The University of Minnesota Foundation on Friday announced its election of Walter Mondale to a three-year term on the foundation’s board of trustees.
Mondale, former U.S. vice president and Minnesota senator, recently returned to his Twin Cities law practice from four years of service as American ambassador to Japan.
The foundation is responsible for accepting gifts to the University and ensuring that the gifts are spent in accordance with the donor’s wishes. It was founded in 1962 and has raised more than $1.6 billion for the University’s teaching, research, and outreach programs.
Mondale, a University graduate, served previously as a member of the board from 1987 to 1993.
Mondale was touted as a possible University president earlier this year, but declined to apply. Yet he said he is still committed to serve the University in some capacity.
“We were thrilled when he accepted the nomination to return to the board,” said board chairwoman Luella Goldberg. “He brings enormous experience from around the world and an awareness of important University of Minnesota needs. That kind of experience is really invaluable.”
Mondale was vice president of the United States under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. He was a U.S. senator from 1964 to 1977 and the Democratic nominee for president in 1984. President Clinton appointed Mondale as U.S. ambassador to Japan in 1993.
— Jessica Steeno