The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota has a unique and impressive history regarding its graduate program.
Alumni of the department produced much of the theoretical background upon which modern plant disease resistance breeding, research and control practice rests, e.g., physiological races and genetic variation of fungal pathogens (Elvin C. Stakman, PhD 1913); and gene-for-gene theory, (Harold H. Flor, PhD 1942). In addition, its alumni include Norman E. Borlaug (PhD 1942), Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1970).
The work of our alumni has created a better life for people around the world. An alumnus, Dr. Norman Borlaug, is the "Father of the Green Revolution" and the only agricultural scientist to win the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, 1970 Nobel Peace
Prize Laureate and 2004 National Science Medal Recipient,
recognized as one of the most influential people of the 20th Century, was awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal July
17, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. in the
Capital Rotunda. The award was
presented by
President Bush and Speaker of the House Nancy
Pelosi.
Video
of President Bush's introduction and Dr. Borlaug's
remarks
Audio
of President Bush's introduction and Dr. Borlaug's remarks
Text
of President Bush's
introduction
Text of remarks by Professor M.S.Swaminathan, President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of India
Only
five people in history have ever won the Nobel Peace Prize, the
Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal: Martin
Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel ... and
Norman Borlaug.
Minnesota women graduates have been notable in leadership and pioneering roles in plant pathology. The first female president of the American Phytopathological was Helen Hart recently followed by Carol Windels who has also had an outstanding career in the management of soil-borne diseases. Alumni have made numerous discoveries as diverse as the gene-for-gene theory and how Erwinia bacteria from the Pacific Ocean infect potatoes in Colorado. Their work has led to the management of several diseases of forages, vegetables, small grains, forest trees and nursery plants. Alumni have gone into private business and become administrators at all levels in academia and research institutions throughout the world.
Throughout its history the department has undergone several name changes: Division of Vegetable Pathology and Botany (1907-1913), Division of Plant Pathology and Botany (1913-1952), Department of Plant Pathology and Botany (1952-1963), Department of Plant Pathology and Plant Physiology (1963-1966), and Department of Plant Pathology (1967-present). To view the alumni in chronological order, by degree and advisor, please click here. | 
