University of Minnesota Interim President Jeff Ettinger will serve as the 2024 commencement speaker at the University of Minnesota Morris on Saturday, May 11.
“The University of Minnesota Morris is a special place and a unique asset to the community and the state, with nationally-recognized excellence in modern liberal arts and sciences education and a tight-knit, diverse campus culture. It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to speak,” said Interim President Ettinger. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to visit with students, faculty and leaders from Morris. I’ve seen firsthand and heard from them that Morris offers a student experience unlike any other. I’m excited to celebrate that with graduating students and their families later this spring.”
Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen warmly welcomes Ettinger’s participation in the Morris commencement ceremonies. “Interim President Ettinger has a long connection with west central Minnesota through his work at Jennie-O in Willmar, and he had spent time in Morris even before taking on leadership at the University. Additionally, he understands the connections between business and the liberal arts and has been a careful listener and strong partner as the University of Minnesota and the Morris campus work to build a vibrant future.”
Ettinger was selected as the U of M’s interim president by the Board of Regents in Spring 2023 to serve a one-year appointment, which continues through June 30.
During his time as interim president, Ettinger has focused heavily on bringing forward the unique attributes of the University of Minnesota as a system of five strong and distinct campuses, highlighting the contributions the students, faculty and staff on every U of M campus make to improving the lives of Minnesotans. He has prioritized maintaining momentum on the University’s student-centered systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, as well as advancing the U of M’s work in academic health, strengthening statewide relationships with elected and civic leaders, and continuing to rebuild trust between Minnesota’s Tribal Nations and the University.
Before being appointed as interim president, Ettinger had most recently been the chair of The Hormel Foundation Board of Directors—a position from which he took a leave of absence while leading the U of M. The Hormel Foundation is one of Minnesota’s largest community foundations and grant makers. He was previously CEO of the Hormel Foods Corporation after ascending within the organization through roles ranging from corporate attorney, marketing manager, treasurer, and president of Jennie-O Turkey Store
Ettinger also had existing connections to the U of M, having previously been an executive fellow at the Carlson School of Management in the Twin Cities, where he created and co-taught an agribusiness course with Professor Mark Bergen and regularly provided guest lectures.
Ettinger received his B.A. degree from the University of California Los Angeles in 1980 and also his J.D. from UCLA in 1983.
About Commencement
Commencement for the University of Minnesota Morris will be held on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. on the campus mall. Learn more at morris.umn.edu/commencement.