The past, present, and future of the University of Minnesota Duluth all connect in this new collection, “Stories from the Past: The Rare & Remarkable.” From its founding in 1895 until the present day, thousands of people have been a part of the unique history of UMD, and many of their stories are shared in this volume.
The book takes the reader back to the time when the attorney Jed Washburn held dances for students in his home, when students trained to teach in one-room schoolhouses, and when an exceptionally brilliant professor created the Olga Lakela Herbarium.
See behind the scenes as young women presented the yearly May Fete celebration; travel with students on ore carriers as they collect samples for the first Great Lakes plankton study, and hear the stories of how UMD welcomed diverse student populations to campus. There is excitement in the adventures of the people that made up UMD. The past, present, and future of the University of Minnesota Duluth all connect in this exciting collection.
This book, a collection of stories spanning 13 decades, celebrates the University of Minnesota Duluth's 125th anniversary. Any proceeds from sales of the book will benefit student scholarships.
Creating the book
Cheryl Reitan, the associate director for University Marketing and Public Relations (UMPR), was responsible for the inception and the execution of Stories from the Past: The Rare and Remarkable. She took the book from individual web pages spanning more than a year to inclusion as a series in the Alumni E-newsletter, and finally to the publication of this book.
The following students contributed immensely to the project, beginning with Ellie Mercil, who wrote and edited many of the first stories. Additional students helped with writing and production including Myka Dixon, Sara Guymon, Jack Harrington, Bailey Jacobson, Izabel Johnson, Maija Johnson, Jessica Leung, Eva Moua, and Jack Wiedner. The UMD University Marketing and Public Relations (UMPR) staff supported the project, including Charlene Aaseng, David Cowardin, Brett Groehler, Hannah Lieberman, Kyle Marxhausen, Kathleen McQuillan-Hoffman, and director, Lynne Williams. Lori C. Melton, UMPR senior communication specialist, wrote and edited stories. Special thanks to Professor David Beard for his encouragement.
The book owes a great debt to Aimee Brown and Shana Aue, staff at the UMD Archives and Special Collections, Kathryn A. Martin Library. They were especially helpful during the creation of this collection.
Buy a Copy! Read the Book!