Some of those promising contributions include groundbreaking stem-cell research, the pursuit of ecologically friendly farming practices, and investigating the neurological development of small children and young adults. Many of today's efforts like these could capture tomorrow's headlines. Yet many members of our community don't fully understand the unprecedented role Big Ten universities play in the field of research. This year, the University of Minnesota is asking the legislature for considerable financial support. Without us, our community, our nation, and our world would not be the same.
Research institutions change the planet in nearly every way.
That's why I ask you to share this message with your state legislators during this critical legislative session-whether you live in Minnesota or in another state with a Big Ten institution. Without the innovations founded by the University of Minnesota and our Big Ten peers, this would be a very different world. This column originally appeared in the March-April 2001 issue of Minnesota magazine.