The Top 10 University of Minnesota Rochester News Stories of 2025
Each year presents an opportunity to reflect on the work underway at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), a campus located in the heart of the medical world and shaped by collaboration with Mayo Clinic and other community partners. UMR faculty and staff continue to rethink health sciences education and prepare future leaders to address major health challenges.
From research and hands-on learning to community partnerships and student achievement, the stories emerging from UMR prove how a small campus can make a significant impact. These moments shape health care now and in the years to come, where graduates will make their mark.
Here are 10 stories of 2025 that drew the most attention, highlighting the curiosity, purpose and momentum of the campus community.
UMR is entering a new era of momentum—record enrollment, a successful scholarship campaign and bold expansion plans are shaping the university’s next chapter. With new academic programs on the horizon and a growing student community, the campus is accelerating its mission to prepare the next generation of health leaders.
Ten Weeks, One Mentor, Countless Lessons: Inside the CRISP Internship
A summer internship can change everything—and for UMR student Vishnuram Balasubramani, the CRISP program did just that. From finding the right mentor to discovering a future in global health, his 10‑week experience shows what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.
University of Minnesota Rochester Receives STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability Achievements
UMR celebrated a major sustainability milestone after earning a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. From energy efficiency to student‑driven initiatives, the campus made meaningful progress toward a greener future. Explore what fueled UMR’s momentum.
Planting the Seeds of Service, Career and Family
From a personal struggle with breathing to a citywide air‑quality network, UMR alum Matthew Spiten ’18 transformed curiosity into community impact. His wife, Megan ’16, followed her own UMR‑shaped path into physical therapy, and together they created a family life centered on health, healing and the environment.
Meet Mmanuel Afi Dumenya - Alumni Spotlight
UMR alum Mmanuel Afi Dumenya ’23 built her path toward medicine through hands-on research, patient care experience and powerful mentorship. Her journey showed how UMR’s supportive community and integrated curriculum shaped her confidence and clarity as she prepared for medical school.
University of Minnesota Rochester Welcomes Record-Breaking Incoming Class
This fall, UMR opened its doors to a record‑breaking incoming class, with enrollment surging more than 80% over last year. The new students brought energy, diversity and a shared commitment to health careers, reinforcing UMR’s role as a statewide leader in preparing the next generation of care providers.
UMR expanded its leadership team with the addition of Dr. Heidi Anderson‑Isaacson, a student‑life expert known for data‑driven strategy and strong outcomes. Her background in educational leadership and student development aligned seamlessly with UMR’s mission to support today’s learners.
University of Minnesota Rochester Chancellor Carrell Awarded Mayor’s Medal of Honor
Chancellor Lori J. Carrell’s dedication to innovative, compassionate education earned her the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence. The recognition underscored UMR’s rising influence in Rochester and its mission to prepare graduates to tackle the grand health challenges of the 21st century.
Meet Prim Tanwongsval - Alumni Spotlight
UMR alum Prim Tanwongsval ’24 built her path to pharmacy through hands-on patient care, community service and supportive mentorship. From volunteering as a dental assistant to working across Mayo Clinic units as a PCA, her experiences shaped her confidence and clarified her calling.
At UMR’s annual Scholarship Celebration, students and benefactors came together to honor the impact of scholarship support. Moving reflections from student speakers underscored how encouragement, opportunity and financial aid shaped their academic paths and futures.