Robert Erickson’s fourth bike tour raises funds for part-time students

Robert Erickson, a former Minnesota State Colleges and Universities trustee, raised $27,726 on his fourth annual 2,300-mile bike tour to create scholarships for part-time students. To date, Erickson has raised more than $255,000 over four years.

Erickson, 59, rode his bicycle to the 53 state college and university campuses. He was received with pancake breakfasts, hotdog feeds, receptions, police escorts and many riders joining him on his ride

Preschoolers in the Child Development program at Hennepin Technical College supported Erickson’s efforts with “Tykes on Trikes.” And a challenge between Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Minnesota West Community and Technical College generated about $4,500.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation and college and university foundations will distribute scholarships with donations generated from the bike tour.

Throughout his month-long bike trip, Erickson raised public awareness about the struggles of part-time adult students who he says are not treated fairly by Minnesota’s current financial aid program. Erickson completed his bike tour on Sept. 22 at Normandale Community College.

“Once again, Bob Erickson has brought much-needed public attention to an important issue,” said Catherine McGlinch, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation executive director. “His demonstration of caring and concern for part-time students is unmatched and we thank him for that.”

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses. About 43 percent of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities students are enrolled part-time. The average age of part-time students is 30.

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