RISE TO THE CHALLENGE book launch with Marlene M. Johnson

Please join us to celebrate the book launch of Marlene M. Johnson’s on Monday, September 30th, 7:00 PM, in the Cowles Auditorium at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Dean Nisha Botchwey will open the event, and the author will be in conversation with Lori Sturdevant.

The inspiring life story of Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor: breaking political ground, navigating patriarchal tradition, and persevering through great personal loss

Marking a milestone for women in state government, Marlene M. Johnson became Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor under Rudy Perpich’s gubernatorial administration in January 1983. That same year, she met her husband, Peter, and their deeply loving relationship profoundly sustained her for twenty-seven years. Rise to the Challenge weaves these personal and professional stories together in a courageous portrait of dedication, leadership, and unwavering faith in the public good.

Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Lori Sturdevant retired in 2018 from the Minneapolis Star Tribune after 43 years covering state politics and government as a reporter, assignment editor, editorial writer and columnist. A native of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Sturdevant is the author, co-author or editor of 12 books about notable Minnesotans. She is a three-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award.

A book signing will follow the program. Books will be available for purchase from University of Minnesota Bookstore.

More details:

• The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
• Doors open at 6:30 pm.
• We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Heather Skinner at [email protected].

Host or Publisher University of Minnesota Press