University of Minnesota Crookston Professor Emeritus Jerome “Jerry” Knutson was named a recipient of the 2024 President’s Award for Outstanding Service and was recognized by University of Minnesota Interim President Jeffrey Ettinger at the May Board of Regents meeting. Knutson was nominated by U of M Crookston alumna Dr. Kari Torkelson with letters of support from U of M Crookston Professor Emeriti Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D. and Marsha Odom, and U of M Crookston Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Kevin Thompson, Ph.D.
A reception honoring 2024 award recipients, including Knutson, will be held in June at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis.
Ettinger said in his award letter to Knutson that his excellence was “a model for your colleagues and co-workers to emulate” and told him he had done “more than your share to make the University of Minnesota one of the preeminent institutions in the nation.”
“I am humbled and honored to receive the President's Award for Service for doing what I enjoy - supporting students,” shared Knutson. “I always believed it was my opportunity and responsibility to attend student events like commencements, homecomings, convocations, athletics events, music concerts, theater productions, even area alumni beer bashes.”
“It was also my opportunity and responsibility to help students reach their potential, learn a little biology, appreciate nature and environment, respect and support university, state, and nation, and actively participate in their communities,” he added. “If service means helping and supporting students and the campus, then I hope I have served UMC during my 35 years in faculty and 20 years of retirement.”
