University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gopher Community Outreach
5/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Golden Gopher Community Outreach
Welcome to the University of Minnesota Athletics Department Community Service Outreach website. We are very excited to host hundreds and hundreds of kids on campus each year. The program strives to provide an opportunity to visit the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus, tour the athletics facilities, see Goldy, chat and visit with current student-athletes and hear from special guest speakers.
We appreciate the opportunity to inspire youth to concentrate on higher education and understand that everyone has the opportunity to attend college as long as they focus on their education. We strongly feel and like to share with the visitors that education is very important and that maintaining good grades will help you obtain that goal.
Some of our past events.....
4th Annual "Youth Day Out" Event - Thursday, June 24, 2010
- PHOTO ALBUM/VIDEO
The University of Minnesota football team hosted its fourth-annual Youth Day Out, today at TCF Bank Stadium. Over 350 kids from the organizations of the Minneapolis and St Paul Parks and Recreation Centers, the YMCA (Beacon Programs) and the Boy Scouts competed in drills, asked questions and took a tour of the stadium. Over 20 Golden Gopher football student-athletes were in attendance for the event.
The 2010 Youth Day Out marked the first year in TCF Bank Stadium with the previous three held at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex. The attending kids were divided into eight groups, each of which went to separate stations and then rotated stations with the sound of an airhorn.
Of the eight stations, six were positioned on the TCF Bank Stadium playing field, which included at least two members of the Gopher football team. Running back R.J. Buckner was manning one of the catching and footwork stations, as well as getting the kids to give him their loudest scream and their best dance. Wide receiver Xzavian Brandon and defensive back Mike Rallis were helping with the football toss, while Dom Alford was assisting with another footwork and catching drill. Defensive backs Kyle Henderson, Christyn Lewis and Shady Salamon along with wide receiver Victor Keise were manning the defensive back station. At the end of the drill, Henderson asked the kids for their best celebratory dance. Other stations on the field included the tackling dummies and the sled. Adam Weber, Brandon Kirksey and various other Gophers held a question and answer session with the kids, followed by a tour of the lockerroom and the concourse.
Once all of the eight rotations were complete, the kids and players gathered together in the band bleachers as Buckner asked for one last scream. Door prizes were handed out as the fourth-annual Youth Day Out came to a close.
Black History Month Celebration - Saturday, February 16, 2010
- Photo Album
Our fourth Annual Black History Month Celebration - Celebrating Our Rich African-American Heritage - was held on campus on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Williams Arena and the Sports Pavilion. We had approximately 480 5th and 6th Graders attend the event from six elementary schools - Harvest Prep/BEST Academy, Maxfield Magnet Elementary, Park Brook Elementary, Richard Green Central Park, Sojourner Truth Academy and W.I.S.E. Charter School.
The students who attended the event had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle with student-athletes from different sports. We had our usual break-out sessions that included: College Is Cool, Questions and Answers, Klump-It (game the kids really love), tour of the facilities and Who Am I.
Of course we visited every school three to four days prior to the students arriving on campus; we took Goldy Gopher and several student-athletes to speak with the 5th and 6th graders and discuss the importance of good education and to share some words of encouragement/wisdom.
This was also an opportunity for us to collect the Black History Month essays (2 pages) that they had an option to participate in.
ESSAYS
The University of Minnesota Athletics Department selected four African Americans born and/or raised in Minnesota. The four individuals that we selected were:
- Pamela Alexander - former Judge (So. Minneapolis)
- Kimberly Elise - actress (So. Minneapolis)
- James Griffin - 1st Deputy Police Chief (St. Paul)
- Gordon Parks - Photographer, filmmaker, author (Kansas/St. Paul)
Every student who wrote an essay received a "Certificate of Participation". We selected 6 runners-up and 6 winners - one each from every school. Those recognized were asked to join us on stage and be honored. They received a goodie bag with autographed posters, t-shirts, gift certificates, food coupons, notebook and other items. Every student received a t-shirt and a goodie bag as they left the arena.
As a unique tradition for our Black History Month Essay contest, we ask if those selected can attend the celebration and/or relatives. For the 2010 Black History Month Celebration/Recognition on February 16, we had Pamela Alexander, Linda Garrett (daughter of James Griffin) and Robin Hickman (niece of Gordon Parks) come and speak to the 5th and 6th graders about the importance of education.
WINNERS/RUNNERS-UP
| Harvest Prep/BEST Academy | | W-Layla Akapo - 5th Grade |
| | | R-Namir Fearce - 6th Grade |
| Maxfield Magnet Elementary | | W-SunShine Noel - 6th Grade |
| | | R-Elky Ratcliff - 6th Grade |
| Park Brook Elementary | | W-Allison Pearson - 6th Grade |
| | | Kaylin Richardson |
| Richard Green Central Park | | W-Sahra Liban Farah - 6th Grade |
| | | R-Randy Agyei - 6th Grade |
| Sojourner Truth Academy | | W-Noemi Salas |
| | | R-Desiree Hall |
| W.I.S.E. Charter | | W-JaKariea Washington 5th Grade |
| | | R-Makala Moore 5th Grade |
The winners and runner-ups received a "Certificate of Recognition" and the six winners received a laptop (donated by Jostens, Inc). The winners were all asked to return to campus and attend a women's basketball game on Thursday, February 25, 2010 to receive their laptops and be recognized for their efforts during a timeout on the court. All but one school returned to campus on Thursday, February 25, 2010 to watch the women's basketball game - tickets compliments of the athletics department.
Special, special thank you to the following: Aarmark Concessions, Applebees, Community Action of Minneapolis, Office of Equity and Diversity, Old Dutch, General Mills, System Academic Administration, Marketing and Promotion Department, Golden Gopher and the student-athletes.
African-American Student-Athlete Reunion - Friday-Saturday, Oct. 30-31, 2009
- PHOTO ALBUM
The Committee for the History of African American Contributions to the University of Minnesota held the first ever African-American Reunion for Former Student-Athletes (males and females) over the weekend. Along with the committee, this event was tri-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Athletics Department and the Office of Equity and Diversity here on campus.
This was a great opportunity to extend an invitation to former African American student-athletes and ask them to return to campus to be recognized for their participation and contribution to the athletics department over the many years.
All and all, we had approximately seventy-five former student-athletes that returned to campus for an exciting evening - the welcome and reception which included a "soul food" dinner catered by Fay's HomeStyle Catering. The emcee for the evening was Walter Bond (Basketball - 1987-91) who did an exceptional job. We had the opportunity to have Athletics Director Joel Maturi stop by and share some very encouraging words regarding the important role that the African American student-athletes played while participating and contributing, while also realizing that the University is and always will be open to involvement, feedback, etc, from former student-athletes. Associate Athletics Director,Dr. Leo Lewis shared some important information regarding the importance of giving back to the University and to the student-athletes of today. He talked briefly about the Cultural Diversity Task Force Committee that is in place and also about the African American Mentor Support Group that we have in the athletics department and offer to our current student-athletes. George Adzick, "M" Club Director, shared a special moment on the microphone asking all former student-athletes to take the time to "pay it forward". George also informed the former student-athletes that since the "M" Club is on campus and is located in Bierman Building, all former student-athletes should stop by and visit and pay close attention to "M" Club emails that he sends out.
Everyone had a great time and the opportunity to mix, mingle and chat with former student-athletes. We had representation on hand from one of the oldest "former student-athletes", Richard Blakley (1954-55) to the newest "former student-athlete", Steve Davis (Football 2004-2008). Every former student-athlete had the opportunity to attend the Welcome and Reception "Soul Food" on Friday, October 30 and the "Pre-Game Meal" (Taco Bar) on Saturday, October 31, 2009 and then attend the MINNESOTA vs. Michigan State Football game on Saturday evening at the new TCF Bank Stadium at NO COST. As the event came to a close, each former student-athlete received a commemorative key chain, a Minnesota skull cap and a white and maroon t-shirt.
A very big, big, big thank you to the individuals/corporations who made it all possible: The University of Minnesota Athletics Department, University of Minnesota Office of Equity and Diversity, Mr. and Mrs. Wilderson, John Senar, Legacy Management & Corporation, Jostens, J.D. Hoyts, Larry Reid, Ken Foxworth, Conrad Jones, Gold Country, Applebees, the St. Paul Saints and Football Department.
We are definitely looking forward to a much bigger and better reunion of those who participated and contributed to athletics at the University of Minnesota. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Roberts at 612.626.7857 or email her at rober008@umn.edu.
A thank to the committee members that made this event possible: Conrad Jones, Linda Roberts, John Senar, Frank White and Stephen Winfield.
3rd Annual “Youth Day Out” Event - Thursday, June 25, 2009
- PHOTO ALBUM
Our 3rd Annual “Youth Day Out” event was held on Thursday, June 25th. Inter-city Youth ranging between 3rd-8th grade from St. Paul Park & Recreation, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities all attended. The day began with everyone meeting for an introduction in the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex. Their smiling faces and loud cheers showed that they were ready for an exciting day of Football with the Golden Gophers!
After all the kids were dressed and ready in their “Youth Day Out” t-shirts given to them as they walked through the door, they were separated into four groups led by different football student athletes who had volunteered their time. The youth were taught various skills such as being quick on their feet, completing a pass, and of course – using their whole body to make a good tackle. After breaking a sweat, they were given a chance to cool down as they went inside for a “Question & Answer” session which included juice to keep them hydrated. Following this, they were also taken on a tour of the facilities which meant they got an inside-look at the locker room, the athletic training area, strength and conditioning area, and our wonderful Hall of Fame.
Even after the 3-hour event came to an end, the kids seemed to still have lots of energy when it came time to receive their “Goodie Bags.” Each child got to take home a bag that included a letter from Joel Maturi (Director of Athletics), a letter from Tim Brewster (Head Football Coach), Gopher stickers and tattoos, and also a bag of chips. They also received a special prize which ranged from Gopher key chains, an extra shirt, or even a Gopher hat or backpack!
It was definitely a group effort that made this such a successful event. Very special thanks goes out to St. Paul Park & Recreation, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities, Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration, Old Dutch, Gold Country, Pete Globa (Youth Football Community Coordinator), and all of the coaches and football student athletes who made a conscious effort to make this day enjoyable, not only for the youth but for everyone who was a part of “Youth Day Out” 2009.
PRIOR EVENTS
- Black History Month Celebration - Saturday, March 7, 2009
- “Celebrating Our Rich African-American Heritage” Five Essay Contest Winners
- Winners of the Black History Month Celebration (essay contest) received men’s basketball tickets to attend the Golden Gopher men’s basketball game and be recognized on court as they re-receive their laptop computers donated by Jostens Inc.
- They had initially received the laptops and other goodies at the event on the 24th of February as winners of the 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration.
- “Celebrating Our Rich African-American Heritage” Five Essay Contest Winners
- Black History Month Celebration - Sunday, March 1, 2009
- “Celebrating Our Rich African-American Heritage”
- The 5th and 6th graders received two tickets to attend the women’s basketball game as the Golden Gophers played Illinois at the “Barn”- Williams Arena.
- “Celebrating Our Rich African-American Heritage”
- Black History Month Celebration - Tuesday, February 24, 2009
- “Celebrating Our Rich African- American Heritage”
- PHOTO ALBUM - PART ONE / PART TWO
- Five Elementary Schools [5th and 6th graders] – Harvest Prep/Seed Academy, Maxfield Magnet School, Nokomis Montessori School, Richard Green Park Central and W.I.S.E. Charter School were asked to participate in the Black History Month Celebration with the option to write a two-page essay paper on one of the following: LeRoy Gardner, Katie McWatt, Janabelle Taylor (all born and raised in Minnesota) and Barack Obama
- *Katie McWatt, Janabelle Taylor and Mrs. Claudia Gardner attended the event.
- Guest Speakers included:
- Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Tubby Smith,
- Men’s Hockey Head Coach, Don Lucia
- Men’s Assistant Football Coach, Derek Lewis
- Associate Athletics Director, Dr. Leo Lewis
- Community Outreach & Youth Coordinator, Trent Tucker
- Guest Speakers included:
- Native American History Month Celebration - Tuesday, November 24, 2008
- PHOTO ALBUM
- “Celebrating Our Rich Native American Heritage”
- Two Elementary Schools [5th and 6th graders] – American Indian Magnet School and Roosevelt Elementary were asked to participate with the option to write a two-page essay paper on one of the following: Marge Anderson, Winona LaDuke, Steve Premo and Gerald Vizenor - all born and raised in Minnesota
- We had a POW WOW exhibition at the event on November 24, 2008
- Community Outreach in St. Paul - Saturday, August 23, 2008
- PHOTO ALBUM
- Oxford Recreational Center/Jimmy Lee
- Football student-athletes (10) traveled to the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center and watched while 3rd and 4th graders practiced football
- Our student-athletes practiced with the kids as well as shared their experience playing football and discussed the importance of education
- Each kid received a small goodie-bag and a t-shirt
- The kids and coaches received free tickets to attend a home football game and participate in the U of M Victory Walk
- 2nd Annual “Youth Day Out” Event - Thursday, June 26, 2008
- Community Campus Outreach with St. Paul and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Centers (some YMCA youth that were already on campus) attended a 2.5 hour clinic with football players
- Approx. 225 youth (girls and boys) participated in the community outreach with the football team
- We offered several break out sessions and a excellent opportunity for the youth to spend time with our football players.
- Community Campus Outreach with St. Paul and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Centers (some YMCA youth that were already on campus) attended a 2.5 hour clinic with football players
- Black History Month Celebration - Tuesday, February 24, 2008
- “Celebrating Our Rich African- American Heritage”
- Two Elementary Schools [5th and 6th graders] – Maxfield Magnet Elementary School and Richard Green Park Central were asked to participate with the option to write a two-page essay paper on one of the following: Nellie Stone Johnson, Debbie Montgomery, Roy Wilkins and Percy Zachary - all born and raised in Minnesota (*Debbie Montgomery, Mrs. Zachary and grandson – Marcus Freeman attended the event).
- Guest Speakers included:
 Men’s Head Basketball Coach, Tubby Smith,
 Women’s Head Basketball Coach, Pam Borton
 Office for Equity & Diversity, Vice President/Vice Provost, Rusty Barcelo
 Associate Athletics Director, Dr. Leo Lewis
 Student-Athlete, Katharine Foster, Rower
 Grandson of Percy Zachary, Marcus Freeman (NFL Player)
- “Celebrating Our Rich African- American Heritage”
