The University of Minnesota Crookston’s Welcome Center is now known as the ‘Fred E. Wood Welcome Center’ following an August 20 dedication ceremony outside the historic Kiehle Building. Wood served as the campus chancellor from 2012-2016, and those who spoke at the event referenced his “always welcoming” demeanor which made the dedication fitting.
Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause welcomed guests and provided remarks about Chancellor Emeritus Wood as did University of Minnesota Board of Regents chair Doug Huebsch, former Minnesota Senator LeRoy Stumpf, former University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler, retired UMN Crookston Senior Vice Chancellor Barbara Keinath, and alumna and former president of the Crookston Student Association Alexmai Addo.
Wood was not present for the ceremony due to illness, but was able to visit the campus later to connect with former colleagues and view the Welcome Center’s updates.
“With Fred you always knew that his singular focus was on the students and their experiences on campus; he truly cared about ‘his’ students,” said Kaler in his message shared with the audience via the print program. “But nothing reflects Fred’s advocacy for students and his commitment to experiential learning more than naming this campus welcome center for his service and enthusiasm.”
Wood’s connection to Crookston through his mother, who was born in the city, is what Kaler says “sealed the deal” on his candidacy for the job as the former chancellor of the UMN Crookston campus, aside from his merits.
“During his tenure, Chancellor Wood demonstrated the very best of what it meant to be a servant leader,” Addo shared. “Under his leadership, every student, faculty member, (and) staff member felt respected, heard, and valued.”
“Through diligent and open dialogue, he really made it a point to seek out student voices, student concerns, and student opinions,” she added. “He listened to our concerns, aspirations, dreams, what we loved about UMC, what we wanted to see more out of UMC, and, most importantly, he not just listened, he acted.”
View the dedication event photo gallery at z.umn.edu/FredWoodWelcomeCenterDedication
Watch the August 20 dedication ceremony recording at youtu.be/k8fNccmiIoo
About Fred Wood
As former chancellor for the Crookston campus, Fred Wood championed the addition of many new majors and minors as well as played a pivotal role in seeking state funding and support to erect a new 36,000 square foot student wellness center. He helped secure a $1 million gift to name the lobby of the new wellness center and assisted in securing a $1 million gift in anonymous scholarships.
Fred and his wife, Mary, established their own endowed scholarship fund to provide financial support to UMN Crookston students.
Wood was also there through the completion of the campus’ newest residence hall (Heritage Hall), played part in the installation of the Allen and Freda Pedersen Garden, and served as a member of the Crookston Lions Club.
Fred’s dedication to UMN Crookston students led to his 2015 award for ‘Outstanding Service to Students’.
Fred and Mary Wood currently reside in California and have three grown children.
Categories
