Thirty Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) Class IX participants graduated on Friday evening, March 23 during a graduation seminar banquet at the Hilton-Mall of America in Bloomington.
Besides current class members, the event yearly draws a number of MARL alumni and friends of the program. Speakers lauded the collaboration between SMSU and the University of Minnesota Extension Services for getting the program up and running and as an example of two universities from two educational systems who combined for the betterment of participants, and the state of Minnesota.
Mike Liepold, retired MARL Program Leader, recognized by Brian Brandt, MARL Class I.
Mike Liepold, retired MARL Program Leader, was honored for his commitment to the program, as were MARL board members finishing their terms. A live and silent auction were also held. Congratulations, Class IX members MARL Class X begins its 18-month cohort in November 2018.
Text and photos by Southwest Minnesota State University
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