Monarch Memo

In mid-winter, North American Monarch butterfiles begin their northward spring migration, most having overwintered at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the pine-oak forests of central Mexico. You can learn more about these beautiful but threatened signs of summer at the Bell Museum’s “Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival” exhibit that runs through June 8, or at the Monarch Butterfly Workshop on April 26 at the Landscape Arboretum. Find more information at bellmuseum.umn.edu or at arb.umn.edu.

Duo receive National Medals of Science

In recognition of their careers in the fields of geochemistry and ecology, the White House honored Professors R. Lawrence Edwards and David Tilman in early January with the National Medal of Science—the nation’s highest recognition for scientists and engineers.

Edwards, a Regents and Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the College of Science and Engineering, is a renowned isotope geochemist known for his role in the development of modern uranium-thorium dating methods, which have transformed our understanding of Earth’s climate history and ocean chemistry. His work helps explain the causes of abrupt climate change and the rapid melting of ice sheets at the end of glacial cycles, building a foundation to navigate our climate future.

Tilman, a Regents Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences, is the most highly cited ecologist in the world and a pioneer in biodiversity, known for bringing mathematics and biology together to understand how different plant species interact to create diverse communities. At Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a world-renowned site for ecology research where he formerly served as director, Tilman explored the pivotal question of how human impacts on nature come back to affect us. Tilman’s research has informed global strategies for preserving the integral functions of nature, such as cleansing air and water, in the face of human impacts like habitat destruction, the spread of invasive species and climate change. 

Late faculty members Norman Borlaug and Leonid Hurwicz previously won the National Medal of Science for plant pathology (2004) and economics (1990).

Happy 25th Anniversary McNamara Center!

The McNamara Alumni Center, pictured here under construction in 1999, is proudly celebrating its quarter-century mark in 2025.

Home to many alumni-centered gatherings, the 231,000-square-foot center opened in February 2000. The conference center and gathering space is privately owned by the University of Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. The public spaces in McNamara were financed through the private support of more than 600 donors who contributed $13 million, including Richard “Pinky” McNamara, a 1956 alumnus for whom the building is named.

Scientist receives national mentor award

In mid-January, the White House honored Professor Maria Gini with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Gini is one of only 25 individuals from across the country to receive the nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors, which highlights the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators.

Gini, a professor in the College of Science and Engineering, is a world-renowned researcher, educator and mentor in computer science. She is also an industry leader in robotics, artificial intelligence, and multi-agent systems. 

Gini has been with the University of Minnesota since 1982.

Big impact!

Systemwide, the U of M welcomed more than 70,000 students for the first time ever last fall. That includes nearly 50,000 Minnesotans, the highest number of Minnesota resident students at the U of M in more than 40 years.

The U of M has the lowest net cost among all Minnesota four-year institutions for households earning less than $110,000 annually, in part because the U of M is investing more than ever in University-provided financial aid, committing approximately $325 million to student support in 2024. 

More than 92 percent of graduating students are employed or continuing their education, 7.8 percent above the national average.

Among U of M students entering the workforce, three-quarters work for companies and organizations in Minnesota.

Systemwide, the U of M contributed more than $1.35 billion in research and innovation expenditures to the state and nation. Most of that funding came from federal awards, which researchers and collaborators earn through competitive proposals. U of M researchers brought in $628 million in federal grants.

The University has launched 260 startups over the past two decades and a record 25 startups in 2024.

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.