Member profile: Lisa Anderson

Web & Graphic Designer, Printing Services

Started working at the University of Minnesota in January 2011.

UMCF member since 2011.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?

I love that I have the opportunity to work with so many people and departments across campus. It is a unique and rewarding experience to be a part of one great organization and yet work on so many diverse projects.

What excites you about working at the U/your unit?

My co-workers are great. Not many people can wake up excited to go to work in the morning like I do. Our office is such an amazing working environment, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

What is your favorite place on campus?      

I love the Education Sciences Building. The historic building itself is pretty amazing with the bricks and beams, and the views of the river are beautiful. Having grown up along the Mississippi River, I feel a special connection whenever it is in view. So that is definitely my favorite building on campus.

What do you do for fun?    

Backpacking, remote camping, BWCA, biking, rock climbing, photography ... anything outside with my kids.

I'm happiest when:

... I'm camping on a remote beach. My favorite camping beach so far was a 4.6-mile hike to a remote beach along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. It was absolutely amazing.

Before I die, I would like to:

... hike to the waterfall at the back of Honopu Valley, which is only accessible after a strenuous 11-mile hike on the Kalalau Trail, a quarter-mile ocean swim around cliffs, and finally climbing up a waterfall to get from the beach into the valley. 

Member profile: Cheryl Hoffman

Communications Specialist, Boynton Health Service, Public Health and Communications

Started working at the University of Minnesota and in her position in August 2013.

UMCF member since August 2013.

What brought you to your current job?

A former co­-worker told me how much fun he was having at Boynton. When a position opened up there, I immediately applied. As a lifelong Minnesotan, the University was on my hot list of places I've always wanted to work. There were more than 250 applicants, but  I made it! 

What excites you about working at the University of Minnesota and Boynton Health Service?

I love the vibrant energy on campus, and working at a place like Boynton where my work makes a difference. 

What is your favorite accomplishment at the University of Minnesota, so far?

Our tiny three­ person marketing team kept all the balls in the air over the last few months, despite being down a manager and writer. Go Team!

Your hometown and the first place you lived after leaving your hometown?

I grew up in St. Paul, but defected to Wisconsin for college­­ at the University of Wisconsin­-River Falls. 

What is your dream job (besides the one you have!)?

I've always thought it would be fun to drive a Zamboni for a day. 

People may be surprised to know:

I was a summer intern for a Minnesota congressman in Washington, D.C. As part of my duties, I lead constituents on tours of the U.S. Capitol. Coolest job ever! 

Message from the chair - April 2014

Hello communicators!

Communications professionals show amazing versatility at work. We can get pretty crafty on our own time, too! 

The conference committee has created an opportunity to showcase the talents of Communicators Forum members and U employees at this year's annual conference, June 19, to complement this year's theme "Craft the future." 

Along with the standard vendors, there will be a "craft vendor" space available. More information will be sent soon to members through the email list (forum-c@umn.edu). Printmaker, knitter, jewelry artist? It's your chance to show your colleagues another side!

Speaking of conference, in addition to lining up three amazing keynote speakers, the committee has filled the vendor fair, secured an all-day coffee supply, and is honing in on diverse, engaging sessions. And they have a special treat: All registered conference attendees will receive a free Dessa CD.

Conference registration to come later in April or in early May. Need to get budget approval now? Cost is $120 for members, $160 for non-members. (Membership is $40, and you can join any time--it's not tied to conference registration like it used to be.) 

Thanks,

Rebecca Noran, chair, Communicators Forum, 2013-14