career goals, and it helped link the classroom to the real-world. “It is great to have spent time working and observing the role of rural practitioners,” Novak says. She is not the first graduate to attend pharmacy school. Alumna Ashley Walton, ’09, is attending the College of Pharmacy at the U of M, Twin Cities, and Brittany stayed with her when she went down for her application interview at the University of Minnesota. “It was great for me to learn from Ashley’s experience, and I appreciated her expertise and advice as I made my preparations,” Novak explains. Her favorite classes were histology, the study of cells and their structure, with Pam Elf, Ph.D., and microbiology with Brian Dingmann, Ph.D. “I am going to miss this place and my friends, including Lisa Samuelson, director of student activities,” Novak reflects. “Lisa and my advisor, Pam Elf, have really been there for me throughout my time as an undergraduate.” When Novak came to the Crookston campus as a freshman, she saw the first graduate from the new biology program. Even when the going got hectic, she never wavered from her decision. “I have enjoyed my classes, admired the dedication and hard work of my advisor, and appreciated the great atmosphere on this campus,” Novak notes. “As I move on, I will build my future using the tools I was provided here, and remember how this campus prepared me for the career I have been dreaming of for years.”
Novak’s parents joined her following commencement ceremonies to savor the achievement of her undergraduate degree.
REMEMBER THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON A will or living trust is a statement about what matters most in your life. It ensures that your intentions are clearly understood and will be followed by those administering your estate. If you value your experience at the University of Minnesota, Crookston or the Northwest School of Agriculture, you can leave a legacy through a gift to the campus in your will. Your generosity will help further the mission of the University of Minnesota, Crookston to provide education, research and outreach. The following language can be used by you and your attorney in your will: “I give, devise and bequeath to the University of Minnesota Foundation (percentage, sum or description of property) for the benefit of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.” If you would like more information, contact Corby Kemmer, director of development & alumni relations toll free at 1-800-862-6466, ext. 8434 or 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu). For more information about giving or to give a gift online, visit www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/giving.html Excerpted from The Importance of a Will published by the University of Minnesota Foundation. 23