Introducing TAG-line, e-news from the U of M Transportation Alumni Group
Welcome to the first issue of TAG-line, the semiannual electronic newsletter of the Transportation Alumni Group at the University of Minnesota!
The Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) initiated the Transportation Alumni Group in 2007 to provide University of Minnesota transportation-related alumni and friends ways to connect with each other, stay abreast of the latest news and research in transportation, sharpen professional skills, and participate in activities as part of the University community. The group has grown to about 80 members.
The field of transportation includes disciplines ranging from engineering to plant biology. CTS works with more than 70 faculty members and researchers in 25 departments at the University to carry out research programs that advance ideas and innovations in a variety of transportation-related topics. The Center also provides interdisciplinary education programs for transportation students and offers training and outreach programs for transportation professionals and policy leaders.
If you're not already a member of the Alumni Group, we've made it easy for you to join. Graduates of other institutions and friends of the U of M are welcome to join.
Joining also gives alumni and friends a venue to support current students by becoming a mentor or speaking to student groups. In addition, we’re working to develop an alumni directory, job network, and mentorship opportunities.
Most important, TAG-line is for you, so please share your stories and ideas. Tell us what you want to read about, and let us know what you think about what you’ve read.
A two-way street
The Humphrey Institute’s mentor program pairs students interested in policy and planning with professionals like the Metropolitan Council’s Connie Kozlak.
Connie Kozlak
When Connie Kozlak attends a transportation planning meeting or a professional event around the region, she’s never surprised to spot one of her former students in the room. As a participant in the alumni mentor program at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs for the past 15 years, Kozlak has helped more than a dozen students learn about careers in transportation planning and career opportunities at the Metropolitan Council, where she is the manager of transportation planning.
“I would say about half of the people that I have been a mentor for still live and work in the region and I actually run into them fairly often in my current work,” Kozlak says. The Humphrey program matches first-year graduate students interested in domestic policy and planning issues with professionals in specific fields, such as transportation or city planning. The mentor-mentees attend a kick-off event in the fall, and a couple of other big-group events during the year. Mentor-mentee pairs also meet informally during the year, according to their own schedules and the student’s needs.
“Most of the students I try to meet with about three times during the year,” Kozlak says, including informal breakfast get-togethers and visits to her offices so they can meet her colleagues, several of whom also are Humphrey alumni. She also invites them to professional association meetings so they can meet and talk with others in the transportation industry. There’s even the occasional field trip.
“One time we got a bunch of people who were interested in transportation planning and we arranged to go see the regional traffic management center that Mn/DOT runs in the late afternoon while the TV screens are monitoring rush-hour traffic,” Kozlak recalls.
As a mentor, Kozlak has a rich background of professional experiences to share. In addition to the masters in urban planning she earned at the Humphrey Institute, she has worked in both the public and private sectors. She is the current chair for the Center for Transportation Studies Planning and Environment Council. She also served on the steering committees for the Access to Destinations Study and the Transportation and Regional Growth Study.
Although mentors are the ones with the professional experience, the mentor-mentee relationship isn’t a one-way street, Kozlak says. Organized events offer opportunities for mentors to meet many of the Humphrey students and faculty, as well as other professionals in the field. “There are some you might know tangentially or from a project, but you get a chance to sit down with them and have coffee and cookies, and chat a little and learn more about them,” Kozlak says.
For mentees, of course, there is always the hope of making a professional connection that leads to a job opportunity later on. While she has never hired one of her mentees at the Metropolitan Council, Kozlak says she has hired several other student participants in the mentor program. And then, of course, there are those she runs into at meetings.
Related news:
Kozlak to receive U of M Alumni Service Award on Oct. 8
Connie Kozlak will be honored October 8 for her years of service to the Humphrey Institute’s mentor program. She is one of 12 University of Minnesota alumni who will receive the University’s prestigious Alumni Service Award for their long-time service and legacy of volunteerism. The awards will be presented at a celebration hosted by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association as part of Homecoming 2009 at the University’s McNamara Alumni Center.
Humphrey mentors
The mentor program at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs pairs (primarily) first-year graduate students with professional alumni working in a variety of policy and planning fields. Students can select up to three potential mentors in their area of interest. Student preferences are used to guide the committee in its decision making. Registration for students and mentors interested in the 2010- 2011 program begins in the spring. The program is open to any Humphrey student who has not already participated.
In addition to the mentor program, the Humphrey Institute’s Office of Career Services connects students with alumni in Minnesota and elsewhere by request. Students can make an appointment to discuss contacts and strategies with a consultant through the online appointment system.
IT mentors
The Institute of Technology (IT) mentor program is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. The program matches current science and engineering students with technical professionals. Volunteer mentors and students meet at least two hours per month from October through April. Activities may include networking, e-mentoring, sharing ideas, touring a company or work site, attending professional meetings, reviewing resumes, and discussing career strategies. The program is organized by the IT Alumni Society in collaboration with the IT dean's office and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association Mentor Connection.
The woman with a plan
Traffic systems designer Sandra Cullen held her breath opening day as 50,000 fans flocked to the new TCF Bank Stadium.
On September 12, Gopher football fans marveled at the new TCF Bank Stadium and cheered their beloved team to victory against the Air Force Falcons in the first on-campus football game in 28 years.
Sandra Cullen
Sandra Cullen had other things to think about. Cullen, assistant director for transportation systems design at the University and an alumna of the Department of Civil Engineering, spent the day watching as years of traffic planning for the new stadium helped move an estimated 50,000 fans to and from the East Bank stadium. Homecoming 2009 promises another big test of the new venue.
“It’s totally different from downtown Minneapolis where they have a grid system to disperse the traffic,” Cullen says. “There are a limited number of routes to get here.”
Cullen and the University’s athletics and traffic management staffs are working with city officials to mitigate traffic problems around the new stadium and get the message out about changes in traffic flow and parking availability.
One of the biggest changes for fans is pre-sold parking. The University has encouraged season ticket holders to purchase a season parking pass, and all East Bank campus parking lots are closed to anyone without a season parking pass. Those attending single games and season ticket holders without a parking pass are being directed to park on the West Bank or on the St. Paul campus and walk to the game or take the shuttle, Cullen says.
“Don’t even come to the East Bank without a season parking pass,” Cullen advises.
To reduce traffic conflicts at intersections, season parking pass-holders have been assigned to specific lots, and provided route maps to get them there. Those parking north of University Avenue are directed to come in on University. Those in parking lots south of University are directed to use Huron Boulevard or Washington Avenue.
Some streets near the stadium will change temporarily from two-way to one-way to speed up traffic flow before and after the game, Cullen says. Twenty-third Avenue adjacent to the stadium will flow north before the game and be closed following the game to accommodate a shuttle to St. Paul. The University is also working with city officials to change Fifth Street to a one-way headed westbound between Oak and Fifteenth streets after the game. Police and traffic control officers will also be stationed at intersections to help move pedestrian traffic.
The University is also adding additional bike racks near the stadium—enough to accommodate an extra 500 bikes, and the Metro Transit is increasing the number of shuttles between the West Bank light-rail station and the stadium, Cullen says.
All of the changes have been outlined in the fan guide sent to ticketholders and on the TCF Stadium Web site. But, Cullen says, there is one other key message traffic managers are trying to stress to fans: Don’t all show up at the same time. Fans should plan to arrive early and stay late. Parking lots will open well before game time, and the Minnesota Alumni Center is hosting some pre-game activities to bring fans in early.
Even with all the planning, Cullen says she couldn’t help holding her breath on opening day. “Traffic planning, I always say, is like the weather. You can predict it based on the best information you have, but you can't really control the weather and you can't really control someone driving in their car. So if they don't follow the recommended information,” she adds, laughing, “it's all wait and see.”
Join us Oct. 9 for our U of M Homecoming pre-parade happy hour
Join in the fun as part of the Transportation Alumni Group’s second annual homecoming get-together during the University of Minnesota Homecoming 2009. The Transportation Alumni Group Pre-Parade Happy Hour kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 9, in the Ski-U-Mah Room at McNamara Alumni Center with appetizers provided, a cash bar, and door prizes! The big parade begins at 7 p.m., followed by a pep rally in the new TCF Bank Stadium, also the site of the big homecoming football game against the Purdue Boilermakers the next day.
More
Alumni Group golf outing and happy hour recap
A dozen members and friends of the Alumni Group enjoyed a late-August afternoon round of golf at the Hiawatha Golf Club, followed by happy hour at the nearby 5-8 Club in Minneapolis.
MorE Photos
Upcoming CTS events
For the latest updates, please check the CTS Events calendar.
Alumni Group seeks advisers
One way to get to get involved and stay connected with fellow transportation alumni and with education and student activities at the University of Minnesota is to help advise the Transportation Alumni Group. We're assembling an advisory group and need your help and enthusiasm to help the organization grow.
Please contact Stephanie Malinoff at 612-624-8398, malinoff@umn.edu.
