Growth in business

Sure, it still has that “new building smell,” but Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall is already a comfy home to Carlson School undergraduate students. “This feels like more of a building for undergrads,” sophomore international business and marketing major Jenna Schroeder noted during the first week of fall semester. “It’s less intimidating than the other building, where there are more MBA students.”

The 124,000-square-foot, four-story building features group work areas, expanded career resources, technology-rich classrooms, and interview rooms for corporate recruiters. With a dedicated home for its undergraduate programs, the Carlson School expects to increase its undergrad enrollment from 1,600 in 2005 to 2,400 by 2010.

Alumnus Herb Hanson gave $10 million to the project, which was also supported by significant contributions from other individuals, foundations, and businesses. One such company is Best Buy, whose name is on Hanson Hall’s computer-filled, high-tech learning lab. Best Buy’s Paula Prahl, senior vice president of communications, public affairs, and corporate responsibility, calls their support “critical to ensuring the quality of the Twin Cities business community.”

Take a video tour of Hanson Hall.

College and campus giving

Unleash giving. The power of philanthropy was evident on all campuses of the University of Minnesota in fiscal year 2008, as donors fueled another record year of giving. Results are shown here, along with highlights of the impact gifts are having on the University.