Year-end Letter from President Cunningham

Hello University of Minnesota students, faculty and staff,

As we wrap up the end of the academic year, I am thankful to each of you for all you’ve done to build and strengthen the University of Minnesota.  

A special thank you to each member of the class of 2026 for your contributions, both inside and outside of the classroom, while you've made the University your home. I’ve had the privilege of celebrating with many of our graduates, their friends and families, and it’s always so energizing to share this special time. 

Students, congratulations on another successful year. On each of our five campuses, I’ve seen examples of your hard work and your advocacy for a stronger University. I’m so proud of the student-led effort to sign the Okanagan Charter, a University-wide commitment to embed health into every aspect of campus culture and set a standard for how modern land-grant universities support the whole student. The thing that makes me most excited is watching how your voices—from cheering at homecoming to supporting the University at the Capitol—are shaping our world. 

Faculty and staff, thank you for the work you’re doing to support our students, expand your research, identify opportunities to live into our land-grant mission, enrich our campuses and help guide the implementation of our Elevate Extraordinary strategic roadmap.

It’s an honor to work alongside you every day. 

Over the summer, I’m looking forward to meeting alumni, current and future students across the state; visiting fairs in Dakota, Stevens, Steele, East Otter Tail and Pine counties; tackling the stack of books I’ve been intending to read and canoeing more of Minnesota’s lakes. I hope each of you is looking forward to an equally energizing and relaxing summer.

With pride and gratitude,

Rebecca Cunningham, President