Click to view one-minute video of President Bob Bruininks talking about the importance of the 2008 Capital Request.

As the University goes, so goes the state of Minnesota. That was the core message delivered by President Bob Bruininks to more than 300 alumni and friends of the University who came to the McNamara Alumni Center on campus January 23 for the annual Legislative Briefing, which unveiled the details of this year’s $225.5 million capital request.

The cornerstone of the request is $100 million in Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) funds to address safety and maintenance issues in the U’s 800-plus buildings and 28 million square feet of building space. The funding would help replace or renovate obsolete classrooms and laboratories, upgrade technology, fix roofs, windows, walls and mechanical and electrical systems and allow for other improvements that help preserve the U’s infrastructure.

Gov.

Click to view two-minute video of VP Karen Himle on how to advocate for the U.

Tim Pawlenty (B.A. ’83, J.D. ’86) has recommended that the U receive $40 million of its $100 million HEAPR request. Bruininks was frank in his assessment of the challenges facing the U in the 2008 session, which convenes on February 12. “This year could be very, very challenging and we’re going to need your help,” he said.

Bruininks emphasized that the future of the state is intimately tied to the future of the University, and urged participants to sit down with legislators and tell their stories about how the University has helped shaped their lives. “We know the U makes a difference, and that’s something we need to tell,” Bruininks said.

Vice-president Karen Himle also addressed the gathering, and underscored the power of individual storytelling in influencing policymakers. “We are still a world in the making and the University of

State Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia), center, received his 2007 Legislator of the Year Award from the U of M Legislative Network before the 2008 Legislative Briefing. Pictured are, from left, Greg Fox, UM-Duluth Vice Chancellor for finance and operations; Margaret S. Carlson, UMAA CEO; Maureen Reed, former chair of the Board of Regents and current UMAA volunteer vice president; Rukavina; Patricia Spence, current Board of Regents chair; Student Regent Maureen Cisneros; Susan Hagstrum, wife of President Bob Bruininks; and Regent Steven Hunter.

Minnesota must be a pivotal element in that,” she said. Several participants shared their own stories with the crowd, including Rich Newell (Ph.D. Chemistry, '75) who has worked at 3M for 33 years. He spoke to how the University supplies scientists to keep industry in the state strong. Himle stressed the importance of forging long-term relationships with lawmakers to ensure that the U is a priority. “It’s not just one phonecall. It’s persistence—weeks and months and years of unrelenting scrutiny of legislators.”

What story do you have to tell about the University? You’re invited to raise your voice in support of the University during this year’s legislative session. To find out how, and for more information about the capital request, visit www.supporttheu.umn.edu.  - Cynthia Scott