MINNEAPOLIS — Former University of Minnesota President Nils Hasselmo has passed away at the age of 87.
The university confirmed the news that Hasselmo died Wednesday morning. He was the president from 1988 through 1997.
“The University of Minnesota has lost a dedicated member of our community. Nils was a remarkable higher education leader, and our University is better because of his service,” President Eric Kaler said in a statement.
A release by the U of M on Wednesday emphasized Hasselmo's commitment to improvements in class sizes and graduation rates, and embracing the digital economy.
In an editorial Hasselmo wrote on his last day as president, he said: “We must all understand the unique nature of Minnesota's only research, land-grant University. It should not and cannot be exactly like any other institution.”
