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Alumni Association Home > Past Issues > 2004 > September-October 2004   Print View National President: A New Golden Era 9/15/2004 By Andrea Hjelm, B.A. '65 I'll never forget that fall day in 1961 when I made my way across the University of Minnesota campus to my first class. Wide-eyed, I knew that this could be a huge opportunity for me, a working-class Northeast Minneapolis girl who was not only a first-generation American, but potentially the first person in my family to graduate from college. I also knew that it would be a huge challenge. I wondered how I could ever make a difference on this campus of more than 30,000 students. But I started by simply getting involved—in a variety of campus organizations and activities. And I've been fortunate, all these years later, to continue that involvement, first as a proud alum, then as a member of the UMAA board of directors, and now as UMAA president. As I'm sure was the case with you, attending the University was a tremendous experience for me. I remember those thrilling football Saturdays, when my friend Gail (Dahlvang) Russ (B.S. '65) and I would fall in with the crowd that trailed the marching band and cheerleaders down University Avenue. We were members of the Rooter Club and sat in the "card" section. At designated times during the game we all lifted the appropriate card above our heads to create a giant word or letter, including, of course, the Gopher "M," which always ignited a rousing ovation. The games were exciting and the teams—including our 1962 Rose Bowl winner—were fabulous. I love our football Gophers indoors or out, however, so I'm as eager as ever to venture inside to cheer the team on to a homecoming victory against Illinois on October 23. It's just that I envision the rebirth of that Memorial Stadium experience—that very special time on Saturday, when 60,000 students, alumni, and fans of all ages united in one place on campus. Parents brought their children. Grandparents brought their grandchildren. And they all took part in a priceless University experience. That's why the U's proposal for a new on-campus stadium is about so much more than celebrating touchdowns. It's about bringing our young people to campus, sharing our traditions with them, teaching them about the greatness of this institution, and helping ensure that the best and brightest will attend the U. We must continue to lobby our state legislators for support, not only for the stadium proposal, but also for the capital request to renovate and upgrade our aging buildings. It's essential that the University receive the funds necessary to maintain its place among the top-ranked public research universities in the nation. Otherwise, our college-bound students will go elsewhere and Minnesota will lose its greatest asset: the next generation of leaders. I offer my own experience as an example. For the past 23 years, I've owned and operated a small business—Moore Creative Talent in Minneapolis. There's no doubt that if the University had not been an affordable, accessible option for me, I would not have the confidence and training to be a small-business owner contributing to the state's tax base. The good news is that I can visualize a bright future, and I see it getting closer every day! Last spring, I sat in committee hearings and listened to our legislators reminisce about the "golden" Gopher days in Memorial Stadium. They expressed their desire to help build a bridge from that golden era to a new one. And I believe they recognize that our stadium plan is extremely practical and well within our reach. Like me, you might be asking yourself, "How can I make a difference?" The best way to start is by simply getting involved. Call or write your legislators and tell them you support the efforts to restore community on campus and the high-quality facilities our students deserve. In the meantime, share this upcoming homecoming with the young people in your life. Give them a preview of the campus experience that changed your life—and that could change their lives too.

Last modified on 11/16/2004 12:48:56 PM ©2009 by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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