{
  "dataset": "Minnesota College Connections 2026",
  "scope": "Selected notable public figures with a documented student relationship to a Minnesota college or university. Honorary degrees, employment and faculty status alone do not qualify.",
  "ordering": "Alphabetical by surname, then given name. ItemList position is technical and not a ranking.",
  "publisher": {
    "@id": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#organization",
    "name": "Joshlilj LLC"
  },
  "reviewedAt": "2026-09-21",
  "recordCount": 49,
  "records": [
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-peter-agre",
      "canonicalEntityId": "augsburg-person-peter-agre",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Peter Agre",
      "field": "Science and medicine",
      "institution": "Augsburg University",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "B.A. in Chemistry, 1970",
      "relationshipSummary": "Augsburg identifies Agre as a 1970 graduate with a B.A. in chemistry.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.augsburg.edu/news/2007/09/17/dr-peter-agre-70-to-launch-vocatio-chapel-series/",
        "publisher": "Augsburg University",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 1,
      "sortKey": "agre, peter"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-kofi-annan",
      "canonicalEntityId": "macalester-person-kofi-annan",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Kofi Annan",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Macalester College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Class of 1961",
      "relationshipSummary": "Macalester identifies Annan as a 1961 alumnus.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/trivia/",
        "publisher": "Macalester College",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 2,
      "sortKey": "annan, kofi"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-albert-t-annexstad",
      "canonicalEntityId": "albert-t-annexstad",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Albert T. Annexstad",
      "field": "Business and technology",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Annexstad as a 1967 Social Studies graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 3,
      "sortKey": "annexstad, albert t."
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-marlin-appelwick",
      "canonicalEntityId": "marlin-appelwick",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Marlin Appelwick",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Appelwick as a 1976 Mathematics graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 4,
      "sortKey": "appelwick, marlin"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-david-backes",
      "canonicalEntityId": "david-backes",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "David Backes",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor of Science",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university identifies Backes as a 2014 graduate in Organizational Applied Studies / Non-Profit Leadership after his Mavericks hockey career.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/past-year-honorees/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 5,
      "sortKey": "backes, david"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-maria-bamford",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-maria-bamford",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Maria Bamford",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumna",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Bamford in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 6,
      "sortKey": "bamford, maria"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-lou-bellamy",
      "canonicalEntityId": "lou-bellamy",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Lou Bellamy",
      "field": "Arts and theatre",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Bellamy as a 1967 Psychology graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 7,
      "sortKey": "bellamy, lou"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-teddy-blueger",
      "canonicalEntityId": "teddy-blueger",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Teddy Blueger",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "verified_student_athlete",
      "relationshipLabel": "Verified student-athlete",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics identifies Blueger as a four-year Mavericks letterwinner from 2012 through 2016.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://msumavericks.com/news/2019/1/30/mens-hockey-blueger-becomes-13th-former-maverick-to-play-in-nhl.aspx",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 8,
      "sortKey": "blueger, teddy"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-norman-borlaug",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-norman-borlaug",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Norman Borlaug",
      "field": "Science and medicine",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "B.S. 1937; M.S. 1941; Ph.D. 1942",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university records Borlaug’s three earned degrees.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://borlaug.cfans.umn.edu/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 9,
      "sortKey": "borlaug, norman"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-herb-brooks",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-herb-brooks",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Herb Brooks",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumnus",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Brooks in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 10,
      "sortKey": "brooks, herb"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-jonathan-capehart",
      "canonicalEntityId": "carleton-person-jonathan-capehart",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Jonathan Capehart",
      "field": "Journalism",
      "institution": "Carleton College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Political Science, class of 1989",
      "relationshipSummary": "Carleton identifies Capehart as a 1989 political science graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://acad.carleton.edu/curricular/POSC/resources/News/99July/",
        "publisher": "Carleton College",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 11,
      "sortKey": "capehart, jonathan"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-dessa",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-dessa",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Dessa",
      "field": "Music and literature",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumna",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Dessa in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 12,
      "sortKey": "dessa, "
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-aaron-doering",
      "canonicalEntityId": "aaron-doering",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Aaron Doering",
      "field": "Education and science",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Doering as a 1995 Geography graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 13,
      "sortKey": "doering, aaron"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-david-afriyie-donkor",
      "canonicalEntityId": "david-afriyie-donkor",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "David Afriyie Donkor",
      "field": "Arts and theatre",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's and graduate degrees",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record lists Donkor's 1995 and 1998 degrees in Theatre Arts and Multidisciplinary Studies.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 14,
      "sortKey": "donkor, david afriyie"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-tony-dungy",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-tony-dungy",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Tony Dungy",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumnus",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Dungy in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 15,
      "sortKey": "dungy, tony"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-bob-dylan",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-bob-dylan",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Bob Dylan",
      "field": "Music",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "attended",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attended",
      "studyDetail": "Undergraduate student, 1959–1960",
      "relationshipSummary": "University records identify Dylan as an undergraduate student in 1959–1960; no graduation is claimed.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://scholarswalk.umn.edu/national-international-awards/nobel-prize-award/bob-dylan",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 16,
      "sortKey": "dylan, bob"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-connor-franta",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-connor-franta",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Connor Franta",
      "field": "Digital media",
      "institution": "Saint John’s University",
      "relationshipType": "attended",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attended",
      "studyDetail": "Attended before leaving to pursue creator work",
      "relationshipSummary": "Independent Minnesota reporting documents Franta’s Saint John’s attendance and departure; no degree is claimed.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/wipe-those-tears-and-meet-connor-franta-minnesota-s-youtube-superstar/301705331",
        "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 17,
      "sortKey": "franta, connor"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-danai-gurira",
      "canonicalEntityId": "macalester-person-danai-gurira",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Danai Gurira",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Macalester College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Psychology, class of 2001",
      "relationshipSummary": "Macalester identifies Gurira as a 2001 psychology graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/trivia/",
        "publisher": "Macalester College",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 18,
      "sortKey": "gurira, danai"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-dennis-hejlik",
      "canonicalEntityId": "dennis-hejlik",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Dennis Hejlik",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Hejlik as a 1975 Elementary Education graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 19,
      "sortKey": "hejlik, dennis"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-nicole-helget",
      "canonicalEntityId": "nicole-helget",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Nicole Helget",
      "field": "Literature",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's and graduate degrees",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record lists Helget's 2001 and 2007 degrees in English and Creative Writing.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 20,
      "sortKey": "helget, nicole"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-brian-kobilka",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umd-person-brian-kobilka",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Brian Kobilka",
      "field": "Science and medicine",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Duluth",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "B.S. Biology and Chemistry, 1977",
      "relationshipSummary": "UMD records Kobilka’s two 1977 bachelor’s degrees.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://d.umn.edu/news/kobilkas-dynamic-discovery",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota Duluth",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 21,
      "sortKey": "kobilka, brian"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-peter-krause",
      "canonicalEntityId": "gustavus-person-peter-krause",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Peter Krause",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Gustavus Adolphus College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Class of 1987",
      "relationshipSummary": "Gustavus student reporting identifies Krause as a 1987 graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://weekly.blog.gustavus.edu/2015/03/06/they-went-togustavus/",
        "publisher": "The Gustavian Weekly",
        "sourceClass": "INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT PUBLICATION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 22,
      "sortKey": "krause, peter"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-becca-kufrin",
      "canonicalEntityId": "becca-kufrin",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Becca Kufrin",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "reported_graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduation reported first-party",
      "studyDetail": "Mass Communications",
      "relationshipSummary": "Kufrin's public professional profile reports a Minnesota State University, Mankato degree. No independent or official university graduation source was located in the retained research.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-kufrin-23301544",
        "publisher": "LinkedIn",
        "sourceClass": "first-party professional profile",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "STRONGLY SUPPORTED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 23,
      "sortKey": "kufrin, becca"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-josh-liljenquist",
      "canonicalEntityId": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#person",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Josh Liljenquist",
      "field": "Digital media",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "reported_graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attendance independently documented; graduation reported first-party",
      "studyDetail": "Communications study reported in his published biography",
      "relationshipSummary": "Independent Mankato reporting documents Liljenquist during his college period in Mankato; his published biography separately reports studying communications and graduating in 2021. No official university graduation record was located in the reviewed public sources.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/tiktok-influencer-just-likes-to-make-people-laugh/article_cee0dc2a-c6e1-11ea-9ab0-03e31d85e267.html",
        "publisher": "Mankato Free Press",
        "sourceClass": "independent reporting for attendance/college period",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "STRONGLY SUPPORTED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 24,
      "sortKey": "liljenquist, josh",
      "secondarySource": {
        "url": "https://joshliljenquist.com/about",
        "publisher": "Josh Liljenquist biography",
        "sourceClass": "first-party biography for graduation claim"
      }
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-kris-lindahl",
      "canonicalEntityId": "kris-lindahl",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Kris Lindahl",
      "field": "Business and technology",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor of Arts",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's foundation profile identifies Lindahl as a 2008 graduate with a bachelor's degree in Education.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/giving/foundation/about-the-foundation/foundation-board-of-directors/kris-lindahl/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 25,
      "sortKey": "lindahl, kris"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-connor-mackey",
      "canonicalEntityId": "connor-mackey",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Connor Mackey",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "verified_student_athlete",
      "relationshipLabel": "Verified student-athlete",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics lists Mackey among Maverick NHL alumni and records his 2017–2020 university career.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://msumavericks.com/news/2025/9/19/mens-hockey-maverick-alumni-invited-to-nhl-training-camps.aspx",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 26,
      "sortKey": "mackey, connor"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-emmanuel-matadi",
      "canonicalEntityId": "emmanuel-matadi",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Emmanuel Matadi",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "verified_student_athlete",
      "relationshipLabel": "Verified student-athlete",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics identifies Matadi's 2014–2015 Mavericks career in its 2026 Hall of Fame announcement.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://msumavericks.com/news/2026/7/13/general-2026-minnesota-state-athletics-hall-of-fame-class-announced.aspx",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 27,
      "sortKey": "matadi, emmanuel"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-walter-mondale",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-walter-mondale",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Walter Mondale",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Macalester College; University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "transferred_and_graduated",
      "relationshipLabel": "Transferred; later graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Macalester 1946–1948; University of Minnesota B.A. 1951 and J.D. 1956",
      "relationshipSummary": "University records document Macalester attendance, transfer, and both University of Minnesota degrees.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://librarycollections.law.umn.edu/mondale-legacy/gallery/demo/earlyyears.html",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota Law Library",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 28,
      "sortKey": "mondale, walter"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-brad-nessler",
      "canonicalEntityId": "brad-nessler",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Brad Nessler",
      "field": "Broadcasting",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Nessler as a 1977 Mass Communications graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 29,
      "sortKey": "nessler, brad"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-michele-norris",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-michele-norris",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Michele Norris",
      "field": "Journalism",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumna",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Norris in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 30,
      "sortKey": "norris, michele"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-tim-o-brien",
      "canonicalEntityId": "macalester-person-tim-obrien",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Tim O’Brien",
      "field": "Literature",
      "institution": "Macalester College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Political Science, 1968",
      "relationshipSummary": "Macalester records O’Brien’s 1968 political science degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/trivia/",
        "publisher": "Macalester College",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 31,
      "sortKey": "o’brien, tim"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-alan-page",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-alan-page",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Alan Page",
      "field": "Sports and public life",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumnus",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Page in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 32,
      "sortKey": "page, alan"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-melissa-peterman",
      "canonicalEntityId": "melissa-peterman",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Melissa Peterman",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's distinguished-alumni record identifies Peterman as a 1994 graduate in Theatre Arts and Mass Communications: Public Relations.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 33,
      "sortKey": "peterman, melissa"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-tyler-pitlick",
      "canonicalEntityId": "tyler-pitlick",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Tyler Pitlick",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "attended",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attended",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics identifies Pitlick among former Mavericks who reached the NHL.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://msumavericks.com/news/2025/9/19/mens-hockey-maverick-alumni-invited-to-nhl-training-camps.aspx",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 34,
      "sortKey": "pitlick, tyler"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-chris-reed",
      "canonicalEntityId": "chris-reed",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Chris Reed",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "verified_student_athlete",
      "relationshipLabel": "Verified student-athlete",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics documents Reed's football and track career and identifies him with the class of 2014.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://msumavericks.com/honors/hall-of-fame/chris-reed/400",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 35,
      "sortKey": "reed, chris"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-chris-rupp",
      "canonicalEntityId": "chris-rupp",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Chris Rupp",
      "field": "Music",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "attended",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attended",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Independent Minnesota reporting records that Chris Rupp attended Minnesota State University, Mankato while he and his brother formed Home Free in Mankato.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.startribune.com/harmonic-convergence-minnesota-vocal-group-home-free-makes-bid-for-national-stardom/250244011",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "independent Minnesota reporting",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 36,
      "sortKey": "rupp, chris"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-william-a-sederburg",
      "canonicalEntityId": "william-a-sederburg",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "William A. Sederburg",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Sederburg as a 1969 Political Science graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 37,
      "sortKey": "sederburg, william a."
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-kevin-sorbo",
      "canonicalEntityId": "msum-person-kevin-sorbo",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Kevin Sorbo",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University Moorhead",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumnus",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university archive identifies Sorbo as an alumnus; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.mnstate.edu/library/university-archives/msum/125th-anniversary",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University Moorhead",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 38,
      "sortKey": "sorbo, kevin"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-mary-story",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mary-story",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Mary Story",
      "field": "Science and medicine",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Story as a 1975 Home Economics / Food and Nutrition graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 39,
      "sortKey": "story, mary"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-faith-sullivan",
      "canonicalEntityId": "faith-sullivan",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Faith Sullivan",
      "field": "Literature",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Sullivan as a 1956 History graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 40,
      "sortKey": "sullivan, faith"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-seng-lai-tan",
      "canonicalEntityId": "seng-lai-tan",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Seng-Lai Tan",
      "field": "Science and medicine",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Graduate degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Tan as a 1994 Biotechnology and Microbiology graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 41,
      "sortKey": "tan, seng-lai"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-glen-taylor",
      "canonicalEntityId": "glen-a-taylor",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Glen Taylor",
      "field": "Business and technology",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor's degree",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's alumni record identifies Taylor as a 1962 Mathematics graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/previous-award-recipients/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 42,
      "sortKey": "taylor, glen"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-adam-thielen",
      "canonicalEntityId": "adam-thielen",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Adam Thielen",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "verified_student_athlete",
      "relationshipLabel": "Verified student-athlete",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "Minnesota State athletics documents Thielen's Mavericks career from 2009 through 2012.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://ahn.mnsu.edu/services-and-centers/center-for-sport-and-performance-psychology/testimonials/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 43,
      "sortKey": "thielen, adam"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-tim-walz",
      "canonicalEntityId": "tim-walz",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Tim Walz",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Master of Science",
      "relationshipSummary": "The Minnesota Legislative Manual records Walz's 2001 master's degree in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://sos.mn.gov/media/5424/executive-offices-2023.pdf",
        "publisher": "Retained claim-specific source",
        "sourceClass": "official state record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 44,
      "sortKey": "walz, tim"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-lindsay-whalen",
      "canonicalEntityId": "umn-person-lindsay-whalen",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Lindsay Whalen",
      "field": "Sports",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "official_alumni_record",
      "relationshipLabel": "University-recognized alumna",
      "studyDetail": "Degree detail not stated in retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university history includes Whalen in its notable-alumni record; this page does not infer a degree.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://twin-cities.umn.edu/about-us/history",
        "publisher": "University of Minnesota",
        "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 45,
      "sortKey": "whalen, lindsay"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-nelsie-yang",
      "canonicalEntityId": "nelsie-yang",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Nelsie Yang",
      "field": "Public and civic life",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Bachelor of Science",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university identifies Yang as a 2017 Bachelor of Science graduate in Social Work.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://mankato.mnsu.edu/alumni-portal/alumni-association/distinguished-alumni-awards/past-year-honorees/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 46,
      "sortKey": "yang, nelsie"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-cedric-yarbrough",
      "canonicalEntityId": "cedric-yarbrough",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Cedric Yarbrough",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
      "relationshipType": "attended",
      "relationshipLabel": "Attended",
      "studyDetail": "Student relationship documented by retained source",
      "relationshipSummary": "The university's Today magazine documents Yarbrough's training in the Minnesota State theatre program.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://www.mnsu.edu/today-magazine/a-reputation-here-there-and-everywhere/",
        "publisher": "Minnesota State University, Mankato",
        "sourceClass": "official university record",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-18",
      "neutralPosition": 47,
      "sortKey": "yarbrough, cedric"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-steve-zahn",
      "canonicalEntityId": "gustavus-person-steve-zahn",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Steve Zahn",
      "field": "Film and television",
      "institution": "Gustavus Adolphus College",
      "relationshipType": "graduate",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduated",
      "studyDetail": "Class of 1990",
      "relationshipSummary": "Gustavus student reporting identifies Zahn as a 1990 graduate.",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://weekly.blog.gustavus.edu/2015/03/06/they-went-togustavus/",
        "publisher": "The Gustavian Weekly",
        "sourceClass": "INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT PUBLICATION",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 48,
      "sortKey": "zahn, steve"
    },
    {
      "recordId": "mn-college-tay-zonday",
      "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-tay-zonday",
      "entityType": "Person",
      "name": "Tay Zonday",
      "field": "Digital media",
      "institution": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities",
      "relationshipType": "graduate_study",
      "relationshipLabel": "Graduate/professional study",
      "studyDetail": "American Studies doctoral study; degree not claimed",
      "relationshipSummary": "TIME documents Zonday’s University of Minnesota doctoral study when he began publishing the work that led to “Chocolate Rain.”",
      "source": {
        "url": "https://time.com/4396039/world-chocolate-day-rain-tay-zonday/",
        "publisher": "TIME",
        "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING",
        "date": null
      },
      "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED",
      "verifiedAt": "2026-09-21",
      "neutralPosition": 49,
      "sortKey": "zonday, tay"
    }
  ]
}
