High (and Low) Stepping

After a 10-year absence, the Midwest Greek Step Show returned to the U of M at Northrop Auditorium in late October. Part of Homecoming activities, the show featured National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations competing in synchronized step for cash prizes. NPHC is the governing body for nine historically Black fraternities and sororities and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity came out on top at the end of the night. The show also spotlighted the diverse history and traditions of NPHC organizations.

A Homecoming to Remember

The Golden Gophers triumphed at Homecoming on Oct. 26, defeating the Maryland Terrapins 48-23 at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Alumni, friends, and fans all celebrated the win while reconnecting at a variety of events on campus.

U of M applies institutional neutrality to Consolidated Endowment Fund

In late August, following Board of Regents approval, the University adopted a position of neutrality related to investing its Consolidated Endowment Fund. The Board’s action instructs that those investment decisions continue to be based on financial criteria already defined in policy.

Last spring, the Board received requests to divest from Israeli companies or companies that do business in Israel. Community feedback since that time has both supported and opposed divestment. The Board’s action formally declines the request to divest from Israel-related investments.

“For the past several months, we have sought out expert analysis and a variety of perspectives on how the University invests its Consolidated Endowment Fund,” said Board Chair Janie Mayeron. “We have reviewed how this fund operates, how it supports affordable education for students, groundbreaking research, and community engagement, and the possible financial challenges of divestment. We’ve also welcomed input from members of our community, and we respect their deeply held perspectives. In the end, it is clear our community is divided on the topic. After careful consideration of all this input, we believe today’s action honors our fiduciary duty and the long-term needs of the University.”

In the resolution, the Board recognized that divestment may be appropriate in very rare circumstances and directed President Rebecca Cunningham to develop a process for future requests.

This action does not reverse any previously adopted positions or affect ongoing efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into consolidated endowment fund investment decisions, a focus already codified in Board policy.

The Board continues to welcome public comment on any topic through its virtual forum at regents.umn.edu/boards-virtual-forum.

Libraries receive largest gift by first-time donors

The University of Minnesota Libraries received the largest gift by first-time donors in its 155-year history. The $2 million contribution establishes an endowed curatorial chair for the world-renowned Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature, home to original artwork and text for beloved classics like Goodnight Moon, Strega Nona, Amelia Bedelia (above), and much more.

The gift comes from a family of bibliophiles in San Francisco, Cathy and Glen Miranker (left), with a passion for children’s books, libraries, and Sherlock Holmes.

The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature is an internationally recognized children’s literature library and archive that holds more than 100,000 children’s books, original manuscripts, correspondence, artworks, galleys, color proofs, and other material from more than 1,700 authors and illustrators.

Brave new food delivery

There’s a new sight on campus: rolling robots carrying food!

A new food delivery option available through M Food Co.—powered by Starship Technologies—is now available around the Twin Cities campus.

Via the Starship app, students, faculty, and staff can order delivery to almost anywhere on the East Bank from Panda Express, Starbucks, and Erbert & Gerbert’s in Coffman Memorial Union. Dining Dollars and Gopher GOLD can also be synced to the app.

After placing an order, an autonomous robot rolls to the customer, who can follow the robot’s progress on an interactive map. When it arrives, customers unlock the robot through the app to retrieve their food.

The company says the robots are safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. They use less energy per delivery than it takes to brew a cup of hot coffee and use a variety of sensors to keep those around them safe.

If you liked these stories, Minnesota Alumni magazine publishes four times a year highlighting U of M alumni and University activities. Early access to stories and a print subscription are benefits of being an Alumni Association member. Join here to receive a printed copy at home.