Did you know....?

Here are a few random facts of the day about the U of M I thought you would enjoy

Did you know...?

-The first successful open-heart surgery took place at the University of Minnesota in 1952

-A Jehovah's Witness was the first patient to receive a transfusion of artificial blood in 1979 at the University of Minnesota Hospital. He had refused a transfusion of real blood because of his religious beliefs.

-The University of Minnesota was founded in 1851 while the founding of the state itself was 7 years later in 1859.

-Minnesota was dubbed the "Gopher State" by the union in 1957 and the U of M appropriately adopted the animal as its mascot.

-The Golden adjective has not always been a part of the Gopher name. During the 1930s, the U of M Gophers wore gold jerseys and pants. Legendary KSTP-AM radio announcer Halsey Hall coined the term "Golden Gophers" in reference to the team's all-gold attire on the field. The golden term stuck and the University amended their formal moniker to the Golden Gophers.

Hope you enjoyed them!