Malley and Meg Chiodo encouraged volunteers to support Test Drive, Next Stop, Reality, which is Sponsored by Royal Credit Union. The event will feature 22 Stations helping students to see the realities of daily living in purchasing cars, homes, choice of careers, spouse, kids etc. Volunteers are needed for ½ day or full day on January 12th.
Veterans Holiday Cards – Cards go to military and their families.
The Rotary Foundation goal is $31,000
Meals on Wheels – December 12th
Strive – December 9th
Board Meeting – December 20th
Spotlight on Jacob Stouesifer
Jacob is from Le Mars, Iowa. Home of Blue Bonnet Ice Cream. He has been full-time with the Boys Scouts of America since January. He is involved with Fund Raising and Volunteering. He was first introduced to scouting while in 1st Grade. He and six friends joined Tiger Cubs. All of them went on to earn their Eagle Scout designation. Jacob’s passion for the Boys Scouts came through as he recounted some of his experiences.
Happy Fines
Dan O’Brien – Celebrated two Thanksgivings. In St. Louis Park with family and Iowa with old friends they have been celebrating with for 30 years.
Glenn Olson – Was in CUBA for 9 days and was glad it was after Fidel Castro’s death because everything is closed during the mourning period.
George Esbensen- Troop 479 delivered popcorn for Heros this last week.
Beth Kreusch – Happy and honored to have her dad with her this week
Bev Aho – Thank you for the flowers for her dad who had 85 wonderful years.
Visitors
Cheryl Eastbourne - Prospective Member
Tim Kreusch - Guest of Beth Kreusch
Meg Chiodo - Test Drive, Next Stop, Reality
Brittany O'Malley - Test Drive, Next Stop, Reality
Students: Andrew Carson, Matt Dolan, Sam Dupont, and Daniel West