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Looking Back, Leading Forward: @HOMEcoming 2020
October 5–10, 2020
Celebrate Homecoming 2020 and the 60th anniversary of UMN Morris from the comfort of your own home!
The 2020 Homecoming and 60th anniversary celebration for UMN Morris are finally here! Missed some of our 2020 virtual Homecoming events? Check out our Homecoming 2020 playlist on YouTube.
Week-Long Events
Click on the links below to access details on the events.
#MorrisMission: Homecoming Edition
Monday, September 28–Wednesday, October 7
Final Submissions Due: Noon on Wednesday, October 7
Winners Announced: Friday, October 9, via Twitter
Physically distancing but socially uniting: Cougars near and far, we have a mission for you (should you be willing to accept)! The special #MorrisMission: Homecoming Edition is now live, so watch the video for details.
Your response must be submitted to Twitter by Wednesday, October 7, at noon CST to be considered. A panel of judges will review submissions each week and select the winning entry. Prizes for both a student and alumni winner will be announced on Friday, October 9, via Twitter.
Best First-Year Residence Hall 2020: Crowdfunding Challenge
Wednesday, September 30–Thursday, October 8, 11:59 p.m. CST
This challenge incorporates three common bonds many of us, as UMN Morris alumni and current students share:
- We all have an opinion of what UMN Morris first-year residence hall is BEST (the one where you or your friends lived!)
- The success of UMN Morris students, whether current or former members of the campus community, makes all of us stronger.
- We all love bragging rights!
This year we come together as alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of UMN Morris to join in a friendly crowdfunding challenge. Now more than ever, the Student Assistance Grants for Emergencies (SAGE) fund is making a difference in the lives of students at UMN Morris by providing critical emergency support when the unexpected arises. You can get involved by selecting your favorite UMN Morris first-year residence hall and making a gift. Your gift will serve as a vote for your favorite residence hall while raising funds that go toward student emergency support. Find out more, join the challenge, and encourage others to join in!
Cougar Virtual Day of Service
Wednesday, September 30–Saturday, October 10
Join UMN Morris and the Office of Community Engagement for a virtual day of service as part of this year's Homecoming festivities. This year you have the opportunity to give back to the Morris community and your own, right from home. Choose from one of three options:
- Connect virtually with children through a video recording of your favorite public domain nursery rhyme
- Connect virtually with elders through a video recording of you reading your favorite public domain poem
- Serving your local community, in your own way, on the day of your choosing.
Feel free to do one or all options, using this quick form to get more details and tell us how you served. Watch the UMN Morris Twitter and Facebook accounts for more on this event and share how you’re serving using #MorrisHOCO and tag us at @UMNMorris by Saturday, October 10. We also encourage you to help spread the word and invite others to join in. UMN Morris alumni make change in the world—let’s show how Cougars give back!
Live Sessions
Click on the links below to enter the live events. If you are experiencing technical difficulties please email ummhelp@morris.umn.edu. Note that all times indicated are in Central Standard Time.
The Understudy: Concert Hosted by KUMM and CAC
Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m. CST
Get a jumpstart on Homecoming week with a free livestream concert by The Understudy, an alternative band based in Moorhead. Special thanks to KUMM Radio and the Campus Activities Council for their sponsorship of this event.
Math 3411: The Immortal Boinking Rabbits and the Fibonacci Sequence
Monday, October 5, 10:30–11:30 a.m. CST
You are welcome to join students and Peh Ng, professor of mathematics, in their scintillating discussions of Fibonacci sequence, discrete dynamical systems, and the applications of these concepts in nature, art, design, and yes, in stock market trading. This is a live class session and is accessible to anyone interested in the topic or seeing a sample of online, synchronous learning.
Campus Stories: Reflections on the Early Years
Monday, October 5, 12–1 p.m. CST
Join Stephen Gross, associate professor of history, in a conversation with Jim Togeas, professor emeritus of chemistry; Keith Davison, a retired judge and member of the West Central Educational Development Association; Jim Olson, professor emeritus of chemistry; and alumna Mary Klauda ’77, all of whom have unique UMN Morris stories. Through their stories, learn more about the early vision for our campus and how that vision speaks to us today.
WORK of Art
Monday, October 5, 7–8:30 p.m. CST
Join Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Lucas Granholm ’12 in a moderated panel discussion with other alumni and current students discussing how studying the fine arts at UMN Morris is preparing or has prepared them for fulfilling careers in the arts. This 90-minute panel discussion will explore how UMN Morris prepared these working artists. All are welcome to learn, ask questions, and make connections.
Virtual Class Reunions
Tuesday, October 6
1960s and 1970s Class Reunion: 1–2 p.m.
Hosted by David Moe ’64, Harlo “Pete” Peterson ’65, and Randy Koopman ’78
This is an event for anyone from the 1960s and 1970s who would like to get together via Zoom. This will be a very relaxed event, allowing those who show up to decide if they want to stay in one large group, divide up into breakout rooms, or do something else. UMN Morris staff members will be there to make sure everything is working well and to help you set up breakouts, etc. Your alumni hosts will be there, helping to get things started. We all know UMN Morris students know how to make their own fun, so invite some of your classmates and friends and join in!
Science and Math Alumni and Students Networking Event
Tuesday, October 6, 6–8 p.m. CST
Now a Homecoming tradition, this popular student and alumni networking event is going virtual via Zoom. After a welcome from Peh Ng, professor of mathematics and chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics, alumni and current students can choose to join one or more Zoom events focused on specific programs.
If you are an alum who studied or is working in one of these fields and would like to network with other alumni and current students in one of these areas, let us know you’ll be attending. Current students really value learning from your experiences, and this is a great opportunity for new alumni to network with alumni in your field of interest. Come and go as you please!
Join the sessions using these links:
- Welcome from Peh Ng, professor of mathematics and chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics (6–6:15 p.m.)
- Biology and PreHealth (6:15–7:15 p.m.)
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science (6:30–7-30 p.m)
- Environmental Science and Geology (6:45-7–30 p.m)
- Chemistry (7:15–8 p.m.)
- Physics and PreEngineering (7:15–8 p.m.)
Your Vote Is Your Voice: Empowering You for the 2020 Election
Wednesday, October 7 CST
12–1 p.m.
A Conversation with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Associate Professor Tim Lindberg '06. Register in advance to secure your spot and submit your questions. Participation directions will be provided once you are registered.
#MorrisMission Submissions Due
Wednesday, October 7, 12 p.m. CST
Share your entry via Twitter at #MorrisMission and tagging @UMNMorris.
Virtual Cougar Athletics Reunion
Wednesday, October 7, 7–8 p.m. CST
Hosted by Matt Johnson ’03, Director of Athletics and Marty Hoffmann ’05, Head Football Coach
This is an event for Cougar Athletes from any era who would like to get together via Zoom. This will be a very laid-back event, allowing those who show up to decide if they want to stay in one large group, divide up into breakout rooms, or do something else. The event will begin with an athletics update from Matt Johnson, director of athletics. Several coaches will be there as your hosts. Invite some of your teammates and friends and join in!
Virtual Music Ensemble Reunions
Wednesday, October 7
Concert Choir Reunion: 7–8 p.m. CST
Hosted by Amy Scherbring McKown ’01 and Sarah Stein Howes ’02, with special guests Ken Hodgson and Brad Miller.
Symphonic Winds/Concert Band Reunion: 7–8 p.m. CST
Hosted by Simon Tiller, director
Jazz Ensemble Reunion: 8–9 p.m. CST
Hosted by Ryan Maloney ’03
These events are for music alumni from any era who would like to get together via Zoom. Each session will be very laid-back, allowing those who show up to decide if they want to stay in one large group, divide up into breakout rooms, or jump between the events for multiple ensembles. The event will begin with an update from the current ensemble directors when possible, and some of your fellow alumni will be there as your hosts, helping to get things started. Invite your friends and join in!
Virtual Class and Interest Group Reunions
Thursday, October 8, times vary by event
CNIA/AISES/Ojibwe Language Reunion: 7–8 p.m. CST
Hosted by Alex Kmett ’13, Michelle Brownlee ’18, and Veronica Haverkamp ’18
This is a space for alumni from any era who were active or interested in CNIA or AISES or studied Ojibwe language and want to get together via Zoom. This will be a very laid-back event, allowing those who show up to decide if they want to stay in one large group, divide up into breakout rooms, or do something else. Invite your friends and join in!
1980s and 1990s Class Reunion: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Hosted Erika Bailey Johnson ’99, UMMAA president; Ryan Vettleson ’90, UMMAA board member; and Gina Brunko ’94 UMMAA board member
2000-2020 Class Reunion: 7:30–8:30 P.M.
Hosted by Ahnaf Prio ’19, UMMAA board member, and Elizabeth Thoma ’11
These are events for anyone from the 1980s and 1990s or 2000–20 who would like to get together via Zoom. This will be a very relaxed event, allowing those who show up to decide if they want to stay in one large group, divide up into breakout rooms, or do something else. Alumni hosts will also be there, helping to get things started. We all know that UMN Morris students know how to make their own fun so invite some of your classmates and friends and join in!
Best First-Year Residence Hall 2020: Crowdfunding Challenge Closes
Thursday, October 8, 11:59 p.m. CST
Vote for your favorite UMN Morris first-year residence hall with a gift in support of students facing financial emergencies. Today's the last day to vote for your favorite hall!
Trivia Night
Friday, October 9, 8–10 p.m.
Have fun and amaze others with useless information. Briggs Library staff will lead you through 8 rounds of trivia (including 1 round featuring special video clip questions from UMN Morris faculty and staff!). All questions will be asked over Zoom. Answers will be given using Google Forms. There is no size limit on teams. Participants may use virtual means, such as Google Hangouts or Facebook Messenger, to communicate with team members. Hosted by Briggs Library.
On Demand Events
Click on the links below to play the videos or access online content.
Recorded Live Events
Unable to attend all of the live events or want to rewatch a session?
Campus Stories: Reflections on the Early Years (aired 10/5/20)
WORK of Art: Fine Arts Panel (aired 10/5/20)
Your Vote is Your Voice (aired 10/7/20)
Additional Content
Minnesota Rouser
Enjoy the rendition of this classic, performed by our own Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Simon Tillier.
Digital Collections
Browse yearbooks, student newspapers from 1960-90 (90s in progress!), art collections, and pictures from the UMN Morris archives. Have pictures or other content you’d like to share? Use this form to share information with us.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recognition
Each year the University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association (UMMAA) recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their personal or professional life. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and the recipients are determined by the UMMAA Board of Directors. James “Jim” Odden ’71, an educator, community leader, and philanthropist, is the 2020 recipient of this honor. Jim will be publicly recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Award and Cougar Hall of Fame Recognition Dinner during Homecoming 2021 next fall.
Cougar Hall of Fame—2020 Class
The University of Minnesota Morris has selected one individual and one team into the Cougar Athletics Hall of Fame for 2020. Larry Edlund ’71, an athlete, instructor, and coach, is the individual recipient, and the 1970 Baseball Team is the team recipient for 2020. They will be publicly recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Award and Cougar Hall of Fame Recognition Dinner during Homecoming 2021 next fall.
We Are Water and Why Treaties Matter Exhibits
The We Are Water exhibit, a traveling exhibit from the MN Humanities Center, is at the Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Gallery at UMN Morris until October 19. Intended as a space to connect and learn through our shared connection to water, you are invited to check out the overview video and visit the live exhibit. A companion exhibit, Why Treaties Matter, will be on campus during the same time and also has virtual content for you to explore.
Symphonic Winds: Keeping the Music Playing at Morris
UMN Morris Symphonic Winds, under conductor Simon Tillier, are meeting the challenge of the current pandemic head on. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what the ensemble has been doing this semester, and listen to a performance of their 2018 commissioned work "IceMelt" by composer Jenni Watson.
UMN Morris Jazz: Presitge Combo
Jazz music lives on at UMN Morris, despite the challenges of large group rehearsals. Get an update from Jonathan Campbell, jazz director, and listen in on a piece recorded by UMN Morris's very own Prestige Combo. We hope you enjoy seeing the new way we’re making music together.
UMN Morris Choirs: distanSING!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative ways UMN Morris Choirs continue to make beautiful music together this year. With large ensemble rehearsals on hold due to public health recommendations, we invite you to take a few minutes to peek into our approach to distanSINGing this semester!
What's New on Campus Tour
While many of the places and spaces on campus are just as you remember them, UMN Morris is always updating and making enhancements for the future. See what’s new on campus, from classroom updates to athletic facility enhancements, to investments in campus sustainability.
Fall Online Theatre Production
Alone, Together is a series of short one-acts, paired with The Seed, to make up the UMN Morris fall theatre production. The characters follow a path of shock, response, and hope that reflects our journey through 2020. Like much of our lives now, the production will take place in an online format. Recorded on Zoom, streamed via YouTube, and operated with a crowdfunded “give what you can” ticket. As the saying goes, “The show must go on.” Get a preview of the show
"Nod to the Past, Look to the Future"
Hear from James Togeas and Helen Jane Morrison as they recall the early days of UMN Morris and the promise envisioned and realized for this campus long ago—and still today.
Promise of the Prairie Documentary
Promise of the Prairie, a documentary produced by the University of Minnesota Morris, explores three very different educational institutions that have all made their home on the same plot of land. Collectively, they form a microcosm of America, informing an understanding of the past, an appreciation for the present, and expectation for the future.
Virtual Campus Tours
Take a general campus tour, a green campus tour or a historic walking tour of the UMN Morris campus from the comfort of your own home!
Zoom Backgrounds
Show off your Cougar pride this Homecoming with a UMN Morris Zoom background!
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 1 (Wordmark 1)
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 2 (Big Cat Stadium)
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 3 (Campus Mall)
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 4 (Block M)
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 5 (Wordmark 2)
- Download University of Minnesota Morris Zoom Background 6 (4th Street Entrance)