Unabashedly Proud

From the Dean - Feb. 13, 2012

“Our state has been disinvesting, in a alarming way, in our University – disinvesting in this jewel, this force for culture, curiosity, and creativity,” President Eric Kaler told an overflowing crowd gathered for the University’s 2012 legislative briefing on February 1. Among the audience was a strong SPH contingent, including 12 SPH alumni society board members; two past association presidents; a program mentor; several faculty, staff, and students; and a few online participants.

We gathered to hear President Kaler share his thoughts regarding the 2012 legislative season. As he wove the University’s capital bonding priorities and the need for advocacy into his presentation, he rallied the audience by talking about the impact the University has had on his own life and by challenging participants to share their personal U stories with legislators. His goal is for all of us to become maroon-and-gold advocates, speaking up about how this remarkable institution has influenced our lives, our careers, and our communities.

The University’s advocacy website provides numerous examples of involvement possibilities. On the site, you’ll find ways to take action, a place to post your stories, and background information on the issues. If you’re on Twitter, consider adding the hashtag #UMNproud to show your support and help others find your tweets. So far, the advocacy efforts are creating a lot of buzz – even Governor Dayton has tweeted about the initiative.

To augment the University’s advocacy efforts, I also encourage you to continue alerting the school’s advancement team (A-team) of your activities and accomplishments. They have numerous communication channels to deploy in sharing SPH news with our expanse of stakeholders.

Now is the time to shed the mantle of Minnesota modesty and become unabashedly proud of the work we do and the achievements we attain by telling others of our ability to transform discoveries into worldwide impact.

—John R. Finnegan, Jr., Ph.D.
Dean and Professor