Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Elizabeth Baier
Rochester, Minn.

In Rochester, Pawlenty praises city's major institutions

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

During a visit to Rochester this Tuesday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty praised the city's major institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, IBM, and the University of Minnesota's Rochester campus. He said the three help make Rochester a significant player in issues affecting the entire state.

"Rochester is the big horse in southeastern Minnesota, and it's one of the big horses in the whole state," Pawlenty said. "We want to make sure we ride that big horse as far and as fast as we can because it's not only in the best interest of Rochester and the citizens of Rochester but it's the best interest of the state of Minnesota."

Pawlenty said the University of Minnesota-Rochester campus filled a significant educational gap for southeastern Minnesota and called it one of his biggest accomplishments.

"I think over the decades, that this is going to be one of the most strategically important institutions for Rochester," he said.

Pawlenty said UMR will not only be of a magnetic effect for people coming into the community, but for people who are already there it will allow them opportunities to improve their skills.

UMR is currently working with the city and a private developer to build a 25,000 square-foot space for additional classrooms. Students have been in classes for four years at a downtown campus. There are currently 524 students enrolled.