Best of 2023

Our favorite stories from the past year
Compilation of photos from CLA's best stories of 2023
We tried to choose our top 10 favorites, and we failed. So instead, we present our top 14 stories of 2023—features that illuminate the diversity, curiosity, and creativity in our CLA community. From courses on happiness and Shakespeare to the unique intersection of data and the liberal arts, these stories demonstrate the enduring spirit of discovery across liberal arts disciplines and among our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
 
Read on to see if your favorite made the list.
Portrait of James Parente
"Look at those lucky people in Minnesota."

James Parente turned an early love of learning into a long career in higher education. Now the retiring former dean reflects on what he’s learned along the way.

For the Love of Learning

Portrait of Michael Lower
"This is a classic story of a minority community and its struggles, how they cope and how they adapt, and how they survive."

Prof. Michael Lower discusses how a love of soccer led him to research the legendary Jewish sports club Hakoah and how they triumphed and survived in the face of overwhelming prejudice.

The Jewish Sports Club That Survived the Holocaust

Melanie Johnson engages in conversation with MLK Jr. Program leaders and students
"Sometimes I think, ‘let me sit down and you can teach the class!’ Students are brilliant."

Since 2016, Melanie Johnson has been a part of CLA—showing up authentically for her students and colleagues while striving to cultivate a beloved community.

A "Heart Knowledge" Learned by Living

A woman and a male student sit at a table. The woman looks toward the student and smiles with a pencil in her hand.
"You don’t even need to know what kind of help you need. We’ll help you figure that out."

For the past five decades, the Center for Writing has been a dynamic source of support for the University community and beyond.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Center for Writing

Ann Waltner stands in the library, holding an open book and smiling
"If something grabs my imagination, I do it."

Dean's Medalist Ann Waltner is creating new knowledge, training the next generation of China scholars, and inspiring her colleagues in CLA and across the university.

Making the Impossible Possible
 

Portrait of Valerie Tiberius
"How do you make yourself happier? What does it mean to live a good life?"

Prof. Valerie Tiberius creates a new course on happiness with a practical approach. For students interested in our wellbeing and the values we apply in our daily lives, it may be what they’re looking for.

What Do You Want Out of Life? A New Class on Happiness

Photo of four RSC and TAD members talking on stage
"We talk about Shakespeare as if the ink is still wet on the page, so he's just written it."

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance welcomed the Royal Shakespeare Company for a three-day residency. Faculty, students, and members of the RSC share about this growing partnership and the lessons taught by this world-renowned theatre company.

Much Ado About Learning: Royal Shakespeare Company Residency on Campus

The multigenerational cast of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story poses in the Hub wearing Kumbayah branded t-shirts.
"The more I go on in life, the more I see the importance and impact that our stories have."

The latest Liberal Arts Engagement Hub residency blends local and national history, performance art, storytelling, and Black resistance and brilliance.

Juneteenth Then and Now

Photo of two people in protective equipment working in a lab
"Our lab is pursuing multiple projects that apply ancient DNA research techniques to explore what it means to be human."

Comparing ancient and modern DNA helps reconstruct histories and draw connections between ancient and modern civilizations, especially in understudied populations.

Genetics Lab to Revisit the Past

Woman wearing a black cap and gown, glasses, and large earrings speaks at a podium
"It’s who I am and what I wanted to study."

Flanagan is currently the highest-ranking Native woman in an executive office. The College of Liberal Arts helped her get to where she is today.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Uses Her CLA Degree “Every Single Day”

Portrait of Anushka Raychaudhuri
"We were all tied together by our identities."

“It’s great to have someone who can relate with those experiences and makes you feel like you're not alone.” Anushka Raychaudhuri reflects on her experiences in the Women in Economics Program, founded to encourage more women and nonbinary people in the field of economics.

“Like Two Friends Talking”: Women in Economics Provides Approachable and Insightful Mentorship

Washington Avenue Bridge shot with data lines, points, and bars overlaid.
"I like to view data science like you might view the term humanities, a wide range of disciplines, commonalities, and pieces that filter down to other areas."

As co-chair of the University’s Data Science Initiative (DSI), Galin Jones’ goal is to deepen our knowledge—how we understand the world and improve our society.

Data in the Liberal Arts—and Beyond

Signpost for the University of Minnesota Biological Station and Laboratories
"It was a beautiful time of gathering, generativity, and sharing."

Five participants reflect on their experiences, projects, and memorable takeaways from the first annual RIDGS Faculty Summer Writing Retreat.

Writing in Community

Marchers with signs at the March on Washington, 1963
"This work is joyful and urgent. It is also mission-driven—aligning with CLA’s goals of creating new knowledge, preparing our learners for meaningful lives, and engaging in service to our community."

The Dream Initiative is a values-based effort that calls on us to show up in our roles, and step up the pace of dreamable endeavors that will propel the Twin Cities region forward.

Storytelling Around the Dream Initiative

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