UMD Alumni Relations

05/28/2026

Champions Circle Spotlight: Curt LaChappelle

Curt LaChappelle’s connection to UMD is rooted in gratitude for an experience that helped shape both his career and his life. As a participant in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics Financial Markets Program, Curt gained hands-on, real-world experience managing money. This preparation allowed him to “hit the ice running” when he entered his career.

While the technical skills and financial knowledge were invaluable, Curt says the program’s greatest impact was how it helped develop him as a young adult. Exposure to new perspectives and ways of thinking reshaped his life trajectory and reinforced the importance of remembering where you came from.

“I was taught to not forget where I came from and to support those who supported me,” Curt shared.
By supporting the LSBE Financial Markets Program, Curt hopes to multiply his experience for future students and ensure they receive the same opportunities, mentorship, and personal growth that helped launch his career.

Learn more about joining the Champions Circle: z.umn.edu/championscircle

05/19/2026

Welcome to the UMD Alumni family, Class of 2026!

Bulldogs came together at the 2026 UMD Grad Party for an unforgettable night at the Great Lakes Aquarium, celebrating friendships, milestones, and the exciting transition from students to alumni. With exclusive access to interactive exhibits and plenty of Bulldog Pride, it was a night to remember.

From Duluth to the world, your UMD journey continues. Stay connected, stay proud, and stay Bulldog strong.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

04/27/2026

WOW. You showed up, Bulldogs! 🐾

Because of your generosity, we’ve awarded $20,000 in incentive funds to incredible programs across campus. Check out the final results and see the total impact we made together.

See the winners at z.umn.edu/WOG26

04/24/2026

Final Hours! 🐾

The clock is ticking on the UMD Week of Giving, and our water bottle challenge is in the final stretch!

For every $50 gift made before 5:00 PM today, we are donating a water bottle to a student at Myers-Wilkins Elementary.

One gift, two ways to win:

🏆 Help your favorite UMD program climb the leaderboard for $20,000 in prizes.
💧 Ensure a local student stays hydrated and ready to learn.

Let’s finish strong for our students and our community.

z.umn.edu/WOG26 Give $50 to make it count!

04/24/2026

This is it, Bulldogs!

Only a few hours remain. We still have one final $1,000 Daily Dash prize for the most gifts before 2:00 PM. This is about donors, not dollars—your $5 gift could be the one that secures a $6,000 1st place finish!

Make your impact before 5:00 PM!

z.umn.edu/WOG26

04/23/2026

The stakes just got higher. 📈

The top three crowdfunding campaigns with the most individual gifts by Friday afternoon will split $12,000 in prize money, with $6,000 going to 1st place!

Help your cause reach the top: z.umn.edu/WOG26

04/21/2026

We want to see your pride! 🐾

We’re awarding four $500 Bulldog Spirit Awards this week for the best social posts. Today, show us your "Be a Champ" photos—post your pets in UMD gear using to help your favorite department win!

Post your photos and tag us to enter!

z.umn.edu/WOG26

04/20/2026

One Gift, Two Wins! 🐾💧

Alumni and friends, let’s show the Northland what Bulldogs can do. All week long, your gift to UMD goes further than campus.

The Challenge: For every $50 donation made to ANY UMD Week of Giving campaign, a high-quality water bottle will be donated to a student at Myers-Wilkins Elementary.

How it works:

Pick your passion: Support your old department, favorite team, or student program.

Give $50: Your cause gets a boost toward $20,000 in prizes.

Impact Duluth: A local student gets the gear they need to stay hydrated and ready to learn.

It’s the ultimate "Bulldogs take care of Bulldogs" moment. Help us provide a water bottle for every student at Myers-Wilkins!

Give $50 to double your impact.

z.umn.edu/WOG26