A message from the president

All across the University of Minnesota there is a palpable energy—a desire to improve teaching and learning, and to create new knowledge that will transform our world. The stories on the previous pages are just a handful of examples that illustrate our shared commitment.

Your generosity has helped remove barriers and unleash this drive to discover. Leading the way in 2008 was a $65 million gift from Minnesota Masonic charities, the largest ever made to the University. Gifts of this kind allow us to take our groundbreaking research—in this case research that will improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer—in exciting new directions.

Human health is just one area where donors have joined with University experts to address critical challenges across academic disciplines. Partnerships thrive on many fronts, including the environment, renewable energy, neuroscience, human rights, K-12 education, and many others.

Of the record-setting $289 million raised this year in gifts and pledges, $56 million was designated for student support. Donors understand that for students, the U of M is a place to discover their passions and develop the skills to become future leaders. Scholarships and fellowships propel young minds toward their aspirations and help to ensure that they will fulfill them.

With each student who finds a career path, each team of scientists that makes a life-changing breakthrough—with every discovery at the U of M—our state becomes a better place. The knowledge, talent, and revenue generated here course through all of Minnesota, as well as our nation and our world.

Your giving provides much of the power. Thank you for your generosity.

Robert H. Bruininks
President, University of Minnesota