Metro State University Alumni Association

05/27/2026

Metro State University and the Gordon Parks Gallery proudly present a major retrospective exhibition celebrating the extraordinary work and legacy of acclaimed artist Professor Erica Spitzer Rasmussen.

This powerful exhibition honors Rasmussen’s nearly 30 years of artistic practice, transformative teaching, and visionary leadership at Metro State University.

📅 On view Saturday, April 25 – Thursday, June 25
📍 Gordon Parks Gallery, First Floor
Library and Learning Center
645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul

🖼️ The exhibition features Rasmussen’s signature handmade paper sculptures, sculptural garments, hand-bound books, and new collaborative video works exploring themes of identity, family, memory, and care.

🕒 Gallery Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 1 PM – 7 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM

This retrospective also celebrates Rasmussen’s 29-year impact at Metro State, where she has mentored generations of artists and advanced the Gordon Parks Gallery as a vibrant center for contemporary art and community engagement.

💛 In conjunction with the exhibition, Metro State has launched the Erica Spitzer Rasmussen Endowed Scholarship for Studio Arts to support future student artists.

Learn more and support the scholarship at: www.metrostate.edu/give

Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of artistry, mentorship, and creative legacy.

05/26/2026

Bring the whole family to Community Fun Day at Metro State University! Join us for an afternoon filled with activities, entertainment, food, and community fun for all ages.

Hosted by the Metro State University Library and Learning Center and the Dayton’s Bluff branch of the Saint Paul Public Library.

📅 Saturday, June 27
⏰ 2 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Library and Learning Center – Community Labyrinth
645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul

Enjoy:
🎭 A puppet show by the award-winning Open Eye Theatre
🎨 Face painting
🎵 Music, lawn games, food, and more!
🎬 Puppet show begins at 4 PM!

This year’s featured performance is TUCKER’S ROBOT — a heartwarming, time-travel adventure about friendship, courage, and learning to boldly be yourself.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax and enjoy the festivities.

☔ In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors to the library.

🚧 Please note: Ongoing roadwork is taking place on East Seventh Street and nearby areas throughout the summer.

We hope to see you there for a fun-filled afternoon of community and celebration! Visit the event webpage for more info: https://ow.ly/2gps50YYqqB.

05/25/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 11 from 6–8 PM as we volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland (7101 Winnetka Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428) in Brooklyn Park! We’ll be packing food for families in need. It's an easy, hands-on way to make a real impact.

This is also a great chance to connect with fellow Metro State alumni while giving back to the community. Spots are limited, so sign up to secure your spot. We’d love to have you there!

RSVP 👉

Join us on Thursday, June 11, from 6–8 PM as we volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland (7101 Winnetka Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428) in Brooklyn Park! We’ll be packing food for families in need. It's an easy, hands-on way to make a real impact. This is also a great chance to connect with fel...

05/19/2026

Our MAPL students hosted this special live episode of Ready: Leaders to Know featuring Bill Graves in conversation with Josh Keller, Communications Director at SEIU Minnesota State Council.
Raised in a working-class family in Brooklyn Park, Josh learned early that community care and mutual aid are not just values, they are responsibilities. From his service in AmeriCorps to his leadership in Minnesota’s labor movement, Josh has dedicated his career to addressing racial and economic inequities by building collective power and strengthening communities.
In today’s political climate, Josh reminds us that unions are about more than contracts, they are about solidarity, dignity, and creating lasting change for working people.
Thank you, Josh, for sharing your leadership journey and inspiring our students and community.

05/19/2026

Join us for the Community Day/Fair Chance Job Fair — a restorative, community-centered event designed to support justice-impacted individuals, students, and community members seeking opportunity, connection, and a fresh start.

This is more than a traditional job fair. It’s a space to build community, access resources, explore education and career pathways, and connect with organizations committed to fair chance opportunities.

📅 Monday, June 22
⏰ 1 PM – 7 PM
📍 New Main – Great Hall
403 Maria Avenue, Saint Paul

✨ Event features include:
✔️ Fair chance employers & workforce organizations
✔️ Educational pathways through Metro State, TREC & REBUILD
✔️ Resume assistance & mock interviews
✔️ Professional headshots & LinkedIn support
✔️ Financial literacy workshops
✔️ Mental health & wellness resources
✔️ Peer mentorship & community support
✔️ Free barbering/haircut services
✔️ Inspiring panel discussions with justice-impacted leaders and students

🍽️ Food will be provided.

Together, we’re creating pathways toward stability, dignity, healing, and long-term success. More information coming soon, check back regularly!

For more information, contact Re-entry Coordinator Tierre Caldwell at [email protected].

05/13/2026

Calling all writers, poets, storytellers, and creatives!

Join us for Metro State’s Open Mic for Writers, presented by Haute Dish, Metro State’s literary anthology! This ongoing monthly series is open to current students, alumni, staff, and faculty.

Whether you want to share your work or simply enjoy an evening of incredible Metro talent, all are welcome. Poetry, short stories, essays, and prose are encouraged!

Readers will have 5–7 minutes to share, so please prepare accordingly.

📅 Thursday, May 14
⏰ 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 Library and Learning Center – First Floor Lounge
645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul

📍 Want to read? Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xscRULQKq0ae9PrnSpIaf1RX5THh26JMo_6zhPnaaDdUODRaQkRYREIwT0o4Q0hMRkRXMU1DSEFYOC4u&route=shorturl
👀 Just want to listen? Come as you are and enjoy the show!

For questions, contact Stephanie Major at [email protected].

05/13/2026

A huge THANK YOU to all of our incredible volunteers who helped make the Grow with Purpose Job Fair such a success!

From greeting students and supporting the Resource Room to sharing resume tips and career advice, your time and encouragement made a meaningful impact on students taking their next steps toward their goals.

We’re grateful for your willingness to give back, connect, and help our students grow with purpose. 💙Visit https://www.metrostate.edu/alumni/volunteer to learn more about how to volunteer throughout the year.

05/12/2026

Spotlight on leaders from our community
Today on Ready: Leaders to Know, Bill Graves sits down with Raihl O'Malley, Co-Founder, Director, and Principal Consultant at Learning to Transform.
Raised in Northfield, Raihl grew up in a family where activism and public service were part of everyday life. But one of the most formative influences in his journey was a youth center run entirely by young people, where he learned the power of shared leadership, community voice, and collective action.
From studying global leadership and living in Nicaragua to training leaders and communities today, Raihl’s work is grounded in a powerful belief: leadership is not about control, but about creating space for people to lead together.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, community, and transformational change. https://ow.ly/JaFK50YXLJg