By Margaret S. Carlson, '83, Ph.D.

One of the best parts of my job is hearing the remarkable stories of University of Minnesota alumni. The most powerful accounts are those of seemingly ordinary people who end up accomplishing extraordinary feats—thanks, in part, to the University of Minnesota.

Consider Endesha Ida Mae Holland (B.A. ’79, M.A. ’84, Ph.D. ’86). Before becoming an award-winning playwright, Holland triumphed over her poor and turbulent childhood in Mississippi to become a recognized civil rights organizer. After her mother was killed in a firebombing, Holland came to the University, where she earned three liberal arts degrees and her sensitive writing moved classmates to tears. Today, she is a professor at the University of Southern California and has written several acclaimed plays, including the Pulitzer Prize–nominated From the Mississippi Delta.

Then there’s Robert Gore (M.S. ’61, Ph.D. ’63), a Delaware native whose earliest experience in Minnesota was a late September snowfall. Besides our formidable natural environment, it’s fair to say he also found inspiration in the academic climate. Gore’s graduate studies in chemical engineering led to the development of Gore-Tex, the water-resistant fabric that keeps millions warm and dry around the world. Not surprisingly, Gore says the University’s supportive atmosphere continues to influence his firm’s corporate culture.

Another graduate with a great story is Michele Brekke (B.S. ’75, M.S. ’77), whose name was Michele Hank while at the University. As an aerospace engineering student, she diligently worked in Helmut Heinrich’s wind-tunnel lab. Today, as NASA’s first female flight director, Brekke oversees the launch of multibillion-dollar satellites, and no payloads fly on a space shuttle without her approval.

Each of these stories perfectly illustrates the powerful influence of the University of Minnesota on its students. These anecdotes also make me think how lucky we are that these three chose the University of Minnesota. But they are only a few examples. Each year, tens of thousands of students come here to begin their own journeys and build their own stories. Some arrive despite setbacks and obstacles. Some are eager but without direction. And some come with advantages and purpose. But by the power of education, and through the acts of caring people across the campuses, the University of Minnesota changes their lives. What’s more, the University also changes the lives of all those people who come into contact with our alumni. The impact is staggering. Simply put, we change the lives of our students when they are on campus, and as a result, they go on and change the world.

Using that theme, "Changing the World One Graduate at a Time," the alumni association recently launched its first advertising campaign in 16 years. Through a series of print advertisements, the campaign celebrates the many ways alumni make a difference in today’s world. As our staff began collecting and considering the stories of hundreds of alumni, those of Endesha Holland, Robert Gore, and Michele Brekke rose to the top. Their names may not be as familiar as the famous alumni featured in our previous ad campaigns, including Hubert H. Humphrey (B.A. ’39), Roy Wilkins (B.A. ’23), and Eric Sevareid (B.A. ’35), but we found their stories equally compelling.

So did the Minneapolis advertising agency Gabriel Diericks Razidlo. Thanks to the agency’s pro bono creative leadership on this campaign, coupled with the energetic efforts of Tom Garrison, the alumni association’s associate executive director for communications, I’m certain the ads have hit the mark. See for yourself on page 7 of this magazine. And watch future issues of Minnesota for ads in our "Changing the World" campaign.

The stories in these three advertisements are only the tip of the iceberg. As the University of Minnesota Alumni Association expands beyond 52,500 members, the potential for sharing fascinating stories seems limitless. And as we approach the centennial anniversary of our association in 2004, you can expect to see and hear a lot more of our graduates’ stories—in these pages and elsewhere—in the coming months and years.

As an alumna or alumnus, take a minute to consider what your story is, thanks to the University. What have you accomplished that you can credit to the University of Minnesota? How has your alma mater helped you change the world?

But don’t stop there. We hope you also will connect and reconnect with your alma mater for a lifetime. Consider returning to campus for a reunion where you can share your story with former classmates. Speak up for the University. If you hear a group of people talking about the U, tell them how it helped you achieve your goals. Show your colors. Wear the traditional maroon-and-gold Gopher gear and prominently display your U of M diploma. And finally, become an advocate. Encourage other alumni to join the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and help us recruit the best and brightest students as well. A vocal and growing group of supporters can have a tremendous impact on the future and strength of the U.

Nearly every day, I’m fortunate enough to hear several success stories that are powerful endorsements for our alma mater. Let’s all become storytellers for this world-class institution. Sharing our testimonials will truly help the University of Minnesota change the world, one graduate at a time.