This is a test. Not my test, but one that comes from Margaret Sughrue Carlson, CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
Rotary emblem
Carlson, who spoke to the Eden Prairie (A.M.) Rotary Club this morning, uses the test to demonstrate that the University of Minnesota is an important asset to this state and its citizens – and not just citizens who have a diploma from the U of M.

See if you agree. Here’s her test. I am going to ask some questions. If one of these applies to you, raise your hand. Ready? Here goes.

Have you:

Graduated from the University of Minnesota?

Attended the U of M?

An immediate family member who is a graduate or attended the U?

Attended sporting, arts or cultural events at the university?

Eaten a Honeycrisp apple, which was developed at the U of M’s nearby Landscape Arboretum?

Ridden in an airplane, whose black boxes were invented at the U?

A doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian or lawyer who graduated from the U of M?

Used a seat belt, also invented by U faculty/alumni?

Paid taxes in Minnesota?

If you still have not raised your hand, you must be from out-of-state. Actually, that’s Carlson’s opinion. Mine is that you must be from another planet.

Now, can you see that the University of Minnesota has a big impact?

(Rotary Rooter focuses on the activities of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club, which meets at 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Biaggi's restaurant at Eden Prairie Shopping Center. Guests are welcome. You can learn more about the club by visiting www.epamrotary.)