Carlson Community Comes Together

Smells of beef sambusas, chicken shawarma and Ethiopian stews brought crowds to support the Cedar-Riverside community in early February. To support three local restaurants facing difficult challenges during the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge, Minnesota Carlson partnered with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to offer a free lunch to students, faculty and staff of both schools. Afro Deli, Oasis Mediterranean Grill and The Red Sea served up a variety of favorite items that went fast.

“Connected through Community is one of our values, and this event lived it out in multiple ways,” says Dean Jamie Prenkert, who decided to host the event following conversations with student leaders about ways to support the community immediately adjacent to the school that was a focus of the federal law enforcement operation. “It was rewarding to see so many turn out to support three restaurants and two schools that share one goal of a thriving community on and off campus.”

“[The event] was so fun,” says Rand Park, a senior lecturer in the Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship Department. “I saw so many people I don’t usually see, the food was out of this world delicious, and the hyper-local impact was so meaningful.”

The restaurant social was one of many actions the school took to support students amid the increased federal law enforcement activity. From Jan. 20 to Feb. 16, students were offered a remote learning adjustment if they faced extenuating circumstances such as heightened stress, safety concerns or other situations that caused students to be unable to come to campus. Approximately 10 percent of students used the adjustment, which provided Zoom access to courses.

Use of the Take What You Need closet doubled its normal volume during the first month of the semester. The school doubled the available budget to increase the availability of snacks, household items, school supplies and more. In doing so, it ensured students on campus were able to focus on their studies. 

Additionally, emergency funds were increased in order to serve more students. Funds were needed to cover both tuition and non-tuition expenses. Thanks to the generous support of the Carlson Family Foundation and more than 40 alumni, $55,000 was raised to cover these needs. 

Throughout the spring semester, the school offered students, as well as faculty and staff, several opportunities to enhance their mental health and wellbeing, including workshops and events.