Pictured l to r: Teambackers Treasurer Adam Maruska, ’00, and President Tom Helgeson donated $20,000 to student-athlete scholarships on behalf of the Teambackers Board. Bill Tyrrell, director of Athletic Fundraising and Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations, accepted the check.

CROOKSTON, Minn. (May 22, 2008) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Teambackers Club recently donated $20,000 to support student-athlete scholarships at the Crookston campus. Annually the club sponsors numerous fundraisers and plays an integral role in raising dollars and promoting Golden Eagle Athletics.

“Our thanks and appreciation goes to Teambackers, its board leadership and members for their ongoing efforts in support of the University of Minnesota, Crookston and its student-athletes,” said Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations. “Their diligence changes lives and increases opportunities for student-athletes; we commend their efforts,”

The 2008-09 Teambacker fund drive begins in July. Members of Teambackers make a commitment to support student-athletes, who currently make up more than 26 percent of the Crookston campus student body. For more information about becoming a member, contact Bill Tyrrell at 218-281-8436 or btyrrell@umn.edu.

The U of M, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

The University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science bachelor degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. Invent yourself at the University of Minnesota, Crookston – become a leader, innovate through technology and research and secure the career you want. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.