| The University of Minnesota was founded 
	in 1851, eleven years before Congress included it in a new system 
	of so-called "land grant" colleges and universities. In its 150 
	years, the U of M has adhered to its original land grant mission 
	to educate the sons and daughters of Minnesota families while 
	expanding its reach to welcome students from around the world 
	and to become a major research institution. The tension between 
	the twin missions of providing access and excellence has helped 
	define the University of Minnesota in the 21st Century. |