News & Events | University of Minnesota

Minnesota State Fairgoers and Goldy Gopher ham it up for the camera in front of the University of Minnesota Central building.

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University of Minnesota history on display at the Minnesota State Fair

The University is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year with some special exhibits and attractions in the University of Minnesota Central building at the state fair.

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University of Minnesota launches innovative Austere Medicine Program

As healthcare evolves, the University of Minnesota is ensuring that tomorrow's military medical leaders are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills needed to provide exceptional care.

An image of four young children in a wooded area. They are all looking at the ground, which is covered in pine needles, and one child has a magnifying glass they are looking through.

Talking with University of Minnesota

Talking nature-based learning with University of Minnesota

Cathy Jordan shares why nature is so important for kids and how to ensure kids benefit from nature-based learning year-round.

Agriculture and Environment

Aurora Borealis glowing above the tops of trees.

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Northern Lights in a bottle: University of Minnesota and Plasma Blue revolutionize chemical processing

A University of Minnesota–developed technology commercialized by Plasma Blue is destroying "forever chemicals," cleaning medical and farm settings with chemical-free plasma water and slashing biofuel emissions.

North Star Apple Crisp ice cream in a cone

News Release

The big scoop: University of Minnesota celebrates 175 years with signature ice cream flavor

Forget chocolate or vanilla. The winning flavor created to celebrate the University of Minnesota's 175th anniversary offers a tart, colorful surprise. The ice cream flavor, North Star Apple Crisp, combines the sweet crunchy taste of apple crisp with a swirl of aronia berry.

A 4-H'er shows off her costumed llama at the Warner Coliseum at the fairgrounds.

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Maroon and gold at the fair: From llamas in costume to Jiminy Crickets!

The University of Minnesota has been at the State Fair since 1859. There have been more than a few fun and quirky happenings since then.

More Agriculture and Environment Stories

Architecture and Design

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From the University of Minnesota to Disney Imagineering

Interior design student Karina Nelson dreamed of creating immersive worlds. Now, after years of blending storytelling, design, and experiential thinking at the University of Minnesota, she is beginning her career with Walt Disney Imagineering.

Lucas Miller a male student in white hoodie and black hat with professor Carlye Lauff, a woman in a brown shirt with brown hair

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Slime and drama take the stage in this product design course

A hands-on product design course puts student work on a real-world stage after a semester of intensive toy design.

News Release

University of Minnesota’s Northrop achieves LEED O+M gold certification for sustainability efforts

LEED O+M Gold reflects Northrop's commitment to honoring a historic legacy while building for the future.

Arts and Humanities

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Finding their voice through film

Through a partnership with FilmNorth, a leading youth media arts organization, University of Minnesota students discovered new interests and career possibilities — creating a film from start to finish in under a week with no prior experience.

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Hands-on liberal arts: Research, internships and more

From conducting original research to applying classroom lessons to internships, learning through role-playing games, and studying abroad, these University of Minnesota experiences build a strong foundation for career and life — one students will carry with them long after graduation day.

a man with long hair and a black shirt sits atop a scaffolding alongside a giant pencil

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Curtis and the giant pencil

Who knew a giant pencil could become a symbol of a community coming together?

Business and Management

Vy Bui holds a pair of tongs as she stands outside her Que Viet Concessions trailer at the Minnesota State Fair.

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Rolling to success

How a University of Minnesota graduate turned a family tradition into a Minnesota State Fair sensation.

People sit around a table drinking beer at a brewery.

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Brewery taps Carlson Impact Lab to boost mission

Minnesota Carlson undergraduate students in the Impact Lab partnered with Dual Citizen Brewing Company to help promote its social mission and expand its reach through events.

Four people sit around a table talking, while a man holds and demonstrates a piece of medical or technical equipment.

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MBA and engineering students design real products for real companies

The University of Minnesota’s New Product Design and Business Development course pairs graduate business and engineering students together to develop new products for real clients.

Campus Affairs

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University of Minnesota history on display at the Minnesota State Fair

The University is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year with some special exhibits and attractions in the University of Minnesota Central building at the state fair.

Northern Minnesota scene of a sunset over water

News Release

University of Minnesota secures $23.3 million for research to protect state’s natural resources and build community resilience

University of Minnesota researchers and educators are leading projects that address some of Minnesota's most pressing environmental challenges — from protecting drinking water and strengthening climate resilience to conserving wildlife habitat and advancing sustainable food systems.

Seal of the University of Minnesota on a brick wall

News Release

2026 University of Minnesota Fulbright Award recipients prepare for their next adventure in learning

The prestigious grant allows students to study and teach abroad during the 2026-27 academic year.

Education

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Opening the classroom door

The College of Education and Human Development's NXT GEN Teach allows school district employees to earn a teaching license while working full-time.

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Meeting the needs of Minnesota's workforce

As workforce needs shift across industries, both individuals and employers are looking for practical ways to keep pace. The University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies supports career growth, employer partnerships and lifelong learning for Minnesota's workforce.

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University launches new training series to elevate paraprofessional practice

The College of Education and Human Development has started a new inclusive education training series for paraprofessionals in order to boost support for students with disabilities.

Health

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University of Minnesota launches innovative Austere Medicine Program

Talking with University of Minnesota

Talking nature-based learning with University of Minnesota

Cathy Jordan shares why nature is so important for kids and how to ensure kids benefit from nature-based learning year-round.

The new class of University of Minnesota Medical School students all stand together for a picture.

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The winding paths to Medical School

Two Medical School students share their journey to their white coat ceremony.

Law and Policy

A MnTAP intern looks at the reading from a device being held near the ground next to some plants.

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MnTAP interns help Minnesota organizations waste less and save more

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program internships pair students with Minnesota organizations to develop practical solutions that reduce waste, conserve resources and lower costs—all while giving future professionals valuable hands-on experience.

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Master of Human Rights student is working towards dignity for all

Aidan Thomason was looking for a public policy education focused on migration, human rights and “public service as something that’s virtuous.” She found it through the Master of Human Rights program.

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Practicing law with purpose

Recent Minnesota Law grads are making their mark at top firms across the country, all while continuing the pro bono work and commitment to community they began in law school.

Science and Technology

Staff members in masks and lab coats operate machinery in a large room in Minnesota Biomanufacturing Services.

News Release

University of Minnesota quadruples biomanufacturing capability to fast-track innovations at new facility

Building on 40 years of expertise in biotechnology, the facility on the St Paul campus will empower new solutions through research and business partnerships.

Maroon computer chip with image of Goldy Gopher

News Release

University of Minnesota receives DOE Genesis Mission funding to advance AI breakthroughs

Projects will accelerate innovation in critical scientific and engineering challenges.

News Release

University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute Unveils First-of-Its-Kind DRI Simulator to Future-Proof Domestic Steel Production

The facility equips Minnesota to lead the evolution of domestic industrial manufacturing.

Sports and Recreation

Goldy being hoisted by cheerleaders on a stand at a football game.

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Goldy is now officially a Hall of Famer!

On August 7, Goldy Gopher was named to the Mascot Hall of Fame on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Images of Lee Stecklein holding the Walter Cup and skating for the Minnesota Gophers.

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Lee Stecklein: A hockey career beyond her imagination

Former Gophers hockey star (and gold medal–winning) Lee Stecklein is part of a pioneering generation of women making a living playing the sport they love.

The Gopher women's gymnastics team celebrates after their NCAA semifinals performance.

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Gopher gymnastics team advances to Final Four

For the first time in program history, the women’s gymnastics team has advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Championships.

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The University Public Relations team for the Twin Cities campus is often the first call for journalists who seek help connecting to faculty experts or who wish to receive information about the University of Minnesota. From news releases to expert alerts to interviews on timely topics, University Public Relations provides the resources journalists need for their reporting in all areas of public interest.

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