Alongside some of the state’s best artists, civil rights adovocates and entreprenuers in this year’s Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal list of the top 40 under 40 was University of Minnesota Alumni Association President Phil Esten.

Esten, 38, cracked the list of the top business leaders who also contribute to their community for his work as president to engage younger alumni and success as publisher of the association’s Minnesota magazine; since becoming head of the association last April circulation of the magazine has increased 300 percent.

Also noted in the profile was Esten’s support of TCF Bank Stadium, work that led to his position at the association.

The Business Journal described this year as one of the most competitive years ever for the 40 under 40 list. The publication received a record number of well over 400 applicants.

Nominations for the 2012 list are now open.