Dennis Gimmestad ’73

Graduation Year
1973
Major(s)
speech communication, theatre arts
Award Year
2017
Degrees
BA, University of Minnesota Morris
BA, Metropolitan State University

Dennis Gimmestad ’73 has enjoyed a 40-year career in historic preservation. Through his professional and volunteer activities, he has devoted his life to stewarding Minnesota's history for future generations.

Gimmestad most recently acted as architectural historian at the Minnesota Department of Transportation; prior, he served the Minnesota Historical Society for more than 30 years. He holds BAs in speech communications and theater from Morris and in historic preservation studies from Metropolitan State University. Gimmestad sits on the Society of Architectural Historians Minnesota Chapter, Norwegian-American Historical Association, and Legacy of the Lakes Museum executive boards. A former UMMAA president, he returns to campus each summer to share his time and talents with library staff in the archives.

"Dennis played an instrumental role in shaping the field of historic preservation in Minnesota," writes Susan Granger ’80. "He has had a hand in preserving and rehabilitating many of the state's best-loved buildings, structures, parks, and landscapes as well as preserving many important archaeological sites."

"Dennis has been an exemplary alumnus and friend of the University," adds Robert Hansen ’73. "He has exemplified and lived the learning and values that the University strives to instill in its graduates."

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Dennis Gimmestad