CFANS Alumni Society
Board of Directors
The alumni society is led by a volunteer board of directors committed to engaging individuals and organizations in the life of the college and the University of Minnesota. Learn about the role of board members and how you can join the board of directors.
Alumni Society Committees
Alumni society committees work to support student development, expand educational and outreach opportunities, develop pride and spirit, and raise financial support for the college. If you are interested in serving on one of the committees below, or related events and activities, please contact CFANS Alumni Relations at cfansaro@umn.edu.
Alumni to Alumni
Alumni to Alumni
- Programs and activities that focus on creating an inclusive environment for alumni to connect and network with each other. Expand relationships with alumni outside of Minnesota.
- U of M Maroon and Gold Network — free network for U of M students and alumni
- Industry alumni groups — partner with UMAA to create CFANS alumni groups within Minnesota-based companies, such as Land O’ Lakes, Cargill, Compeer, CHS, etc.
- CFANS New Leader Forum — a potential new program that focuses on engaging and supporting young alumni in their professional development
- Encourage participation in Alumni Connectors and CFANS Mentor Program.
Alumni to College
Alumni to College
- Programs and activities that create strong and long-lasting connections between alumni and the CFANS colleges and campus.
- Conduct an annual needs-assessment meeting between Alumni Society Board representatives and the heads of each CFANS department - new in 2021..
- Classes Without Quizzes — Launched in 2002 as an innovative, engaging seminar for adults to learn about CFANS science initiatives and research.
- Borealis Night of Excellence — This annual event recognizes students, staff, alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to CFANS and the community.
- CFANS Homecoming activities — CFANS Sampler during the Homecoming parade features CFANS departments, research and products. Here’s a link to the 2019 events.
- CFANS Golf Scramble for Scholarships — Held each year since 2004, the golf scramble has raised more than $300,000 for new student scholarships. In 2020 and 2021 it was a virtual event.
Alumni to Student
Alumni to Student
- Programs and activities that support the college's effort to reach prospective students and link alumni with current students to build a solid foundation for their CFANS experience, as well as motivate long-term engagement after they graduate.
- CFANS Mentor Program — Matches approximately 200 students and postdocs with alumni and industry professionals who share career insights and guidance.
- Policy Engagement Program — A volunteer program that provides students with an opportunity to work within the legislative process and gain an on‐the‐ground understanding of the methods and techniques used to influence our political process.
- Networking Night — an annual networking event for students to connect with alumni and professionals in their fields of interest.
- Alumni Connectors — a network of alumni who assist current and prospective students connect with professionals; these are made available for classroom interaction. Videos of Connectors are posted online.
- Science Achievement Award — Established in 2005, the Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award recognizes high school juniors who excel in science.
- Exploring opportunities to expand focus and programming to the first 6 weeks of the semester to enhance student retention.
Resource Development
Resource Development
- Programs and activities that expand and engage sponsors and donations to CFANS; build deep connections and long-term relationships.
- Connect with current program sponsors to expand their knowledge of CFANS programs, research and students.
- Develop a stewardship plan to foster connections and build long-term relationships with current and prospective sponsors and donors.
- Expand our portfolio of individual donors.
- Here’s a look at the scholarships and funds that the CFANS Alumni Society has established.
Executive Committee
Executive
- Programs and activities that expand and engage sponsors and donations to CFANS; build deep connections and long-term relationships.
- Oversee the recruitment and selection of the Nominating Committee
