Gopher Blog

Seven Down, One to Go

That’s seven semesters down, one to go.

When 12:31 p.m. on Friday rolled around, I could finally start my end of the semester celebrations. My last final in Mass Media Effects took about two hours, and it felt great to turn it in. I officially have only one more semester left at the U of M!

Now, I’m just waiting for my grades to be posted online. Instructors will be posting grades online on OneStop within the next week. Since some of my final work was completed before the last day of classes, I already have most of my grades (two “A’s” and two “A-‘s”) and am waiting for one more. But, I have a good feeling about the course I am waiting on. (My fingers are crossed!)

Tonight, I will be heading back home to Brooklyn Park, Minn., for winter break. I’m looking forward to sleeping in and spending some much-needed time with extended family and friends. And, on January 1, I leave for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with my mom and sister for a seven-day Caribbean cruise! I haven’t been on vacation in a couple of years, and the last time I traveled out of the country was in May 2008 when I was in Cape Town, South Africa with the U of M Leadership Minor. Warm, sunny beaches and cerulean blue water…here I come!

One of my favorite parts about college has always been winter break because it provides a month-long break from school. Spring semester begins on January 19, so all students have a nice, long break to enjoy.

Until next time…have a happy holiday season and an even better new year!

~ Trisha

Last Day of Classes

Yesterday was the last day of fall semester classes here at the U of M. This is a day that I think all students look forward to. That, and the last day of finals! “Finals week” begins today and runs through December 23. Luckily for me, this semester I don’t have a busy finals week. However, many of my projects and papers were due within the last week. Check out what my end of the semester looked like:

• Thursday, December 10 at 2:30 pm: I had my final group presentation for my senior capstone class in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. (By the way, it was a success!)

• Wednesday, December 16 at 10:10 am: I had a final five-page paper due and a group presentation for my Organizational Communication class.

• Friday, December 18 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm: I have a final exam in my Mass Media Effects class that covers all the material we’ve learned throughout the semester.

• Friday, December 18 at noon: My final 10-page paper about my role as a global citizen (including what my life looks like in the year 2030) is due in my Global Leadership class.

• Friday, December 18 at 12:31 pm: Official end of the semester!

Because my exam on Friday overlaps with when my final leadership paper is due, I have decided to turn it in early. I’m looking forward to having it completed early so I can devote more time to studying for the exam I have on Friday. To study, I plan to grab coffee at The Purple Onion, my favorite coffee shop in Dinkytown, and settle in for a study session at the All-Greek Study-A-Thon held in Nicholson Hall. The study-a-thon is held by the Greek community each finals week and provides snacks and a quiet place to study. Who doesn’t like free snacks while they study?

As I mentioned, my finals week is pretty low-key this semester. But many other students on campus have multiple finals that will run into next week. Check out this student blog by a CLA Student Ambassador who gives advice on preparing for finals here.

Lastly, while I am gearing up for my second to last finals week of my U of M career, some students are preparing for graduation. Check out the video below with graduating senior, Sergio Meyer, as he fulfills some of the things he wanted to before leaving the U of M.

Like Sergio, I’ve never been swimming at the University Recreation Center…maybe I will check that out next semester. And, I personally recommend visiting the Weisman Art Museum. The exhibits change throughout the year, and if you’ve got extra time between classes, it’s a great place to go for some inspiration!

~ Trisha

Center for Spirituality and Healing 1001: Holistic Health and Healing

Well-being for the 21st Century

In today’s society, people are always on the move. Combine class and homework with internships, student organizations, and a social life, and most students would say that college life is challenging, fun, and rewarding, but also very stressful!

In Holistic Health and Healing, you will explore how individuals and society can work to gather to find a balance amidst the many factors that cause stress in our lives through holistic health thinking. Holistic health is learning how each person’s psychological, physical, and social needs work together. This class will teach you about holistic health and then give you the tools to apply it in your lives.

Students can expect to be active in class thorough innovative lectures and class discussion. And, weekly assignments challenge students to apply course concepts to daily life. Plus, students have the opportunity to experience alternative ways to handle stress like practicing yoga and qi gong in class.

This class won’t leave you stressed out but rather stress-free!

Want to learn more?

• Read more about the Center for Spirituality and Healing.
• Explore a Web site used by students in Holistic Health and Healing.

Cakes for CASA

Welcome to December! It’s less two weeks until the end of the semester and boy, have I been busy!

On Thursday night, my sorority held its signature philanthropy event. Our philanthropy is called Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the organization works to provide a voice to children in the foster care system. One of the reasons that I joined a sorority was to get more involved in community service. CASA is a great cause, and I’ve loved being associated with it for the past couple of years.

Each year we hold a late-night pancake breakfast called Cakes for CASA to raise money for the organization. This year, the event was held at Tony’s Diner in Dinkytown (read an entry I wrote about Dinkytown here). Having the event in Dinkytown allowed for even more people to attend than last year. I’m not sure how much money we raised just yet, but I’ll be sure to let you know! In the meantime, check out a couple pictures from the event below.

A group of Thetas gathered together before the event began. Seniors are in the yellow shirts and younger members are in the green shirts.


Here’s a picture of me and my friend Theresa. We joined Kappa Alpha Theta in fall 2007 and will both be graduating in the spring.


Overall, it was a great event for CASA and a ton of fun for Thetas! I can’t wait to come back next year as an alumna.

~ Trisha

Spaceflight with Ballooning: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics 1905

Launching learning into space

How do solar panels work in space? Can you inexpensively measure cosmic radiation? University of Minnesota students will answer these questions and share their findings from scientific experiments recently carried by a weather balloon to an altitude of more than 100,000 feet.

The students will reveal the results at a special Spaceflight with Ballooning Open House from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 in the lobby and main stairwell of Akerman Hall, 110 Union St. S.E., Minneapolis. An inflated weather balloon and payload boxes will be on display. A video of the recent launch near Hinkley, Minn., will also be on display.

Students conducted the experiments as part of the class Spaceflight with Ballooning, a freshman seminar that challenges students to design and build mini-spacecraft and use inexpensive high-altitude helium balloons to launch them into “near-space,” the upper reaches of the atmosphere where physical properties are the same as in outer space. Since the launch, students have been analyzing data from the balloon mission.

Here’s a picture of one team in the class and their mini-spacecraft.


Here, the class is getting ready for the launch.


And the mini-spacecrafts are air born!
 

“Conducting experiments in space has always been difficult due to the tremendous expense of rocket launches,” said James Flaten, an aerospace engineering and mechanics faculty member who teaches the class. “Students in this class gained a new appreciation for space hardware and spaceflight by designing and building their own inexpensive, functioning spacecraft and flying it to the very edge of outer space. This memorable activity took them closer to space than they’ve ever been before.”

Want to learn more?

• Read more about this freshman seminar class here.
• Learn more about the Aerospace Engineering and Mechanincs department at the U of M.

Minnesota Miles Explores Life on Campus

Good afternoon Gopher Blog fans!

Wondering what life is like living on campus? I wrote about my university housing expereience last spring. You can read about it here.

Also, check out this cool video I found featuring Minnesota Miles as he discovers two residence halls on campus, Middlebrook Hall and Pioneer Hall.

~ Trisha

World Music: Music 1804

Feel the rhythm of music…

Whether or not we have musical training, music is an integral part of our lives. From casually listening to the radio to being an avid fan of a particular musical group or genre, music can define who we are and what we value. In World Music, you’ll have the opportunity to explore how music plays a role in everyday life, here and around the world.

Scott Currie, an instructor in the music department, teaches World Music. The only course requirement? Curiosity. Through listening to music from all over the world, each class period will be an opportunity to experience something new. Through lectures and in-class exploration, you’ll gain a cross-cultural understanding of basic musical elements like rhythm, harmony, and melody.

Not familiar with different types of music? Don’t have any musical training? No worries! Scott focuses on how different types of music fits into a larger cultural, social, and political context.

Here’s a taste of the types of music you will listen to in Scott’s class:

• African music
• Caribbean music
• East Asian music
• Indian music
• Indonesian music

Students in this course also have the opportunity get out into the community for hands-on musical experience by attending a concert on campus. It’s a great way to apply classroom learning in the real world.

Want to learn more?

• Learn about Scott Currie.
• Discover more about the School of Music at the U of M.

Where has the time gone?

Each file, the arrival of November always surprises me. And now my mind can’t help but drift to thoughts of Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and much-needed time spent with family and friends.

Since my mind does tend to wander at this time of year, I take the first week in November to re-focus and do some end-of-the-semester planning. Think of it as an “end-of-the-semester casserole” (or as people in Minnesota would call it, “a hotdish!”):

Trisha’s End-of-the-Semester Recipe:

• A scoopful of papers
• A pinch of presentations
• A dash of group projects
• A double-dose of daily reading and preparation for classes

Instructions:
Check each class’s syllabus and put corresponding dates in Gopher Guide (an awesome assignment planner available through the University Bookstore). Mix thoroughly and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and leave on your desk to cool. Based on other dates in social calendar, plan accordingly. Dish goes well with writing utensils, textbooks, and a computer.

There you have it—an overview of my academic schedule for rest of the semester! Okay…so maybe that was a bit of a stretch. :) But, taking the time to review what I need to do to finish the semester successfully is always beneficial and can help to put things in perspective for finals week in December.

Plus, the last two months of the year always prove to be an exciting time around campus. The last few games of the Gopher football season will play out and Gopher hockey and basketball will be in full swing. And my sorority has a fun week planned where we will be raising money for our national philanthropy organizations (more on that later!).

Hope you’ve all had a great start to November! I can already smell the pumpkin pie…

~ Trisha

 

Halloween—Gopher style!

Hi Gopher Blog fans!

I spent my Halloween at the Gopher Game. Check out some pictures from the night below…

A couple of friends show off their Gopher pride with this pumpkin carving of Goldy Gopher!



At the football game, many fans came dressed in costume.



I especially enjoyed Spencer (below) who dressed as the popular social networking Web site, Facebook.



Here’s a picture of my sister and her friends donning Goldy masks. The masks were free to each student in the student section.



For Halloween, the band danced to “Thriller,” the Michael Jackson hit. Their dance was one of my favorite moments of the game!

Check out this video of the band's performance of "Thriller" below:

Hope everyone had a safe and spooky Halloween!

~ Trisha

Football is Back on Campus!

It’s official. Gopher football is finally back home. This is what life on a Big 10 campus is all about.

Traveling to the Stadium
I went to the first game with a group of my sorority sisters. The stadium is a quick, 10-minute walk from our chapter house. To walk out my door and arrive at the stadium just a few minutes later is so exciting after years of trekking downtown to the Metrodome.

Along the way, we passed groups of students donning maroon and gold on their way to the stadium. We sang the school song, The Minnesota Rouser, a couple of times before we reached the stadium. There was music in the air and the smell of food being grilled in the tailgating lots. Campus was bubbling with excitement!

Even waiting in line to get into the stadium was a thrilling experience. Every student was wearing gold and eagerly anticipating the student gate opening for the first time.

After hearing President Robert Bruininks and Athletic Director Joel Maturi share their excitement for the new stadium, the gates opened and the sea of U of M students flowed into the stadium, running up the stairs to catch a first glimpse of the field. The sight was absolutely breathtaking!

Pre-game Tradition
About 30 minutes before halftime, the Pride of Minnesota (also known as the Minnesota Marching Band), took the field in pre-game tradition. Here at the U of M, the band is loved just as much as football team and they are fantastic! I have a couple of friends who march in the band so I was cheering for them as they took their first steps onto their field.

It’s also tradition to sing The Minnesota Rouser once before kickoff. (You can listen to it here). Singing the Rouser in the stadium for the first time has undoubtedly become one of my favorite college memories. The entire Golden Gopher community joined together to welcome the football team in a giant collective voice.

At the end of the Rouser, we spell out the word “Minnesota.” The booming sound of every person in the stadium cheering each letter made me stop singing and just look around in awe. It seemed like the excitement and volume could be heard from miles away. The Gopher Nation is loud and proud and ready to cheer our team to victory!

Gopher Spirit at it’s Finest
The inaugural game marked the start of a new era for all Gopher fans. The atmosphere in the crowd was simply electric! Everyone was cheering for the team or laughing at our mascot, Goldy. Check out some pictures from the first game below (click on photo for a bigger picture):

Here’s me with some of my friends. I’m second from the right.

Goldy doing what he does best—getting the crowd pumped up!

Take a look at the student section! It’s like a sea of maroon and gold.

This picture represents a renewed community as the football players took a victory lap around the field and supporters rushed to shake their hands.

The home field advantage is here to stay. The rest of the season is bound to be filled with excitement, laughs, cheers, and great memories!

~ Trisha

Homecoming 2009

One of the biggest events of each fall semester is homecoming! Homecoming celebrations have been a tradition here since 1914 and this year the official week begins on October 4th and continues through October 10th. And this year, with football returning to campus in the TCF Bank Stadium, homecoming celebrations will be even better. Check out a schedule of events here and stay tuned for more homecoming updates!  

~ Trisha

Back in the Swing of Things

The start of senior year

The past two weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of activity!

With two weeks into the school year already gone, I’m still adjusting to life as a senior and my last year as a U of M student. If you remember, I am a member of a sorority on campus, Kappa Alpha Theta, and most of my time in the past two weeks has been dedicated to formal recruitment. Formal recruitment is the process that allows college women to join a sorority.

Recruitment was a ton of hard work and loads of fun! Becoming Greek was one way that I found my niche on campus, and it led me to some great opportunities. I’m excited to share my experiences with all of the new members that have recently joined my Theta chapter.

My class schedule is really nice this semester; I have two classes everyday besides Wednesday when I have three. So far my classes seem fun yet challenging. I’m really enjoying my senior-level “capstone” course in my journalism and mass communications major, because I have the chance to work with a group of students on a real-world project. Plus, the instructors for this course are two seasoned public relations professionals—an incredible opportunity for networking and learning from some of the area’s top business people!

Last, but certainly not least, Gopher football returned to campus last weekend! I was at the TCF Bank Stadium almost three hours before kickoff. The game and experience is one of my best memories from college so far. Plus, we won!

Stay tuned… next week I’ll post some pictures from formal recruitment and my first football game at TCF Bank Stadium!

~ Trisha

The Great Minnesota Get Together

What’s better than food on a stick?

On Tuesday, I had a chance to enjoy one of my favorite activities of the year… a trip to the Minnesota State Fair! I can’t really pinpoint what makes the fair one of my favorite times of year. Maybe it’s tradition—the fair has been around for over 150 years. Or maybe it’s the plethora of farm animals from all over the state—the biggest pig in the state tipped the scale at over 1,000 pounds. When you combine tradition, farm animals, and the widest variety of foods on a stick in once place, it’s bound to be a great time!

During my day, I made sure to stop by the University of Minnesota building. They had posters for U of M enthusiasts, sports memorabilia, an exhibit about the TCF Bank Stadium, plus smaller exhibits showcasing what U of M students are discovering as well as learning in classrooms.

The TCF Bank Stadium Exhibit


The Golden Gopher Memorabilia Wall


The “Driven to Discover” Wall


Here’s a picture of me at the stadium exhibit (with ice cream and souvenir cup in hand). I don’t think the “Ultimate Homecoming” slogan can truly express how excited our community is for football to return back to campus.




Here’s a photo of one of my friends who participated in the Department of Surgery’s exhibit featuring medical technology. He was able to try out the same device that medical students use for making stitches during surgery practice.


After meandering through different exhibits and enjoying my favorite fair delicacies—a breakfast crepe, cotton candy, a foot-long hot dog, and Nitro ice cream (ice cream frozen with liquid nitrogen on site)—I ended the day with my fair tradition: all-you-can-drink milk and Sweet Martha’s Cookies!





All in all, it was a fun-filled day and the perfect way to end the summer. Stay tuned—fall semester classes started this week at the U of M, and I’m embarking on my senior year!

~ Trisha

Goldy Gopher's New Home

Good afternoon!

As you may know, I love Golden Gopher football! And with only 22 days left until the first home football game in the TCF Bank Stadium, everyone on campus is getting excited... including Goldy Gopher! Check out this article about Goldy in the Star Tribune.

~ Trisha

Black Music: A History of Jazz: Afro-American Studies 3108

Looking for the music in history

When asked, most people can think of a favorite song. Maybe they like the beat, or the lyrics make them laugh. And in some forms, music can serve as an outlet for one’s emotions or as pure entertainment during a social gathering.

At the U of M, students have the opportunity to explore music through different angles. In Black Music: A History of Jazz, students will have the opportunity to do just that—explore music through jazz’s history. Yolanda Williams is the instructor of this course and has been teaching it at the University of Minnesota for over seven years. She covers the history of jazz in West Africa, and also brings in the perspectives of New Orleans Dixieland, Swing, and Bebop.

Not familiar with these types of music? Don’t worry. Yolanda focuses on the social, economic, and political impact that jazz has had on society and its implications for the future.

“It’s the perfect course,” Yolanda says, “...for both the musician and non-musician!” She loves to teach this course because it gives her the opportunity to teach about her passion for jazz: “It offers with all of the musical forms of African-Americans new possibilities for understanding ourselves.”

Students can expect discussions during class sessions in addition to listening to jazz’s finest artists. For the “The Life Performance Experience” assignment, students to get out into the community to experience music live and write about the event.

Intrigued about the historical roots of jazz? Black Music: A History of Jazz is open to all students at the U of M... so get ready to listen and learn!

Want to learn more?

• Read more about Yolanda Williams.
• Learn more about the Afro-American Studies department.

Extraordinary Students: Mike Torchia

Good morning!

At the U of M, the opportunities are endless. Check out the following video about Mike Torchia, a College of Biological Sciences (CBS) undergraduate who embarked on a 7-day, 400-mile trek through Minnesota by bike, kayak, skates and foot to raise money for scholarships for Peruvian orphans.



~ Trisha

Discover Coffman Memorial Union (Part 1)

A place that makes students’ lives easier

As a freshman on campus, one of places where I could be found most was at Coffman Memorial Union. I’ve mentioned this popular campus hangout a few times in past entries and wanted to take the time to talk about why this is one of my favorite places at the U of M.



What is Coffman Memorial Union?
Coffman Memorial Union (or Coffman for short) is one of the University’s student unions and is described as a student’s “living room on campus” because it’s a great place to hangout with friends, get involved on campus, and find your niche. In my opinion, Coffman is all this and more because this center of student life at the U of M is a place that makes students’ lives easier.

Spend time in between classes


One of the main reasons I stop by Coffman is because it’s a great place to spend time in between my classes. Located in the center of campus, Coffman is close to many buildings and “on the way” for most students in between their classes. Whether it’s reading to finish before my next class, homework for a class I have the next day, or taking the time to read about the latest campus news in the Minnesota Daily, Coffman is a perfect place. Many students talk about the comfy couches available for studying, chatting with friends, working on group projects with classmates, or the occasional nap.

Grab a bite to eat


Coffman is also a convenient place to grab a bite to eat. From Chinese and Italian food to bagels, tacos, or an on-the-go mocha latte from Starbucks, there’s a place suited for your cuisine cravings. My personal favorite is Bene Pizza and Pasta (I can never turn down a good breadstick!). Check out other places to eat in Coffman here.

Complete your to-do list
Need to run some errands in between classes? You’re in luck! Coffman is a great place to complete all the items on your to-do list. If you need to pick up a book for one of your classes (which many people do at the beginning of each semester), the University Bookstore is located on the Ground floor. If you just received a check from your campus job and need to deposit it at the bank, you can use one of multiple ATMs. Or if you forgot to send your Mom a birthday card, pick one up at the bookstore and send it to her at the Coffman post office! Check out all the services offered to students below:

• Banking Services

• Campus Link Kiosks

• Coffman Information Desk

• Computer Lab

• Events and Conferences

• Gopher Express Convenience Store

• Internet Kiosks

• Printing Services Copy Center

• Security Monitors Program

• Lounge and Study Space

• STA Travel

• U Card Office

• US Bank

• U.S. Postal Contract Station

• University of Minnesota Bookstore

Stay tuned… next week I will finish telling you about how students get involved on campus at Coffman!

~ Trisha

U of M in the News: Marching Band Moves into New Stadium

Good morning!

Did you know that the Pride of Minnesota, also known as the Minnesota Marching Band, moved into its new home at the TCF Bank Staduim this past weekend? Check out the video below to learn more:

KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - Marching Band Moves into New Stadium Shared via AddThis

~ Trisha

A Saturday Afternoon Trip

Minnesota History Center: A Journey of Discovery



This past weekend, a friend and I ventured to the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. Paul for an afternoon of history and exploration. Since high school, I’ve always enjoyed history so a trip to learn about the history of Minnesota not only seemed like a fitting activity, but also a great way to spend an afternoon in the city.



The Greatest Generation
The History Center is part of the Minnesota Historical Society, an organization dedicated to archiving Minnesota’s history through different historic sites and museums located throughout the state. One of the current exhibits at the History Center is “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” showcasing the lives of Minnesotans during World War Two. In the exhibit, there were artifacts from Minnesotans who were soldiers; newspapers and magazines from the 1940s; and even military equipment used in the war. It was really interesting to learn about Minnesota’s connections to a war that changed the world forever.



An Extraordinary St. Paul Home
I also enjoyed an exhibit called “Open House: If These Walls Could Talk.” It featured a house modeled after a local St. Paul home and followed the history of the families that have lived there throughout the years. From the first German immigrants, through Italians, African-Americans, and Hmong residents that succeeded them, this exhibit showcased the different struggles that each family faced while living in the St. Paul house. Everything from how family members dressed to letters they sent to loved ones were included in this exhibit. There were even college transcripts from a Golden Gopher who attended the University of Minnesota during the early 1900s. (As you can probably tell by now, I really enjoy historical artifacts!)

A University of Tradition
Another exhibit features past research by the scholars at the University of Minnesota! It was a small reminder of the important role that the University has played throughout Minnesota’s history with its commitment to research. (Not to mention it gave me a small boost of pride for the place I’ve called home for the past three years.)

I’ve always liked learning about history because information about the past (even though it doesn’t always seem relevant at first) can help us discover more our individual passions and our purpose for the future. And finding our purpose, or at least deciding what we want for our lives after graduation, is what college is all about!

~ Trisha

Introduction to Studies in Cinema and Media Culture: Studies in Cinema and Media Culture 1201

Film, television, the media and more!

Have you ever wondered why films always seem to have a love story? Or why cable stations air the same film over and over again? Or why television screens seem to be everywhere you look? In Introduction to Studies in Cinema and Media Culture, you’ll get the answer to all of these questions... and more!

Stephen Groening, a professor in the cultural studies and comparative literature department, teaches Introduction to Studies in Cinema. This course teaches students the theories, concepts, and methods people use to study and analyze media culture. Professor Groening helps students learn the concepts with regular small group discussions and in-class exercises that help his students apply what they’ve learned in class to different forms of contemporary culture like television, films, music, the Internet, video games, and magazine ads.



Students in this course have the opportunity to design their own research project about an aspect of cinema and media culture that resonates with them. It’s a great opportunity for students to have fun and be creative with their research. Because the students choose their own topics, past projects have examined everything from music videos and reality television to social networking sites and advertising campaigns. Examples include television shows like The Office and One Tree Hill; films like Transformers and Twilight; and social networking Web sites like Facebook.

Want to learn more?

• Read more about Professor Stephen Groening.
• Learn more about a major in Studies in Cinema and Media Culture.
• Discover more about the University’s support of Film and Cinema.

Discover Dinkytown

As you may know, I spent my first year and a half on campus living in Centennial Hall. Since moving out of Centennial, I have lived in my sorority house which is located near Dinkytown.

What is Dinkytown?
Dinkytown is a collection of shops, coffee houses, entertainment venues, salons, and restaurants located in a four-block area just north of the University’s East Bank. When I first heard about Dinkytown, I wondered how the area got its unique name. According to legend, it was named after the trolleys and rail cars that were commonly seen in the area, nicknamed “dinkys.” The truth is that no one really knows how Dinkytown got its name and many different stories exist as to how the town came to be. In my opinion, this makes Dinkytown even more unique: a place for U of M students to call their own--filled with history, lore, and eclectic neighborhood charm.

Creative cuisine
When most U of M students think of Dinkytown, the first thing that comes to mind is food. In just a four-block area, Dinkytown boasts 36 different restaurants! Of course, it has popular chains like Potbelly’s Sandwiches, Jimmy Johns, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s. But what makes Dinkytown unique are the one-of-a-kind restaurants that bring the U of M its own local flavor.

There’s Annie’s Parlor, home to the best malts on campus. If you’re looking for Asian cuisine, you can have scrumptious meals at Sueng Cheng or Pagoda. The Loring Pasta Bar is great for a special occasion, sit-down Italian meal. Al’s Breakfast is a Dinkytown legend that seats just 14 people. Though small, I’ve heard they serve the best breakfast in the area, and judging by the lines outside on weekend mornings it’s true! (I haven’t been there yet, but it’s on my list of things to do before I graduate next spring.)

Last, but certainly not least, is Mesa Pizza. Widely known for its macaroni and cheese pizza, Mesa Pizza serves up a wide and unique variety of pizza, including steak and fries, taco, lasagna, chicken teriyaki, chicken quesadilla (my personal favorite), and many more. Many students might say that Mesa is at the top of their list of Dinkytown favorites!

Arts and Entertainment

This historic Varsity Theater is a landmark in Dinkytown and has hosted popular bands like The Fray, the Plain White T’s, Corinne Bailey Rae, the Goo Goo Dolls, Motion City Soundtrack, and much more. Also, throughout Dinkytown there are painted murals. When walking through the streets, they are like small surprises of art. Check out a couple pictures I took of them below:

On my way to work the other day, I noticed something new that I could see from Dinkytown… the TCF Bank Stadium! This made the idea of having a stadium back on campus even more of a reality. I have driven by the stadium many times before, but to see it in the distance from a place I visit on a daily basis during the school year was very exciting. It’s a new addition to the sights of Dinkytown for future generations of U of M students. Check out the view below!

With all the charm of a local neighborhood and an exciting U of M campus feel, Dinkytown is a great place to visit! Stop by on your trip to campus!

~ Trisha

Sweet summertime

With the conclusion of the spring semester already over a week behind us, I think it’s safe to say that summer has arrived! If you are new to this blog, welcome! You can learn more about me by reading my first Gopher Blog entry here!

Summer 2008
While fall and spring semesters are the busiest time around campus, summer brings many opportunities for U of M students. For example, last summer, I went on a three-week study abroad trip to Cape Town, South Africa.





In Cape Town, I traveled, walked with giraffes on a safari, studied at a local university, and participated in a home-stay experience in the township of Gugulethu. It was a truly amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Read all about it here!)

Summer 2009
This summer, I’m focusing on my internship here in the Office of Admissions. During my internship, I’m able to put my University education to work in helping to manage and coordinate communications for multiple admissions events. Plus, I have the opportunity to improve my writing skills by giving you an inside look at my life here on campus and as a university student with this blog. My internship is a great way to stay active on campus during the summer as well as prepare for my career after graduation.

An oasis in a metropolis
The summer season also gives university students some time to take a break from studying and enjoy the endless opportunities that come with warmer Minnesota weather. One of my favorite places to go in the Twin Cities is Lake Calhoun, part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. To me, it’s like an oasis within the metropolis of Minneapolis. There are paths that surround the lake for people to take a jog or a leisurely stroll on the lake. You can swim, sunbathe, rent paddle boats and kayaks, or simply lie on a blanket and read a good book.

Summer in the Cities
I also enjoy visiting galleries like the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, or the Weisman Art Museum (which is right here on campus). Many of my friends enjoy going to Minnesota Twins baseball games as their stadium is a short bus ride away from campus. The Guthrie Theater has wonderful performances, and the Minnesota Zoo always has fun exhibits with animals from all over the world. I love the Twin Cities during the summer because it is always an alive and active place—no matter what your interest, you’re bound to find something you’d like to do.

The University of Minnesota is alive and buzzing with activity on campus during the summer. It’s a great time to visit and discover what it is like to be a U of M student. In fact, we have some special Sneak Preview events happening over the next couple months. Each event showcases a different U of M college and the majors that it offers. Read more about Sneak Preview events here!

Stay tuned for more entries about what’s happening on campus and my summer adventures!

~ Trisha

Finals Week

I can’t believe it—the end of spring semester is almost here!

You may remember two of my previous entries, “Midterm Crunch,” and “Crunch!” in which I wrote about what midterms and finals are like here at the University. Luckily, finals week this semester isn’t too difficult for me. I just have one final exam and a paper due during the actual week of finals, because most of my end-of-semester assignments were due back in April.

For example, I turned in a 30-page case study about Sharpie’s “Write Out Loud” advertising campaign for a class called Cases in Strategic Planning and Thinking. I also gave a presentation about the campaign to my class on May 5. I’ve never spent so much time on a project, but I am pleased with the end result—I earned an “A” on my paper!

Gosh, it seems just yesterday that I was telling you about the first week of my junior year. Now it’s almost over! I am very much looking forward to summer to relax, spend time with family and friends, and tell you more about what’s happening on the U of M campus.

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful spring, wherever you are!

~ Trisha

My University Housing Experience

I spent my first year on campus in Centennial Hall, a residence hall located on the “Superblock.” The Superblock is a group of four residence halls clustered together on a single block of campus. It makes college living a fun experience because the area is always alive and buzzing with activity. Plus, the two freshmen-only residence halls, Territorial Hall and Frontier Hall, are located there.

My first semester in Centennial was spent with three other roommates: Jessica from Chicago, Illinois; Amy from Champlin, Minnesota; and Jessica from Virginia, Minnesota. We shared a large lounge room at the end of our hallway. Our room was a part of a “house” of students that shared a community advisor, Scott. Scott, an upperclassman, was a great resource for finding out what was happening on campus. He also organized get-to-know-you events for our house, like ice cream socials. Scott encouraged me to join Centennial Hall Council, which is like a student council for the residence hall. It was one of the first ways I got involved on campus

After fall semester, I moved into a single room on the fifth floor of the building and had the opportunity to meet and live with a new community of people. It was great getting to know so many people in my hall and seeing so many familiar faces really made me feel at home at the University! Here are a couple of pictures of my room. {Ignore the mess… I was a messy person during my first year on campus. This has changed since. :)}







One of the aspects of Centennial Hall that I enjoyed most was the dining hall. For starters, the dining hall is located in the basement of the building and is open until midnight on most days. During my second semester on campus I had a night class, so coming home to Centennial to eat afterward was a great option. Centennial was also close to many places that I went on a near-daily basis, like classroom buildings, the University Recreation Center, and Coffman Memorial Union. Plus, catching a bus to the West Bank for class or St. Paul to visit a friend in Bailey Hall was easy—a bus stop was less than a 5 minute walk away.

When I decided to attend the U of M, I didn’t originally intend to live on campus. But the decision to live on campus, especially in the Superblock, turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my college career. I highly recommend it! There isn’t a better way to meet new people, explore new things, and get involved on campus.

~ Trisha

p.s. Stay tuned…next week I’ll be writing about the U of M’s main event for spring semester—Spring Jam!

A Typical Wednesday

So far, I’ve told you many things about my overall experience at the U of M. But what do I do on a typical day? Here’s a glimpse into my life on a typical Wednesday:

9:30 a.m. - Time for breakfast! In high school, I never used to like breakfast. But when I came to the University, I found that breakfast prepared in the residence halls (my hall was Centennial Hall) was delicious and a great way to start my day. Though I don’t live in a residence hall anymore, I do enjoy a couple of chocolate chip waffles at my sorority house, Kappa Alpha Theta, and reading the newspaper before leaving for class.



10:10 a.m. - My first class of the day, Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. I’m enjoying this course because it’s giving me a theoretical approach to writing and speaking—two concepts that I will be using frequently in my future public relations career.



11:15 a.m. - My second class of the day,Nonverbal Communication. My professor is a bubbly lady who is passionate about all communication without words. This might be one of my favorite courses that I have taken at the University because it’s such a unique topic.

12:15 p.m. - Public Relations Writing is my last class of the day. This class has been a great opportunity to develop my writing skills for real-world scenarios. For instance, I just turned in a feature article about a woman who donates blood through the American Red Cross. My instructor coordinated with the external communications director at the organization, and they’ll be using my article in their communications!

1:30 p.m. - Arrive at the Office of Admissions. As a student employee here, I used to call students like you to chat about college life at the U of M. Now, I’m doing communications work like writing this blog or articles about classes. It’s been a great opportunity to put the knowledge I’ve learned as a student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication to use.



5:15 p.m. - It’s back to the School of Journalism for a student organization meeting. I’m a member of Public Relations Student Society of America, or PRSSA for short. I joined this group as a way to learn more about the public relations field. I’m part of the sponsorship and philanthropy committee and we are working on a recycling drive for the month of April. All proceeds from the drive are being donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.



6:30 p.m. - Arrive back home at my sorority house. Usually, I take an hour or so to eat dinner and relax before starting my homework for the evening.



7:45 p.m. - Time for homework! Sometimes I leave my house and go to the library or a local coffee shop to do homework. Other times, I work at my desk. The nice about doing homework in a sorority house is having many people to study with and keep me motivated. By midnight, I’m ready to call it day!



There you have it: A typical Wednesday in my life!

~ Trisha

Why the U of M?

It’s March at the U of M and that means two things: midterm season and an unpredictable mix of spring and winter weather. My week was going to be difficult with multiple tests and assignments, but today one of my instructors extended a due date for an assignment which gives me more time in my schedule. Next week, I’m looking forward to spring break to take some time to relax and spend time with family and friends.

Some of you might be up to other things besides midterms, like deciding where you want to attend college in the fall. Choosing the college you’ll attend is a big decision. When I was deciding where I wanted to go to school, I had a few main concerns: Did the college have the major I wanted? Could I get involved and would I fit in? Would I be able to have the experience I envisioned?

In the end, the U of M was definitely a great fit for me. I’m happily studying public relations and communications studies. I’m very involved in my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and have been involved in other student groups throughout my time on campus.

To give you some additional perspective, check out these videos to hear why some of my friends decided to attend the University of Minnesota:

Paige - sophomore



Michelle - senior in high school



Allie - freshman



~ Trisha

Ryan from “The Office” Performs at the U of M!

Pop quiz! From what popular TV show is the following quote?

“If I had to, I could clean out my desk in five minutes... and nobody would ever know I'd ever been here. And I'd forget too. [Sighs].”

Guessed it? It’s Ryan Howard, temp at Dunder Mifflin Paper Supply Company from the Emmy award winning hit comedy, The Office. This show is my favorite comedy on TV, so I was excited to hear that B.J. Novak, the person who plays Ryan on The Office, is performing on the U of M campus this weekend!

The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Programs and Activities Council (MPAC), an organization on campus that plans diverse events for students. They’ve brought in Novak for a stand-up comedy show this Saturday night, March 7th. All students attending the show have a great opportunity to see a hilarious comedian at home on campus in Coffman Memorial Union, the University’s student union.

I hope every student able to attend has a great time. Knowing the humor that Novak brings to his character on The Office, the comedy show is bound to be filled with laughs!

~ Trisha

The Physics of “Watchmen”

University of Minnesota physics professor James Kakalios was recently selected to be a “scientific adviser” to the upcoming Warner Brothers movie, Watchmen, a movie based on superheroes in the popular comic book.

In the movie, a main character, Dr. Manhattan, obtains super-human powers as a result of an experiment gone awry in 1959. His powers include changing his size, controlling matter with his mind, and teleportation.

Where does Kakalios fit in? The filmmakers flew him to Vancouver, where Kakalios was given the opportunity to talk about what the 1959 physics lab might have looked like. He uses his physics expertise to help filmmakers make sense of Manhattan’s powers and the science that creates an alternate reality. By helping filmmakers learn more about the science behind Manhattan’s super powers, they can make the film’s “alternate reality” seem a little bit more believable for audiences.

Along with advising Watchmen filmmakers on their movie, Professor Kakalios is also the author of The Physics of Superheroes.

So if you’re going to see Watchmen in the upcoming weeks (the film opens in theaters on March 6th), you can remember that some of the science behind the film comes from a U of M professor’s advice!

~ Trisha

Coffee Talks

Being a member of the Leadership Minor here at the U of M, I am a part of a community of students who are passionate about leadership and the ways in which it is used in our society. One way that the minor builds a community of students is by sponsoring monthly events called “Leadership Minor Coffee Talks.”

The Coffee Talks are held at the Purple Onion, a Dinkytown coffee shop. It gives members of the minor the chance to meet new people and discuss topics related to leadership. A couple of friends and I decided to check out February’s Coffee Talk event on “Living a Sustainable Life.” At the event, two professors spoke about their research on sustainable living and how leadership plays a part in the “Green” movement towards environmentalism. I learned a lot about the stereotypes of the movement. We broke up into small groups for discussion and talked about how we could use the tools from the presentation in our own lives. The event was a great way to get connected to other students in the minor, share our experiences, and take away some tools for the future. Personally, I try to be “green” everyday by using a water bottle rather than multiple plastic bottles of water. Also, I try to conserve energy as much as possible by turning off any extra lights at home.

I’m not sure what the topic is for March’s Coffee Talks, but I think I will definitely check it out!

~ Trisha

p.s. Are you “green”? What do you do to minimize your impact on the environment?

A Guthrie Afternoon

Since my decision to come to the University, I have always wanted to see a play at the world-renowned Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. This past weekend, I finally got my chance!



On Saturday afternoon, a friend and I went to see the romantic comedy “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the Guthrie. The Two Gentlemen is considered to be one of Shakespeare’s earliest works dating back to the early 1590s. I wanted to see this play in particular because the director adapted it to take place in 1955, about 365 years later!

Another unique aspect of the production was that the play was “taped” on the set of a fifties television studio and the people who had come to see the play that afternoon served as the live studio audience. There were two television screens on either side of the set that broadcast the play the way that people in the 1950s would have seen it. For me, this added a little more fun to the whole experience.

The Guthrie is about a 10 minute bus ride from campus, making it a venue that’s easy to get to. If you’re looking to explore downtown Minneapolis, the Guthrie should definitely be on your list!

I think a reason that I am intrigued by plays is because I was an avid fan of plays in high school. Many of my friends were involved in school productions like Grease, Romeo and Juliet, You Can’t Take it With You, and Beauty and the Beast, and I loved to go and show them my support.

Are any of you involved in plays or musicals at your high school? Do you like to go and see productions? Click on the “Comments” link below to share your thoughts!

~ Trisha

Saturday Volunteering

One of the reasons that I joined a sorority is the opportunity to become more involved in volunteering. This past weekend, a group of my fellow sisters and I went to Goodwill Easter Seals in North St. Paul to volunteer for their Bridal Showcase event. The showcase event isn’t until February 21st, but we went to help in the organization’s preparation efforts.

The goal of the Bridal Showcase is to provide new and gently used wedding gowns, mother-of-the bride dresses, bridesmaids dresses, and special occasion dresses at reduced costs. Our main responsibility involved sorting through dresses that had been donated so they could be prepared for steaming. Looking through multiple dresses gave all of us the opportunity to have fun while giving back to the local community.

Check out some pictures from the event! (Click photo to enlarge)











~ Trisha

Philanthropy Wednesday

I decided to take a break from studying to get out into the Greek community. Every spring, many of the fraternities on campus begin their “philanthropy season” which is a series of weeks where each fraternity holds a late night event to raise money for a certain charity.

On this evening, the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity hosted its annual Pork Feed philanthropy. At the event, students and faculty were invited to the house of the fraternity for pulled pork sandwiches. Attendees pay 6 dollars for the food and all of the money raised is donated to the charity of the fraternity’s choice. It was an easy way to get involved and a great late evening snack!

In other news, it’s finally starting to get a little warmer! In January, the U of M found itself with cold temperatures. The next few days will bring a burst of spring to campus, something that many students (including myself) have been looking forward to since December.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather!

~ Trisha

My Favorite Class...

It’s been a couple of weeks in to the semester, and my classes are starting to get busy! So far I’m involved in a couple of projects, papers, some smaller class assignments, and daily readings. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot on my plate, but it’s been worth it to be back on campus with all of my friends.

This week, I wanted to know what my friends thought of their classes so far this semester. Check out these videos to see what they think!

Sam - Sophomore


Mindy - Freshman


Katie - Junior


Jenna - Sophomore


Maddie - Junior


~ Trisha

Back in the Swing of Things

In the midst of the inauguration excitement of a new president, spring semester at the U of M is in full swing!

This semester, I am taking six courses for a total of 16 credits. After attending five out of the six classes so far, I know I am in for a challenging semester. But in my case, challenging also means exciting and beneficial. For example, one of my classes is focused on writing for the public relations field. My instructor treats the class as if we are in a professional workplace setting, and she is “the boss.” The atmosphere is exciting because it’s reminiscent of what life in the workplace will be like. I already know that I will enjoy my class on Nonverbal Communication; my professor has a bubbly nature and already demonstrated that she cares about each student’s success. From these first couple of days, I know that this semester is going to be jam-packed with things to do!

On another note, January in Minnesota is also in full swing. Leaving for class in the morning has been a little chilly. But I always remember to bundle up, and utilize the Gopher Way as much as I can. The Gopher Way is an underground tunnel system all throughout the U of M campus that students can use to walk to class. (Click here for a previous blogger’s notes about this fabulous campus feature!) Many students use it in the winter to avoid the cold or simply because it’s a convenient way to get from class to class.

That’s all for this week! Stay tuned for future entries about more of my U of M adventures!

~ Trisha

Gopher Resolutions

In my last entry, I talked about something many people do at the end of a year—reflect on the past. Another thing that many people do at the end of each year is make New Year’s Resolutions. Here are my “U of M” New Year’s Resolutions, or some goals I have for the upcoming year:

Attend more Gopher sports games: As of now, I have only been to football games and one volleyball game. With multiple sports played on this campus, I know I can find more sports that interest me.

Get my resume reviewed by the CCLC: The CCLC or the Career and Community Learning Center provides resources to help undergraduates in the College of Liberal Arts figure out what they want from their U of M education. Whether it’s helping students choose their major or helping them learn the skills to obtain a job, the CCLC is a great place for information. Next semester, I will be using their expertise to create an eye-appealing resume.

Exercise more: Okay, this is a resolution that many people have. But here at the U of M, there are two facilities that make exercise a little easier. They are the University Recreation Center (more commonly known as the Rec Center) or the St. Paul Gymnasium. With state-of-the-art fitness centers and multiple courts customized for different sports like handball, racquetball, and basketball, there are plenty of ways to stay in shape. Plus, enrolled U of M students get access for free!

Go to movies at Coffman: Throughout my Blog, you may remember me talking about weekends where I went to Coffman Memorial Union to see a movie. It’s something I’d like to start doing more because the movies are recent (for example, movies shown last semester included The Dark Knight and WALL-E) and best of all—they’re free! What a good study break!

Study hard! This resolution is always a good one to have on the list. :)

~ Trisha

An End to 2008!

Can you believe it? The end of 2008 is quickly approaching. I think this time of the year causes most people to reflect about the year that is coming to an end while anticipating all that the new year can bring.

While I reflect on all of the great things that have happened to me in the past year, I can’t help but also reflect on my years in college thus far. This upcoming spring, I begin my sixth semester at the U of M. After that, it’s only two semesters left before I graduate and enter the real world.

I remember moving into Centennial Hall, the residence hall that I lived in during my freshman year. I was a nervous new student and though I knew that the U of M was the place for me, I just wasn’t sure how to make it my own. By doing many of the things that my adviser suggested—like getting involved—I achieved this. Slowly but surely, I started to meet new people through campus organizations, classes, and my residence hall. Before I knew it, I had a group of friends that have made living at the U of M fantastic!

Finding a job for the summer after freshman year can be daunting. But when it was my turn, being a U of M student came in handy. I was invited to attend a job fair at the Office of Admissions and the rest is history! Balancing college-level schoolwork, an internship, sorority life, and involvement in campus organizations can be chaotic, similar to a topsy-turvy rollercoaster ride. There are climbs, drops, quick turns, moments when you feel in control, and moments when you are simply freefalling. At the end of the day, I just make sure to remember that every moment spent at the U of M is preparing me for the eventual goal—graduation. I know that in spring of 2010, I will be leaving the U of M with a quality education and the out-of-classroom experiences to enhance it. When it comes to college, I can’t imagine myself at any other place besides the U of M.

Happy New Year!

~ Trisha

Winter Break

After two projects, two presentations, four papers, and two exams I can say that finals week is over! It was a stressful time, but through careful planning and execution, (mixed in with a couple of late nights!) my finals week was a success. Now, I’m back at home in Brooklyn Park spending the time off with my family.

A really neat thing about college life is that after fall semester is over, students get close to a month with no classes. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and catch up with old friends... and in my case, take a few days to sleep in!

The learning abroad office also offers short, three-week courses in countries around the world. For example, this winter break a business course is being offered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and one of my sorority sisters is studying art and culture in Buenos Aries, Argentina. What a fantastic way to spend winter break!

How are you enjoying this time of year? Leave your thoughts in the “comments” box below!

~ Trisha

Light Up the Row!

As you all know, I am a member of the Greek community (fraternities and sororities) on campus. We are always coming up with innovative ideas to get involved with our campus and local communities. This holiday season is no different!

TJ Pelanek, a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, created an idea for all of the Fraternities on campus to get involved this holiday season. It’s called “Light Up the Row” and is an opportunity for U of M fraternities to comptete to see who has the best holiday lights display. Since many of the fraternities on campus are located on a section of University Avenue, it seemed fitting to name the event “Light Up the Row.” He teamed up with Order of Omega, a Greek honors society to put on the event. I’m also involved with this honors society, and we were thrilled at the idea of sponsoring a holiday event to bring the community together.

Participating fraternities paid a $20 entry fee, and the winning house will get $300 to donate to a charity of their choice.

How did the sororities get involved? Each sorority member was invited to check out each display and vote through a system that TJ created. The winning house will be announced during Greek Awards, a ceremony in the spring that celebrates the acheievements of the Greek community throughout the year.

As a study break from finals, I decided to check out the displays. They were pretty impressive! From houses with Santa to lights that twinkled along to music, the displays were a fantastic addition to the University community this holiday season.

This week, I decided to try something new—video! Check out the “Light Up the Row” event below:





~ Trisha

Apply Now!

Are you still thinking about the University of Minnesota for college? Don’t forget, our priority application deadline for fall 2009 freshman admission is on Monday, December 15th. That’s less than two weeks away!

If you’re interested in the U of M for college, it’s very important that you apply by this deadline.

Why wait! Submit your application to the University of Minnesota today!

~ Trisha

Crunch!

Wow! I can’t believe that it is already December. It seems like just yesterday I told you about the beginning of my junior year here at the U of M. And now I’m almost halfway done! It just goes to show that time does fly when you’re having fun!

The month of December can mean many different things to students. However, one thing that all U of M students share is what I like to call the “End of the Semester Crunch.” You may remember my blog entry called Midterm Crunch where I talked about what midterms are like here. Well, finals are not much different.

Classes end next Wednesday and “Finals Week” begins next Friday. It’s a good schedule because without classes, students can spend time getting ready for finals. Personally, out of the five classes that I am taking this semester, I have two final exams, one written take home exam, and two final projects due in the next three weeks. Sound overwhelming? It did sound that way for me too. However, through working with my advisor my freshman year I learned a hint that has contributed to my success during all of the finals weeks that I have been through at the U of M. The hint is plan, plan, and plan! Starting this week, I will plan out my studying for each of my exams and projects. Doing this early helps me to avoid cramming information at the last minute and allows me to still have enjoyable study breaks. I am the type of person who can get stressed out, but with a schedule, finals week can get that much easier.

In my experience, professors distribute a study guide for a final exam. That way, we know what to expect. Some even hold final exam study sessions, which are very beneficial. Professors at the U of M really want students to succeed and provide the tools to do so. As a student, all you have to do is take advantage of your resources and you should be ready to do well!

It’s just a few short weeks and I will be heading home for winter break! It’s definitely my motivation to end the semester on a good note!

Stay warm!

~ Trisha

A Gopher Spotlight

At the U of M, the opportunities are endless. In fact, one particular Gopher just received the opportunity of a lifetime. Her name is Ashley Nord, and she was recently named one of 32 Rhodes Scholars in the nation for 2008. As a Rhodes Scholar, Ashley receives a scholarship to study at Oxford, a prestigious college in England.

To be considered for this prominent award, the candidate should exemplify academic excellence. In this aspect, Ashley definitely makes the grade. At the U of M, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in global studies with a minor in Spanish studies and two Bachelor of Science degrees in physics and astrophysics. In both degrees, she is a summa cum lade candidate as well, the highest honor a student can graduate with from a university. She’s studied abroad in Merida, Venezuela and participated in multiple research projects at colleges throughout the nation.

Not only has Ashley excelled in the classroom, but she has helped the Gophers with her athletic skills too. As a member of the U of M Track and Field team from 2003-2008, she placed in several Big Ten championships in pole vaulting and managed to be named Academic All-Big Ten Honoree every year she was on the team. Talk about a well-rounded student!

At Oxford, Ashley plans to pursue a doctorate in condensed matter with the eventual goal of working in the field of biophysics. She also plans to continue her athleticism by pole vaulting on the Oxford track team and becoming a member of the Mountaineering Club.

As a Rhodes Scholar, Ashley will join other illustrious members with this honor like 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton.

Coming from a fellow Gopher, I congratulate Ashley Nord with all of her achievements. She’s going to make a big impact in the world, with great help from her U of M education.

~ Trisha

P.S. Want to learn more about Ashley and her achievements? Read about them here!

Getting Involved (Part 2)

The month of November is going by quickly as the weather gets cooler and the leaves on the trees turn from vibrant green to warm shades of yellow, red, and orange. Like I’ve mentioned in past entries, this time of year can be busy for U of M students with papers and midterms. However, we also are busy with student organizations!

Another student organization that I am involved with is the Public Relations Student Society of America or PRSSA for short. It’s an organization for students interested in the area of Public Relations. Its work can range from anything to event planning, philanthropy work, writing for a newsletter, or working on a mach PR firm. Personally, I am a member of the philanthropy committee, and we just finished a month long clothing drive. It’s called Cotton: From Blue to Green, and its purpose is to collect 500 pieces of denim from students on campus that will be used in housing projects for Habitat for Humanity (click here for a link about Habitat for Humanity at the U of M). Now I know you must be thinking... how will a pair of jeans help to build a house? Well, the jeans and other pieces of denim that are collected will be shredded and turned into housing insulation. Pretty dandy if I do say so myself! It’s a great organization, and I’m proud to be working with it.... just another way that U of M students are gaining valuable experience for their future careers and giving back to the community at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds!

~ Trisha

Gopher Volleyball

I’m starting to get busy again as we get closer to Thanksgiving Break. But through all of my busyness, I remember to take time to have fun. Last Saturday evening, I attended my first Gopher volleyball game!

The atmosphere in the arena was incredible! The student section was close to the court, so I got to see the players up close as they spiked and served the volleyball. I found it very similar to a football game. There was loud cheering and exciting plays, and we sung the Minnesota Rouser, our school song, multiple times. Athletes from the Men’s and Women’s Gopher Basketball team were also there supporting their fellow athletes.

A neat aspect to Gopher volleyball is crowd involvement throughout the game. Each time a member of the volleyball team scores a point, the announcer exclaims, “Point U!” Because it is long-standing tradition, the crowd can anticipate the exclamation and shouts “Point U!” with the announcer while making their hands into a shape of the letter “U.” It’s a fun way to stay involved in the game while showing support for the team.

Here’s a picture of me supporting the team on Saturday night. In the picture, I have made my fingers into a “U.”







After this experience, I am already looking forward to my next game! Plus as a U of M student, admission to games is free! Pretty great!

Until next time...

~ Trisha

Homecoming Re-Cap

Last week was Homecoming, and it was a blast! The spirit on campus kept building and building until the parade, which was followed by the football game on Saturday. Here’s a re-cap of my favorite events from last week:

Flag Football
It was a chilly night for flag football action, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way! Cheering on my sorority sisters while they played some quality football was a great way to take a break from studying.

Check out some photos from flag football night:



This is one of my sorority sisters, Ashley. She played in the game while I cheered her on!


For the record books
On Tuesday of Homecoming week, the University of Minnesota broke the Guinness Book of World Records by giving the most flu shots on a single day, more that 11,500 vaccines! You can watch a video of the event here. It’s pretty neat for me to say that I helped break a world record by simply getting a free flu shot.

Parade Preparations
As you all know, I am a member of the Greek community on campus, and I love being involved in campus-wide events. Every Homecoming, there is a parade that travels down Greek Row (University Avenue S.E.), which is the street where most of the fraternity houses are located. Members of each sorority and fraternity get together to decorate the houses (we call them “house fronts”) to showcase their pride and spirit for the U of M. It’s a lot of work, but the end result is completely worth it. Check out some photos of me and my sorority sisters helping out to make house fronts:



Below is a picture of me helping to prepare decorations for the parade. Basically, we glued thousands of pieces of tissue paper to chicken wire to create a giant picture. Scroll down to see the finished result!



Homecoming Day
Homecoming Day was filled with the traditional parade and then the big game. I could try and describe it with words, but I think it would be better for you to see my day in pictures:

Remember the picture of me with the orange tissue paper? Here is picture of the resulting “house front!” It was three stories high!



This is another house front. This is the first year I saw a 3-D house front. It was pretty amazing!



This is another one of my sorority sisters, Katie. Katie and I were Welcome Week leaders together back in August. Here we are having fun during the parade.



Your eyes aren’t fooling you. Mickey Mouse was in the U of M Homecoming parade! It was the first time he had left the Magic Kingdom in years. Read about his arrival here.



A neat feature of the University’s Homecoming parades is that we invite alumni back to campus to join in on the fun. Here is a photo of the cheerleaders who participated in the 1962 Rose Bowl.







Marching into the Future
As I mentioned in my last entry, each Homecoming has a theme. This year’s theme was “Marching into the Future.” At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of it. But then it came to me: The University has a lot to look forward to in coming years! Just think—next year on September 12th, 2009, the Golden Gophers will kickoff in their new outdoor home, the TCF Bank Stadium. As for myself, I am “marching into the future” as I prepare for life after I graduate. Not to mention, our marching band, the Pride of Minnesota, always marches down University Avenue during the parade that precedes the football game.

All in all, it was a fun and enjoyable week. One of the main reasons that I love Homecoming is that it gives students a reason to take a break from studying and come together to have FUN! Plus, it brings U of M graduates back to campus to show their pride for their alma mater with fellow alumni and current students. It just goes to show that U of M students become Gophers for a lifetime!

~ Trisha