Meet Our Students

Asian American studies minors join us from disciplines across the University. They are passionate about American studies, psychology, dance, theater, English, sociology, and so much more. We’d like for you to meet some of our alums and current minors:

Berglind Halldorsdottir Birkland, smiling, sitting with arm resting on table in front of her

20th Anniversary Alumni Reflections: Berglind Halldorsdottir Birkland

Berglind Halldorsdottir Birkland (BA Anthropology '06), recently reflected on how her HRP experience sparked an interest in international law, leading to a career in…

Photo of Gabriel Weisberg with Elise Armani, first award recipient.

Call for Applications: Gabriel P. Weisberg Curatorial Award 2022

The Gabriel P. Weisberg Curatorial award is designed to offer financial support for a graduate (or undergraduate) student in art history to pursue a curatorial internship at a…

Whitney Taylor looking straight at camera, smiling.

20th Anniversary Alumni Reflections: Whitney Taylor

Whitney Taylor (BA Global Studies/Political Science '13), recently reflected on how her HRP experience helped spark her interest in academia and a future book manuscript.

Meizani Irmadhiany standing outside, smiling, with arms stretched up giving the appearance she is holding up a large fallen tree.

20th Anniversary Alumni Reflections: Meizani Irmadhiany

Meizani Irmadhiany (BA Global Studies/Political Science '07), recently reflected on her HRP experience and her professional path after returning to Indonesia.

A group of 8 students posing in front of the White House. They are participants in the Kissinger Summer Academy.

POL Students Participate in Prestigious Summer Seminar

At Prof. Mark Bells' urging, undergraduates Noah Thompson and Sydney Kakuk attended the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Kissinger Summer Academy. They…

Image of Drue Schwitters drinking ice coffee outside at a table

English Major Spotlight: Drue Schwitters

Drue Schwittes is a fourth year English major planning on becoming a teacher.

Kylie Smith, Department of Political Science, University of Minnesota

Meet Kylie Smith

Meet Kylie Smith, peer advisor. She looks forward to hearing about students' future goals and to being a link for students to resources or student groups that can help them…

Athithi Janakiraman, Department of Political Science, University of Minnesota

Meet Athithi Janakiraman

Meet Athithi Janakiraman, peer advisor. As a student himself, Athithi can provide insight into the department through his personal experience and other knowledge he has as a…

Image of entrance space of Pillsbury Hall

Reflections on the Grand Reopening of Pillsbury Hall

Pillsbury Hall supporters and partners share their memories of the project and vision for the future of the building, Department of English, and the Liberal Arts Engagement…

Dealing with Religion at a Public Institution

How University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts faculty and students engage religion in class and on campus.

Split screen: photo of student and photo of hands on a smart phone with text on it

In Pursuit of Knowledge and Information

How University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts faculty and students search for knowledge and information.

Photo of a flag in front of the Minnesota State Capitol

Public Life Starts Here

How University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts faculty and students understand division and polarization.

Q&A with Truman Scholar Gurtaran Johal

Gurtaran Johal was named a Truman scholar in April 2021 for her dedicated work, passion, and leadership in public service. Johal is one of 62 students that the Truman…

Q&A with Marin Kelly (BA ‘21)

Spring 2021 graduate Marin Kelly reflects on her time at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate in the Department of Geography, Environment & Society and looks…

Q&A with Kim Kemppainen (BA ‘21)

Spring 2021 graduate Kim Kemppainen reflects on her time at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate in the Department of Economics and looks forward to what the future…

Q&A with Bridget Brown (BA’ 21)

Spring 2021 graduate Bridget Brown reflects on her time at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate in the Department of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch and looks…

Q&A with Lauren Foley (BA '21)

Spring 2021 graduate Lauren Foley reflects on her time at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate in the Department of English and the Department of Spanish and…

2021 James & Ruth Brown Undergraduate Award Winners

Congratulations to 2021 James and Ruth Brown Undergraduate Award winners, Rosemarie Lam and Mark Mathison!

Graduation Celebrations Continue

In the midst of graduation season, many people are thinking “How can we celebrate this great event while maintaining pandemic guidelines?” Within the Department of Psychology…

Spring 2021 Recipients of the Sharon Borine Awards

Congratulations to the Spring 2021 recipients: Abby Person (Top Honors Thesis), Tyler Schildt (Top Capstone), Areeb Kidwai (Top Capstone), and Madison Fredrick (Top Capstone)!