University Of Minnesota Notable Alumni

Singer-songwriter and author, Bob Dylan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Active in the music industry for almost six decades, he is a major pop culture icon who introduced a range of political, social, and literary influences to pop music. He is a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Jessica Lange is a prominent actress with over four decades of experience in Hollywood. She is one of the few female performers to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” having won an Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award. She has appeared in many critically acclaimed films. Also a photographer, she has published four books.

Ron Perlman went on to become a successful actor and voice actor despite suffering from low self-image during his formative years. Apart from being active as an actor, Ron Perlman is also actively involved in the political affairs of the United States. His criticisms directed towards President Donald Trump have inspired a series of internet memes.

Former American football player and coach, Tony Dungy, currently works as an advisor for the professional football team, The Houston Texans. An evangelical Christian, Dungy has been an integral part of several community service organizations over the years. Also a writer, Dungy claims that his memoir Quiet Strength has touched the lives of many.

The 38th vice president of the USA, Hubert Humphrey was an early skeptic of the Vietnam War; however, he had no choice but to support the war effort as President Lyndon B. Johnson wanted the war to go on. Thanks to his popularity, several buildings have been named after Humphrey. He has also been portrayed by actors like Bradley Whitford.

From working as a full-time waitress to becoming a prominent actress in Hollywood, Aya Cash's journey has been quite incredible and inspiring. As someone with humble beginnings, Aya Cash knows the importance of giving back to society, hence she works closely with a non-profit organization called INARA, which helps war-wounded refugee children receive medical help.

Mychal Thompson is a Bahamian former basketball player. He played the center position for many National Basketball Association (NBA) teams, including Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers. He had a standout collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, following which he started playing professionally. Currently, he is the Lakers radio color commentator.

The 42nd vice president of the US, Walter Mondale is a lawyer by profession. Walter Mondale's interesting political career and his involvement in the infamous Apollo 1 accident, which occurred on 27 January 1967, have inspired several works of art, including the 1998 miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, where Mondale was played by John Slattery.

Norman Borlaug was an American agronomist who played a key role in the Green Revolution, a set of research technology transfer initiatives that increased agricultural production, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Nicknamed the Father of the Green Revolution, Borlaug was also honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work.

Politician, prosecutor, and former sports commentator Sean Duffy is currently a Fox News contributor. He earned a J.D. degree from William Mitchell College of Law and practiced law for several years before entering public life. He has been both a competitor and commentator on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. As a politician, he is a member of the Republican Party. 

True-crime writer, Michelle McNamara, is remembered for coining the name "Golden State Killer" for the serial killer later identified as Joseph James DeAngelo. Sadly, the author died before his identification and arrest. Fascinated by true crime from a young age, she launched her website TrueCrimeDiary in 2006 and dedicated her life to researching and writing about true crime.

Bud Grant is known for his 18-year stint as the Minnesota Vikings head coach. He has 168 NFL wins, making him one of the most successful NFL coaches. He is also 4-time Grey Cup champion. Post-retirement, he focused on bringing about environmental reforms, such as the conservation of wetlands.

Mike Lindell is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and conspiracy theorist. He is credited with founding a pillow, slipper, and bedding manufacturing company named My Pillow, Inc. for which he also serves as the CEO. A well-known philanthropist, Mike Lindell is also credited with founding a non-profit organization named Lindell Foundation which aims at helping drug addicts.