Renew

Cedar Creek moves into the light

Known to ecologists worldwide, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve has a low profile in Minnesota. But there’s a plan to change that.

COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES REPORT TO DONORS 2013

See From the Dean on page 3 and story on page 6

just as nature renews itself, alumni, students and faculty renew the College of Biological Sciences

contents From the Dean Year in Review

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FROM EXECUTIVE TO ECOLOGIST

Known to ecologists worldwide, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve has a low profile in Minnesota. But there’s a plan to change that.

See From the Dean on page 3 and story on page 6

Al Flory, a former executive, studied ecology with David Tilman and Sarah Hobbie after he retired. As a student, he learned how vital their research at Cedar Creek is and now supports that work.

Coming Home to CBS

Photo of Cedar Creek taken by Jonathan Pavlica

Funds Inspire Fruitful Research One From the Heart Incredible Journey Laurie Hennen Saying Goodbye to Bob Elde

College People Donor Honor Roll Making a Difference

In Memoriam

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FROM THE DEAN

IT’S A SEASON OF CHANGE

After 36 years on the U of M faculty and 18 years as CBS dean. I have decided to retire. My last day will be June 30, 2014.

The decision wasn’t easy. It’s been an incredible journey, enriched by outstanding colleagues, students and experiences. I will miss the thrill of discoveries and collaborations that 4 | College of Biological Sciences

have sparked new ideas. And I will miss you, our most treasured alums, donors and friends.

My retirement and Allen Levine’s decision to step down as dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, give the University an opportunity to consider expanding the partnership between our colleges, an idea we have discussed for years. This will not mean changing our relationship with the health sciences. More than a decade ago, the biological sciences reorganization strengthened those ties. A new college would only build on that.

Provost Karen Hanson has appointed a task force to discuss the potential of a new college devoted to life sciences, agriculture and the environment. Their report is due at the end of the year. To learn more and read updates, go to the Office of the Provost website.

I am excited about the possibilities of a new college, which I believe would • enrich collaboration across disciplines and from basic to applied

sciences; • advance inquiry-based education to teach students how to apply basic science to real-world problems; • and enable us to leverage resources to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

New Vision for Cedar Creek There’s another change in the air at CBS this fall. After years of effort to raise public and private funds for a campus center at Itasca, construction is underway with an opening ceremony planned for spring. As a new era begins at Itasca, we are renewing efforts to improve our other field station, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

As you may know, Cedar Creek is one of the world’s leading ecology research sites. It is a microcosm of the plant, animal and microbial biodiversity of the upper Midwest. And it has been the setting for landmark research about how ecosystems support life on earth and how to help them continue to fulfill that role.

Cedar Creek is well known to scien-

tists worldwide, yet invisible to many Minnesotans. I hope that’s about to change. We are developing a plan to use technology that will enable people everywhere, scientists and citizens alike, to see, hear and understand what’s happening at Cedar Creek from molecular to ecosystem levels. Views captured from drone aircraft, microscopic images of plant roots interacting with soil microbes, bees pollinating flowers, life underwater in Cedar Bog Lake, nocturnal movement of wildlife, and atmospheric sensors to measure chemicals, moisture and temperature; it’s all possible.

This new vision for Cedar Creek will be one of my priorities in the coming months. I will keep you informed as the plan develops and let you know how you can help support it.

Robert Elde, dean College of Biological Sciences

YEAR IN REVIEW

$1,100,725

TOTAL FUNDS RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONORS

SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS CBS awarded 130 scholarships and 30 fellowships in FY 2013. Awards ranged from $500 to $5,000 for scholarships, $1,000 to $11,500 for fellowships and totaled $378,609.

With a total of 2,173 students in CBS, there are many more who need our help.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM SUPPORT

NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Ben Thoma Scholarship at Itasca Ben Thoma, who taught biology at Willmar Community College for 35 years, was a seasonal naturalist at Itasca State Park from 1959 to 2003.

Living and working at Itasca during the summer months was an important part of his life. His family established this scholarship to honor his memory and to support deserving University of Minnesota students who want to take summer field biology courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

ITASCA CAMPUS CENTER There’s still time to contribute to the Itasca Campus Center. A longtime supporter of Itasca recently pledged to match 10 new gifts of $5000.

Seven are already in the door. Help us finish strong. Contact Laurie Hennen at hennen@umn.edu or at 612-624-9490 for more information.

706

NUMBER OF DONORS

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS RESEARCH & FACULTY SUPPORT STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

HOW TO MAKE A GIFT Send a check in the enclosed envelope or donate online at www. giving.umn.edu. (Click on Give Now). Whether you write a check or give online, be sure to note that your gift is for the College of Biological Sciences. You may specify a fund if you like. Questions?

Contact Laurie Hennen, hennen@umn.edu renew | 5

Photos by Jonathan Pavlica and Susan Rastelli

DONOR PROFILE

From Left: David Tilman, Regents Professor; Al Flory, alumnus and donor; Sarah Hobbie, professor of ecology, evolution and behavior

6 | College of Biological Sciences

From Executive to Ecologist Al Flory, a former executive in Minnesota’s medical device industry, studied ecology with David Tilman and Sarah Hobbie after he retired. As a student, he learned how vital their research at Cedar Creek is and now supports their work

B

y most people’s standards, Al Flory had accomplished more than enough in his life when he enrolled in a master’s program in ecology at the College of Biological Sciences in 2009 at age 58.

A Michigan native, Flory had earned a bachelor’s degree at Michigan State, followed by an MBA from the University of Minnesota on a fellowship. He worked at Medtronic for eight years, and then went back to the University of Minnesota for a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

“I’d always had an interest in animals, and developed an interest in medicine while working at Medtronic,” he says. But after two years in private practice, he felt that the life of a veterinarian didn’t really suit him. So he went back to the medical device industry, eventually working for St. Jude Medical. His background in both business and science made him a perfect fit for clinical research and regulatory affairs. At St. Jude, which specializes in cardiac devices, he contributed to the development

of prosthetic heart valves, ultimately becoming Vice President for Clinical and Regulatory Affairs.

A few years ago, when he was semi-retired, he decided to take some classes at the University of Minnesota to keep busy. His interest in climate change led him to an introductory ecology course, taught by David Tilman, Regents Professor of Ecology and member of the National Academy of Sciences.

“He was an excellent teacher and I thought it was cool that someone of his stature would teach an undergraduate course. He was very respectful of my interest in learning about ecology and treated me like any other student. I didn’t realize until near the end of the course that many of the principles he taught us were his own discoveries. He’s very modest.”

Tilman encouraged Flory to pursue a master’s degree in ecology. As a graduate student, Flory took classes from other CBS faculty in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, including Sarah Hobbie,

who was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Tilman and Hobbie collaborate on research at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, where Tilman is director, to understand the roles of biodiversity and nutrient cycling in global ecosystems.

“Like Dave, Sarah is an excellent teacher as well as scientist,” Flory says. “They were both so kind to me and I knew their work was very important. I wanted to do something to help support their research.”

So Flory stopped by the CBS Dean’s Office and wrote a check for $10,000. He has been writing one every year since. The money is unrestricted; the two scientists can use it in any way they choose to learn more about how ecosystems work and how to protect and restore them.

“Cedar Creek is a special place,” he says. “It’s a combination of the setting itself and the people that make it unique, but it’s really more about the people.”

—Peggy Rinard

About Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Located 30 miles north of the Twin Cities, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR) is a U of M field station with biodiversity representing the state. Faculty, staff and students who work at Cedar Creek are dedicated to understanding global ecosystems and how human activities, such as agriculture and fossil fuel combustion, are changing them.

Many of the experiments at Cedar Creek focus on the long-term consequences of human-driven environmental changes. These include: How the number of plant species in an ecosystem affects productivity and resistance to pests, diseases and drought Effects of nitrogen deposition from agriculture and other sources on natural ecosystems Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on the environment Effects of climatic warming

Photo by Dawn Villella

M

Alumnus and donor Heidi Thorson (right) worked in the CBS Dean’s Office with Dean Robert Elde and Jean Marie Lindquist as a student.

8 | College of Biological Sciences

ost undergraduates value the sense of community CBS provides, but for Heidi Thorson, who was a student worker in the Dean’s Office for three years during the 1990s, there was more to it than that. The Dean’s Office became a home away from home where she found encouragement, respect and inclusion.

“I typed documents that allowed me to see the dean’s thinking and goals for the college. When I made suggestions, they took me seriously.

That was really something for an undergraduate. They pulled me in on projects and gave me credit for my ideas.”

Perhaps that experience contributed to her successful career. Thorson is now a physician specializing in maternal-fetal medicine and clinical genetics. As such, she provides diagnoses and prenatal care for women with high-risk pregnancies.

DONOR PROFILE

Coming Home to CBS Heidi Thorson’s fond memories of working in the CBS Dean’s Office as an undergraduate inspired her to become a donor early in her career as a physician Over the 15 years since she left CBS, Thorson has remained in touch with Dean Robert Elde and administrative assistant Jean Marie Lindquist, who was her supervisor.

Like Thorson, Lindquist is also a CBS donor. She made a generous gift for the Itasca Campus Center.

“When I started at the U I was planning to go into business, but that first year I found myself really missing science classes,” Thorson recalls.

“But even then I didn’t think about transferring. That summer between freshman and sophomore year I got the job in CBS. It was just a job at the time. It was a nice place and everyone was supportive.”

By the end of her sophomore year, Thorson knew business was not for her and transferred to CBS. “When I was a little kid I wanted to be a physician. I watched The Cosby Show and I wanted to be an obstetrician like Bill Cosby as Dr. Huxtable.”

After graduating from CBS in 1998, Thorson earned her medical degree at the University of South Dakota in 2003 and completed an ob/gyn residency at Washington University/ Barnes Jewish Hospital in 2007. And she followed that with a dual fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and clinical genetics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She now works at Minnesota Perinatal Physicians in the Twin Cities, which is part of Allina Health System.

She finds it very rewarding to help women who have fetuses with developmental problems.

“I explain the genetics, get them the care they need, and just help them get through it.”

Thorson also really enjoys delivering babies. “I am the first human to hold that baby,” she says with unselfconscious awe. “To be a part of that experience with mom and dad—it’s really special. There is nothing like it.”

When Thorson looks back on her career so far, her time at CBS still feels close. “The college means so much,” she says. “It’s where I grew up and figured out who I was and where my life was going to go.”

At graduation, Thorson was the last to cross the stage and received a hug from Dean Elde. “Somewhere there’s a photo of me and Dean Elde and his funky academic hat,” she recalls with a grin.

Thorson remembers the scholarship support she got as an undergraduate and has given money to help current students. She also has donated to the Itasca Campus Center fund.

“I started giving back when I was in my residency,” she says. “And I would always get this personal note from the dean. It meant a lot that he remembered me.”

—Peggy Rader

“

When I made suggestions, they took me seriously,” Thorson says. “That was really something for an undergraduate.

They pulled me in on projects and gave me credit for my ideas.”

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DONOR PROFILE

Funds Inspire Fruitful Research

“

Endowed chairs give researchers the chance to carry out innovative research that wouldn’t be funded by national agencies,” O’Connor says. “It’s that kind of freedom that most often leads to breakthroughs.”

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Endowed chairs such as the Ordway Chair in Developmental Biology help talented scientists like Mike O’Connor pursue innovative ideas that can lead to breakthroughs

I

t’s easy to dismiss the fruit fly as a nuisance. But to Mike O’Connor, who holds the Ordway Chair in Developmental Biology, Drosophila are catalysts helping unlock the secrets of the human body. And thanks to the funding supplied by the endowed chair, he’s able to launch ambitious projects to help gain deeper insights into our increasingly nuanced understanding of early development.

As a developmental biologist, O’Connor is fascinated by the way that a single-celled fertilized embryo ultimately becomes all the specialized tissues of the body, from bone to belly, muscles to nervous system. How do these tissues connect together seamlessly to become a whole animal, and what controls the timing of this development?

Much of O’Connor’s research focuses on specific signaling molecules that facilitate this development process, known as morphogens. “[Morphogens] are especially important during early embryogenesis, before

cells have diversified much,” he explains. “They’re some of the earliest signals that begin to diversify the cell types in early embryos.”

O’Connor’s research has earned significant funding from major national agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Yet he says he is able to start some of his boldest research from funding provided from the unrestricted endowment of his Ordway Chair, a position he’s held since he arrived at the University in 1997. While major funders typically demand a successful track record on a project before they will award a major grant, the funding from the endowed chair serves as something close to seed capital. “With an endowed chair, you have funding you can put toward exploring something new,” O’Connor says. “That’s made a huge difference in my career, because it’s enabled me to pursue things that I couldn’t have otherwise.”

That’s heartening news for Phil

Ordway, whose parents, John and Margaret Ordway, endowed the chair with a $1 million gift in 1988.

“I remember that my father was intrigued by the cutting-edge technology offered by genetics and cell biology,” Phil says. “He saw that it had the potential to lead to [major] discoveries.”

And indeed, it has. Because O’Connor does basic research, it’s not always clear how his findings will ripple out beyond his lab. But because Drosophila is a model organism — many of the same processes that guide development in a fruit fly also apply to humans — the potential implications can be vast. Indeed, molecules that he identified earlier in his career have turned out to be major players in colon cancer and certain bone growth problems. Many companies are making therapeutics based on these signaling factors.

John Ordway, who had a 40-year career with St. Paul’s MacArthur Company, was a devoted champion of the University of Minnesota —

Photo by Dawn Villella

even though he did not attend the school. “He recognized the importance of having a world-class university in the state,” Phil says. “Both of my parents saw the benefits of a great university to business, to startups, and to citizens.”

Phil, who is president of Bain Companies, a real estate investment company, says that although both of his parents have passed away (John in 2012, Margaret in 2013), he and his brother will carry their parents’ enthusiasm for the University forward.

And one of the best ways to unleash the power of the University is to give bright researchers the opportunity to blaze new paths.

“Endowed chairs give researchers the chance to carry out innovative research that wouldn’t be funded by national agencies,” O’Connor says.

“And it’s the freedom to do these kinds of projects that we often need to achieve breakthroughs.”

—Erin Peterson

Donors John and Margaret Ordway created an endowed chair with a $1 million gift.

Michael O’Connor, professor and head of genetics, cell biology and development, holds the Ordway Chair in Developmental Biology.

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Photo by Nancy Pastor, Polaris Images

S Donor Sandy Stoller, a Minnesota native, has lived for many years in Los Angeles, where she volunteers at the Getty Villa Museum.

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andy Stoller was only four years old when she and her parents moved from Minneapolis to Los Angles during World War II. Happy memories of her earliest years, coupled with regular return visits to family and friends, created a deep and lasting affection for the state of her birth. Though neither she nor her parents had any formal connection to the University of Minnesota, Stoller’s identification with Minnesota has led to a meaningful relationship with the University and the College of Biological Sciences.

In 1989, Stoller, an only child, was settling her father’s estate with the help of a friend’s husband, an attorney. One idea he put out as a possible beneficiary for her own planned giving was higher education.

“He said, ‘a’ university,” Stoller recalls.

“Immediately, without hesitation, I said ‘Oh, the University of Minnesota.’ I thought—because I didn’t go to

DONOR PROFILE

One From the Heart

Although donor Sandy Stoller moved to California during WWII, when she was a young child, her lifelong fondness for her home state inspired her to fund a scholarship at the University college—maybe this is a way I can do some good, that somebody I support down the line will come up with a wonderful medical cure.” Her scholarship gift is earmarked for pre-med majors in CBS. Stoller did attend one year of junior college and then went to work as a secretary at some of LA’s biggest talent agencies and movie studios: Music Corporation of America (later known as MCA), Universal, and 20th Century Fox. Stoller gravitated to working in the film and entertainment industry because of her love of film.

“If I would see a movie company shooting, I would stop and watch,” she says. “When I worked at 20th Century Fox, I used to walk in and out of all the stages. That was before they cracked down after 9/11. You would go into the commissary, and there would be ‘apes’ [from Planet of the Apes] trying to eat their lunch.

We had fun. It was a special time.”

Now retired, Stoller recently returned from a trip to Turkey and volunteers at, among other places, the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Getty Villa in Malibu. When she reminiscences about Minneapolis, however, her voice is just as animated as when she describes standing in line at the coffee truck in the MCA courtyard next to Sir Lawrence Olivier, or having Mel Brooks regularly pop into her office, or going on location when she worked for the independent studio that produced the “Ernest” movies.

“I remember Dayton’s. The tea room, the way they did Christmas decorations, oh my god, it was the best store,” Stoller recalls with relish.

Her earliest memories include older neighbor children making her a chair molded from snow, and the ski run at Glenwood Park (the original name of Theodore Wirth Park), visible

from her family’s house on Vincent Avenue in north Minneapolis.

Stoller’s father moved his family to Los Angeles to work in a defense plant. Her mother’s sisters lived there as well. None of them had children, so most of her relatives were back in Minnesota. Stoller started going back to visit when she was old enough to fly on her own, and made new Minnesota friends with people she met through her relatives. These days, she returns to visit a friend whom she worked with in Los Angeles and now lives in Burnsville.

Stoller points out that while there are major universities in her own backyard, she has chosen to direct her strong desire to help and make a difference toward the U of M. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I just feel this attachment for Minnesota,” Stoller says. “The University is in my heart. I really get emotional about it.”

—Laura Weber

“

I don’t know how to explain it, but I just feel this attachment for Minnesota,” Stoller says. “The University is in my heart. I really get emotional about it.”

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STUDENT PROFILE

Incredible Journey Undergraduate Wes Powers was a veteran of the Navy, music school and two community colleges when he arrived at CBS. Now he’s headed for medical school

“

I’ve learned so much more from this [research] opportunity than I would from sitting in a classroom,” Wes says. “It’s tangible and I can apply it to my future.”

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M

any CBS students excel in high school and college, go straight to medical or graduate school, and then enter professional careers, all without appearing to hesitate.

Some aren’t as focused at 18 or 22.

They need a little more time to figure out what they want to do and how to do it. But their life experiences provide a different kind of education, and as transfer students, they enrich the CBS community.

Transfer student Wes Powers is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, two community colleges, and music school.

His experiences have enabled him to zero in on his goals.

A CBS junior majoring in microbiology, Wes is engaged in a successful independent research project and is president of two student organizations.

His efforts earned two CBS scholarships for this year—the Douglas Pratt Scholarship and the Richard

and Ethel Rapp Scholarship. He plans to enter an M.D./Ph.D. program when he graduates.

Powers had medicine in mind when he joined the U.S. Navy in 2000, but was disappointed by his field medic training and opted to become a boatswain’s mate.

In the wake of 9/11, his ship was sent to the New York coast. He also served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, traveling from the Mediterranean to the Northern Arabian Gulf.

After leaving the Navy, Wes headed home to Grove City, Minnesota, where he met his girlfriend Kassy Remmel, and the two briefly studied music at the McNally/Smith College of Music. But once again he found himself thinking about medicine. He trained to be an EMT at Anoka Technical College and took pre-med courses at Inver Hills Community College, where he focused on

gaining admission to the University of Minnesota. Kassy followed a similar course and they started at CBS together.

At CBS, Wes was impressed by the Foundations of Biology course, where the big assignment was to take a social problem “and figure out a way to fix it with genetics,” he says.

“They just let you run with it. It was one of the best educational experiences I’ve ever had.”

Last summer, through CBS’ new Active Learning Laboratory Program, Wes and Kassy began a directed research project to explore using bacteriophages against antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that infect and kill diseasecausing bacteria. The approach, first considered nearly 100 years ago, was dropped after antibiotics were developed. But with antibiotic resistance on the rise, it’s once again attracting attention. With encouragement and

Photo by Dawn Villella

support from Associate Dean Robin Wright and other faculty, they have been able to continue the work.

“I’ve learned so much more from this opportunity than I would from sitting in a classroom,” he says. “It’s tangible and I can apply it to my future.”

Ultimately, Wes would like to develop programs to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on populations with inadequate access to health care. He would also like to help get new therapies, like his bacteriophage therapy, to market more quickly.

Wes says his nontraditional journey prepared him for leadership roles and gave him a strong sense of who he is and what he wants to become.

“The older you get the more clear your goals and the way to reach them become,” he says. “All of your experiences help you reach that point.”

Navy veteran Wes Powers is pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor, thanks to two CBS scholarships.

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SAYING GOODBYE TO DEAN ELDE Change is inevitable. Sometimes it’s exciting and sometimes it’s painful. From where I sit, it’s exciting to learn about discoveries by CBS faculty that benefit the environment or promise a cure for a disease. Or new programs that improve the quality of education for CBS students. Or news from alumni who are changing the world for the better. It’s easy to welcome these kinds of changes.

But I responded to the news of Dean Elde’s retirement with less enthusiasm. I will miss him as a leader, adviser and friend. He has taught us to be better problem solvers, better teachers, better teammates and better listeners, so we are prepared to carry on. He has devoted himself to the University of Minnesota, and his retirement is well-deserved, but he will be missed.

During the 18 years Bob has served

16 | College of Biological Sciences

as dean, he has transformed the college into one of the best places in the country to learn and conduct research in the biological sciences. He has achieved excellence on so many different levels, always guided by the best interests of students. During his tenure, he led a University-wide reorganization of the biological sciences; made CBS a freshman admitting college; introduced signature programs like Nature of Life and Foundations of Biology, which became national models; championed fundraising for and construction of new facilities; and steered faculty toward collaborative research to address the world’s most pressing problems.

Bob has also been a good partner in our philanthropic endeavors. He understands that it’s important to give donors the opportunity to make a difference that is meaningful to

them. He equally appreciates the $25 first-time gift from a recent alum, the midcareer donor who, remembering what a scholarship meant to them, endows a new scholarship honoring a special faculty member; and the donor who thoughtfully plans an estate gift. And he thanks every single one of them personally. He himself has been a generous donor to CBS; again, leading by example.

So yes, it is difficult to come to terms with the end of his leadership.

But the innovations he introduced, the vision he offered, the heartfelt love he feels for this college are his living legacy. His transition from dean to donor and friend doesn’t change that. I hope you will join me in honoring his commitment to CBS by continuing to build on that incredible foundation.

Laurie Hennen Director of Advancement

Sue Wick

SUE WICK RECEIVES U’S TOP TEACHING AWARD Plant Biology Professor Sue Wick received the University’s 2013 Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education. The annual award is given to a select group of teachers who reflect the University’s emphasis on the importance of high quality undergraduate education. In addition to teaching Foundations of Biology and other courses, she conducts research on how students learn biology and what classroom practices best prepare students for future careers in biology.

SARAH HOBBIE ELECTED TO NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Ecology Professor Sarah Hobbie has been elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences, an elite group that advises U.S. leaders on sci-

Herb Wright, Eville Gorham and Margaret Davis

ence and technology. She studies how the changing global cycles of carbon and nitrogen interact with each other; for example, how excess nitrogen in the environment affects the decomposition of plant matter.

LEGENDARY ECOLOGISTS HONORED CBS legends Eville Gorham, Margaret Davis and Herb Wright were recognized at the Ecology Society of America annual meeting in Minneapolis this summer.

The three conducted important ecology research during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.

Gorham is known for research on acid rain and nuclear fallout. Davis used fossil records of pollen to trace the formation of prehistoric forests and their movement across continents. Wright reconstructed environmental history by interpreting data from landforms, vegetation and lake sediment.

Stu Goldstein

STU GOLDSTEIN RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS AT CBS Genetics Professor Stu Goldstein, who joined the CBS faculty in 1971, retired this summer. When he arrived at the U of M as a student in 1957, tuition was $75 a quarter. “I started with $100 I made the previous summer, worked part-time, and ended up with a Ph.D. [from Cal-Tech] and no debt,” he recalls. “Now it’s difficult for a student to obtain even a baccalaureate degree without debt.” To read Goldstein’s reflections about his long history with the U of M, go to www.cbs.umn.edu and click on “Life in Biology” in the “Learn More” section on the home page.

TWO GOLDWATER SCHOLARS CBS undergraduates Karen Leopold and Maxwell Shinn are 2013 Goldwater Scholars. Leopold is interested in studying protein function and genetics through

Allan Kerandi and Dean Elde

biochemical and evolutionary lenses.

Shinn is drawn to “big questions” about the relationship between consciousness and neurophysiology. The coveted scholarship is awarded annually to students in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. They provide up to $7,500 per year for up to two years of study.

TOP OF HIS CLASS Allan Kerandi walked away with top honors for the Class of 2013 at commencement this spring. These include the University’s Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award, the Zander Award for Outstanding Student Leadership, and the UMAA Student Leadership Award. Kerandi graduated magna cum laude and was President of the African Student Union and a Community Engagement Scholar. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he and his family moved to the United States in 2000. This summer, Kerandi began his studies at the U of M Medical School.

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CBS DONOR HONOR ROLL 2013

The College of Biological Sciences gratefully acknowledges the following donors, who have generously provided support for Itasca, Cedar Creek, scholarships and fellowships, research and a variety of initiatives. Every gift makes a difference.

$5,000 + 3M Company Clark R. Burbee M Lenore B. Danielson M David L. and Katherine R. Dilcher M Denneth C. and Joan L. Dvergsten M Robert P. Elde Kathleen G. Fahey M Alan R. Flory and Monica M. Schultz Fund for Science of Giving/Impact Assets Inc.

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Charles M. Goethe* Estate Robert C. Hodson M Alan B. Hooper Mary C. Kemen and Brian C. Randall M Sylvia J. Kerr* Delores M. Knutson* Max A. Lauffer* Estate Whitney and Betty MacMillan Robert O. and Roberta A. Megard M Geraldine M. and Darby M. Nelson Howard V. O’Connell Jr. M C.J. Rapp Pittman

Wayne A. and Carol A. Pletcher M Venkateswarlu Pothapragada Lincoln R. Potter Gary B. Silberstein M Louise M. Thoma University of Oslo WEM Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999 3M Foundation Inc. John S. and Rebecca H. Anderson M Allan L. Apter M Jean-Luc Babey Carl V. Barnes Franklin H. Barnwell David A. Bernlohr M Christina M. and Mark J. Bigelow M Marcia F. Birney Greg and Bridget Buckley Eric W. Burton Richard S. Caldecott M Cargill Inc. Stephen L. Chew Doris J. Clevenger Deanna L. Croes M Carol J. and J. David Cumming M Douglas J. Dayton* and Wendy Dayton Barbara L. and Robert R. de la Vega M Bruce G. Dumke M Charyl M. Dutton Gibbs M C. Allison and James R. Gaasedelen M Frederick E. Goetz Rosemary H. and David F. Good John P. Harvat

James C. Underhill Scholarship-Study Natural History Fund Martha K. and Arthur A. Johnson David L. Kinnear M Paul T. and Virginia L. Kubic M John P. and Bonita S. LeRoy Patricia R. Lewis Hugh Lewis and Lynn Peterson Lewis Pamela H. Lewis Jean Marie Lindquist Mary E. and David W. Loveless John S. McKeon Philip J. Miller Aaron N. Moen J. Emory Morris Patrice A. Morrow Bradly J. Narr M Claudia M. Neuhauser Richard E. and Elaine E. Phillips Jean S. Phinney Pamela J. Pietz Steven E. Pratt James R. and Patricia M. Pray M Max A. Quaas Clare and Jerome Ritter Deanna K. and Paul G. Siliciano Kenneth R. Skjegstad Amel Soliman and Sherif H. Nabil Tawfic Thomson P. Soule Joyce M. Stout John R. Tester Kipling Thacker and Kevyn K. Riley M Steven J. Thompson Heidi L. Thorson M Huber R. Warner

Julie A. Warren and Kien T. Nguyen Elizabeth Ann Wasserberger Wells Fargo Foundation Robin L. Wright M

$500 - $999 Abbott Fund Allan Baumgarten and Marilyn Levi- Baumgarten M David E. Blockstein Jeanette C. and Paul P. Cleary Robert and Marguerite Davis Bradley J. Dupre Timothy L. Eaton Linda L. Eells M Maxine A. Enfield M Roger H. Erickson ExxonMobil Foundation Patrick J. Farmer Freshwater Society Thomas Hays and Mary Porter Suzanne E. Hill George L. Jacobson M Melanie O. and Jack J. Manis Max and Dee McManus M Cheryl L. and George G.I. Moore Kathleen O’Grady Fred K. Pamer David and Margaret Peterson M Lon Phan and Nancy Oswald Timothy I. Richardson M Orlando R. Ruschmeyer M Lolly J. Schiffman M Jeffrey A. Simon and Ann E. Rougvie Michael D. Thompson M Peter Torgerson and Pamela Anderson M Gene R. Van Eeckhout Katherine M. Walstrom M Edward M. Welch M Wei Wu Qiang Xiao and Lizhen Gui M

$250-$499 Christine M. Ambrose Jack M. Anderson M

Paul A. Arbisi M Paul B. and La Vonne M. Batalden Marc D. Berg M Julie A. Bjoraker Cindy J. Brunner M CenterPoint Energy ConEdison Co Michael F. Coyle M Mark I. Donnelly and Veta Bonnewell William K. Durfee Pamela J. Dwyer Ronald B. Faanes M John E. and Janet M. Fredell M Jeffrey and Sandra Gabe Thomas F. and Patricia A. Gillespie Marie K. and David L. Goblirsch M David I. and Jennifer Greenstein Carol M. and Perry B. Hackett Jr. Thomas R. and Susan E. Hankinson John Heer and Jody Copp M Sarah Hobbie and Jacques C. Finlay Kirk S. Honour Jennifer W. Humphrey M Steven and Michelle Inman Thorkil Jensen Sandra L. Johnson Julia A. Kelly and Renee Van Gorp M Richard J. Kirschner Bruce L. Larson M John G. MacCart Mark D. Mattson E. Charles Meslow Kevin Nepsund and Karen Ta David L. Nieland M Michael B. and MaryJane O’Connor Dawn M. Olson Joan J. and James J. Pearson M Erin A. and Donald J. Phillips M Pfizer Foundation Melvin M. Prantner M Andrea T. Rahn Peggy J. Rinard Sandra Rosenberg and James Liston Jr. M Julie A. Ross M Joyce O. Roust Tracy A. Saarela Mark A. Schoenbeck

St Jude Medical Inc. Amy J. Symstad Daniel M. Tix U.S. Bancorp Foundation Kevin J. Viken M Mary C. and Merle G. Wovcha M Jennifer York-Barr and Dean D. Barr M

$100 - $249 Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc. Norman E. Aaseng Gregory and Kristi Abler Parvia K. Ahmed Jeffrey J. Anderson Carl G. Anderson Paul W. Anderson Beth L. Arnold Gary N. Back Richard J. Battafarano Nancy Benson David E. Bertler John G. Bieri Clayton and Paula Birney Jeffrey and Sue Blaine Simba L. Blood

Pamela and Stephen Boe Wyatt N. Bordewyk Michael R. Bourne M Gwenda L. Brewer William Brown and Caroline M. Wilmot Richard W. Brown and Dori Henderson M Carter H. Brown David J. Bruck Andrew J. and Sherilyn J. Burgdorf Michele Z. Burtness M Susan M. Capecchi Sheila M. Close Jerry and Susan Cohen Jeanne W. Collins Andy W. Collins M Vera E. Cooke Sehoya and James Cotner Jr. M Alan J. Craig James A. Curtis Donald E. and Janet Y. Dahlstrom Anath and Archana Das Saliya A. De Silva and Marie S. Pathirana M Yasmin Solare Dean Margaret A. Dietrich Anthony G. Dodge M

BOLD names – Membership in the University of Minnesota Presidents Club | M – Membership in the University of Minnesota Alumni Association/Biological Sciences Alumni Society | * Deceased. If your name is missing or incorrect, please call 612-625-7705 or email lindq011@umn.edu renew | 19

Suzanne K. and David N. Douglas Janet M. Dubinsky M Allen E. Eckhardt Ecolab Foundation Mark B. Edlund and Leslie M. TeWinkel Mark A. Einerson M Mary Kay Elnes Gunnar J. Erickson M Gwen M. and Robert V. Erickson M Holly A. Ewing Michael J. Felten Kathleen A. Ferkul M Rocio E. Foncea and Gaston E. Cartagena Carl E. Frasch James A. and Sandra K. Fuchs Robb M. Garni M Nancy J. Gassman Leah A. Gates M Julianne E. Geiser Morris O. Gjessing M Billy Goodman and Rebecca Goldburg

William R. Gordon Eville Gorham Norman R. Gould Olaf E. Grimsbo Donald R. Grothe James P. Grover Jo Ellen M. Gundeck-Fahey M Luca Gunther and Kit Wilson Rebecca J. Haack-Deetz Kathleen Hale Timothy and Susan Halloran Karen A. Hansen Jeffrey L. and Joan Harn Peter H. Harris Ellen M. Heath Charles K. Heinrich William C. Henke M Kathy J. Hermiller Donald R. Hickman M Daphne Wahl Hill Angela L. Hodgson

Jennifer Horn IBM International Foundation Timothy P. Ikeda Colleen M. Jacks M John D. Jackson Keith R. Johnson Johnson and Johnson Thomas and Anne Jones M Susan M. Juedes Michael J. Karlson M Michael D. and Elizabeth N. Kaytor M Ann E. and James F. Kelley M Philip E. Kerr David T. and Catherine A.R. Kirkpatrick Elroy C. Klaviter Gaylord J. Knutson Jeffrey A. Kohen Eugene W. Krebsbach Jr. Carrell J. Kucera Pamela J. Lachowitzer Scott M. Lanyon Phillip A. Lawonn M Bryan K. Lee M Melinda J. and Steven H.C. Lee M Oren I. and Sandra Levin Jane S. Levy Wei-Cheng and Chen W. Liaw M Clifford S. Lofgren Yuefeng Lu Thomas H. Luepke III Rebecca R. Lyman Nadine B. Maki Justine A. Malinski M James M. Mandel M John J. Matta M Jan and Ronald Maxwell John E. Mazuski Andrew J. Mc Cullough M Thomas J. and Patricia J. Mc Vey Rebecca M. McDougle M Melissa A. and Douglas E. McKenzie M Haile Mehansho and Azieb Mehreteab M Gretchen Mehmel and Jeff Birchem Jeffrey Merkel M Paul E. Micevych M Mary and Timothy Miley M Corinne E. Miller Kelly J. Morgan Lonnie R. and Cynthia G. Morris M

Gary L. and Mary Nelsestuen M John H. Nelson M Ann Nelson Douglas R. and Patricia G. Nelson M Thomas D. Nelson M Raymond D. Nelson Oanh M. Nguyen Kevin J. Niemi M Kenneth E. and Emily A. Nietering Christy M. Olson Lance D. Olson M Christine E. and David R. Ostendorf Deborah I. Oswald Henry W. Park Ann M. Parsons Ernest M. Peaslee M Douglas F. Peaslee Robert G. Personius James W. Peterson M The Pew Charitable Trusts The Pharmacia Foundation Inc. Martha M. Phillips Margaret J. and William P. Pilacinski M Gerald A. Pitzl M Nora S. Plesofsky Timothy D.L. and Kara L.L. Pratt M Procter and Gamble Fund Anne E. Pusey M Susan K. Rathe M Harold G. Richman M William P. Ridley III Stephen C. Riley Barbara A. Roach Mark G. and Helene P. Roback M Louise A. Rollins-Smith H. Gerritt Rosenthal Doris S. Rubenstein Angela R. Ruzicka Jon E. Sanger Mary Ellen Schaefer M Jeffery T. Schaub M Frederick J. Schendel M Alison E. Schini Ruth T. Schlieve Peter M. Schmitt M John F. Schnickel Russell C. Schultz Ryan M. Schultz M Steven J. Schuur

Joseph R. Thurn Peter Tiffin Charles I. Tollefson Mark A. Tomai Margaret A. Torreano Genevieve M. Tvrdik Rosa Uy and Warren Poole Joseph S. Villa M Terence C. Wagenknecht George M. Wagner Kenneth F. Walz Fen and Rayjohn Wang Katie J. and Erik Warren Brian E. Weckwerth M Lisa Wersal and Louis Asher Jimmy D. Winter Clifford D. Wright M W. Patrick Yang and Lili Kuo Lawrence M. Zanko Thomas H. Zytkovicz

$1 - $99

Gary B. Schwochau M Robert W. and Nikki R. Seabloom Michael J. and Debra J. Shane M Johnny L. Sharp Fang-Miin Sheen Janice L. Sickbert M Rolf C. Smeby Murray D. Smith D. Peter Snustad M Nathan P. Staff John G. and Paula S. Steiert Michael K. and Mary L. Stock Erika B. Stout-Kirck Charles R. Strancke Melvin P. Stulberg Amy M. Suiter Sarah M. Swafford Steven P. Swanson Linnea J. Swenson Tellekson M Michael R. and Hannah Texler Paul C. and Jerrilyn J. Thompson Elizabeth A. Thornton M

Jennifer B. Aanestad Nayeema Ahmad Keith A. Aleckson M Arthur Allen M Sarah J. Alliman James E. Almendinger Amgen Foundation Janet M. and Bruce A. Anderson J. Forrest Anderson M Lorraine B. Anderson M Bonita K. Antonsen Michael Arenson M Kamran S. Askari Arlene M. Averbeck Lynne and Robert Bachschneider Marcia J. Bains-Grebner Richard J. Baker Leonard J. Banaszak M Bopaiah A. Biddanda Robert M. Boatz H. Daniel Bodley Boeing Company Kyria L. Boundy-Mills Patricia L. Bourgoin Karen A. Braasch Terrie L. and John E. Brandt M

Rebecca A. Brenner M Tyler Brinkman Jagadish Buddhavarapu Keith* and Monika R. Burau M Kelly R. Burke Steven J. Bursian Kate M. Busse M Cynthia G. Buttleman Sarah J. Cambern Nancy L. Carlson Patricia Carlson Michael J. Carlston Bradley E. Carter Laura C. Case M Scott L. Casper Winston Cavert and Carol Witte M Shaw F. Chang Margaret Ann Chen Shin Lin Chen Anita F. Cholewa Gretchen K. Clevenger Thomas W. Collins Claudia B. and Henry M. Colvin Jr. Steven P. Commerford M Jean R. Conklin Denise J. Connor Julie L. Constable Lisa C.R. Cortes David E. Culley Jessica Marie Curtis Rudolph C. Darling Henry A. Daum III Stephanie J. Decker and Jeffrey S. Johnson M Joseph E. Delarco Robert F. Denison Rhonda F. Doll M Terry G. Domino Elizabeth Jo Donner Bruce L. Drake Roger F. Drong Jane K. Dunlap David J. Eagan De Lores V. Ebert James S. Egger Megan Elmore Judy A. Enenstein Adam J. Engelhardt M Scott P. Erickson

Bruce S. Evje Judith C. Fan M Alan R. Felix Richard O. Felts James B. Ferrari M Gerald S. Finer Kin C. Fong Jesse M. Ford Elizabeth L. Frazier James P. Freeman Chris D. Frethem Mukul C. Ganguli M James A. Garrity M Nancy E. Geving Sandra J. and Robert W. Gibbs Jr. Margaret A. Nordlie Gibson Chad A. Giedd Stuart F. Goldstein Sarah B. Golon Cassandra L. Graham Andrew D. Greeley M Eric C. Grimm M Carol J. Gross M James L. Halgerson M Larry D. Hall James R. Halverson Darwin B. Hang Taylor J. Hannah John Hanson John T. Harty Edward F. Haskins Sally A. Hausken Leif K. Hembre Daniel L. Hernandez Gregg E. Hickey M Stephanie R. Hill Katherine E. Himes Ronald H. Hoess M Kirsta L. Hoffman M Heather M. Horton M Gordon L. Houk Anne M. Householder Kathleen M. Howard John O. Hui Frederick and Kathryn Hund M Ronald D. Hungerford Elaine M. Hurt Nancy J. Jarvis Karen E. Jensen renew | 21

Geraldine L. Jensen M David J. Jenson Melody E. Jewell M Tanner M. Johanns M Emilia P . Johnson M David Johnston and Sara McFarlan Megan S. Joyce Margaret K. Juckett Patti J. Jurkovich M Jacki R. Just M Just Give.Org Michael J. Kallok M Olakunle O. Kassim Aleksandr A. Katane Shiela U. Keefe Jane Witon Keith Khazia Khatoon Alexander Khoruts Jacqueline M. Klein Kathleen S. Knight M Deanna Koepp Ralph C. Kolbeck Leslie A. Kopietz Linda J. Korhonen-Brula Amy S. Kost Richard V. Kowles M Michael P. Kowski Betsy J. Kren Thomas P. Krick M Rodney L. Kuehn Christine A. Kuepfer George A. Kuhlmann M Gary F. Kupferschmidt M Karen D. Kurvink Nguyet A. Ky Roberta K. Lammers-Campbell Carol J. Latta Susan B. Leaf Anthony L. Leblanc Louie Leblanc Stephen C. Lee Robin J. Lee Joy A. Leibman Bin Li Scott C. Likely Erik J. Linck M Robert K. Lindorfer Jr. Stephen R. and Heather H. Lines M Mary Jo Lockbaum

Scott M. Luisi M Timothy A. Lundahl James D. Lux Daniel O. Lynch M Brenda M. Lyseng Gerald M. Maas M Sheldon W. and Beverly A. Mains M Tami R. McDonald Chad A. and Lisa M. McKenzie Michael E. and Janice M. Menally Kenneth E. Michel Randall S. Miller M Eric A. Miller Howard A. Milstein Jeanne M. Minnerath Diane C. Mitchell Caitlin M. Monette Steven B. and Kathleen K. Moore Steven F. Mullen Nash Foundation Patricia J. Neal Timothy R. Nelson M Elissa M. Nelson Daryl E. Nelson Robert and Marsha Neset Anita Ky Ngo Jennifer A. Nicklay M Harriet J. Noreen M David J. Oftelie Adam L. Oling M Christopher and Jane Otto Sarah L. Parker Jannette Quast Paulu Mary E. and Tim Pauza Indre J. Pemberton Lee D. Peters Megan K. Peters Carolyn C. Peterson M Robert L. Pierce M Douglas A. Plager Marianne R. Plaunt Gregory C. and Patricia A. Pratt M Thomas A. and Jodie L. Provost Ellen J. Raeker Maria A. Reedstrom John J. Reiners Jr. Susann G. Remington Zachary N. Rhodes Nancy Rice

Michael M. Ritchie M Michael B. Robinson Charles F. Rodell Maria Rodionova Gabriel T. Rodriguez M Cynthia J. Ross M Jocelyn A. Rowe Michael D. Ruggles Matthew J. Sabongi Steven D. Salt Michael J. Scanlan Susan V. Schauer Marjorie A. Schmidt Jillian B. Schmidt Andrew M. and Lori L. Schmidt Virginia Schneider Sonya L. Schober-Johnson Janet L. and Christopher L. Schottel Laura D. Schroeder Laura K. Schroeder Gregory and Marcia Schuyler Sandra H. Seilheimer Dale and Michelle Setterholm Laleh R. Shambayati M Kristen Lynn Shogren M Leonard J. Sibinski Andrew R. Sicheneder Benjamin K. Sietsema M Ruth E. Silversmith Gregg D. Simonson Donald B. and Alaine L. Siniff James M. Skuzeski Hilde I. Smith Rex L. Solomon Andrew P. Solomon Dustin R. Sperr M Jon P. Springsted M Rebecca A. Stark Donna M. Stark Timothy K. Starr Dwayne L. and DeeAnn Stenlund M Matthew T. and Linda U. Stenzel Shelley A. Steva M Diane R. Storvick Kimberly A. Sullivan Barbara C. Sullivan Edward B. Swain and Mary E. Keirstead M Douglas and Selene Swanson Paul N. Swenson

Paul D. Swim M Jean E. Takekawa Miriam Taylor Jason M. Tennessen M James M. Thares Jeffrey J. Thomas Margaret L. Thomas Brittany C. Thomas Linda J. Thomas Anne C. Tisel M John D. Trawick M Mary B. and Albert N. Turenne Robert A. Unzen Jill M. Vannelli Kimleng Vay Robert C. Venette Jonathan L. Vennerstrom Jeffery D. Vick Scott Q. Vidas M Kayla Vigen M Christine Mythe T Vo Phi H. Vo Scott R. Walcker M Margaret M. Walker James Walker and Randi Nordstrom M Paul C. Walker Bradley J. Ward Mitchell R. Watson Nigel J. and Jane M. Wattrus M Paul F. Weber Guang-Jong Jason Wei Natalie A. Weisensel Jane I. Wenger M Susan L. Wichlacz and Neil W. Worthingham M David and Julie Wicklund C. Robert Wikel Donald J. Wiley Elizabeth K. Williams M Winnebago United Fund Charles B. Woehrle Terrance J. Wolfe Chi S. Wong Robert C. Wong Gary M. Wood M Ashley Woodworth Jacqueline A. Wozniak Lakshmi R. Yerragudi James and Kelly Yolch

CBS will miss the friends, donors and alumni who passed away over the last year

ALUMNI

FRIENDS OF CBS Margaret Ordway Ordway Chair in Developmental Biology and many other gifts 1926 – 2013 Forrest Lee William Marshall Scholarship at Itasca 1919 – 2013 Joan Peter Paul Boyer and James Peter Postdoctoral Award in Biochemistry 1966 – 2012

Ed Grilly Juliamarie Andreen Grilly (M.S. ’46) Molecular Biology Scholarship 1918 – 2012 Delores Knutson Building and Grounds Worker at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

1942 - 2013 Rufus Lumry Albert Frenkel Scholarship 1920 – 2013

Donors Betty and Whitney MacMillan

Ralph Holman, ‘44 PhD Physiological Chemistry Oscar Kalin, ‘57 BS Zoology, ‘76 PhD Ecology Dawn Anderson, ‘64 BS Zoology James Mackie,’ 68 BS Biochemistry Milton Bathke, ‘71 BS Biology David Beers, ‘79 BS Biology, ‘84 DDS Thomas Caron, ‘83 BS Biology Ernest Retzel, ‘84 PhD Microbiology

funded construction of a new walkway at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve leading to Cedar Bog Lake.

Robert Elde Dean

Renew is published annually by the College of Biological Sciences for donors, alumni

Laurie Hennen Director of Advancement

and friends. To change your address or request an alternative format, contact Jean

Peggy Rinard Communications Director and Editor

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Emily Barger Graphic Design

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