University leaders join CFANS fun at the Minnesota State Fair
President Cunningham, Provost Ritter, deans and faculty showcased science, discovery, and trivia at this year’s fair.
August 28, 2025
We’re eight days into the 12-day Great Minnesota Get-Together, and already thousands of fairgoers have explored the CFANS exhibit in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, stopped by the iconic Gopher Dairy Bar, and engaged with our interactive displays across the fairgrounds.
On opening day of the Minnesota State Fair, President Rebecca Cunningham and Provost & Executive Vice President Gretchen Ritter joined in the fun with a round of Gopher It!—our fast-paced trivia game that uncovers the surprising science behind food, farming, and the natural world. They were joined by Princess Kay finalist and CFANS student Alexis Hoefs. They also connected with CFANS faculty, including Soon Li Teh, assistant professor of grape breeding & enology, to learn about innovations in table and wine grapes, and Sushma Reddy, associate professor and curator of birds at the Bell Museum. They were joined by CFANS Dean Brian Buhr and Extension Dean Beverly Durgan.
There’s still time to experience it all—don’t miss your chance to visit before the fair wraps up on Labor Day! And while you’re there, don’t forget to take part in the University of Minnesota Passport Program for a fun way to explore exhibits across campus partners.
