Category: University of MN

Driven to Discover*

Explored the University of Minnesota West Bank Campus with a friend. Although I live next door to this campus, I saw things new to me. We could spend days going through this directory. For example, the University, incongruously, has the world’s largest collection of Sherlock Holmes materials. On the left, a snow shovel, often accompanied by a box of Ice Melt, is a common sight at building entrances in this northern clime.

Gopher Journey

Part of my walk today took me through the university. Descending through the student union, I saw groups of young people being led around on campus tours. Goldy Gopher has been the university’s mascot since 1888. Minnesota has been known as the Gopher State since its founding, based on a political cartoon.

Inside Out

Walked over to the University for my monthly blood draw. On the way home, I wandered into the Mechanical Engineering Department out of curiosity about all this ductwork rising up through an atrium. Following a duct, I realized it’s part of the HVAC system. Later, I learned it’s all made of stainless steel, which is pretty fancy.

View from Washington Avenue Bridge

Near the end of my cycle ride, I paused on this double-decker bridge which connects two campuses of the University of Minnesota. The upper deck features dedicated bike lanes, an enclosed walkway, and a pedestrian path. The lower deck accommodates light rail and regular traffic. The unmistakeably Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum, sometimes my haven… Continue reading View from Washington Avenue Bridge

Where Stairs Don’t Lead

During my walk through the University of Minnesota’s East Bank Campus, I decided the stairs looked safe to climb. After all, it has been an unseasonably warm winter; no ice or snow impeded my ascent; my mind wandered to past climbs to Buddhist temples. At the top, of course there was no temple, just a pleasant plaza lined with picnic tables waiting for winter to end.

Northrop Auditorium

Coffee and a pastry with a friend at Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, East Bank. Then, we walked through the gorgeous entry hall sharing memories of performances we’d seen.