University of Minnesota Athletics
Gerald Mitchell - M Club Hall of Fame
Gerald Mitchell
Lifetime Achievement Award
HOF Class of 1993
Gerald Mitchell graduated as a two-sport standout from Edison High School in northeast Minneapolis, and excelled in two sports – football and basketball – at the University of Minnesota.
Mitchell, a guard and defensive specialist on the hardwood, was a three-year starter. On the football field, Mitchell was an offensive and defensive end, behind future Hall of Famer Bud Grant.
After a year off to serve in the Army National Guard, Mitchell returned to school and the basketball team, graduating with a degree in business in 1952.
In a 44-year career with Cargill, Mitchell was its longtime executive vice president, and eventually vice chairman of its Board of Directors.
Mitchell became an extremely generous benefactor to the University, making significant contributions to the Carlson School of Management and the Gopher Men’s Athletics Department, and endowing two business and two athletic scholarships each year.