: For Students, Faculty, and Staff 
Reporter Jenna Ross attended the event and wrote a feature story for the October 27, 2015 Star Tribune newspaper.
The University of Minnesota Libraries and President Eric Kaler celebrated the donation of the Michael McConnell Files to the University’s Tretter Collection for GLBT Studies at the University’s Elmer L. Andersen Library on October 26, 2015.
The event featured comments by President Kaler, University Librarian Wendy Lougee, Vice President for Equity and Diversity Katrina Albert, Tretter Curator, Lisa Vecoli, and McConnell and Baker.
About Michael McConnell and Jack Baker
On May 18, 1970, Michael McConnell and Jack Baker were the first couple in the United States to apply for a same-sex marriage license. It was denied, but their actions were the first step in a fight for equality that was ultimately vindicated as the Supreme Court ruled that gay couples nationwide have a right to marry. Michael and Jack have donated the Michael McConnell Files – the letters, documents, news accounts, and interviews that chronicle their groundbreaking history – to the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota Libraries.
About the Tretter Collection
The Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies is one of only a few dedicated GLBT archives in the country. With over 3,000 linear feet of material documenting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience, this vital and growing collection is a unique resource for students, faculty, and the public.
I watched this and listened to every word said about two of my favorite people in the world. I had tears of pride when Uncle Mike and Jack got up to talk. Lisa’s speech was wonderful. I feel honored to be the niece of Michael McConnell and Jack Baker. Love you guys always.
Congratulations to you both! We wish we could of made the celebration for our two heroes. After watching the event, we were so honored and proud to see Mike and Jack be admired and revered by the university. There were never two more deserving of accolades than this more than ordinary married couple. We are eagerly anticipating the release of their book in December and would love to hear them be interviewed by Terry Gross on NPR. Thank you so much for including us when these wonderful events occur and allowing us to take part. We both love you so much!