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RISE TO THE CHALLENGE event at The Mezzanine, Union Depot with Marlene Johnson and Story Line Books

March 7 @ 6:00 pm 7:30 pm CST

Marlene Johnson will join Story Line Books at Union Depot on Friday, March 7, 2025, for a reading and discussion of her new book Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership, and Love, at 6:00 p.m. CST. The event will take place inside The Mezzanine at 1881, located inside the station.

This event is free and open to the public.



Marking a milestone for women in state government, Marlene M. Johnson became Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor under Rudy Perpich’s gubernatorial administration in January 1983. Rise to the Challenge weaves together the story of her professional life with her personal one in a courageous portrait of dedication, leadership, and unwavering faith in the public good.



“An essential document of the midcentury rise of women into American politics. In this memoir of a remarkable public life, Marlene M. Johnson braids a love story tragically turned into caregiving and the domestic devotion of guardian and advocate. She proves that faithfulness in love and commitment to the betterment of the world are not opposites after all.” —Patricia Hampl, author of The Art of the Wasted Day


“Johnson’s political/personal story couldn’t be more timely.” —Pioneer Press

“Marlene M. Johnson’s story is one of fortitude, service, and great achievement, all told with humility in this highly readable volume. This is a compelling personal account of a woman who climbed the precarious political ladder in her home state and became an international leader in the field of higher education. Her leadership created a strong network of individuals and institutions that reinforced the values of democratic institutions and academic freedom based on critical thinking and objectivity. This fascinating success story is an important read for aspiring public servants, male or female.” —J. Brian Atwood, former administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; former dean, Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota


“Marlene M. Johnson weaves a professional and personal story through the lens of leadership, identifying her role, impact, and feelings at each stage of her complex bicoastal life. Enlightening and moving, this story of a strong and resilient woman is one you will not forget. I highly recommend this book.” —Pauline Boss, professor emeritus, University of Minnesota; author of Ambiguous Loss and The Myth of Closure

The Mezzanine at 1881, Union Depot

214 4th Street East, Suite 300
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 United States
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