Alumni Service Award Recipient
University of Minnesota Alumni Association, October 24, 2024
Ann Sheldon earned her bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the College of Science and Engineering in 1988 and completed the Minnesota Executive Program in the Carlson School of Management in 2004. After a distinguished 30+ year-career at Medtronic, Sheldon recently retired as their vice president of product security. Sheldon’s exemplary leadership and advocacy for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) have significantly bolstered both the organization and the University as a whole. Having served on the UMAA Board of Directors for eight years, including a term as chair in 2022-23, Sheldon has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the alumni community. She currently chairs the Past Chairs Advisory Group and the Nominating and Board Development Committee, playing a pivotal role in engaging past leaders and identifying future leaders for the UMAA Board. Sheldon's commitment extends beyond the Board of Directors, as she has assumed leadership roles in various UMAA committees and initiatives, including the Medtronic Alumni Network, Finance and Audit Committee, Intellectual Property Task Force, and Collegiate Council. Her business acumen, passion for the University, and leadership sensibilities have been invaluable assets to the UMAA. In addition to her service to the UMAA, Sheldon is a fierce advocate for student-to-alumni mentorship, actively participating as a mentor in the College of Science and Engineering. Her involvement in University affairs extends to her role in the search for the 18th president of the University of Minnesota, having served on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Sheldon’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in steering the UMAA to effectively serve and engage with over half a million alumni globally.
Biography is at the time of award presentation.