Alumni Association Home > Past Issues > 2009 > January-February 2009	Print View

Bruce Mooty. Photograph by Sara Jorde

As the state’s leading graduate and undergraduate educational facility and its only research university, the University of Minnesota plays an essential role in Minnesota’s economic future. Consider these facts:

-More than half of Minnesota’s science, technology, engineering, and math graduates received their training at the U.

-Last year alone, the U won $619 million in higher-education research grants (98 percent of the state’s total) providing vital innovations and more than 25,000 jobs.

-In 2007, nearly 14,000 people earned a U degree, and more than 66,000 people took a U class

-Alumni from the U have created over 10,000 companies across all 87 counties in Minnesota, employing 500,000 people statewide.

These are staggering statistics, and they make us wonder, Where would Minnesota be without the U? Where would any of us who benefited from an education at the U be today if not for that education and opportunity? To a large extent, it is alumni who are in the best position to speak as ambassadors to the importance of this institution.

For me, receiving my bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Minnesota were of paramount importance to my professional and personal development. My various experiences and opportunities as an undergraduate at the U fostered confidence, critical thinking, friendships, and invaluable leadership skills. My legal education at the University Law School helped me secure an associate lawyer position at Briggs and Morgan and has been of utmost importance in assisting clients throughout my career at Gray Plant Mooty.

On December 4, Governor Tim Pawlenty (B.A. ’83, J.D. ’86) announced a projected state budget shortfall of $4.8 billion for 2010–11, plus a current state budget deficit of $426 million. These forecasts present a historic and unprecedented challenge. University President Bob Bruininks recently communicated to all staff at the University about the state forecast: “[O]ur response must ensure that we collectively maintain the core strength and quality of the University and help the state regain its financial footing. . . . [I]t is my unwavering belief that the path out of Minnesota’s current crisis, and a return to a vibrant and growth-oriented economy, lies directly through the classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and halls of our great educational institutions.”

It’s clear the University of Minnesota is essential to our state’s economic future. That’s why it is so important as we enter this critical and challenging 2009 legislative session for alumni and friends of the University—like you—to share your story with decision makers about the importance of the U to the people of this state.

President Bruininks and I invite you to attend the 2009 Legislative Briefing and Reception January 28 at the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, in Minneapolis to learn about the U’s legislative request and explore how you can tell your story to the state’s decision makers. The event is free and open to all alumni and friends of the University. (For details about the event, turn to page 54.)

Help the U of M keep Minnesota strong. Attend the 2009 Legislative Briefing and learn how you can support the U at the state capitol.     —Bruce Mooty (B.A. ’77, J.D. ’80)

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