John S. Anderson
John S. Anderson is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, and the Director of the General Biology Program. He has taught at the University for almost forty years. He is an accomplished scientist whose studies focus on bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Over the course of the last decade, he has directed his work towards the educational development of students and faculty in the biological sciences. Described as a selfless leader in the college and the university, John has served fourteen years in the Faculty Senate, seven years as the director of the General Biology Program, and two years as interim associate dean of the College of Biological Sciences. In addition, he led the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP) for thirteen years. The objective of this program is to inspire students from under-represented groups to pursue a career in research. Under his leadership, the College of Biological Sciences created a program for its incoming freshmen called the "Nature of Life." The goals of this program are to help students transition to college level work, engage in a molecular to ecosystem experience with modern biology, and develop a true community. For the past two years he has taught freshman in the Nature of Life Program not only about biochemistry but also about University of Minnesota traditions. The impact of his contributions is significant, and he has touched thousands of students and faculty alike.
Beverly Atkinson
Beverly Atkinson, Senior Academic Advisor and Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, English Department, is both an alumna and a graduate student in English. During her thirty-one year tenure, she has worked tirelessly to improve the University's service to undergraduates and the professional development of the graduate students, staff, and faculty with whom she works. She has advised more than 800 undergraduate students, served on the UMTC Council for Liberal Education, CLA's Course Review Committee, and the Academic Staff Professional Leave and Promotion Committees. She was instrumental in the creation of the All-University Academic Advising Network and served on its first board. Currently, she is involved in the University Curriculum Integration for Study Abroad project. Because of her dedication, and the role she has played in creating a network of alumni and others in the community, a scholarship fund was established in her name. One person wrote... "Bev is, perhaps above all, an advocate for our students. She is always looking for ways to make the University of Minnesota a better place, and the education it provides more satisfying and effective for its students."
Elizabeth S. Blake
Elizabeth (Bettina) S. Blake, Professor Emeritus of French and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Dean, University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM), has represented the University as a distinguished scholar and administrator for the past twenty-five years. She was the first high-ranking female administrator at the Morris campus. Because of her dedication and commitment to excellence and her leadership on local, regional, state, national, and international levels, her work has generated great respect for the University. She has served as a role model and a source of inspiration for faculty, staff, students, and particularly for women in academia. She is credited with being the primary force in UMM's mission of excellence in public undergraduate liberal arts education. It was written in one of the letters of support that Bettina was "the architect of the plan that has placed UMM among the best public liberal arts colleges in America." She has played visible and important roles in civic and community affairs in West Central Minnesota, as well as at the state and national level, serving on numerous organizations and boards. Her dedication to the University continues even in her "retirement." Described as gracious and intelligent, this outstanding woman's contributions have made an everlasting mark on UMM, the Morris area, and the University of Minnesota in its entirety.
Patricia Ferrieri
Patricia Ferrieri, Professor, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Pediatrics, has spent her entire professional career at the University of Minnesota. She has served as a dedicated clinician, providing care to children; as a researcher and mentor to trainees at the medical student, resident, and fellow level; and as an invaluable resource to the Minnesota medical community in her role as clinical microbiology department director. She has demonstrated her dedication and commitment to the University on several occasions, most specifically when she assumed the interim directorship of the Division of Infectious Diseases upon the untimely death of the division chief. It has been said that she "virtually single-handedly kept the division together," while also maintaining her duties as clinical microbiology director. She has also contributed to the understanding of diseases affecting people worldwide. Because of her work, we now understand how impetigo is transmitted, how newborn infants get yeast infections, and how bacteria might gain immunity from classes of antibiotics. Described as an outstanding, selfless, rigorous and compassionate scholar, scientist, and physician, Dr. Ferrieri has touched and informed the lives of hundreds of students, scientists, and physicians.
Beatrice Magee
Beatrice (Bebe) Magee has worked in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development as a Senior Scientist since 1987. In this role, she has managed a laboratory known for its cutting edge molecular biology experimentation, and has served as a mentor and teacher for many junior scientists. Her research focuses on the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (she is the co-discoverer of mating in Candida). She is known nationally and internationally for performing one of the worlds first karyotypes of Candida albicans using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Because of her research accomplishments and leadership, the University of Minnesota has become one of centers of research excellence regarding pathogenic fungus. Her commitment to teaching, research, and outreach are extraordinary. The impact she has had on research and those she has taught and mentored will be felt for years to come.
Marvin Ross
Marvin (Jon) Ross has been the Station Biologist for the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories for almost twenty years, and serves as the Associate Director of the Station as well. Most recently, he was appointed as an adjunct professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. In addition, he is an instructor in the Nature of Life (NOL) program, a course for first year biology students at the University of Minnesota, where he is one of the first instructors they meet. During his tenure, he has taken over 200 visiting groups on field trips of the Station, including deans, vice presidents, the president, alumni, state legislators, regents, and faculty and/or students from other universities. He also plays an invaluable public relations role. Because of him, the Northwest area views the University as friendly, informed, and helpful. One person wrote... "Jon Ross has the unique ability to see the world in minute detail as a scientist, and also to see the broad perspective, which is essential in planning and coordinating activities at the Station, and all of the other entities involved with the University of Minnesota. Jon's commitment to education, research, and to serving the many constituents of the University is second to none."
Bruce Schelske
Bruce Schelske, Director of the TRIO Student Support Services Program in General College, has dedicated his life to helping disadvantaged youth achieve their dream of a college education. For more than three decades he has provided legendary service in his role of an Upward Bound and Student Support Services Director, serving first generation, low socioeconomic status students, and students with disabilities. He is recognized across the state of Minnesota as a tireless advocate for the University and General College students. Because of his dedication and leadership, the University of Minnesota TRIO Program is considered the "Gold Standard" among TRIO Programs nationally. The Department of Education has recognized the program for "exemplary program practices" in the retention and academic support of low-income, first generation college students and students of color. One person wrote... "Bruce Schelske has quietly and effectively improved the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of college students during his career, and his legacy will be felt throughout the broader community for years to come."