The University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics department and KARE 11 TV, are joining together to hold a combination of six food and toy drives at various U of M athletic events, starting this Friday at the men’s basketball season opener at Williams Arena.

The University of Minnesota athletic department will host a Native American Heritage Month Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 11 am at Williams arena for the fifth and sixth graders of American Indian Magnet School and Roosevelt Elementary School, both of St. Paul. Men's head basketball coach Tubby Smith is scheduled to speak at the event at 12 pm. The event will be used to present awards to the runner-ups and winners of an essay contest about prominent men and women of Native American descent. 230 students are expected to attend.

The McNamara Academic Center will be sponsoring a seminar designed to help find out what it takes to get into the graduate school program of your choice. It will be taking place on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the football team meeting room.

Topics that will be discussed include the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT as the Director of Kaplan Preparation and Admissions provides tips on applications, test structure, and test scoring. Learn how to create a compelling application, competitive personal statements, and winning letters of recommendation.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending November 14th is Chris Meyer from the men’s golf team.

Head Coach Brad James is proud of Meyer’s accomplishments in the classroom.

“Chris is an extremely dedicated worker both on and off the golf course, “James said.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending October 31st is Teresa Puga from the women’s golf team.

Associate Head Coach Kris Wessinger states that Puga is a wonderful selection for the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week award.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending October 24th is Yu Katayama from the men’s golf team.

Associate Head Coach Andrew Tank stated that the golf program is very proud to see Katayama recognized for his hard work.

“Yu has taken ownership in the process of becoming a better student, “Tank said. “He is very deserving of this award.”

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending October 10th is Kelli Blankenship from the women’s hockey team.

Academic Counselor Erin Swanson and Learning Specialist Mike Werner both testify to Blankenship’s dedication to academics and consistent drive to improve her study skills.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending May 9th is Danielle Mousseau from the women’s tennis team.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending May 2nd is Lauren Pockl from the softball team.

Coach Lisa Bernstein believes that Pockl is a great role model for all student-athletes.

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending April 25th is Hassan Mead from the men’s cross country team.