University Letter

UND and the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) invite you to participate in the “Be Connected: Grand Forks and UND” networking event from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the North Dakota Museum of Art. The purpose of this event is to connect UND faculty and staff with the many volunteer and community leadership opportunities that exist within the Grand Forks community. Non-profit organizations and community leaders will be on hand at a networking social hour at the Museum of Art to share information about the volunteer opportunities that exist and how to engage with the Grand Forks community.

In January 2012, UND and GGFYP held the “Collaboration Lunch,” inviting UND employees to discuss a variety of topics related to their work and their personal lives. Data collected before and during the event showed that this group of almost 100 employees who registered for the lunch were involved in a variety of volunteer roles, but were interested in getting better connected to the community. In fact, 41 percent of the attendees were there primarily because they were seeking opportunities to connect to the community. Participants indicated a desire to connect with non-profit agencies for volunteering, leadership involvement (boards, elected positions, etc.), and general information about what is going on (activities, events, etc.) in the community. Participants agreed that another session that includes non-profit agencies and community leaders would be beneficial. The timing of this session also allows for employees who have just moved to the area to connect to the Greater Grand Forks community in a meaningful way.

It is not necessary to RSVP for this event. Rather, we invite you to join us and to stay as long as you are able to! If you have any questions about this event, please contact Kristi Okerlund at 777.6468 or kristi.okerlund@UND.edu.