Former School of Architecture Dean Ralph Rapson dies this week. Photograph by Mark Luinenburg.

Ralph Rapson, celebrated architect and Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota for 30 years, died at his home on Saturday. He was 93.

Click here to read a lengthy Minnesota magazine profile, including images of some of his important buildings.

Click here to read a UMNews press release.

The 4^th Annual Minnesota Cup is a statewide competition that seeks out aspiring entrepreneurs for the next breakthrough idea.  The competition, with a top prize of $50,000 is alredy underway. Click here for more.

The "M" bridge, a maroon and gold footbridge connecting Dinkytown and the East Bank's Knoll area, not far from the collapsed 35W bridge site, has been closed because of deterioration and

The M bridge in better days. Photo by Pat O'Leary.

heavy rust. Read the Minnesota Daily article.

Jack Dangermond, developer of one of the most influential pieces of computer programming you’ve never heard of, will be awarded an honorary doctorate and speak on “The Geographic Approach – A Cross-Cutting Methodology,” Wednesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center. Dangermond, a College of Design (landscape architecture) graduate, designed geographic information system, better known as GIS. The lecture is open to the public.
The U of M Center for Spirituality & Healing hosts Matthieu Ricard, trained scientist, Buddhist monk, and best-selling author for “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: Cultivating Inner Conditions for Genuine Happiness.” Click here for more information on this free April 18 event.

The University of Minnesota will help celebrate the state's sesquicentennial with a series of Wednesday evening discussions called "Commemorating Discovery: Our Past and Our Future." Click here for more.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota and other institutions will present a definite link between exposure to green spaces and healthy childhood development. The findings will be presented at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in "Nature, Children and Families: A Necessary Connection," a public policy conference held 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 4. Click here for more.

In celebration of National Public Health Week April 7-11, the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the Minnesota Public Health Association will hold a four-day film festival highlighting different aspects of public health.  The films will be introduced by School of Public

Carmelina Carbajal leads the Gophers into the NCAA Regional at the Sports Pavilion.

Health faculty members, alumni, and experts who have expertise in the particular area highlighted in the films. Click here for more.

The Gopher women’s gymnastics team not only hosts the NCAA North Central Regional, they were selected as one of the teams to participate. The event is set for April 12 and features some of the nation’s best collegiate gymnasts, including #2 ranked Utah. Click here for event and ticket information.

Spring Football practice is underway, and that means the Spring Game won’t be far behind. Check out the progress from last year on April 24 at the Metrodome. Click here for football info.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association hosts Senior Send-Off, a free party for graduating students tomorrow, April 2, in the McNamara Alumni Center. Check back for photos and video of the free lunch, free motivational presentation, free prizes and gifts free-for-all by the end of the week.

On a more dignified note, the Distinguished Teaching Award recipients have been announced and the event honoring them is now open for registration. Click here for more.

Members only: Two U Theatre opportunities. The Wiz, a spectacular musical, runs from April 11-19 and alumni get $5 discounts on tickets. Also, the summer Alumni Evenings Aboard the Showboat have been announced. These events include post-show receptions with the cast and crew. Click here for details on both of these opportunities.

And of course, the big event – the 2008 Annual Celebration is coming May 28. Tickets are now on sale.