Lori Graven

Lori Graven is the Director of Conference Services and Program Planning within the College of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She first arrived at the University in 1965 as both a student and an employee, establishing a long-term commitment to the institution. Over decades, Graven has overseen the organization of numerous professional conferences and events, playing a pivotal role in professional development and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing. Her department has supported initiatives across diverse fields, including transportation studies, water resources management, health economics, and social tolerance programs.

Graven's leadership has facilitated key gatherings such as the 1990 Water Resources Conference, the LTAP Annual Conference, the Sixth International TRB Conference on Low-Volume Roads, the 15th Annual TERRA Pavement Conference, the 1989 Warsaw Conference on Building Understanding and Respect Between People of Diverse Religions or Beliefs, the 1986 Minneapolis Conference on Tolerance for Diversity of Religion or Belief, the Women and Gender in Science Conference, the 4th Biennial Conference of the American Society of Health Economists, and events coordinated with the Center for Transportation Studies and the Hubert H. Humphrey Conflict and Change Center. These conferences have convened experts, policymakers, and scholars, fostering advancements in their respective areas, including health science-related discussions at the American Society of Health Economists meeting. Through meticulous planning and execution, Graven has contributed significantly to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' reputation as a hub for professional and academic exchange.