THE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY has long relied
on the efforts and passion of volunteers.
They are the ones who can make the difference
when it comes to improving student recruitment,
creating student experiences, and developing
career opportunity networks for graduates.
Volunteering has a dual effect—folks feel good
about lending a hand to help and they also feel good
about the impact they leave.
It is not difficult to look around and see activities
that have relied on help from many volunteers.
The Code Freeze event hosted by the University of
Minnesota Software Engineering Center (UMSEC) is
a good example. Conceived and executed by volunteers
and friends of the UMSEC, this one-day event
draws several hundred software engineering industry
members and researchers to share in a great
networking and learning opportunity. Without volunteer
drive and initiative, it would not be the success
it is today.
Another example is the annual Science & Technology
Banquet hosted by the Institute of Technology’s
Alumni Society and office of the Dean. Each
year, Institute of Technology Alumni Society members
participate in this premier event, which raises
funds for student scholarships.
With a campus as vast as the University of Minnesota,
sometimes it is hard to grasp all the volunteer
opportunities available. From supporting
fundraising and outreach events, to supporting students,
many folks are eager to help out and give their
time, but aren’t sure how to find out about what’s
right for them.
For the past few months, the Institute of Technology
Dean’s Office and the Institute of Technology
Alumni Society have been laying the groundwork
to renew and expand its ongoing volunteer efforts,
which encompass several areas of need for the college.
Key components that are being considered
will include easy access to volunteer information,
volunteer Web sign-up and/or inquiry, and formal
recognition. Here’s a small preview of what’s on the
horizon.
A new and improved Web site will provide information
about a variety of volunteer opportunities,
ranging from one-time assistance at a student or
alumni event, to volunteering on an ongoing basis
for specific programs, to making calls to prospective
students, or working as a legislative advocate.
People will be able to register online or find contacts
to obtain more detailed information about
specific opportunities. Built into this process will
be checks to ensure that we are being responsive
to our volunteers. Volunteer options will expand as
the Dean’s office works with individual Institute of
Technology departments and units to define them
and develop the tools and support to carry them out
efficiently.
The bottom line is that it will be easier for you to
find your niche in the Institute of Technology’s vast
array of opportunities. In turn, we believe we will
have a greater impact in bringing quality events and
programs to our college alumni.
As the year progresses, there will be more information
about the Institute of Technology’s ongoing
volunteer efforts. Institute of Technology alumni
will have an opportunity to volunteer for activities
that include: calling prospective students; hosting
prospective students and their parents; participating
in mock interviews; offering career guidance;
participating in reunion activities and K-12 outreach
events; supporting the legislative network, and
much more.
Stayed tuned for future updates. To learn more
about how you can volunteer, please contact Liz
Stadther at 612-626-1802 or stadt001@umn.edu.
TechFest draws large crowd to explore science and technology
Leonard Scott and his daughter, Leah, of Brooklyn Center, Minn., make a
mini-hovercraft using a balloon, CD and film canister during TechFest 2009
at The Works museum in Edina. Held each spring, this year TechFest featured
a multitude of hands-on activities including robots, aircraft, hovercraft
rides, physics experiments, planetarium shows, and more. More than
1,700 people attended the event that was sponsored by The Works and the
University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society.
Robots take over sports arenas
FIRST Robotics Team #2503 from Brainerd makes final adjustments to
their robot before competing in the Minnesota regional competitions at
the University of Minnesota’s Williams and Mariucci arenas this spring.
More than 100 high school teams from the region competed. Many alumni
and students served as mentors and judges for the competition, and the
Institute of Technology was one of the competition sponsors. In addition,
the University contributed to a pool fund to help outstate teams, like
Brainerd, offset costs of the competition. Worldwide there are more than
1,600 FIRST Robotics teams involving 42,000 high school students.
Join the UMAA and the ITAS
Become an ambassador of
the University of Minnesota by
joining the University of Minnesota
Alumni Association. Through
your membership, you enable the
Alumni Association to support the
University through advocacy, communications,
mentoring programs,
and premier events honoring
distinguished faculty, alumni, and
researchers.
For no extra cost, you may also
join the Institute of Technology
Alumni Society (ITAS), where you
will have an opportunity to become
involved in the events and activities
of the Institute of Technology.
Members have exclusive access
to dozens of benefits including
career resources and networking,
discounts on cultural activities,
continuing education, and Gopher
apparel, online access to two U of M
Libraries databases, and more.
Whether you live near campus,
or farther away, there is something
of value for you. Take advantage of
the local events, golf course, and
Landscape Arboretum; receive the
alumni magazine; check out the
online libraries publications; and
save on travel and insurance.
With your membership, you’ll
stay connected to the University
of Minnesota. You’ll receive a subscription
to our award-winning Minnesota
magazine, which keeps you
informed about University research
and sports, higher education topics,
and association initiatives.
The UMAA monthly member
e-mails will give you information
about special benefits and events.
ITAS will keep you in the know about
the Institute of Technology. Both
groups will help you network with
alumni nationally and globally.
Leonard Scott and his daughter, Leah, of Brooklyn Center, Minn., make a
mini-hovercraft using a balloon, CD and film canister during TechFest 2009
at The Works museum in Edina. Held each spring, this year TechFest featured
a multitude of hands-on activities including robots, aircraft, hovercraft
rides, physics experiments, planetarium shows, and more. More than
1,700 people attended the event that was sponsored by The Works and the
University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society.
FIRST Robotics Team #2503 from Brainerd makes final adjustments to
their robot before competing in the Minnesota regional competitions at
the University of Minnesota’s Williams and Mariucci arenas this spring.
More than 100 high school teams from the region competed. Many alumni
and students served as mentors and judges for the competition, and the
Institute of Technology was one of the competition sponsors. In addition,
the University contributed to a pool fund to help outstate teams, like
Brainerd, offset costs of the competition. Worldwide there are more than
1,600 FIRST Robotics teams involving 42,000 high school students.