UMD's 125th Celebration

Dear Campus Community,   The year 2020 is an important milestone for the University of Minnesota Duluth as we celebrate our 125th year. It is a time of reflection, to see how far we have come, and celebrate 125 years of quality education. It is also a time to look ahead and prepare for continued success. I invite you all to join us in celebrating UMD’s 125th anniversary throughout the entire year.    On April 2, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., we will hold a “birthday party” in the Kirby Ballroom for our UMD campus community members. Please save the date and mark your calendars to join us.    In the meantime, I hope you will continue to think of ways that you and your department, organization, or office can engage with the 125th celebration and tell your history.    Take a look at the UMD 125th website, read through the campus timeline, and view then and now photos.    After 125 years, we have a lot to be proud of, and still more good work ahead of us. If you have any questions about the 125th, how you can be involved, or ideas for celebrating please contact Tricia Bunten or Matt Duffy.    Thank you,   Chancellor Black

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations Retirement

Dear Colleagues:

Happy New Year! I hope you had opportunities during the semester break to relax and spend time with those close to you, and I wish you the best during the 2020 spring semester.

I’m writing to inform you that Steve Keto, UMD’s Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, has decided to retire in April 2020. Steve’s last day in the office will be Friday, April 10. Although Steve’s decision was not a total surprise, I am sorry for him to leave UMD. When he joined us almost five years ago, he indicated that he would like to work another three to five years and end his career here at his alma mater. In addition, Steve and his wife Mary are expecting their first grandchild in February.

Steve has provided great service to UMD and the University of Minnesota System, and has helped guide us during challenging financial times. He is well-respected for his financial expertise and has been a great advocate for UMD and for the five departments that report to him: Budget and Analysis, Controller, Facilities Management, Police, and Human Resources. Under his leadership, the Finance and Operations unit has excelled.

I will begin a national search for a new Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations immediately, and I am pleased that Dr. Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students, will chair the search. We will keep you informed as the search progresses. Sue Bosell, UMD Controller, has agreed to serve as Interim VCFO. I appreciate Sue’s willingness to accept this additional assignment. She will step into the interim position when Steve leaves and will serve in this role until the new Vice Chancellor is in place.

Please join me in thanking Steve Keto for his outstanding service to UMD.

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor