The CFANS Alumni Society is a network of approximately 3,400 graduates, students, friends and supporters of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The society engages in a wide variety of annual programs and initiatives that raise money for student scholarships, and promote education and outreach, student engagement, and pride and spirit. Donors can choose which area their gift supports: student scholarships in specific discipline areas, student development and career readiness programs, or alumni and constituent engagement activities.

Core annual programs include:

Golf Scramble for Scholarships

This annual event has raised over $180,000 since it was founded in 2004, and connects alumni and volunteers with constituents, students and staff. Proceeds are put toward an endowed scholarship fund for new students to the college; 16 students have received scholarships to date.
http://z.umn.edu/golf

Education & Outreach

Classes Without Quizzes

This annual half-day learning event was created to reconnect alumni and help the general public better understand how the work of CFANS faculty affects their daily lives. The event brings on average 175- 200 alumni and friends of the college back to the St. Paul campus in April each year. Classes Without Quizzes provides a valuable lifelong learning opportunity for alumni and friends and good exposure of cutting edge research to enhance support for the college. http://z.umn.edu/cwq

Science Achievement Award

This “book award” program was adopted by CFANS in 2005 to recognize deserving high school juniors across the state of Minnesota who excel in science. The recipient is connected with the University of Minnesota and CFANS in a way that inspires them to strive for greater achievements in science while engaging alumni volunteers and strengthening connections to their communities.
http://z.umn.edu/SAA

Student Engagement

Mentor Program

The CFANS Mentor Program is designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students with career exploration and networking by pairing them with alumni professionals working in their area of career interest. The guidance of a mentor has been invaluable to students becoming more focused in their career goals and to developing professional skills as they transition into the work force.
http://z.umn.edu/mentor

Pride & Spirit

Borealis Night of Excellence

Held annually each spring Borealis Night of Excellence is an opportunity for the CFANS Student Board and CFANS Alumni Society to recognize student, alumni, faculty, and staff leaders for their accomplishments.
http://z.umn.edu/borealis

Gopher Homecoming

New traditions were established in 2009 with the return of football to the University of Minnesota campus at TCF Bank Stadium. Several events are held to bring CFANS alumni & friends together to reconnect and show Gopher pride & spirit including:
- Beer & Brats Parade Party at the Bell Museum
- CFANS float in Homecoming parade
- Gopher Grams
- CFANS pre-game tailgate
http://z.umn.edu/cfanshomecoming

Give directly to the CFANS Alumni Society and eliminate Razoo charges: http://z.umn.edu/alumnifunds

Visit our website: www.cfans.umn.edu/AlumniFriends

Be a fan of CFANS Alumni & Friends on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFANSAlumniandFriends?ref=ts