Save the Date! The next Freeman Forum is scheduled for October 5, 2009, to open Homecoming Week at the University of Minnesota. (Get details)
The Freeman Forum is a non-profit organization created by the family, friends, and colleagues of Orville Freeman with the University of Minnesota to honor and carry on the work of former Minnesota Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, who died in 2003.
Freeman, a decorated World War II veteran and University of Minnesota alumnus who served as Governor from 1955 to 1960, was instrumental in moving Minnesota forward as a progressive, nation-leading state that wisely invested in education, conservation and the environment, transportation, health and human services and community and business development. Governor Freeman was one of the nation’s longest serving Secretaries of Agriculture, under Presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.
“Governor Orville Freeman is one of the University’s most celebrated alumni. He was part of a generation of leaders who had a vision for this state, who saw what education could bring to Minnesota. He was a wonderful role model for what a citizen and public servant should be.” — Robert H. Bruininks, president, University of Minnesota.
About Minnesota Governor Orville Freeman
A decorated U.S. Marine combat veteran, Freeman was elected Minnesota Governor in 1954 and twice reelected, serving a total of six years.
He served as Secretary of Agriculture for presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Freeman is credited for helping to found the modern DFL Party.
Orville Lothrop Freeman was born on May 9, 1918, in Minneapolis. An honors graduate from the University of Minnesota, he graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Law in 1946.
Orville Freeman died February 20, 2003 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The Freeman Forum Advisory Committee:
Dean Brian Atwood
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
The Honorable Robert Bergland
Dr. Lester Brown
Earth Policy Institute
Carla Carlson
University of Minnesota
David J. Frederickson
US Senator Amy Klobuchar
Jane Freeman
Michael Freeman
Hennepin County Attorney
Charles R. Haas
Haas Financial
Vernae Hasbargen
MN Rural Education Association
The Honorable Gerald Heaney
Robert Hennessey
Lindquist & Vennum
Professor Robert Kudrle
Freeman Center for International Economic Policy
Jane Leonard
Minnesota Rural Partners & the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board
Rod Leonard
Marcie McLaughlin
The Rural Policy Research Institute
The Honorable David Minge
The Honorable Roger Moe
Charles Muscoplat, University of Minnesota
Dr. Philip Pardey
Dept of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
The Honorable Albert Quie
The Honorable Mark Ritchie
Minnesota Secretary of State
Paul Wasko
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
Minnesota Rural Partners 
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