UMD Alumni Relations

What really happens to your body and mind over 26.2 miles?

Join us for Bulldogs Behind the Scenes: 26.2 Miles of Science, a fascinating virtual conversation that takes you inside the physical and mental demands of endurance running, just in time for Grandma’s Marathon weekend in Duluth.

Guided by Dr. Mark Hartman and Giuseppe Capello Real from UMD’s Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences program, this session explores the science behind marathon performance and what endurance athletes experience mile by mile.

📅 Thursday, June 4
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM (CT)
💻 Hosted on Zoom

Whether you’re a runner, a science enthusiast, or simply Bulldog curious, this one’s for you.

👉 Register today!

26.2 Miles of Science | Alumni Relations | University of Minnesota Duluth Rethinking Endurance Through Marathon ScienceLearn about what happens inside the body and mind during Grandma’s Marathon. This Bulldogs Behind the Scenes is guided by Dr. Mark Hartman, Assistant Professor, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Giuseppe Capello Real, Instructor, Exercise and Re...

Champions Circle Spotlight: Curt LaChappelle

Curt LaChappelle’s connection to UMD is rooted in gratitude for an experience that helped shape both his career and his life. As a participant in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics Financial Markets Program, Curt gained hands-on, real-world experience managing money. This preparation allowed him to “hit the ice running” when he entered his career.

While the technical skills and financial knowledge were invaluable, Curt says the program’s greatest impact was how it helped develop him as a young adult. Exposure to new perspectives and ways of thinking reshaped his life trajectory and reinforced the importance of remembering where you came from.

“I was taught to not forget where I came from and to support those who supported me,” Curt shared.
By supporting the LSBE Financial Markets Program, Curt hopes to multiply his experience for future students and ensure they receive the same opportunities, mentorship, and personal growth that helped launch his career.

Learn more about joining the Champions Circle: z.umn.edu/championscircle

Welcome to the UMD Alumni family, Class of 2026!

Bulldogs came together at the 2026 UMD Grad Party for an unforgettable night at the Great Lakes Aquarium, celebrating friendships, milestones, and the exciting transition from students to alumni. With exclusive access to interactive exhibits and plenty of Bulldog Pride, it was a night to remember.

From Duluth to the world, your UMD journey continues. Stay connected, stay proud, and stay Bulldog strong.

WOW. You showed up, Bulldogs! 🐾

Because of your generosity, we’ve awarded $20,000 in incentive funds to incredible programs across campus. Check out the final results and see the total impact we made together.

See the winners at z.umn.edu/WOG26

Final Hours! 🐾

The clock is ticking on the UMD Week of Giving, and our water bottle challenge is in the final stretch!

For every $50 gift made before 5:00 PM today, we are donating a water bottle to a student at Myers-Wilkins Elementary.

One gift, two ways to win:

🏆 Help your favorite UMD program climb the leaderboard for $20,000 in prizes.
💧 Ensure a local student stays hydrated and ready to learn.

Let’s finish strong for our students and our community.

z.umn.edu/WOG26 Give $50 to make it count!

This is it, Bulldogs!

Only a few hours remain. We still have one final $1,000 Daily Dash prize for the most gifts before 2:00 PM. This is about donors, not dollars—your $5 gift could be the one that secures a $6,000 1st place finish!

Make your impact before 5:00 PM!

z.umn.edu/WOG26

The stakes just got higher. 📈

The top three crowdfunding campaigns with the most individual gifts by Friday afternoon will split $12,000 in prize money, with $6,000 going to 1st place!

Help your cause reach the top: z.umn.edu/WOG26