Norman Borlaug came to the University of Minnesota in 1933 as a 19 year-old farm boy. He had never before traveled beyond the state of Iowa. In 9 years he earned a Baccalaureate degree in Forestry, and a Master’s and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Pathology. His educational, scientific and philosophical roots run deep in the University of Minnesota. His ties to University of Minnesota alumni, mentors such as Professor Elvin C. Stakman and Dr. Jacob G. “Dutch” Harrar and his many Minnesota friends lasted a lifetime. The following written history is Minnesota-centric in that it reflects the perspectives of those who knew, worked with and admired Norman.