Connect the Dots

In our series “Connect the Dots,” community elders in Minnesota share their wisdom and lessons learned about what really matters in life. MPR’s senior economics contributor Chris Farrell has been interviewing people 70 years old and older for insights that might prove useful to younger generations.

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Connect The Dots Sister Mary Bernadette Newton

She was abused in Catholic school, then Sister Bernadette became a nun

May 8, 2024 1:33 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, and Ellen Finn

Sister Mary Bernadette Newton grew up in Eau Claire, Wis. She went to Catholic school, and she was abused in the first and fifth grade. She never thought she would become a nun after that, but then it became her life’s calling.

Kathryn ‘Jody’ Beaulieu on treating your life with respect

April 4, 2024 11:17 AM

By Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, and Ellen Finn

In the MPR News series Connect the Dots, we’re asking community elders to share their wisdom and lessons learned about what really matters in life.

Connect The Dots Philip Brunelle

Choral music called ... and Philip Brunelle answered

February 20, 2024 12:11 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, and Ellen Finn

In the MPR News series Connect the Dots, we’re asking community elders to share their wisdom and lessons learned about what really matters in life.

Connect The Dots John Poupart

From prison to Harvard: John Poupart's journey to becoming founder of the American Indian Policy Center

February 8, 2024 2:09 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, and Ellen Finn

In the MPR series Connect the Dots, we’re asking community elders to share their wisdom and lessons learned about what really matters in life.

Connect The Dots Elder Atum

Elder Atum Azzahir on finding self-acceptance and a calling

January 3, 2024 1:30 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Chris Farrell

Azzahir is the founder and executive director of the Cultural Wellness Center, a nonprofit in Minneapolis.

Connect The Dots Bill English

Bill English's rise from 3M's first Black salesman to chief diversity officer

December 7, 2023 2:05 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell, Feven Gerezgiher, and Gretchen Brown

We’re starting a new series — it’s all about Minnesotans over 70 with wisdom and lessons to share. First up, we hear from the first Black salesman at 3M.