Viking has come a long way since it began sailing on the waterways of Russia in 1997. Today the adults-only Norwegian-owned line operates ships of varying sizes on rivers, lakes and oceans around the world and owns the largest fleet of river ships in Europe. Nordic-inspired décor and serene, light-filled spaces are a hallmark of Viking ships and have given it one of the strongest brand identities in the business.
Dean Nisha Botchwey (second from right) with Public Leadership Awardees Will Steger, Jan Malcolm, Paul Williams, Ann Bancroft, and Sharon Sayles Belton. Photos: Bruce SilcoxFriends and supporters of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs gathered for a spirited celebration of public service September 21 to recognize five distinguished recipients of the 2023 Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards.The awardees are Ann Bancroft, history-making explorer and educator, and founder of the Ann Bancroft Foundation; Will Steger, polar explorer and a leading voice in the fight against climate change; Jan Malcolm, former commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health who led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; Project for Pride in Living (PPL), a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing and career readiness services to lower-income individuals and families; and Sharon Sayles Belton, the first African American and first woman mayor of Minneapolis, and commun