Alumni Celebration & Reunions
JOIN US SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2024!
All Medical School alumni from the Duluth and Twin Cities campuses are invited back to campus to share in the festivities with faculty, fellow alumni and current students.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Registration is required, especially for the reunion gatherings for which we need to pre-order meals. Click the button below to complete your registration today! To register by phone, leave a message for Maureen Long at 612-626-8045. She will return your call and help you register.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, September 20.
Don't forget to come back to your class tab below to see which of your classmates will be attending your reunion.
JUMP TO: Schedule of Events | MD Class Reunions | Hotel Information
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
8:30 am | Check-in and Continental Breakfast
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
9:00 am | Innovations in Medical Education: Student Perspectives & Beyond
Student Panel, Dr. Jeff Chipman, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, and Dr. Jess Blum, Director of Instructional Design
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
10:30 am | Tours - Health Sciences Education Center and M Simulation Surgical Facilities
Health Sciences Education Center
12:30 pm | Scholarship Connection Luncheon: Celebrating Alumni Generosity
Hosted by the University of Minnesota Foundation
Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center
Note: alumni may have also received an invitation to this event from the U of M Foundation.
2:15 pm | Medical Discovery Team: Memory Keepers
Dr. Dana Ketcher, Senior Research Associate
Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - Health Equity
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
3:30 pm | Alumni Town Hall with the Dean
Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean, Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
2:00 - 4:00 pm | Nu Sigma Nu Open House
Nu Sigma Nu House, 631 Oak St SE, Minneapolis
5:30 - 9:30 pm | Reunions for Classes of 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1999, and 2009
Graduate Hotel
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
8:30 am | Check-in and Continental Breakfast
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
Registration opens at 8:15 am for alumni and guests to check in, enjoy breakfast, visit with fellow alumni, and prepare for an engaging day.
9:00 am | Innovations in Medical Education: Student Perspectives & Beyond
Student Panel, Dr. Jeff Chipman, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, and Dr. Jess Blum, Director of Instructional Design
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
The Medical School’s groundbreaking curriculum is integrated, innovative and individualized. In this session, Dr. Jeff Chipman and Dr. Jess Blum will provide an insider's view into the the new Serve Curriculum, called Foundations, which launched a year ago, as well as the campus expansions in St. Cloud and Duluth. A diverse panel of current students from the Class of 2027 will provide the perspective of people navigating this curriculum for the first time.
10:30 am | Tours - Health Sciences Education Center and M Simulation Surgical Facilities
Health Sciences Education Center
These captivating tours highlight the innovative spaces shaping the future of health education. One tour will explore spaces in the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP), including an active learning classroom, the Interprofesional Lounge, the Wellbeing Studio, and the Pioneer Room—key areas fostering interprofessional collaboration, wellness, and leadership. Then, dive into the high-tech world of medical training with a visit to the state-of-the-art surgery simulation center, where future physicians are mastering their skills in a lifelike environment. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the future of healthcare!
Space limited to 30 participants.
12:30 pm | Scholarship Connection Luncheon: Celebrating Alumni Generosity
Hosted by the University of Minnesota Foundation
Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center
Join us for an engaging luncheon with current scholarship recipients as well as Medical School alumni and friends. Hear about medical education in 2023 from the next generation of healthcare leaders and innovators, and celebrate the generosity of alumni and donors who are investing in these inspiring students.
Note: alumni may have also received an invitation to this event from the U of M Foundation.
2:15 pm | Medical Discovery Team: Memory Keepers
Dr. Dana Ketcher, Senior Research Associate
Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - Health Equity
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
Join us for a thought-provoking presentation by Dr. Dana Ketcher on the work of the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team. Gain insight into the origins of the team, the research they’ve undertaken, and the role they have played in advancing health equity and preserving cultural heritage. This discussion offers a valuable perspective on the challenges and impacts of their work in indigenous communities.
3:30 pm | Alumni Town Hall with the Dean
Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean, Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Thomas H. Swain Room, McNamara Alumni Center
Wrap up the day with a town hall discussion with Medical School Dean Dr. Jakub Tolar. Dean Tolar will highlight the Medical School's points of pride, including the continued commitment to educational success across the Medical School, and the groundbreaking research taking place here. Alumni will be invited to ask questions for further insight.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
2:00 - 4:00 pm | Nu Sigma Nu Open House
Nu Sigma Nu House, 631 Oak St SE, Minneapolis
Socialize with current student members and tour the home of the Nu Sigma Nu Medical School fraternity.
5:30 - 9:30 pm | Reunions for Classes of 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1999, and 2009
Graduate Hotel
GIVE IN HONOR OF YOUR REUNION
Reunions are a great opportunity to come together as a class to show your support of the Medical School through a class gift. All gifts, pledges, and future estate commitments to support the Medical School made between January 1 and December 31 will count in your class' gift total.
Find out how much each class has given so far and make your gift in honor of your reunion.
STAY CONNECTED
Don't miss out on updates about the Alumni Celebration or other future Medical School alumni events! Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.
CLASS REUNIONS
ATTENDANCE LISTS
Click the tab for your class to see a list of your classmates who have registered for your reunion. Last updated: Monday, September 9 at 1:17 pm.
REUNION EVENTS
All reunion events will take place at the Graduate Hotel (615 Washington Ave SE) on the Minneapolis campus.
Reunion luncheons and dinners include a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres, dinner with salad and chef-prepared meal, assorted desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available for purchase of beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
REUNION ATTIRE
You may be wondering, "What should I wear to my reunion?" Reunions are definitely not formal affairs, but you may want to dress perhaps a little nicer than business casual. Class photos will be taken, so you'll want to look your best, but you should also be comfortable.
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
David & Karen Carlson
Jim & Pat Lehmann
Tom & Liba Stillman
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1964 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Informal Lunch
Saturday, September 28 | 11:00 a.m.
Location TBD
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
David Lucas
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
Barb Bank & Phil Finkelstein
Joseph & Eileen Capecchi
Ross Donehower
Joseph Markoff
William & Joyce Martin
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1974 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Happy Hour
Friday, September 27 | 5:30 p.m.
The Beacon Public House | Graduate Hotel
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Carl Blegen
Barbara Bank
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
David Alexander
John Andrews & Sue Piechowski
Stephen & Patricia Bielke
Bruce Ferrara
Patricia Flynn
Stephen Graziano
Leslie Kopietz
Westscot Krieger
Maureen Reed & James Hart
Deborah McCarl
Donald & Ann Roach
Thomas Russ
Robb Rutledge
Janis Strickler
Steven & Barbara Sween
Kristin Sweeney
Lionel & Vicki Tapia
Alan Weingarden
Jane Rae Wilkens
Lucy Wollaeger
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1979 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Happy Hour

Friday, September 27 | 5:30 p.m.

The Beacon Public House | Graduate Hotel
Potluck Picnic

Saturday, September 28 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
North Mississippi Regional Park

Carpools can be arranged, departing from the Graduate Hotel
Nu Sigma Nu Open House

Saturday, September 28 | 2-4 p.m.
631 SE Oak St, Minneapolis
Class of 1979 Women's Brunch

Sunday, September 29 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The home of Maureen Reed (address will be provided to those who register)

Carpools can be arranged, departing from the Graduate Hotel
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Lillian Burke
Leslie Kopietz
Ave Lachiewicz
Joseph O'Grady
Kristin Sweeney
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
Carol Featherstone
Mary Kemen
Cheri Olson
Nancy Ott-Pinckaers & Jim Pinckaers
Brian Randall
Deb Thorp
Marty (Klager) & Craig Vinje
Wendy Wheaton
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1984 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Class of 1984 BBQ

Friday, September 27 | 6 p.m.
The home of Nancy Ott-Pinckaers (address will be provided to those who register)

Carpools can be arranged, departing from the Graduate Hotel
Campus Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, September 28 | 8:30 a.m.

U of M East Bank Campus
Revisit old haunts around campus and win fabulous prizes!
Class Giving + Diaper Drive for patients at the Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) 

All weekend
Give to any Medical School fund of your choice and be recognized as a Class Gift Donor. The 1984 Reunion Committee especially encourages online gifts to CUHCC and in-kind donations of diapers for CUHCC to give to patients. All sizes needed - bring diapers to any reunion event and Cheri Olson will get them to CUHCC.
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Ira Davis
Laron McPhaul
Cheri Olson
Nancy Ott-Pinckaers
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
Susan (Lofthus) Austin
Mark Austin
Lisa Drage
Beth (Palma) & Bob Elfstrand
Jessica (Nelson) Johnson
David & Elizabeth Lee
Christine (Filips) Leitgen
Lawrence Mulhern
Eric Olson
John Simmer
Christopher Williams
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1989 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Casual Lunch
Saturday, September 28 | 11:00 a.m.
The Market at Malcolm Yards
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Susan Austin
Laurel Cederberg
Beth Elfstrand
Jamie Milavetz
Liz Schertz
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
REUNION ATTENDEES
Melissa (Vertanen) Clark
Kathryn (Marcotte) & David Fischer
Sarah Gantert
Jennifer Geiger
Jill (Mccue) Johnson
Neil Johnson
Sandy Kimmer
Sandra Kopp
Susan Leonard
Becky McCrery
John Mohn
Carrie & Carter Muench
Heather Muster
Quynh Anh Nguyen
Scott Oakman
Christine Olson
Britta (Ramseth) & Kirk Reierson
Angie (Tungseth) Siwek
Heather (Cowan) Tacheny
Carrie (Fenna) & Kurt Torgersen
Sari (Weinstein) Witzke
Jonathan Witzke
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 1999 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Happy Hour
Friday, September 27 | 7 p.m.
Sally's Saloon, Minneapolis
Informal Lunch
Saturday, September 28 | 11:00 a.m.
The Market at Malcolm Yards
Lunch at Sea Salt
Sunday, September 29 | 11:00 a.m.
Minnehaha Falls Park, Minneapolis
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Kathryn Fischer
Quynh Nguyen
Kari (Kreul) Smith
Vivi Stafford
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 2004 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Happy Hour
Friday, September 27 | 6:00 p.m.
Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Stephen Bennett
Graham Clark
Phuong Nguyen
REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
ADDITIONAL CLASS OF 2009 ACTIVITIES*
In addition to the Alumni Celebration activities and the class reunion, the reunion committee has planned the activities below for your class.
Casual Lunch
Saturday, September 28 | 1:00 p.m.
Stub and Herb's, Minneapolis
Class Picnic
Sunday, September 29 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shoreview Community Center Park, Shoreview
Carpools can be arranged, departing from the Graduate Hotel
*Please note that the cost of these activities is not included in the price of the Alumni Celebration & Reunions registration. Any admission tickets, food and beverages for these events will be paid by the individual at the venue.
REUNION COMMITTEE
Heather Bell
Nancy Henry-Socha
Elizabeth Phillips
HOTEL INFORMATION
Class reunion dinners will take place at the Graduate Hotel, which is also closest to McNamara Alumni Center, where many of the Alumni Celebration activities are taking place.
GRADUATE BY HILTON MINNEAPOLIS
615 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
RESERVATIONS
612-379-8888
OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS
The following hotels are within one mile of the U of M campus and are good options if availability is limited at the Graduate Hotel.
DAYS HOTEL BY WYNDHAM UNIVERSITY AVE SE
2407 University Ave SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
RESERVATIONS
612-504-3000
HAMPTON INN & SUITES MINNEAPOLIS UNIVERSITY AREA
2812 University Ave SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
RESERVATIONS
612-504-3000
HILTON GARDEN INN MINNEAPOLIS UNIVERSITY AREA
511 SE Huron Blvd
Minneapolis MN 55414
RESERVATIONS
612-504-3000
HOME 2 SUITES BY HILTON MINNEAPOLIS UNIVERSITY AREA
2808 University Ave SE
Minneapolis MN 55414
RESERVATIONS
612-473-4662
HOTEL TIPS:
- The Days Hotel is often the most economical choice on the list.
- The Hampton Inn, Home 2 Suites, and Days Hotel are all located just east of campus, a short distance from the Metro Transit Stadium Village light rail station. The westbound train will take you to the East Bank station, which is about a block from McNamara Alumni Center and one-half block from the Graduate Hotel.
- The Hilton Garden Inn is about a half-mile walk from McNamara Alumni Center and a three-quarter-mile walk from the Graduate Hotel where the reunions will be held.
Questions about Alumni Celebration?
Contact:
Maureen Long
Director of Alumni Relations
mlong@umn.edu
612-626-8045