Student Government

What year are you? 3L

What is your student government position, and why is it important?  I am the ABA Representative for the 2011-2012 School year! I serve as the link between our student body and the American Bar Association.

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major?  I attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and majored in Political Science

What is your hometown? I am a Minnesotan through and through! I spent the first ten years of my life in St. Louis Park, and then moved to Plymouth!

Where do you currently live?  Minneapolis

What is your favorite TV show, movie or book?  TV Show – The Office or Private Practice (depends on my mood); Movie – Love Actually or Definitely Maybe; Book – Anything! I LOOOVE a good book!

What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in? I served as the Co-President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society last year – and this year I will be serving as president of the Jewish Law Student Association!

What do you do to relieve stress and relax? Go for a walk, read a non-law based book, or go visit my family in Plymouth!

What do you enjoy most about UST Law? The people and the building – both are so positive and welcoming, you just cant help but feel comfortable here!

Where is your favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis? Any rooftop patio J Its so nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather!

Anything else you would like your classmates to know? Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your UST Law experience better! I look forward to getting to know the incoming class, and those upper classman that I haven’t had an opportunity to meet yet!

What year are you?  3L

What is your student government position, and why is it important?  Judicial Chair – If you cheat, you’re mine.   Actually, I just head the committee of students that interprets the UST Law Constitution and By-laws when issues arise.  Somebody’s gotta do it.

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major?  Luther College (GO NORSE!) – Communication Studies (focus on Rhetoric) and Political Science

What is your hometown?  Born in Lewiston, Maine and now from Waconia, Minnesota

Where do you currently live?  Laurel Village (w/ “THE Erik Noll”)

What is your favorite TV show, movie or book?  TV: The West Wing  Book: A Wrinkle in Time

What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in?  Co-founder of the American Constitution Society.  Honestly, the group I was second most active in last year was WLSA…

What do you do to relieve stress and relax?  Folk music

What do you enjoy most about UST Law?  Day in/day out, it seems like most everyone (students and professors) actually wants to be here.

Where is your favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis?  Eli’s. No competition.

Anything else you would like your classmates to know?  I’ll be off campus for Judicial Externship most of MWF this fall, so please send me e-mails!  carr5160@stthomas.edu

I did not grow up in Minnesota, but in the six years I have lived here, I have fallen in love with this state.  The winters can be harsh and unbearably long, but the spring, summer, and fall months make me remember why I have decided to make Minnesota my home.  For those of you that are new to either the Twin Cities or even to Minnesota, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite activities, and others I still want to partake in, in the hopes that you fall in love with Minnesota as well.

1. Fall Sporting Events

I can’t even express in words how much I LOVE sports, and I grew up loving Minnesota sports.  There is nothing better than heading out to tailgate on a crisp fall Sunday morning dressed head to toe in purple and gold (at least in my opinion).   For any football lovers out there, go and get yourself a few tickets, grab some friends, and enjoy a Sunday with the Vikings and without books.  Maybe a few of you will even become Minnesota sports fans along the way.   Get tickets here: http://www.vikings.com/tickets/index.html

If football isn’t your thing, something else you might enjoy is one of the 33 disc golf courses around the Twin Cities.  Even if you have never been before, (trust me, I am not a pro!), it is a fun experience and it allows you to enjoy the fall weather, and hopefully, the colors of the trees when they all start to change.   For a list of courses, look here: http://www.discgolfcourses.org/minnesota.html

2. Oktoberfest

Even though I am not able to attend the real Oktoberfest in Germany, I always have a great time participating in the MN version of this famous beer festival.  Go check out Gasthofzg’s in northeast Minneapolis any weekend evening for some beer, dancing, and live polka music.  Just beware of Das Boot!!!   Learn more here: http://www.gasthofzg.com/

3. Comedy Clubs

If you find yourself with nothing to do on a given night, or want to try something new with your friends, go check out one of the many Twin Cities comedy clubs.  I always find myself impressed with the talent some of the clubs get here in Minnesota.  If you are planning on attending because of an event such as a birthday, make sure to call ahead and see if they have any specials available.  In my experience you can even get in free if you have a large enough group.  Grab some friends, and be prepared to laugh!  To check out my favorite club, go here: http://www.acmecomedycompany.com/concerts/splash.html

4. Minnesota History Center

If you want to learn more about Minnesota, or just like museums that includes interactive exhibits, this is a place you should definitely check out.  Tickets are very reasonable, and it is a great way to spend a rainy fall day.  To learn more, look here: http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/

5. The Bayfield Apple Festival

This is probably the best fall activity I have participated in to date.  Even better, it requires you to drive through northern Minnesota and Wisconsin during the prettiest time of the year.  Even though this event is actually in Wisconsin, I still thought it should be included on my list.  I attended last year with a group of girlfriends, and we made a full weekend out of it.  We drove to Duluth on Friday and spent the evening there.  We had dinner at a great restaurant and checked out the local bar scene.  On Saturday, we had our morning coffee right on Lake Superior, and drove the final leg to Bayfield where we spent the day eating things like apple brats, apple butter, apple chili, and anything else you could possibly think of that could be made with apples, all while looking out over Lake Superior. After stuffing our faces full, we hopped in the car and made our way back to the cities.  The drive is about 4 hours if you drive straight there, but in my experience, road trips with friends (or family) never takes as long as it sounds.  I promise, it is worth your time!

The event is held from October 7-9, from 10am to 5pm.  If you are interested in learning more, please check out this website:  http://bayfield.org/festivals_events_apple_festival.php

6. Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze

This event pretty much speaks for itself.  It is a great place to bring your kids, and also a lot of fun with friends.  If you are able to get there sometime between 10 A.M. and noon, you can receive an early bird special price! The maze and festival is held on 17.5 acres of land in Shakopee, MN, and is open now!  To learn more, look here: http://www.twincitiesmaze.com/?gclid=CI20-sukqKsCFQ0CQAodf03e2w

7. Halloween Scares

I am the world’s biggest baby when it comes to all things scary, and I tend to get dragged to these events, fearful for my life, and I always end up having a blast.  Here are a few places to check into:

Buck Hill in Burnsville: http://www.frightmares.com/

Scream Town in Chaska: http://www.screamtown.com/

Valley Scare in Shakopee: http://www.valleyscare.com/

The Haunting Experience in Cottage Grove: http://www.hauntingexperience.com/

The Trail of Terror in Shakopee: http://www.trailofterrorfest.com/

8. Soap Factor Haunted Basement

This haunted house is so legendary; it needs its very own introduction.  If you like to be scared, this is the place for you! You must purchase tickets for this event, and you must be over the age of 18.  For more information, and to purchase tickets, go here: http://www.soapfactory.org/exhibit.php?content_id=136

9. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival has endless entertainment for friends and families.  The festival takes places weekends through October 2^nd, so get out there and check it out!   To learn more, look here: http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/

10. Zombie Pub Crawl

If you are new to Minnesota, you are in for a real surprise on the night of October 8^th when thousands of zombies will be out roaming the streets of West Bank Minneapolis and Lowertown St. Paul.  To explain this event, here is what the creators have to say about it:

“The Zombie Pub Crawl is an event in Minneapolis/St. Paul during which thousands of people pretend to be dead and wander the streets, boozing and dancing and carousing and having the time of their lives.  Which, I guess, is kind of ironic, considering everyone’s dead.  It’s like a cross between Mardi Gras and a George Romero movie.  It began with 150 zombies in Minneapolis in 2005 and has grown every year since, as any zombie mob does.  There are many copycat events around the world, but this is the original.”

I couldn’t have phrased it better myself.

If you are trying to save money (who isn’t?), then purchase your ticket/wristband online and bring it to any Ragstock location to get receive 20% off any zombie supplies you purchase there!  Get moving though, if you wait until the day of the event, the ticket price doubles! You can also purchase your tickets at Ragstock, but it is cheaper online. There are different options for wristbands depending on which city you will spending your time in.  Tickets go on sale September 24^th!

The wristband gives you drink specials at every bar included in the crawl, plus entrance into any of the black parties along the crawl.  There is more than enough information on this event to have an entire blog post devoted to it, so check out the website for more information!

To learn more, view the itinerary, but tickets, and see pictures from previous years (costume and makeup ideas everyone!), go here: http://zombiepubcrawl.com/2011/

11. Brewery Tours

I don’t know why I only do brewery tours in the fall, but it always feels like the right time for it!  I find the process extremely interesting, and the free sample beer at the end doesn’t hurt either. J No two breweries are the same, so I encourage you to get out and try a few!

A few of my favorite breweries in the Twin Cities:

Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul: http://www.summitbrewing.com/

Surly Brewing Co. in Brooklyn Center: http://www.surlybrewing.com/

And if you feel like taking a trip to New Ulm, check out the August Schell Brewing Co.  The second oldest family-run brewery in the US, and the oldest in Minnesota: http://www.schellsbrewery.com/home.php

12. Local Music Scene

I am a huge music junkie and have to admit I spend more money on music than any normal person ever should.  The Twin Cities attracts a very diverse group of musicians, and the venues we have available are absolutely outstanding.  If you are looking for lesser known artists at some of the more intimate (and amazing) venues, then you should check out some of the upcoming shows at these venues:

First Avenue: http://first-avenue.com/

The Fine Line Music Café: http://www.finelinemusic.com/

The Varsity Theater: http://www.varsitytheater.org/

The Cabooze: http://www.theaftermidnightgroup.com/locations-venues/cabooze

I hope that you find something in this list that interests you, and in the process, come to love living in this state just as much as I do.

This post was written by McKinzie Hopkins, a 3L and Student Government Treasurer at UST School of Law.

What year are you? 3L

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major?   School: University of Wisconsin-Madison; Major: Communication Arts with a focus in Rhetoric; Certificate (Minor): Asian American Studies
What is your favorite TV show/movie/book?  I have so many favorite movies, but my favorite show is “Survivor.” Even though I am sooo out of shape, I enjoy watching the physical challenges. My favorite part about the show, though, is the interpersonal component. I’m fascinated by the strategies people employ to stay in the game another day and the way the finalists craft their arguments for why they should win a million dollars. Of course, the jury during final tribal council is always intense!
What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in?  Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), Community Justice Project, UST  Law Democrats
Where is your favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis?   Dancing Ganesha, Sculpture Garden, Espresso Royale, and this might be cheating, but in Uptown, my fave spots are the Herkimer and Common Roots Cafe.
Anything else you would like your classmates to know?   I have a strange fascination with hipsters and hipster culture.

What is your student government position, and why is it important?   The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes at each Student Government meeting and posting them on Blackboard so that the minutes are available to the public. The Secretary’s duties also include collecting and filing student organization renewal forms, and assisting the President with organizing documents. The Secretary also helps put together the Spring Registration Forum for 1Ls.

What is your hometown?   Brookfield, WI

Where do you currently live?  Oak Grove Towers in Loring Park neighborhood

What do you do to relieve stress and relax?  I like taking walks, going to coffee shops to read or people watch, listening to music, and cooking (or at least trying my best to learn new recipes!).

What do you enjoy most about UST Law?   I like the social justice aspect and the friendly environment.

UST School of Law Student Organizations will be tabling on Thursday, August 25th from 12:30-2PM in the Atrium.  Stop by to learn about our different organizations and sign up for their list serves to keep updated on upcoming meetings and events!

Mark your calendars for these important events!

Class of 2014 Introductory BBQ: Sunday, August 7th at Lake Calhoun from 4PM-7PM

We will meet at the South Lake area of Lake Calhoun near the volleyball courts.  Student Government will be providing hot dogs and burgers for the event, so bring anything else!  This is a great opportunity to get together before classes start!  Peer mentors have also been invited!   More information on facebook.  See you tomorrow!

All Class Social:  Friday, August 19th from 4PM-7PM – Location TBD

Join the UST School of Law Student Government for the 2011 All Class Social! Let’s get together before classes start to catch up with old friends and meet our new 1L class! Friends and family are welcome!  More info on facebook.

Student Organization Tabling:  Thursday, August 25th at 12:30-2:00PM

1Ls, come learn all about our many Student Organizations and sign up to be a part of them!  Student Org. Leaders, unless we hear otherwise, we will have a spot reserved for each org that requested a table on their Renewal Form. A representative must be present and each org is responsible for set up and tear down of their space.  Questions, contact Amelia or Alex!

Board of Advocates Informational Meetings:  September 6th @ 12:30PM & September 7th @ 6:30PM, Room 242

Learn more about the activities of Board of Advocates and the upcoming Intramural Moot Court Tournament.  Open to 2Ls and 3Ls only!

This post was written by Alexandra Campion, a 3L and Student Government Vice President at UST School of Law.

Name:  McKinzie Hopkins

What year are you?: 3L

What is your student government position, and why is it important?  I am Student Government Treasurer!  This position is important because it guarantees that students are able to provide and attend the events that they are interested in to help further they law school experience.

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major?  I went to the University of St. Thomas and majored in Accounting.

What is your hometown?  Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Where do you currently live?  Saint Louis Park, MN

What is your favorite TV show, movie or book?   My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I have way more favorite TV shows than any normal person should have, and admitting them would be embarrassing!

What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in?  I am very active in Women Law Student Association and served on their board as Treasurer this past year, and will again this year! I also love to play softball, read “normal” books, and spend as much time as possible with friends in my spare time.

What do you do to relieve stress and relax?  A good workout, a good book, or a good movie are the best ways to relax!

What do you enjoy most about UST Law? I love the people and the community of St. Thomas.  Everyone is so helpful and inviting and I couldn’t have chosen a better school!

Where is your favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis?  I would have to say that my favorite place to be in downtown Minneapolis is attending the farmers market on Nicollet on Thursdays during the summer, OR the rooftop at Brit’s.

Anything else you would like your classmates to know?  I think my real calling is to be a race car driver!

Name:  Alexandra Campion

What year are you?  3L

What is your student government position, and why is it important?  I am the Vice President so my main responsibility is making sure the elections process runs smoothly.  I update the Student Government blog and help out other officers with their responsibilities.

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major?  I went to the University of South Carolina.  Go Gamecocks!  I majored in Public Relations.

What is your hometown?  Plymouth, MN

Where do you currently live?  Crystal, MN

What is your favorite TV show, movie or book?   My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds.  For movies, it’s a tie between Legends of the Fall and Gangs of New York.  My favorite book is Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  Read it – it’s magical!

What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in?  Student Government, Women Law Student Association, Law Democrats, Criminal Law Association, Minnesota Justice Foundation, Community Justice Project

What do you do to relieve stress and relax?  I grab a good non-law book to read or update my blog!

Name: Amelia Selvig

What year are you?: 3L

What is your student government position, and why is it important? I am the student body President. I see my role as primarily being a liaison between the students and the faculty to ensure that student concerns and interests are heard.

Where did you go for your undergraduate education and what was your major? I attended Hamline University. I double majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in Political Science.

What is your hometown? Woodbury, MN. Although I grew up in Boise, ID and I still consider that a hometown.

Where do you currently live? St. Paul, MN but I will soon be moving to Uptown!

What is your favorite TV show, movie or book? Loaded question. I don’t really watch movies or play video games; and I have found less time to read for fun but more time to catch up on all my favorite shows. My favorites: Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Survivor, Modern Family, The Good Wife, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Top Chef/The Next Iron Chef – whichever is on.  My old-time favorites: Friends and Arrested Development.

What student organizations and/or extracurricular activities do you participate in? My 2L year, I was on the board of the American Constitutional Society and the Business and Corporate Law Society, I was the Chair of the Peer Mentor Program, and I was on the Mock Trial/Trial Advocacy team.

What do you do to relieve stress and relax? Anything other than law school usually does the trick. I try to keep somewhat of a balance between law school life and personal life. I nanny part-time and my kids always remind me of the more important things in life. Working out is another big de-stresser.

What do you enjoy most about UST Law? Definitely the people. From the students to the staff and faculty, there are so many incredible people. I really fell in love with the faculty and staff over the last year. There are quite a few of them that helped me get through some stressful times and offered me the support I needed.

Where is your favorite spot in downtown Minneapolis? I would have to say anywhere with good food and a good atmosphere. My favorites around school are Eli’s, Barrio, and the Local. I also love Thursday mornings on Nicollet Mall (weather-permitting).

Anything else you would like your classmates to know? I want everyone to know that Student Government is available and ready to help out. I hope that students feel comfortable coming to us with any concerns or ideas. We’re here to serve the student body and I know all of us are looking forward to the 2011-2012 school year!

We are back in action with the  Student Government blog!  Over the next coming weeks, we will be featuring posts with advice for 1Ls, highlighting the summer adventures of our 2L and 3L classmates, and preparing for the upcoming school year.  If you have questions or comments or something you are dying to have us look into, let us know at ustlawstudentgovernment@gmail.com or check us out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ustlawsg.  Enjoy the sunshine!

This post was written by Alexandra Campion, a 3L and Student Government Vice President at UST School of Law.