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Winona State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. 2003-04 Winona State University Alumni Society Board of Directors
President: Julie Olberding, ‘90
Vice President: David Kulas, ‘67/70
Secretary: Todd Fierst, '95
Treasurer: Tracy (Coenen) Schaefer, '98
Foundation Representative: Greg Davids, ‘79
Past President: Randy Knudson, ‘97
Directors:
Deb Nickles-Benz, ‘75 Keith Inman, ‘59/65 Julie Olberding, ‘90 Mary Cappel, ‘87 Randy Knudson, ‘97 Tracy (Coenen) Schaefer, ‘98 Greg Davids, ‘79 David Kulas, '67/70 Matthew Shea, ‘96 Todd Fierst, “95 Wally Madland, ‘67/72/77 Curtis Urbanski, ‘70 Mohammad Hasan, ‘98 Jim Wedo, ‘85
New Media Consortium recognizes Winona State University as national
Dr. Mike Delong, river biologist and expert in freshwater biology, establishes a freshwater research center at Winona State Univeristy.
George Bolon teaches another generation of students to fly safely.
Maudie Williams guides at-risk youths to a promising future.
“We go out in thefield, get our hands dirty, analyze our data and then see the results.” Kelly Slattery, Senior
By Sanjeev Misra, '02
ike Delong and students investigate “what eats what™on. =the river.
For the advancement of modern biology. To explore and understand aquatic worlds. So students can experience science for themselves and to open doors for the ecological authorities of tomorrow. And, “Because I love seeing critters!”
No matter what inspired Dr. Mike Delong to establish a freshwater research center at WSU, the results are positive: the Winona State Biology Department has become a gateway of opportunity for bright young ecologists unlike that found at any other institution.
In the fall of 1995, Delong established the Large River Studies Center (LRSC) at Winona State. The LRSC’s activities are self-explanatory, but one of its basic purposes goes far beyond testing water samples and identifying turtle shells. Delong said, “Even for students who don't stay in the field, the center’s techniques teach important life lessons: how to reach clear determinations based on relevant factors. This work helps students see things for what they really are. It helps them to realize and see the truth.”
Delong is a river biologist, an expert in a realm of freshwater biology that has not been plunged into by many scientists. According to Delong, river studies have long been awaiting close examination because of their size and complexity.
Known as “River Man” by colleagues, Delong isa life-long student of life in and ona river.
Growing up in Ocean Springs, Miss., his dad introduced him to rivers at an early age by fishing the waters he would grow to admire. “My dad showed me allthe critters and the complexity of the river. You can spend part of the day fishing the marsh grasses... then, travel upstream and fish in a cypress forest. My fondest memories are just spending the time with my dad on the river. I appreciate this even more now having lost my dad almost three years ago. He was the original River Man.”
from their labs, classrooms, and fingertips.
“The Mississippi River gives us a great chance to learn about the river from the river,” said Tiffany Schreiver, a senior at the LRSC.
‘Tm going to discover as much as I can in this lifetime,"Delong said. "Then my work will be passed on to someone else.”
Now full grown and having earned a B.S. in biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in biology from the University of Memphis, and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Idaho in entomology, the study of insects, River Man’s education in the waters has continued.
“T’m going to discover as much as I can in this lifetime," Delong said, "then my work will be passed on to someone ese.
Guided by an international expert on rivers, the Winona State biology - team also has one of the world’s most impressive river systems just minutes
The mighty Mississippi ranks as one of the world’s largest rivers, spanning 2,552 miles from its origin at Lake Itasca, Minn., to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico and running as wide as three-quarters of a mile at its broadest point. Upper portions of this giant, along with select parts of the Missouri River, Ohio River, and regional streams, serve as an excellent test region for the Large River Studies Center.
“Except for the presence of the navigation dams, this portion of the Mississippi River still retains many of its natural qualities," Schreiver said.
"The river still floods in the spring, with the extent of flooding depending on the amount of snow in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The diversity of habitats side channels and backwaters present before the dams, are still here today.”
Delong tells of the nourishing role rivers played in history, running life through the continents. “If you point back to many early civilizations, you
see rivers were essential to their survival," he said. "Rivers were a direct source of food, water, and irrigation for crops... And today, we are still dependent on rivers in many of the same ways.”
The LRSC’s director and supporting researchers investigate the effects on river worlds from alien pollutants, those from mankind. “We don’t know what consequences our actions may have on rivers," Delong said. "We may be influencing habitats in ways we dont realize."
"Rivers are put to work for our own needs in dam control, recreation, and transportation," Delong said. "The byproducts left on aquatic populations and in the water remain unknown."
The Large River Studies Center strives to understand this relationship so river control can be more effectively managed, helping maintain water purity and helping people to best utilize rivers as natural resources.
habitats in large rivers, but it is difficult to say if we are managing or attempting to restore rivers properly if we do not understand how all of the pieces work together to function as a riverfloodplain ecosystem.”
Students work on individual studies as part of one master project.
Delong said many of the projects relate to the structure and function of large river food webs “what eats what.” Student researchers hold ownership of their work while their findings contribute to a diagram that depicts the flow of energy and links between predators and prey.
"We use riversfor so many things and, in many cases, have severely degraded them in the process.
In 1994, Delong coauthored, with Dr. Jim Thorp, then of the University of Louisville, the riverine productivity model (RPM). A theory on river food webs, the
“Large rivers are among the most poorly understood ecosystems in the world despite the tremendous number of people who live in proximity to large rivers." Delong said. "We use rivers for so many things and, in many cases, have severely degraded them in the process. There are programs to restore
RPM challenges previously-held theories on food resources that provide the bulk of the energy that supports a river’s life. The main debate is whether microscopic algae in the river or leaves from trees on the floodplain are the major food resource supporting invertebrates and fish in the river. Studies byWSU student researchers have provided evidence supporting Delong’s model. The students’ work is significant because the RPM could be
used as a tool to assist scientists and managers addressing the management and restoration of large rivers worldwide.
Delong traveled to southeast Australia in the summer of 2003. In the scenic nation, River Man discovered widespread appreciation for his work. He presented studies at an international rivers conference held at an institution that compliments his own center, the Cooperative Research Center for Freshwater Ecology. “I found a fan base there I never knew existed.”
WSU students receive course credits through individual studies and student research options. Eligible students can also apply their work to the biology honors program. Through hands-on coursework, students control all aspects of a research project: development of the experiment’s design, collection of field samples, and analysis of samples and data.
When all tasks have been completed, students authora detailed, scholarly paper and present their findings at scientific meetings. Students have presented regionally at the annual St. Mary’s Undergraduate Biology Symposium and at the annual meeting of the Mississippi River Research Consortium (MRRC). Rick Lehtinen, ‘95, now an assistant professor of biology at the College of Wooster in Ohio, won the best poster
award at the MRRC in 1995. Sharon Loebner, ‘01, currently in the master of science degree program in science education at the University of Florida, won the same poster award in 2001. Some students have also hadthe opportunity to present their work before a national aquatic ecology society, the North American Benthological Society.
The independent projects Delong’s students pursue help train each researcher to becomea specialist in their own area of freshwater ecology. Practicing in a virtually untouched discipline allows each young scientist to place their stake in the field.
Paul Hoppe, ’02, began working with the California Department of Fish and Game on the Ocean Salmon Project in April 2003. Paul collected data and samples used to estimate annual salmon landings and fishing efforts in the port of the Half Moon Bay. His evidence was used to track the migration patterns of coded-wire tagged salmon.
Paul documented up to 5,000 salmons each commercial fishing day. His work with the California Department of Fish and Game ended in September 2003 and he began his new job immediately after. He now researches marine recreational fishing for Pacific States Marine Fisheries. Paul visits the popular marine fishing sites
in San Francisco Bay and oceanside communities: beaches, banks, piers and boat launches, and makes determinations based on fish measurements.
"This job has spurred me to learn how to identify many marine fish species I never knew existed... various sharks, rays, and rockfishes,” Paul said.
Soon, Paul will be company on commercial passenger fishing vessels, sampling Pacific Ocean waters. He said he looks forward to the chance to sight whales. Paul now lives in Pacifica, Cal., and plans to eventually attend graduate school.
Paul said of his days in the LRSC, “Working with Dr. Delong was an awesome opportunity. He gave lots of hands-on opportunities and is an amazing resource.”
Denise Bruesewitz, ’01, attends graduate school at the University of Notre Dame. While studying for her master’s degree in biology, Denise is researching nitrogen cycling in zebra mussel beds. Nitrogen cycling in the Upper Mississippi River is an important study because of its effects on the “Dead Zone,” a section in the Gulf of Mexico measuring almost the size of the state of New Jersey where life cannot be supported due to low oxygen levels.
Her work brings her back to the area for seasonal sampling of the
Upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wis. She studies various nitrogen transformations in the presence and absence of zebra mussels.
Studies at the Large River Studies Center exposed Denise to major research projects and helped her to find direction within the field of biology.
“IT did undergraduate research at Winona State with Dr. Delong that was very helpful in getting me started in thinking about grad school and research," Denise said. "He also took me to my first [North American Benthological Society] conference, which wasa great introduction to aquatic ecology.”
From Rockford, Ill., Denise teaches an ecology lab section to undergraduates at Notre Dame. She plans to eventually teach biology at a small university.
Senior researcher Tiffany Schriever plans a career in ecology, guidedby experiences at Winona State. Tiffany researches fish trophic dynamics. She specializes in identifying a fish’s placement level in a river’s food pyramid and also reasoning why that same fish might place at another level in a related water's food pyramid.
The Hartford, S.D., native benefited from the center’s experience and references, as she was selected as one of twelve students for an elite
internship at Fordham University this past summer.
“Dr. Delong really helped me get the position," Tiffany said. "The work I’ve done and his recommendation helped me get in.”
Sponsored by the National Scientific Foundation, her project examined grey tree frogs’ mate choice and exertion point. In NewYork, Tiffany’s group scouted woodland ponds, recruiting frogs found to be mating on vegetation to serve as test subjects.
“We had to pull the males and females apart, and the [male frogs] held on so tight with their little fists.”
Back at the lab, the females were exposed to two male mating calls, each previously recorded and played through speakers. Scientific determinations were made based on the speaker the female would approach. The males were examined for their exhaustion point. Swimming laps for sometimes hours, their stamina was clocked until the frogs fell tired.
All ofTiffany’s research provides excellent background for her plans to attend graduate school for herpetology-
the study of reptiles and amphibians.
Senior Kelly Slattery studies the food web of the flood plain systems of the Missouri River, Mississippi River, andOhio River. Through the LRSC, Kelly has learned the importance of being organized, how to prepare for field research, and, most importantly, to have fun with learning.
“My work is definitely great handson experience," Kelly said. "We go out in the field, get our hands dirty, analyze our data and then we see the results. I’d recommend the center to anyone who wants to go into research.”
A senior from Wilmette, Ill., Kelly plans to attend graduate school for either freshwater ecology or marine biology.
Proper funding for the Large River Studies Center will putWinona on the international map as a primary source of freshwater research. WSU's new science building, scheduled for use in the summer of 2004, will provide students with necessary resources and will help attract future freshwater research specialists from across the nation. To date, 60 students have participated in research projects at
Delong’s center, many ofwhom are still in the field.
Dr. Delong hopes to acquire funding for the placement of an experimental site at Latsch Island on the Mississippi River in Winona. A site where experiments could be conducted would take the center’s research to another level. Rather than just evaluating the samples collected from the river, students would have the opportunity to perform experiments in a controlled setting, working with fresh, controlled river pools. The opportunity to examine and manipulate the river in such an environment allows students to advance scientific theories here at Winona State.
“The biggest advantage of the experimental site is that it allows students to test hypotheses that might result from their studies within the river,” Delong said. “The experimental site allows them to control conditions to determine the effect of a specific attribute, such as looking at invertebrate growth rates when given a specific food source. This is a sharp contrast from the river setting where it is impossible to distinguish between different food sources without detailed chemical analysis.”
by Heidi Hovis, December 2003
WINONA TO BANGLADESH and Back fi
BANGLADESH STUDENT NEWS
My graduation from Winona State University was spent barefoot in a living room with twenty strangers, five classmates, and two of my social work professors. We ate “pitas” and something that resembled a chocolate cake. The words on the cake said, “Congratulations Brian and Heidi.” Instead of a ceremony with hundreds, it was a celebration for two. As “Pomp and Circumstance” was played halfway around the world, we had our own serenade from a Bangladeshi family.
“How did I get here?” I asked myself. The easy answer wasa series of flights lasting over thirty hours total, from Minneapolis to Chicago to London and then to Bangladesh. The question lingered. I got here through an
opportunity to study methods of social change in a developing country that struggles with serious poverty issues. I got here througha relationship between my alma mater, Winona State University, and the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies. I got here througha grant written by Ruth Charles and Cathy Faruque, co-chairs of the WSU Social Work department. Social work, my major, was the reason for this trip. But the Globalization of Social Work class I attended, the Bangla language I studied, and all the books I read on Bangladesh didn’t prepare me for what I found walking out of the airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sleep-deprived and hungry we stumbled out of the airport and into the
A large number ofWSU international student alumni live and work in Bangladesh. Recent updates on a few of them appear here: a Adnan Khan, '96, is a project manager for Ericcson, managing the GSM wireless networking products that our cell phone operators using in the region, mostly in Bangladesh and Malaysia.
Imtiaj Rasul, '96, Political Science, is a program officer at Research Initiatives Bangladesh which supports grants for poverty research in Bangladesh. Imtiaj monitors and evaluates research projects funded by RIB and also initiates poverty research all around the country. In addition to professional activities, Imtiaj lectures on poverty issues at universities home and abroad. ES
Shaikh Abdul Rauf, '97, Marketing, is based in London and working for a brokerage house, brokering sea-going vessels.
Golam Ahmed Faruqui, '95, Finance, was an active member of the WSU Stude Senate while on campus and was vice president of the Winona Rotaract Club. Now, he is an assistant professor of business administration at East West University, a private university located i Chicago, Ill.
hot Bangladesh climate. I (right) looked up to see a palm tree and a vibrant blue sky. WSU students Sarah Handke and I felt myselfbreaking into a light sweat under my hooded WSU sweatshirt. I had left temperatures in the single-digits and...the dreaded four letterword associated with Minnesota...snow!
Amy Gordon take a spin in a Rickshaw
(lower right)
Ruth Charles, one of the faculty leaders of the WSU group in Bangladesh, with Alia, who was Ruth's "Ayah" or housekeeper, cook and friend when Ruth lived there in
Shoveling and using the defrost in my carseemed 1991-92. like a long time ago in this almost tropical climate. I looked around and found a massive group of people gathered behind our van. They were silent and staring at us. This
Mir Rashedul Hasan, '97, Computer Science, worked for several major US corporations over the past few years and is ‘nowa system engineer at T-Mobile Wireless USA in Seattle, Wash. His brother, Mir Tanvir Hasan, is currently a computer science student at WSU. Sabbir Ahmed, '97, Mass Communication-Journalism, returned home to Bangladesh in 1998 to join his family's businesses importing and distributing scientific and medical equipment from Europe, USA, Japan, China and India. In 1999, Sabbir started _his own company, MultiTech Computer, specializing in hardware and the development of laboratory information management systems. He and his wife, -Shahrin Sabbir, have one son, Sadaat Ahmed, age 3. Sabbir's younger brother, -Sabit Ahmed, is currently enrolled at WSU. IshraatWahid, '95, Economics, is a career advisor for ethnic minority people around the Cheshire, England, area. He encourages them to apply for positions in the police force, probation service, and the Crown Prosecution Service. Ishraat is also a project administrator for an education project with the Chester Asian Council.
Md. Manzoorul Islam, '95, Computer Science, is chief executive officer of Electronic Security Solutions Limited, a firm that develops banking software, credit card management software and ‘supports POS terminals and ATMs, primarily for financial institutions.
(above)
The WSU students in Gazipur at the BRAC
Amy Gordon, Sarah Handke, Rachel Doud,
village, left to right: Brian Uhlenkamp, and Heidi Hovis.
group of people gathered to see us “bideshis” or white people. Ruth Charles warned us, "Get used to being treated like movie stars.” I thought she was kidding.
We loaded into our van that hada disclaimer in the back window citing “American Students.” We weaved in and out of traffic, abiding by absolutely no traffic rules used in the States. I found that in Bangladesh, the horn substitutes for the brake. They also have “baby taxis,” essentially glorified golf carts, driving people around. For a manpowered trip you could take a rickshaw ride: a bicycle with a seat in back. In Dhaka, officials estimate 80,000 brightly
colored rickshaws are driven around the capital city.
We arrived at our hotel, The Dhaka Club, which was as nice as its name suggests. We were admitted into the courtyard by two armed guards. The Clubhad all the western comforts we were used to: air-conditioning, refrigeration, and toilets that you could sit down on. Soon, we found that the majority of Bangladeshis lived without these comforts. It turns out most of the rest of the world doesn't live like us.
Dr. Shelley, director of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, greeted us with fragrant bouquets of flowers and a warm welcome. We went over our
schedule, full of visits to NonGovernment Agencies (NGOs) as well as meetings with public officials. They also snuck a few fun things in as well, includinga trip to the longest beach in the world, Cox’s Bazaar.
The purpose of the trip was to learn about social welfare methods the Bangladesh government and NonGovernment Agencies were implementing to end poverty. In Bangladesh, the average annual income is $377 U.S. dollars. To look at this average is to also note the huge gap between the rich and the poor in Bangladesh. The rich live in comforts similar to western standards while the poor live in absolute need.
Traditionalrural villages consist of thatch huts with dirt floors, no electricity or running water. Many of the effective NGOs focused on this latter group.
We traveled to Jessore to visit the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), a well-known and respected organization providing support to hundreds of women, men and children. We first attended a micro-credit lending meeting. Loans as small as a few U.S. dollars to as much as a couple hundred dollars are given to people, mainly women, for projects ranging from establishing a business, start-up costs for farming a plot of land, or purchasing farm animals for the sale of milk or eggs. The women are organized into groups of peers who ensure project plans are being followed and that the participant is attempting success with the loan. Peer pressure and good financial management by the borrowers has led to a 97 percent repayment of BRAC loans.
The women see their lives change with this program. One story was of a woman who received a BRAC loan andestablished an eggplant garden, selling the produce at themarket. At dinner one night herhusband insisted she eat the head of the fish she was serving. Culturally, the male usually eats the fish head as a sign of his dominance and importance in the family. The man told his wife that he wanted her to have it because of all the hard work she had done for him and fortheir family. Pretty good for a patriarchal society!
The sound of voices in harmony filled our trip when we visited a BRAC school.The children, from very lowincome families, amazed us with singing, dancing, clapping and their grasp of the foreign language, English. Girls dressed in their best shalwarkameez’ (long-flowing shirtdress over loose pants) and modest bangles performed choreographed dances to traditional Bangla songs. The education they received from this grass-roots BRAC school filled them with poise, confidence and most important, knowledge.
Bangladesh is a land where generosity has the same powerful flow as the streams and rivers have as they surge to the Bay of Bengal. Our WSU group was treated to a kind, giving nature from the day we arrived until we were going through U.S. Customs on our way back home.
One Bangladeshi group that showed us so much love was Winona State alumni. These formerWSU international students hadtraveled across the world to attend school at the academically acclaimed school of Winona State University (have you heard of it?). They earned bachelor's
and/or master’s degrees before returning to their native soil. We enjoyed dinner together current and former students brought together by one connection in a foreign land. The students treated us to the most delicious dinner at a posh restaurant. The Bangla curry was delicious, but the conversation surrounding dinner was substantially more filling.
The proud Bangladeshi WSU alumni rose and spoke about the warm spot in their hearts for Winona and how their experiences there had greatly impacted their lives. I had to swallow more than a few lumps in my throat as I listened. They reflected my own views about the friendliness of Winona citizens, the memorable times at local hangouts, and the connections to friends made on and off campus. They verbalized what I had been trying to put into words as I prepared for this trip and for graduation. We all came to Winona from near and far for an education, but left with more than knowledge. We left with perseverance, from long nights of studying; determination, from the semesters we never thought we'd survive; friendships, made the first day in the dorms to the ones made during that final semester; selfassurance and confidence, gained after we completeda goal; and, eventuallyjobs, which allowed these generous Bangla students to pick up the tab as well as give us beautiful hand-embroidered gifts.
Winona State University created in us a sense of place, a sense of determination, and a sense of pride that we will all carry with us wherever we go in this world.
AriAiN
Richard Karnath ’77
By Reid Gisslen, ‘00
Winona native who moved away, longed to be closer to the river, and then returned to teach.
AMFRICAN II
Winona native, Richard graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1962. Like many high school graduates, he felt the need to explore the world outside his hometown. After being recruited by the track coach, Richarddecided to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato, where he majored in math and physics andearneda bachelor’s degree in 1967.
Upon his college graduation, Richard began working as a computer programmer for National Cash Register in Florida. By the time he had been therea year, he had lived away from Winona for six years and the call to come back only became louder. Richard decided to return
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to his native Winona and began teaching math at Winona Junior High School. During his time there, he earned a master’s degree in math education from WSU.
In 1982, after 13 years of teaching, Richard witnessed some of his colleagues losing energy as their years in the classroom rolled along. Not wanting to lose his own spark and realizing that he still carried the lurking desire to be on the river, Richard decided to pursuea job that would offer a break from teaching and, at the same time, allow him plenty of access to the Mississippi River.
“T really enjoyed teaching but always felt the need to be closer to the river. I wanted to get that out of my system,” Richard said. “I didn’t
Captain Richard Karnath and President Darrell Krueger on the American Queen
want to lose my spark as a teacherand | hadthe freedom to pursue things, so I decided to try working on theriver.”
His break from teaching turned into a career with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company that continues today. He started as a deck hand in 1982 and became second-mate three years later. After two years in that position, Richard spent six years as first-mate and was promoted to captain in 1993, a rank he continues to hold on the American Queen Steamboat.
“I love the nature surrounding the river andthe challenges that go along with navigating it,” Richard said. “Me, the boat and the river it always takes three.”
Richard, who still lives in Winona, said a steamboat captain is on duty six times per year for one month at a time. Each boat has two pilots who split four six-hour shifts. The captain's job is to ensure all equipment is in working order and that all 600 passengers on board are safe.
“There are times when things have gone wrong, and it’s always at the worst possible time and 1 oases”! spot,” he said. “It’s challenging, but you learn how to handle the problem in case it happens again.”
obost of our passengers are retired. We have lots of repeat travelersand they say the Upper Mississippi is the most beautiful part of the country,” Richard said.
Winona State welcomed Captain Karnath and American Queen passengers as they docked in Winona on Oct. 20. The WSU Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Harry Mechell, performed for the visitors, as did the WSU Dixie Midnight Runners, under the direction of student Kevin Von Arx. A presentation was given by the WSU Cross Cultural students and WSU sweatshirts were presented to Richard and his co-captain by President Darrell Krueger.
“T’ve worked alongside several Winona State students through the years. At one time, there were five working on the same boat,” Richard said.
‘I love the nature surrounding the river and the challenges that go along with navigating it,” Richard said. “Me, the boat and
While some former residents leave Winona and rarely return, Richard has the opportunity to depart and return on a monthly basis. His long career has taken him on different routes in life, but both careers have enabled him to help people navigate their own routes, whether academic or recreational.
The Delta Queen Steamboat Company, America's oldest continuously operating cruise line, is headquartered in New Orleans and traces its roots to 1890. Its three authentic steam-powered paddle wheelers, Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen (the largest ever built), cruise on the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, and on the Intracoastal Waterway in Louisiana and Texas.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have two careers that were both thoroughly rewarding,” Richard said. “Lots of people never even have one, so I’m happy with where I’ve been.”
During his months off, Richard continues to make his home in Winona. The American Queen will visit Winona again in 2005.
“BEST SEASON”
It just keeps getting better. The Winona State football program, that is. The 2003 season can be marked as one of the best in school history as the Warriors played in a single-season best 13 games. The Warriors set a school record for victories with 11, advanced to postseason play for the fourth straight year and reached the quarter finals of the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in the program's history. Only last-second heroics by the University of North Dakota kept the Warriors from advancing to the national semifinals.
The season was dominated by the experience of 23 seniors, plus the passing and receiving of underclassmen, which helped the Warriors gain a share of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title for the third time in the last four years. This was the seventh time in the last 11 years Winona State owned or shared the league crown.
Senior Kevin Curtin (Midlothian, IIL.) concluded his career as a Warrior by rewriting the record book. He became the Warriors alltime leading rusher (3,864) with a career record 6.019 yards per carry and amassed a school career record 7,834 all-purpose yards, a figure that leaves Curtin in the top 25 for allpurpose yards in all NCAA division categories.
The Warriors captured their first ever NCAA playoffvictory with a thrilling win against Emporia State, Kansas, the first time WSU’s Maxwell Field hosted an NCAA playoff game. Much of the win was due to the play of junior quarterback Brian Wrobel (DeSoto, Wis.) and junior wide receiver Chris Samp (Green Bay, Wis.).
Samp put his stamp on WSU’s record book as the all-career leader for receiving yards (2,883). He reached that level by setting a single-season mark for receiving yards (1,321) and in the process became the all-time leader for career touchdown receptions (31) by tying the single-season mark for TD catches with 17. Part of thoserecords came from Samp’s efforts in two monumental games. He set the singlegame record for receivingyards (281) in a road win against Truman State University, Missouri,
and set the mark for single-game touchdown receptions (4) against Northern State University. The single-game TD mark was aided by the single-game touchdown passes record set byWrobel, who threw for six against the NSU Wolves.
The Warriors finished the year with an 112 mark and kept their consecutive game streak of not being shutout alive at 128 games.
At season's end, sixWarrior players were named to All-America teams. Curtin closed out his career by being named to an AllAmerica team for the fourth straight season. He was joined in the All-America ranks by senior linebacker Deric Sieck (North Fayette, Iowa), senior defensive lineman Ty Breitlow (Wauwatosa, Wis.) and senior cornerback Steven Koehler (Cresco, Iowa). As could be expected, Samp and Wrobel garnered AllAmerica honors for their exploits.
Eleven other Warriors received district, regional or conference recognition. Those included seniors David Blaskowski (offensive lineman, Schofield, Wis.), Matt Brown (offensive lineman, Prior Lake, Minn.), Ed Gilreath (offensive lineman, Vernon, IIl.), Alan Hartung (tight end, Menomonie, Wis.), Nick Jaeger (safety, Lake Geneva, Wis.), Curtis Jepsen (running back, Rochester, Minn.), Mike Madsen (linebacker, Johnsburg, IIl.), Steve Opgenorth (place kicker, Green Bay, Wis.), and Matt Wayne (defensive lineman, Menomonie, Wis.), junior Jim Stanek (defensivetackle, Kendall, Wis.), and sophomore Luke Lokanc (safety, New Lenox, IIl.).
The Warriors also showed prowess in the classroom. Blaskowski led the academic efforts and was named to the CoSIDA Second Team All-DistrictV team and was joined on the NSIC All-Academic team by senior Nate Cody (linebacker, Menomonie, Wis.), juniors David Cruz (running back, Menomonie, Wis.) and Ben Sheehan (offensive lineman, Rochester, Minn.), and sophomores Chad Sloden (running back, Green Bay, Wis.) and Jay Fogelson (linebacker, Byron, Minn.).
Coach Tom Sawyer (right) led the Warriors to the NCAA Division II quarter finals in the best season ever.
TELHNul.ubY EXLELIENLE
By MarkJohnson, WSU Grad Student
s Winona State University is awarded membership in The New Media Consortium (NMC) and acknowledged as a global leader in its innovative approaches to technology, WSU not only emerges from an immense and competitive field of applicants, it stands with 150 other prestigious colleges, universities and museums who are associated with NMC.
The NMC, a non-profit organization of leaders of higher education committed to the application of technology, invited WSU to participate in its application process because WSU is considered a teaching institution with a national reputation in the synthesis of technology, curriculum, and higher education.
Dr. Larry Johnson, president and CEO of NMC said the selection process was very competitive.
e received the largest number of applications in our history,” Johnson explained, “and the overall quality of those applications was just extraordinary. Taken as a whole, the results show the state of technology integration in colleges and universities is at a remarkably high level.
“Even among a very strong field, it was quite clear that Winona State University is a place where smart creative people are devising innovative solutions to challenges we all face in teaching and learning,” Johnson continued. “The dedication to excellence here is palpable, and students and faculty are the clear beneficiaries in higher education.”
WSU’s inclusion in the NMC means even greater benefits for students and faculty at WSU, as NMC members collaborate and consult with one another, and thus explore new methods of incorporating emerging technology into the classroom. This also means that NMCwillbenefit greatly from Winona State university, as WSU is one ofthe largest laptop universities in the nation with more than 7,000 supported laptop computers in operation. The WSU laptop program, e-learning center, a state-of-the-art library of the future, and the extensive infrastructure that supports all this, puts WSU on the cutting edge of pedagogical and curricular technology.
In addition to the laptop program, WSU also offers technological capabilities in its extensive support of Blackboard 6; the Winona Graduate Skills program (WINGS); area specific programs, such as real-time
email conferencing, musical composition software, computer enhanced theatrical sets and lighting designs, on-line student senate elections, and many others. With all these technological innovations, WSU is a perfect fit for NMC.
It is not surprising that WSU faculty members are some of the most sought after national experts in the area of curriculum and informational technology. For years, various WSU faculty and staff have presented at EduCause conferences, and the potential benefits that WSU faculty and NMC members are poised to gain is limitless.
embership in NMC is exclusive to those institutions dedicated to the continual use of innovative technology in the areas of teaching, learning, research, or creative expression. Winona State University now is associated with other NMC institutions, including prestigious private universities like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and state research universities like UCLA, Texas, and Michigan. The University of Minnesota and the University ofWisconsinMadison are the only other universities within the WSU region that are currently NMC members.
Joseph Whetstone, WSU vice president for information technology, said of the new membership, “Winona State University is proud to be recognized by The New Media Consortium as a global leader in educational and informational technology. We look forward to working with our NMC colleagues and gaining and sharing each other’s expertise; and there is no doubt in my mind that NMC will gain as much from Winona State University as we will gain from them.”
Proiific Publishers
WSU English FacultyAre Prolific Publishers
By Mark Johnson (WSU grad student in English)
The demanding schedule of being a university professor has not slowed down four faculty members in the English Department at Winona State University. English Department professors Jesse Kavadlo, Douglas Hayes, J. Paul Johnson, and Elizabeth Oness are publishing scholarly or creative books this year, demonstrating the English Department's ongoing desire for excellence. Each of these accomplished writers is recognized as an authority in his or her field, and all four professors are contributing to on-going academic and aesthetic discussion with the publication of their books. Kavadlo, whose book was published in January 2004, said, “It’s gratifying yet scary to see the actual book in print-strangers somewhere will read thewords without me!” His book, Don DeLillo: Balance at the Edge ofBelief, is a contribution to Don DeLillo’s increasing recognition, readership, and scholarship. Kavadlo said his book seeks to stimulate discussion about DeLillo’s work, American
literature and the roles of theory and humanism in contemporary discussion and teaching of literature.
David Cowert, author of Don DeLillo: The Physics of Language, praised Kavadlo’s book saying, “Thinking such as Kavadlo’s accurately gauges the theoretical dimensions of DeLillo’swork at the same time that it registers and does justice to that work's extraordinary range of sympathy and humanity.”
Although Kavadlo started work on his study before coming to WSU, the book has characteristics that are appropriate for at least three courses in the English Department’s new curriculum: Literary Studies, Modernism, and Postmodernism. Kavadlo is in the research stages for ‘another book, “likely to be about literary treatments of Brooklyn, NewYork (where I grew up),” hesaid.
Hayes’s book, Rhetorical Subversion in EarlyEnglish Drama, looks at the recurrences of a stock character called
J. PaulJohnson
Elizabeth Oness
Douglas Hayes
Jesse Kavadlo
the Vice figure in early English drama. Hayes aims to show how the Vice character uses language to fool and corrupt others in the plays and to entertain audiences, even when those audiences are supposed to dismiss Vice figures as evil.
AlexandraF Johnston, director of the Records of Early English Drama, says of Hayes’s book: “This brief but dense work is an important contribution to the study of the English moral playlong considered... to be a seminal influence on later English theatre.” Hayes studies not only the medieval morality plays and 16th century interludes, but also the works of later wellknown writers such as Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Rhetorical Subversion in Early English Drama has a February 2004 publish date.
Johnson, also the Director of the WSU University Studies Program, is co-editor of Teaching/Writing in the Late Age ofPrint, which collects 29 essays on teaching writing across the United States, and includes an essay co-written byWSU English faculty Gary Eddy and Jane Carducci.
Johnson said, “Bringing the book to fruition was no simple task, in part because of the scope and the collaborative nature of the project.” The collection aims to celebrate the work of the current generation’s writing teachers and students at a variety of post-secondary institutions. An essay ofJohnson’s written for the volume, Writing Around the Text:ANetwork ofContexts, Opportunities, and Responses, features discussion of an award-winning paper by formerWSU student Sara Clendening.
Johnson explained, “Since so much of the rhetoric surrounding the writing of college students is negative, if not downright pejorative, we wanted to demonstrate how well many students write, and we wanted to describe the unique and interesting contexts and classrooms in which they undertake their writing.”
Johnson's co-editors of Teaching/Writing in the Late Age Print are Jeff Galin of Florida Atlantic University and Carol Haviland of California State University-San Bernardino.
Oness, who teaches fiction writing, has written her first novel, Departures, forthcoming in May. In Departures, a mother sends each of her grown daughters a note, telling them she’s leaving the country, and asking them not to look for her. In the mother’s absence, each daughter is forced to reconsider what it might have cost their mother, a child of the sixties, to sacrifice her freespirited ways in order to raise them in a comfortable Westchester town.
Oness, who grew up in Chappaqua, NewYork, set her novel in a fictional version of Chappaqua. “I grew up in a literary landscape, although I wasn’t aware of it at the time,” Oness said. “I also grew up in what might be called ‘Cheever country,’ and it’s a nod to John Cheever's famous story, ‘The Housebreaker of Shady Hill’ that I give Chappaqua the name of ‘Shady Grove.”
Much praise has been been given to Oness’ novel. Elizabeth McCracken calls Oness “a tremendous and heartfelt and gutsy writer.” Alyson Hagy, author of Keenland says Oness' novel “has the passion and resolve of a brilliantly playedsymphony.”
Oness has received numerous honors including an O Henry Prize and a Nelson Algren Award. Her published collection of short stories entitled Articles ofFaith was winner of the 2000 Iowa Short Fiction Award, and was subsequently awarded the Ann Powers Fiction Prize, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Program.
Oness is reading on May 6, at the University of Minnesota Bookstore, and on May 12, at Micawber’s Bookstore in St. Paul. She is also signing books in Winona on May 14, at The Book Shelf.
Message from the Alumni Director
Truthfully, am unsure about how to share this story with you. How doI craft words to express my thoughts and feelings about my husband's fight with cancer and his eventual death?
I had attempted to avoidthe challenge by writing an articleabout the June 18-19, 2004, Alumni Reunion. It was a fine article inviting all Winona State alumni to come home to our alma mater for a celebration of our shared history. Yet, in my heart, I felt called to share a different message.
Through my husband's illness, I had a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the impact that Winona State University is having in serving to improve our world. Please allow me to share a few of my personal perspectives.
Early in April 2003 my husband, Michael, saw a physician about discomfort in his hip. Through diligent investigation, a diagnosis of an extremely rare bone cancer was made. In that moment, every single trapping of normalcy faded and our lives were forever changed. We were set on a journey fraught with fear and anxiety feeling completely unprepared to navigate the peril that lie before us. Each step of the way we were surrounded by caring individuals to comfort and guide us. It became apparent to me that a great number of the individuals caring for us were Winona State University alumni.
The first step in Mike's treatment was to biopsy the suspect tissue. As we waited in his room at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, we were greeted by a confident and reassuring young woman with the warmest smile I have ever seen. She, as I came to discover, would graduate in a week from Winona State University with a degree in nursing. I took great pride at that graduation, welcoming her to the Alumni Society and presenting her with an alumni pin. During the next few months, our many visits to medical facilities allowed me to meet and interact with an astonishing number ofWinona State alumni.
Following initial testing, a diagnosis of dedifferentiated condra sarcoma caused us to seek additional medical knowledge.
Once again, the WSU connection was apparent as a graduate of the WSU masters of nursing program helped smooth the way for us to be seen by the chair of the Sarcoma Department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. There we were informed that the cancer was so rare that in 100 years of medicine at Mayo, it had only been seen about once a year.
Mike's best hope for treatment lie ina challenging surgery in which halfof his pelvis, the top of his femur and a large portion of soft tissue would be removed. Needless to say, we found ourselves in the most dynamic medical situation we could imagine. As we navigated five different medical facilities, we found WSU alumni at each juncture to provide for our needs. From the social workers that helped put order to an otherwise confusing healthcare system; to the myriad of medical professionals that cared for my husband’s physical, mental and emotional needs; to researchers who helped us find the critical information necessary to make informed decisions; and the clergy that lifted our spirits and gave us hope; we were continually in the company of Winona State alumni.
As the months passed, our hope for recovery dimmed when in July evidence of metastases was found in Mike’s lungs. Exhaustive rounds of chemotherapy were unsuccessful and the cancer continued to spread. At the most devastating time of our lives, the Winona State University community-- and the Winona community at large-- came together and extended such caring and compassion to our family that we were uplifted and carried beyond the challenge that faced us.
Eventually, it became clear that Mike would not win his fight with cancer and that he would require hospice care to remain in our home during the last days
of his life. Once again, I was comforted by the WSU connection as I reconnected with an old classmate of mine who was working with Winona Area Hospice Services.
On December 23, 2003, at the age of forty-eight, my beloved husband, friend and soulmate passed beautifully from this life into the next. There are so many people that I am grateful to for the compassion, concern and care they showed my family during Mike's illness. As I reflect on the events of the past year, I am struck by a thread that ties so many of those events together. Sharing our story has been an arduous task, and I have been challenged to be open about an intensely personal experience. And yet, I feel compelled to draw focus on the positive impact Winona State University and its alumni are having in the world. Winona State University proclaims itself to be a community of learners dedicated to improving our world. I have had a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the reality of the WSU mission, and I want to thankWinona State for making such a profound difference in MY world.
Kim Dehlin Zeiher
Kim and Mike Zeiher
Evening the Odds in the Land of Opportunity
By Sanjeev Misra ‘02
.«
“Cultural diversity’ is education for an open society,” Williams said, "an open society that lets people come in from wherever they are, thrive, and prosper Period.”
Maudie Williams
hat do you want to be when you grow up?
Guiding at-risk youths to promising futures is the purpose of Dr. Maudie Williams and her partners at the Winona-area Project Empowerment Leadership Institute (PELD.
Williams, a Winona State professor of education, and other PELI leaders strive to connect minority and low-income families to the educational paths and resources needed for their children to enter successful walks of life.
The PELI board consists of educators, businesspeople, parents, community members, and college students who have strong personal interests in making cultural diversity a reality. They want to ensure that all people, regardless of background or status, have the same opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Williams explained that “at the age of seven and living in the deep south, I was experiencing and internalizing the 1954 Supreme Court decision of Brown vs. Board of Education to dismantle racial segregation in public schools, public
accommodations, the workplace, housing, and in the voting booth.”
Because of family and educational upbringings denoting ‘tough love’ and ‘educational empowerment’, I knew no other choice than to keep dreaming.”
“Cultural diversity’ is education for an open society," Williams said, "an open society that lets people come in from wherever they are, thrive, and prosper Period.”
According to Williams, years of systematic oppression still leave an aftermath that plagues our communities. Minority and low-income populations often do not think it is possible for them to enter popular, mainstream society, orthey do not have the means at their disposal to do so. This theory has been measuredand documented as the “Academic Achievement Gap.”
Between the early 1970s andlate 80s, impressive strides were made in closing the achievement gap. The academic difference between African-American
Maudie Williams with a group of Winona area children at a Christmas party at the Winona Family Community Center (of Housing and Redevelopment Authority).
students and Caucasian students narrowed to half of what it had been, and the gap between Latinos and Caucasians narrowed by one third. For unknown reasons, the gap has been widening since the late 80s, and the problem has been generally overlooked. It must now be addressed, even as the situation worsens, said Williams. "The effect of racism is an internal struggle. And the achievement gap we are addressing is not something we can fix overnight; it is something that is embedded."
Williams has foundthat young students do not perceive doors opening for them as easily as they do for others. Minorities or students of low-income families believe that, due to their background or financial shortcomings, higher education and the opportunities it brings are not possible for them. They perceive that these advantages are only for others.
The PELI strives to tear down mental barriers that keep dreams forever hidden away as just dreams in the imagination of our children. Group members coordinate directly with community families to empower them with the tools necessary to attain desired goals. The tools are knowledge,guidance, and inspiration.
Growing up ona farm in Georgia Williams now works tirelessly as an educator and an agent of social change. She tries to instill her painstaking work ethic in Winona State students and in community youth, challenging them to build their own futures. “We don’t know the potential our students hold," Williams said. "We work to empower parents to help their children to become all they can become and to inspire pre-service teachers to gain these skills."
University students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program provide daily, ongoing mentoring and tutoring and lead educational meetings for families partnering in the PELI program. Major project activities engage participants in transformative learning. Student Empowerment Seminars guide K-12 youngsters in developing academic aspirations. Parent Empowerment Seminars prepare guardians to play a major role in helping shape their kids’ school plans. Educational colloquiums introduce specific, important topics to educators and community members in order to help break cycles of racism and classism that contribute to poor schooling and underachievement in underrepresented populations.
Williams believes in “transformative learning as a pathway to change.” “Learning,” she said, “is more than the accumulation of additional information. Transformation means experiencing a
thoughts, feelings, and actions.”
WSU student-leaders will experience psyche-altering processes that will change the lens through which they view life. This work will allow the teachers-intraining to approach their calling with developed sensitivities for minority and low-income students, and these teachers will then be able to become agents of change in their respective communities.
A $20,000 government grant from Diversity Endowment Funds (DEF) ofThe St. Paul Foundation to Winona State University in 2003 aids in financing the outreach activities. The purpose of the grant is to develop innovative projects that impact the effects of racism and to change prejudicial attitudes and behaviors. DEF was created to support communities of color and eliminate social barriers and oppression.
One ofWilliams’ ongoing goals is to integrate multi-cultural education in university curriculum and to add new courses which emphasize cultural diversity. Implementing this unobserved realm into academia will allow for a more complete educational opportunity for all students and will provide an atmosphere more conducive to the success of minority students. Since 1994, she has worked through the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota legislation to acquire more than $300,000 in scholarships for minority and non-minority student development in
multicultural education at Winona State University.
Williams has taught at the university level for more than 30 years. Since arriving at Winona State in 1989, she has coordinated community leaders in a fight to overcome the societal struggle of racism, dating nationally since the birth of the U.S.A.
“What drives us is hope. ‘Hope’ is the pathological belief in the creation of the impossible. So much that is out there seems impossible to solve, but we are going to get there through persevering and becoming maniacs in the process. There is a certain degree of madness in the process, and there is a lotof hard work in the process but we can't give up,” said Williams. “In a sense, when I think about it, I see Brown as a metaphor for the American Dream.”
For more information on the Project Empowerment Leadership Institute or to offer your support, please call the WSU Department of Education at 507.457.5350.
Maudie Williams on campus: “What drives us is hope.”
The Runningens with the President and First Lady
When Roger Runningen was a student at Winona State in the early 70s, he wrote for the Winonan and was the student paper's editor his senior year. He often skipped classes because there was a campus story that had to be covered and written.
Now, three decades later, as he jets around the globe on Air Force One or takes notes in an Oval Office press briefing, Roger fondly recalls his days at Winona State and credits WSU for providing the educational foundation that allowed him the opportunity to succeed at the highest level of journalism.
"T took three classes in journalism from Adolph Bremer," Roger said. "He was the editor-in-chief for the local Winona Daily News and also taught at Winona State. I would have taken more, but they only offered three journalism classes at the time."'
Roger said he and members of the debate team and Winonan staff enjoyed "skull sessions'' with Dr. Dan Willson, Winona State's Dean ofArts and Sciences.
"We got together many Friday nights at his home to talk about what was happening at the college and to solve the world's problems,'' Roger remembered. "We also worked with him to get the Mass Communication offerings expanded. I'm pleased that the WSU Mass Comm Department has a great reputation and that it is one of the top five majors on campus."
Roger stays in touch with Willson, who is now retired and lives in Saint Paul, Kansas. "He was the campus wise man, guidance counselor, a know-it-all, the go-to person. His door was always open for students."
While a junior at Winona State, Roger interned in the Washington, D.C., office of Congressman Al Quie from Minnesota.
"That was 16 credits of first-rate political science education,’ Roger said.
One of his most memorable times at Winona State came during a Vietnam War protest.
"A group of students marched on City Hall and there was some heated debate,'' Roger remembered. "I knew
somethingbig was happening. I blew off all my classes and followed the protestors.
"As editor of the Winonan, | decided to do an overnight ‘extra.’ I coordinated the writers and photographers, and got allthe stories and pictures together. The staff worked on it almost all night,'' Roger said. "When the issue was ready in the early morning, I took it to our printer in Wabasha, and had it back on campus for distribution by 10 a.m."
After he graduated in 1972, Roger, who grew up in Houston, Minn., got his first job in journalism as the one and only reporter for the Wabasha County Herald.
"I did it all,'' he recalled. "Cops, school board, city council, feature stories, the prize hogs at the county fair, sports and I took pictures, all for $120 a week."'
In 1974, Congressman Quie called Roger to ask if he'd come to Washington to serve as his press secretary.
"My bosses at the paper said I'd be a damn fool to pass up the opportunity,'' Roger said.
He worked for the Congressman for five years, and had a chance to return to Minnesota in 1979 when Quie became Governor. Instead, Roger wanted to return to journalism and took a position as the Washington correspondent for the Small Newspaper Group (SNG), a company that owned and operated newspapers in California, Illinois, Indiana, lowa and Minnesota, including the Rochester Post Bulletin.
For more than a decade, Roger covered Capitol Hill and elected officials from the states where SNG owned papers. Roger remembered covering Edward Madigan, a Congressman from Illinois who later was appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by President George H.W. Bush. In 1991, Madigan called Roger and asked him to become press secretary for the Secretary of Agriculture.
"Again, I talked to my editors," Roger said. "Again, I was told I'd bea damn fool ifI didn't take the opportunity."
Roger was chief spokesman for the U.S. Department ofAgriculture from 1991-93 until the change of administration brought a new Secretary when Bill Clinton became president.
"The timing was right,'' Roger said. "I wanted to return to journalism and I wanted more time to spend with my kids.'' Roger and his wife, Marsha, have two sons, Mark and Jeff.
"After six months of playing Mr. Mom,a friend, who was president of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., told me about a new wire service that was looking for someone who knew agriculture and commerce,'' Roger said.
Since he had grown up on a Minnesota farm and had extensive experience in Washington, both in media and in government, especially dealing with agriculture, economics, commodities and the markets, Roger was a perfect fit. He's been with Bloomberg News since 1994, and has seen the company develop into one of the major wire services in the world.
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In 2003, the Bloomberg newsroom needed an additional person to cover the White House, in addition to the four already doing so. They wanted a seasoned D.C. media veteran, and Roger was interested in a new challenge.
"I started to cover the White House on Monday, March 17, 2003,"' Roger said. "Two days later, the U.S. is at war in Iraq. Nothing like, well, just plunging in," he said.
Since then, it has been pretty much non-stop running for Roger. In late May and early June of 2003, he was a member of the White House Press Corps on Air Force One when the President visited Poland, Russia, France, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar. The trip included theso-called Red Sea Summit, andthe signing of a hoped-for "roadmap for peace" in the Middle East. President Bush helped broker a peace pact with King Abdullah of Jordan, King Hamad of Bahrain, Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, and Prince Abdullah Aziz of Saudi Arabia.
“The agreement has faced many setbacks since, but at the time people thought perhaps there was a
framework for peace. Bush was euphoric, and once the presidential party left Jordanian airspace, President Bush invited the Press Corps to his cabin on Air Force One and held a question and answer session,'' Roger said. "The president was beaming with a sense of good feelings that real progress had been made toward peace in the Middle East.
"When the questions were done, the president gave us a tour of the ‘Flying Oval Office’ andhis quarters on Air Force One, complete with the presidential seal on the bed and towels."
Air Force One was headed to Qatar, for a Bush speech to U.S. troops outside Doha the next day.
"The day we were leaving to return home it was 115 degrees on the tarmac in Qatar,’ Roger recalled. "An hour into the flight we were told to look outside the plane. What reporters didn't know was that Air Force One had just entered Iraqi air space. We were being escorted by four F18 jet fighters. We flew directly over Baghdad at 28,000 feet. It was a clear day and the pilot tipped the wing in a long half-circle so we could see the city and the Tigris River."'
Roger's journalism career started bywriting and reporting in WSU's student newspaper for hundreds of readers at a time. Now, Roger Runningen has boxes full ofWhite House press credentials in dozens of foreign languages and his writing appears regularly on Bloomberg.com and in news publications around the world for millions of readers.
George Bolon has given many years of his life to Winona State University and his students, and they have been superior. George is humble and prefers to stay out of the limelight. Instead, the motto he holds close refers to the quality and dedication of his students.
Northwest, United, American, Continental, Delta, Mesaba, Air Wisconsin, Airborne, FedEx, UPS, AirTram these are just some of the major air carriers in the country that employ graduates of Winona State University's Airway Science Program, under the direction of George Bolon. More than 70 graduates of the program are working in commercial aviation.
Born, raised and educated in Oregon, George joined the U.S. Army in the early 1960s and learned to fly as a member of the Air Defense Command. In 1968, he came to WSU with a master's degree in college student personnel from Oregon State University and took over as Director of the Student Union.
In 1969, he purchased his first airplane, a single engine Comanche, and started doing some flying for Winona State. In 1972, George went to the University of Utah to work on a doctorate degree and returned in 1973 to begin developing an aviation program at Winona State. In 1989, the Federal Aviation Administration presented WSU with Airway Science designation. Winona State's program was the second in the state to attain this recognition and the first to utilize the concept of a minor degree program teamed with the strengths of excellent departmental majors. WSU's FAA Airway Science Program has been the primary training site for pilots in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
"The students, the faculty, the faculty senate and every president I've worked for has been very supportive of the aviation program, George said, "and we have tremendous support from the City of Winona anda collaborative relationship with the technical college.
Greg Filkins (left) and Tim Allington, both 2003
U Student Union grads of the WSU Airway Science Program, look desk in 1971 (bottom right) over a plane at the Winona Airport (top right)
George Bolon with Bogey, the aviation commander Irish Setter, in front of a cockpit mural in the lobby of the WinAir building at Winona's Max Conrad Field (above)
"No school has a learning laboratory like we do. We combine academic programs at the university, power plant and airframe programs at the technical college, a flying club and our operation of the Winona airport."
The WSU Airway Science Program also gets tremendous support from area foundations such as the Bud and Betty King Foundation andthe Larry Lunda Foundation along with support from individuals including Tom
chosen to fly relatives of people that died in the 9-11 tragedy to New York City. Now, Brian's son, Ryan Huggenvik, is a student at Winona State and is enrolled in the Airway Science Program.
"It's kind of frightening to teach the sons and daughters of your former students," George said.
Students perceive George as controlling, but they respect him.
Tim Allington, a 2003 grad, and now Johnson and Chuck Mathy.
"The special efforts "Aviation can be more unforgiving than the sea. It requires tremendous dedication and precision at all levels at all times," George said. "Safety is the number of these people have truly touched the lives of our students," George said, "and given them an one issue. :
a certified flight instructorin the program, said, "George comes off as tough and demanding, but he has to opportunity they might not otherwise have had."
George stays in touch with many of his former students, and has a wall in the Winona airport building covered with photographs of his alumni in the cockpits and uniforms of the companies where they work. Thank you notes and appreciative comments adorn the photos andthe bulletin boards.
"It’s not about me," George said. "It’s about the students."
Reluctant to name any particular stand-out from among his students, George said, "They are all stars. They're heroes. We have many grads in the service, in Afghanistan, in Iraq."
George thought for a moment, then described one alumnus with an interesting story. Brian Huggenvik, a 1984 WSU graduate and a captain at United Airlines, was one of the captains
be that way. The consequences in aviation of one little mental mistake can be too great."
George says he developsa strong, personal bond with his students that is almost parental.
"I care," George said. "It's that simple. When a young person wants to join the program, I sit down with them and their parents, andI tell them they have to give me their soul. I never want to have to be standing at a funeral or sitting nextto a hospital bed thinking 'IfIhad only....'
"Aviation can be more unforgiving than the sea. It requires tremendous dedication and precision at all levels at all times," George said. "Safety is the number one issue."
When asked about his best day as a pilot, George told of the pride he felt when he flew his parents in 1970.
"Every dayI get to fly is a great day," George said, "and the best part is they pay meto fly."
Asked if he thinks about retirement, George said he's never really worked a day at Winona State. He's enjoyed every minute.
"I told Tom Stark (WSU President 1983-88) that the day I retired, no one would notice, because I'd still be doing the same thing. Tom's wife, Judy, said I had already achieved it."
"The question is how long will I stay healthy?" George said. "As long as I wake up in the morning and enjoy the thought of coming to the airport, I'll keep doing it."
An average day for George starts at the airport at 7 a.m., meeting with students, then advising some on classes and airport management duties throughout the day. He teaches class in the evenings, grades papers or exams after that, and gets to bed at midnight.
Asa final thought for the alumni of his program, George said, "I need their help."
"If you know of a quality individual who wants a quality education and is interested in aviation... tell them about this great old institution."
Just then, Bogey, the aviation commander Golden Retriever, bounded into the room, as if to remind George he had other things to do than to sit and talk to a writer. Off George went to discuss flight plans with students and to prepare his final exam for the airway science class that evening.
Hoffman Sets Volleyball Records
The Warrior volleyball team went througha season that saw them record a 9-27 overall mark and 2-15 slate in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
Senior Britta Hofmann (Lodi, Wis.) highlighted the season by earning second team CoSIDA All-District V academic honors while also being named to the NSIC AllAcademic squad. Hofmann set a single-season school record for solo blocks with 48 and holds the WSU career record for solo blocks with 125.
Bambenek Coaches Men's Golf to Conference Championship Again
The first half of the Warrior men's golf season proved to be very successful as WSU captured top honors in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship for the second time in three seasons.
Head coach Mark Bambenek captured league Coach of the Year honors as three of his players finished in the top three for the league finals.
Leading the way was sophomore Bob Gander (Madison, Wis.), who took conference medalist honors with a 36hole total of 150. Teammate Eric Loeffler (So, Caledonia, Minn.) followed three strokes behind in second place and teammate Caleb Turbett (So, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.) was third at another stroke behind. All three of the players earned All-Conference honors.
It was the second straight year Turbett earned AllConference honors. Turbett, along with senior teammate Justin Carrier (Rushford, Minn.) turned their attention to returning as Super Region qualifiers during the spring portion of the Warriors’ season.
Soccer Earns 100th Victory and 2nd Place in Conference
The Warriors struggled a bit to start the season, but eventually posted the 100th victory in the program's history and eventually placed second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament.
Head coach Ali Omar and his charges finished the season by going 7-1 in league play and 11-10 overall. Those efforts were good enough for the Warriors to place second in the conference's regular season and reach the finals of the conference tournament.
Senior Kristin Ruhsam (Appleton, Wis.) closed out an outstanding career for the Warriors with a number of honors. She was named to the NSCAA All-Central Region second team, picked as the NSIC Player of the Year, selected to the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams and placed on the All-Academic squad.
Sophomore Amy Budish (Andover, Minn.) added to the recognition for the Warriors, as she was named to the NSCAA All-Central Region third team and garnered AllConference and All-Tournament honors.
Also named to the All-Conference team for the Warriors was freshman Amy Bollig (Oregon, Wis.), while Stephanie Bissell (Fr, Iowa City, lowa) and Aubrey Dirks (So, Minnetonka, Minn.) received honorable mention.
Warriors added to the league's All-Academic team were Sarah Griffith, (So, lowa City, Iowa), Kathryn Kramer (So, Appleton, Wis.), Kristin Nelson (Jr, Shoreview, Minn.), Briana Rodell (Jr, Glenview, IIl.), Michelle Wannemuehler (Jr, Gilbert, Iowa) and Sarah White (Sr, Minnetonka, Minn.).
more athletics on-line at: http://www.winona.edu/athletics/
Improving the Playing Field
As Warrior football crowds grow alongside the team’s success, home-field facilities to support the expansion are materializing, and still bigger plans are underway.
Alumni, corporate sponsors and friends of the WSU community have financially donated the placement of additional seating, a new entrance and ticket booth, a field-side bookstore, and an activities pavilion at Maxwell Field.
Dan Schumacher, Director ofAthletic Development, said all growth has been made possible entirelythrough private donations. “Not a single WSU tuition or state dollar has been spent on these projects.”
Four hundred luxury flip-down stadium seats were added in Fall 2001 for season-ticket holders. Fans pay $100 for a reserved, numbered seat anda private parking spot in the stadium-side lot.
“This allows for the season-ticket holders to tailgate or gather next to the stadium, and when it’s game time, they can walk right up to their seats,” Schumacher said.
For the 2003 football season, bleacher seating for almost 1,000 fans was added near the north end zone. This section is dedicated as the new WSU student area, opening up the home-side seats for Winona community fans.
“It’s funfor the students. They all sit together and get loud in the end zone. And it’s kindof intimidating because we make the opposing team warm up in that end zone,” hesaid.
Private dollars will give Maxwell Field a new look. “Not a single WSU tuition or state dollar has been spent on these projects. ”
The new bleachers were funded entirely by corporate dollars, primarily from Pepsi.
The new entrance, ticket booth and field-side bookstore are particularly welcome additions.
AWSU construction vendor, Wapasha Construction, donated three-quarters of the project while other external sources covered the remaining cost.
Also this past fall, a pavilion was built near the new student bleachers, utilizing unused space and helping host gatherings and control crowd overflow from the concession area.
Schumacher said not only do these additions help raise attendance at football games and patronage of the program, but they also help develop the foundation for all Winona State athletics. He said as attendance at big-ticket events rises, so does the revenue based on those fan numbers. Schumacher said capital from revenuegenerating sports, such as football and basketball, helps support all athletics.
“Tt is a win-win for all WSU sports teams. The improvements at Maxwell Field help our women’s soccer program and women’s softball team. It has becomea great recruiting tool for these respective programs. The additions help establish means to bring in the big crowds, raise expectations for our teams, motivate our teams to win, recruit better and blue chip players, and keep on winning... This all comes together to add prestige to the WSU name.”
Field improvements bring visitor dollars that help build the University and also benefit the Winona community. Schumacher said the increased traffic via WSU events brings business to local hotels, restaurants and stores. “Fan money all trickles down.”
Looking ahead, he said, “Winning, the University’s jcontinued growth, and outreach to alumni across the jcountry are making it possible to plan more developments at Maxwell Field.” Six luxury skyboxes and a long-awaited press room with television and radio support are scheduled to be in place for the 2004-05 sports season. And, the underground locker rooms will be renovated.
Just recently, night lights and a baseball press box have been added to the adjoining baseball field, allowing postseason conference competition.
To learn how you may become a contributor to the Winona State Athletic Department, call Dan Schumacher at 507-457-2771 or contact him via e-mail at: dschumacher@winona.edu.
Virginia Soenke Recalls
Winona State in the1920s
“Continued education” is in true form in the life and idaily activities ofVirginia (Anderson) Soenke, a Winona State graduate of 1929.
Virginia, a long-retired schoolteacher and librarian, at the age of 95 is among theoldest living alumni of the University.
Entering higher education at a time when choices were ilimited between the fields of education and business, Virginia entered a two-year teaching program at WSU in 1926.
She recalls memories of a vibrant artistic element at {Winona State. Virginia, whose nickname at college was "Jin," was active in the Junior High Club, the Girl Scouts Club and the drama group Wenonah Players, whichstill exists today. During the 1928-29 school year, Virginia had a lead role in the Wenonah Players production ofA.A. Milne's "The Romantic Age," directed by Ruth Beth Watts,
a popular English and Drama professor.
Virginia vividly remembers an exciting day at Winona State when the famous New York actor and author on theatrical studies, Otis Skinner, visited campus. While in Minnesota, he visited Miss Watts, and she introduced Skinner to her class.
Because of overcrowding at the dorms, Virginia was housed at Winona West Lodge, an old house on campus. On Tuesday nights, she and her friends would visit the dorms for social hour. Students would listen to music records and dance. One evening, Virginia and her eclectic group caught the eye of the dean.
“Dean Florence Richards tapped me on the shoulder. She said there was ‘no room for ballroom dancing.’ The girls were watched very carefully. Girls had to check in and out of the housing.”
Virginia graduated cum laude from the two-year junior high teaching course. In the 1929 "Wenonah" yearbook, the quote that appeared next to Virginia's photo read, "I want the moon, andI think I'll get it."
She put her knowledge to work as a teacher in Pipestone, Minn., before returning to school to finish her 4-year degree. In 1934, Virginia graduated from the University of Minnesota, again cum laude.
She then was married, moved to California, and sought further schooling.
In Monterey, Cal., she entered a librarian program at Monterey Peninsula Language School. The school was a military institution, which during World War II times, opened its doors to the public.
Virginia said she enjoyed several years of being a junior high school librarian during her education-focused career.
“The most interesting part was finding the right books for the right taste, and helping (students) doresearch that was the part that was the challenge,” she said.
Retiring from education in the 1950s, Virginia traveled with herhusband extensively to many foreign countries. She was in China in the late 1980s, near the time of the Tiananmen Square riots, but was lucky enough to have left before it broke out. Well into her 80s, she visited England forwhat she remembers to be at least the fourth time and toured the scenic countryside by foot.
Her favorite adventure stemmed from a convention she and herhusband visited in Switzerland. The couple sidetracked to Morocco with a group and saw the nation’s tribes anddesert markets.
Virginia's last major trip was to New York City to celebrate her 92nd birthday with family. Two Broadway plays anda visit to thefamous Algonquin Hotel were among the highlights of that journey.
At the age of 91, her California state driver'slicense was renewed for five more years, but she stopped driving at 93 to make life a little easier. She has made it so far without being in a car accident.
Virginia Soenke: Class of 1929
Virginia now lives outside San Francisco, in Danville, Calif., close to her daughter. For years she has continued her learning experiences through travel, Elderhostels, and museum trips with her daughter. She also stays in touch with other members of her extended family, which includes a nephew, Rich Kalbrener, a 1968 WSU graduate who was recently honored as one ofWSU's Outstanding Alumni.
Maintaining her health and keeping up with current events, she takes daily walks and reads the San Francisco Chronicle from front to back, not forgetting to complete the crossword puzzles. Also, always near her side is a novel. She watchesthe best seller list to help her with selections, but admits some books she has begun are not worth finishing. Currently, she is reading Fall on your Knees by Ann Marie McDonald.
Locally, she said the California governor, “our actor,” is particularly interesting to keep an eye on.
For the Love of Trees
Anyone who knows WSU Senior Groundskeeper Bill Meyer knows that he's happiest when he's working outdoors.
It seems Bill has tailored his life around the people and places he enjoys best. Whether it’s a sunny autumn evening in the Mississippi backwaters, beautifying the green spaces at WSU or taking his granddaughter, Abbey, on a guided botanical tour around his home outside Trempealeau, WI, just being outside is where Bill finds happiness.
"The best part of my job at Winona State is the time I spend outdoors, planning where trees should go on campus, then planting them, and keeping them healthy," Bill said. "I see the effects of my work everyday."
Throughout the many twists and turns of Bill's life, trees and plants have always held a central role, along with his love of family.
Bill grew up in St. Paul, MN, worked at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum while a student there, and after graduating in the early 1970s found himself working as a horticulturist on the Deer Lake estate of former governor Elmer Andersen, near St. Croix Falls, WI.
Having just graduated from college, "Working at the St. Croix Falls estate was an ideal introduction to horticulture," Bill said. "I had a greenhouse and worked with annuals, perennials and vegetables. I'd start plants in the green house, then bring them outside and plant them all over the grounds and around the pond. I even worked with water plants in the pond. On weekends, I'd occasionally go fishing with the former Governor."
During the years in St. Croix Falls, Bill and his wife, Joanne, whom he met while at the U of M, lived ina carriage house. He walked a lakeside path to work each day and then dabbled in every kindof horticulture including grafting, and propagating all types of plants. Eventually, that work led Bill and his wife to buy a small farm and start their own business. While totally
remodeling the farm house, the couple ran a U-pick strawberry business, and Bill worked at a local greenhouse and tree farm.
In the mid-1980s Bill worked for a lawn care company in the Twin Cities, consulting with homeowners about how to keep their lawns green, healthy and weed-free, and attending weekly seminars on turf care.
In 1987, Bill took a position as a groundskeeper at WSU and three years later was promoted to senior groundskeeper.
"When I came to Winona State, we had 15-16 species of trees on campus anda tree budget that allowed for 3-5 new trees a year." Bill said. "Right away, I wanted to expand the diversity of trees, partly for aesthetic reasons, but more importantly to protect the campus froma tree disease or insect problem that could wipe out all of a particular species."
Today, the Winona State campus boasts more than 80 species of trees.
Bill credits WSU president Darrell Krueger for his sense of vision for the 55 acres of campus grounds, and his supervisors for empowering him to make decisions regarding tree selection, placement, and care.
"One day while talking to Dr. Krueger, I wondered aloud why there were no trees along Huff Street, one of the main approaches to campus," Bill said. Within weeks, we were planting several trees along that campus border."
A couple years ago, Bill was proud to be involved in Dr. Krueger's "2001 Trees for 2001" in the city. Winona State University led the project to have thousands of new trees planted in the community to replace trees lost during a storm the previous year. Hundreds of trees were planted on campus, and along boulevards throughout the city. Hundreds more were given to homeowners to plant themselves.
Bill Meyer shareshis love of trees and plants withthis grand daughter, Abbey during a walk across the WSU campus.
"That project had excellent interaction between the university, the city, the technical college, and several civic groups,” Bill said. "The following spring, Dr. Krueger and I were happy to see a high survival rate among the new trees."
Bill shares credit for Winona State's campus beauty with his maintenance staff co-workers AmyWelch, Leon Bowman and Kevin Kimmel. "Trees are just a part of the total picture," Bill said. "There's also beautiful flowers, shrubs, plants, sidewalks, benches and fountains that make this campus so attractive.”
Each year a number of student workers also help the WSU staff take care of campus grounds.
"It gives me a kick to see the students come along in their understanding of trees," Bill said. "We playa little tree identification game with them while they work here. I hope they get some kind of a spark of love for trees and carry that with them after they graduate."
Over the years, as Bill was expanding the variety of trees on campus, he received input from some biology professors who suggested the campus contain more of the trees native to Minnesota.
Recently, while talking to Dr. Krueger anda local legislator, Bill casually commented that the campus was very close to having all species of trees native to Minnesota.
"I've learned you have to bea little careful with thatkind of comment," Bill said. "The president told me to get them all."
Bill has hand-drawn maps of where each tree is on campus, and uses these to plan future plantings or to keep track of trees that need extra care. Last year, he began planning a booklet that would more accurately record the location of trees on campus. "I got a little worried," Bill said, "whenI realized that a lot of the information about the trees was only in my head. My memory isn't what it used to be, so I wanted to get it down on paper."
The seed was planted and with the help of the WSU Publications Office, Bill set to work in creating the "Trees ofWSU" booklet with maps of all campus trees. Dr. Krueger liked the booklet so much, he's asked that it be expanded into book form with photographs and descriptions of many of the trees.
"It's really a treasure for this campus," Dr. Krueger said. "The book serves as a historical record of campus grounds, and can bea field guide for students interested in biology, botany and horticulture. Many of the trees on campus are donated by alumni, faculty, staff, and local community members. The book can serve to recognize those gifts, and hopefully encourage more."
Bill's love ofWinona State and trees continues through his family. His daughter, Naomi, graduated from WSU in 1996 and also works on campus at The National Child Protection Training Center. His son, Adrian, is a 2001 graduate ofWSU and is a police officer in La Crosse, Wis. Whenever he can, Bill spends time with his granddaughter, Abbey Rose (Naomi's daughter), walking and talking about trees and plants.
Old WSU Photographs or Memorabilia Anyone?
As Winona State prepares for its 150th anniversary year in 2008, plans call for a coffee-table book filled with pictures and memories from across the years. At the same time, the WSU Alumni Relations Office always enjoys receiving old WSU photographs, news clippings, and memorabilia.
Frequently, when alumni or relatives clean the attic, basement, garage or storage area, they come across interesting items and send them to us, rather than trash them. Of particular interest are photographs that alumni may have taken themselves while on campus.
WSU alumni or friends with items they are willing to donate to WSU, or perhaps loan long enough to scan and return, should contact the Alumni Relations Office by phone, 507-457-5027, by email, alumni@winona,edu,.or simply mail the items to: WSU Alumni Relations, 175 W. Mark Street, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987.
WSU Offers Campus-wide Support for Great River Shakespeare Festival
WSU faculty, students, and staff are actively involved in the Inaugural Season of the Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) in Winona. Their participation ranges from sitting on the Board of Directors, to theatrical internships and apprenticeships to volunteering at the GRSF offices.
All performances, Wednesday through Sunday, June 25-July 25, will take place at the WSU Performing Arts Center. The season includes “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Winter’s Tale” in repertory.
Other highlights to the Festival are the Front Porch Speaker Series events, which feature nationally known guest speakers and authors from around the country, and Preludes on the Lawn, showcasing top-notch Minnesota musicians on Friday and Saturday nights on the outdoor terrace prior to the show.
Winona State University is proud to be involved with this project that will offer wonderful partnership opportunities for the students, faculty and community members. That in turn will bring great promise for economic growth and revitalizationfor Winona’'s historic downtown region as the community becomes even more a major tourist destination.
Season tickets are on sale now. For more information, contact the Great River Shakespeare Festival, 79 E. Third St., Winona, 507-474-7900, or www.ersf.org.
CLASS NOTES
1900-69
Charles & Elizabeth (Belgum) Balcer, ’42 &’43 (Sioux Falls, SD) were honored by Augustana College in South Dakota with honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters at the 2003 commencement activities for their contributions to the college, to the community and to the church. Charles was president ofAugustana from 1965-80 and Distinguished Service Professor of Speech Communication from 1981-96.
Bernice (Eklund) Sucha, ’48 (Green Bay, WI) is still substitute teaching in Green Bay area schools and working as a volunteer at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. She has been married to William for 53 years.
1970-79
Darold Klindworth, ’73 (Australia) after more than 20 years in secondary education, is now working in agricultural research and extension. He would love to get some blasts from the past. His email address is
darold.klindworth@nre.vic.gov.au.
Deborah (Dahl) Lund, ’73 (Idaho Falls, ID) was named Special Education “Director of the Year” in October in Idaho.
Teresa (Bolland) Pearson, ’75 (Edina, MN) received a master’s in nursing from the University of Minnesota. She has devoted the last 15 years of her career to the field of diabetes where she has become known as an expert. She has published several articles in the area of diabetes and speaks frequently to other health care professionals on diabetes, population health, quality improvement and business planning. She has served for a number of years both locally and nationally with the American Association of Diabetes Educatorsand is currently the FirstVice President and will be President of the 13,000 member professional organization in 2005. Recently, she had the pleasure of beinghighlighted as a diabetes expert by USA Today newspaper and participated in an on-line chat with some other experts in the field.
1980-89
Russ & Kim (Anderson) Anderson, ’85 & ’87 (Lakeville, MN) Kim has advanced from stay-at-home mom to in-the-minivan mom, taking their two children to various activities. Russ is still a “computer geek” at Silicon Graphics Inc. and recently received a U.S. patent for “Partitioning a distributed shared memory multiprocessor computer to facilitate selective hardware maintenance.”
Michael Ericson, ’86 (Maplewood, MN) authored an article in the September 2003 edition ofPublic Management, the trade magazine of the International City/County Management Association. His article, "International Pilot Program Takes Off: The First Minnesota/Sweden Exchange Program for Managers" featured the shared experiences that city managers from Minnesota and Sweden learned from studying one another’s municipal governments.
Patrick Sheehy, ’86 (Rochester, MN) has been promoted to solutions manager for the Compliance line-of-business at Kingland Systems Corporation in Rochester. As solution manager, he has entrepreneurial responsibility, business, technical and personnel, for all of Kingland’s compliance offerings. He directs all product lifecycle activities, including marketing, strategy, budget, sales, productrelease content, resource allocation, development, deployment, and customer service. Patrick married Jeanne Busse in October 2003, in Fountain City, Wis.
1990-99
Peter Krall, 92 (Plymouth, MN) is product manager for U.S. Bank in St. Paul, Minn. He married Lisa Bodin in March of 2003. Lisa is a reading basic skills teacher at Excelsior Elementary in Excelsior, Minn.., and is a Ph.D. student at the University of Minnesota.
Jennifer (VonAllmen) White, ’93 (Lake City, MN) and her husband, Joe, have two boys: Charlie, 4, and Mason, 2. She works in artist relations at a fine art publishing company, WildWings. She says there are so
many things she learned atWSU that she uses everyday, especially how to balance work and fun! She wishes “Good luck to the women’s basketball team in 2004!”
Robin (Frisell) Ronayne, ’95 (Eagan, MN) married Andy in October 2001. She has been working for Best Buy’s Corporate Headquarters in the Consumer Loyalty Department for more than three years. She is the Senior Gift Card Planner, and her main focus is to provide the strategy and creative direction for Best Buy’s gift card program.
Mary (Kelly) Hetland, ’96 (Freeport, MN) is married to Paul and they have a threeyear old daughter, Katie. She is a stay-athome mom and a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.
Brian Hora, ’96 (Cary, IL) works for the Museum on the North Shore and is a cultural arts museum supervisor since May of 2000.
Jodi Schmidt, ’98 (Willmar, MN) is the Paralegal and Kandiyohi County Diversion Coordinator for the Kandiyohi County Attorney’s Office for the past four years. She has assisted on criminal cases including murder and major drug cases. She is active in the Minnesota Paralegal Association, Business and Professional Women and is on the Willmar Fest Board.
Erik Dahl, ’99 (Lake Zurich, IL) received his Juris Doctor degree in May 2003, from Northern Illinois University College of Law.
Troy & Tracy (Cook) Heinritz, ’99 &’01 (Palatine, IL) were married in October 2002, in Palatine. Troy works for CDW Corporation inVernon Hills, Ill., as a sales trainer and Tracy works for the Rolling Meadow Park District as a recreation supervisor in charge of Day Camp and the Teen Center.
2000-Present
Brian & Laura (Wittenberg) Baumgart, ’00 (St. Peter, MN) were married in April 2002. Laura is a copywriter for Bluesheet Marketing, a division ofTaylor Corporation. Brian has been teachinghigh school for the past three years. He is attending Minnesota State University-
Mankato as a teacher assistant and graduate student in the MFA Creative Writing program.
Kelly Clark, 00 (Henderson, NV) works for AlanWaxler Group in Las Vegas, Nev., as a special events coordinator.
Kelly Genrich, ’00 (Rochester, MN) works for Mayo Medical Center as an RN since June 2000.
Lindsay (Hylbak) Manternach, ’00 (Nekoosa, WI) married Mark in May of 2002. Proud parents of a baby girl, Madelyn Ashley, August 2003, Lindsay is working in marketing for Renaissance, a software company and Mark is a supervisor at Terrace Homes.
Cara (Morgan) Smith, ‘00/03 (Austin, MN) works for Gerard Treatment Programs.
Nicole Alexander, ’01 (Osceola, IA) is the manager of general accounting for Osceola Foods since June 2001.
Sara Babbitt, 02 (S. St. Paul, MN) is an accountant specialist for U.S. Bank in St. Paul.
Clint Beyer, 02 (Reedsburg, WI) is the assistant principal for the Reedsburg School District.
Brianne Bilyeu, ’02 (Rochester, MN) is a clinical technologist for Mayo Medical Center.
Becky Blaul, ’02 (Oshkosh, WI) is a consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Angela Boettger, ’02 (San Antonio, TX) is a 4th grade teacher for the Northside School District in San Antonio.
Tara (Knox) Bradford, ’02 (Kasson, MN) is a kindergarten teacher for the Triton Public Schools in Dodge Center, Minn.
William Bruegger, ’02 (Buffalo City, WD) is a buying manager for Brian’s Toys in Fountain City, Wis.
Allen Campbell, ’02 (Fountain City, WI) is a direct care professional for A.B.L.E. Inc.
Julee (Burt) Chapman, 02 (Mason, MI) is a severely cognitive impaired teacher for the Seiter Educational Center in Greenville, Mich.
Michelle Darst, ’02 (Eden Prairie, MN) is a 7th grade health teacherand coach for the ValleyView Middle School in Edina, Minn.
Thomas Fritz, 02 (Owatonna, MN) is an 8th grade earth science teacher for the Austin Public Schools in Austin, Minn.
Maula (Baker) Goines, ’02 (Brooklyn Park, MN) is a RN at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, Minn.
Heather Hartung, ’02 (Duluth, MN) is a program coordinator for the Rural Health Resource Center.
Ryan (Peter) Harvey, ’02 (Decorah, IA) is a financial representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Victoria Hale, ’02 (Rochester, MN) is the house coordinator for Hiawatha Homes, Inc. in Rochester.
Darric Honnold, ’02 (Lawrence, KS) is a strength and conditioning coach for the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Emily Hursh, ’02 (Forest Lake, MN) is self-employed as a decorative painter.
Kimberly Jacobson, ’02 (Plymouth, NC) is an elementary school teacher.
Tracy (Allen) Jenkins, ’02 (Rochester, MN) is an accounting staff member forWal-Mart.
Yanmei Jiang, ’02 (Whitefish Bay, WI) is working on a Ph.D. in English at the University ofWisconsin-Milwaukee.
Derek Johnson, ’02 (Stillwater, MN) is a grad student at the University of Minnesota.
Melissa Johnson, ’02 (Dayton, MN) is a pre-school teacher for KinderCare in Coon Rapids, Minn.
Michael Kahn, 02 (St. Charles, MN) is the president/CEO of Kahn Marketing in St. Charles.
Erik Langhoff, ’02 (Rochester, MN) is a community relations manager for Barnes& Noble Booksellers.
Erin McDonald, ’02 (San Antonio, TX) is a 5th grade teacher at Thornton Elementary School in San Antonio.
Nicholle Michels, ’02 (San Antonio, TX) is a kindergarten teacher for the Northside ISD in San Antonio.
Kathleen Mullen, ’02 (Sun Prairie, WI) is pursuing a Master's of Instruction degree at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Amy Nankivil, ’02 (Winona, MN) is a vice president in international marketing for Northland Organic Foods Corp. in St. Paul, Minn.
Michelle Nelson, ’02 (Byron, MN) is a substitute teacher for the Rochester Public Schools.
Patti Oestreich, ’02 (Bloomington, MN) is a benefits specialist in the Human Resources Department ofAnagram International, Inc. in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Kim Olson, ’02 (Goodview, MN) is a primary counselor for Home & Community Options inWinona.
Amanda (Halverson) Urness, ’02 (Dodge Center, MN) is a chemical health social worker for the Steele County Human Services in Owatonna, Minn.
ChrisYarolimek, ’02 (Onalaska, WI) is a sports editor/staffwriter for the Lake Elmo Echo in Lake Elmo, Minn.
JenniferAlexander, 03 (Eagan, MN) is a patient coordinator for MetroDental in Eagan.
Erin (Agar) Barstad, ’03 (Westby, WI) is a parent educator for Family Resources.
Andrew Bartlett, ’03 (Kansas City, MO) is a police academy entrant officer at the Kansas City Police Department.
Corinne (Behrens) Bauer, ’03 (Winona, MN) is a social worker for the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center in Winona.
Matthew Bibis, ’03 (Greendale, WI) works in outside sales for Fastenal in Kenosha, Wis.
Erin Boone, ’03 (New Hope, MN) is a member activities instructor for Lifetime Fitness in Plymouth, Minn.
Billie Jo Braatz, 03 (Lake Nebagomon, WI) is a graduate student in physical therapy at the University ofWisconsinLa Crosse.
Michelle (Burkard) Brunk, ’03 (Reading, MN) is a DCD teacher in the Luverne, Minn., Public Schools.
Tabatha Breyer, ’03 (Charlotte, NC) is a teacher at Winding Springs Elementary in Charlotte.
Cassie Burrows, ’03 (Eau Claire, WI) is a social worker for Dove Healthcare in Eau Claire.
Roxanne Camel, ’03 (Katy, TX) works for Bussey Elementary School.
Christina Clawson, ’03 (Bloomington, MN) is a media specialist for Media Relations, Inc. in Burnsville, Minn.
Crystal Cogger, 03 (Eden Prairie, MN) is an office assistant at the University of Minnesota.
Jessie Condon, ’03 (New Haven, CT) is a RN at the Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven.
Regan Conlan, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a RN at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Crystal (Irelan) Davis, 03 (Rochester, MN) is a business teacher at JCC High School in Jackson, Minn.
Terri Davis, ’03 (Elgin, MN) is a graduate student in psychology at St. Mary's University of Minnesota.
Krista Dreckman, ’03 (Lindstrom, MN) is a teacher for the Sylvan Learning Center in Coon Rapids, Minn.
Ann (Frein) Dunlap, ’03 (Austin, MN) is a paralegal at Baudler Law.
Shari (Sharlein) Eversman, ’03 (Plainview, MN) is a nursing education specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Sara Fellows, ’03 (Forest Lake, MN) is a graduate student in physical therapy at the University ofWisconsin-La Crosse.
Beckie Flies, ’03 (Plainview, MN) is a nurse at Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, Minn.
Bridget Frette, 03 (Fairmont, MN) is a graduate student at the Illinois College of Optometry.
Susan (Olness) Frosch, ’03 (Winona, MN) is a RN at Winona Memorial Community Hospital and is working on a master’s degree in nursing at Winona State University.
Leah Gagnon, ’03 (Two Rivers, WI) is an athletic trainer at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Erin Gerace, 03 (Elmhurst, IL) is a conference coordinator for ARAMARK.
Lynn Grabarczyk, ’03 (New Berlin, WI) is a corporate paralegal for Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP in Milwaukee, Wis.
Tamara Groham, ’03 (Winona, MN) is an assistant detention deputy at the Winona County Jail.
Andrew Gregory, 03 (Mazeppa, MN) is pursuing a master’s of science degree in biology at Central Michigan University.
Shanaka Gunawardena, ’03 (Winona, MN) is a clinical lab technologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Kimberly Heimerl, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a recreation assistant director of Possibilities in Rochester.
Angela Herrmann, ’03 (Wauwatosa, WI) is a graduate student at Marquette University in biomedical engineering in Milwaukee, Wis.
Angela Johnson, ’03 (Eagan, MN) is a RN at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.
Joshua Kannegieter, ’03 (Waterloo, IA) is pursuing a law degree from the University of Iowa.
Kim Kerber, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a nurse at the Mayo Clinic.
Malinda (Lenort) Kuecher), 03 (Bloomington, MN) is a cardiac rehab specialist/exercise physiologist at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, Minn.
Jennifer Larkin, ’03 (La Crosse, WI) is a sports administrator at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Tara Larson, ’03 (Sparta, WI) is a special education teacher at Tomah, Wis., High School.
Kathleen Laudermith, ’03 (Schiller Park, IL) is a nurse at West Suburban College of Nursing in Oak Park, Ill.
Janean (Blabaum) Levetzow, ’03 (Dodgeville, WI) is a RN at the University of Wisconsin Hospital.
Michaela McGree, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a data analyst at the Mayo Clinic.
Dana McKinney, ’03 (New Berlin, WI) is a RN at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis.
Scott Meier, ’03 (Winona, MN) is head of sales/marketing for Severson Oil.
Justin Mills, 03 (Rochester, MN) is in sales/leasing at Tom Kadlec Honda.
Steve Moechnig, ’03 (Madison, AL) is an engineer at Toray CFA in Decatur, AL.
Heidi Moll, 03 (Mankato, MN) is a RN at Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato.
Jill Murphy, ’03 (Austin, MN) is a substitute teacher in the Austin School District.
Mark Nagle, ’03 (Onalaska, WI) is a bankruptcy analyst at Wells Fargo Financial Acceptance in Bloomington, Minn.
Alana Nelson, ’03 (Fridley, MN) works for Emerson Marketing in Bloomington, Minn.
Michael Newman, ’03 (Dayton, OH) is a composite materials engineer at NCC in Dayton.
Kimberly O’Donnell, 03 (Dresser, WI) is a marketing assistant/public relations coordinator for Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Madison, Wis.
Karen Olsen, ’03 (Eau Claire, WI) is a RN at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
Charlotte O'Reilly, 03 (RedWing, MN) is a RN at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Renae (Faust) Otto, ’03 (Cannon Falls, MN) is a teacher at the Gingerbread Corner Daycare and Preschool.
Julie Page, ’03 (Pine Island, MN) is a RN at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minn.
Andrea (Lovig) Peterson, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a RN at the Mayo Clinic.
Matthew Petersen, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a RN at the Mayo Clinic.
Nicole Peterson, ’03 (Elkhorn, WI) is a graduate student in the School of Pharmacy at the University ofWisconsin-Madison.
Tanya Probasco, ’03 (Winona ,MN) is a nurse at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in La Crosse, Wis.
Laura Putzer, ’03 (La Crosse, WI) is a copy editor for the La Crosse Tribune.
EmilyQuammen, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a nurse at the Mayo Clinic.
Natasha Rademacher, ’03 (Rochester, MN) is a youth counselor for Olmsted County.
Lisa Ricke, 03 (Savage, MN) is a production office assistant at Preslicka Studio.
Sarah Robinson, ’03 (Hastings, MN) is a RN at Children’s Hospital.
Bryan Roettger, ’03 (Stillwater, MN) is in sales for Gourmet Award Foods.
Justin Rzutkiewicz, 03 (Eagan, MN) works forWells Fargo.
Laura Sather, 03 (Rochester, MN) is a RN for St. Mary’s Hospital.
Erik Schuenke, ’03 (Lake Bluff, IL) is attending Finch University/Chicago Medical School in the Doctorate PhysicalTherapy program.
Sarah Schreifels, ’03 (Oakdale, MN) is a consultant for Jenny Craig in Roseville, Minn.
Jennifer Simon, ’03 (Shoreview, MN) is in sales support for Gourmet Award Foods.
Beth Ann Smith, ’03 (Hugo, MN) is a RN at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.
Danielle Swanson, ’03 (Hastings, MN) is a teacher at Children’s CountryDay School.
Tania Taplin, ’03 (N. St. Paul, MN) is an assistant manager at Gingiss FormalWear in Maplewood, Minn.
Melissa Teff, 03 (Iron Mountain, MI) is a healthcare representative at Pfizer, Inc.
William Theisen, ’03 (Plainview, MN) works at Winona Middle School inWinona, Minn.
Michelle Toufar, ’03 (Spencer, WI) is a cardiac rehabilitation specialist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis.
KaraWintz, ’03 (Round Lake, MN) is a RN at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Clarence Currier, Warrior Hall of Famer
‘T'll be wearing my letterjacket and hat on Saturday during the game.
Clarence and his wife, Ivalene (who passed away in 2002), opened their home to many Winona State students over the years and recruited many students to attend WSU, including several from his home town of Mantorville, Minn., and surrounding areas.
A tireless worker, Currier contributed much to WSU andthe community including churches, Community Memorial Hospital, the Watkins Foundation, Watkins Home and the YMCA.
In 1993, Clarence and Ivalene moved to Pittsburgh, Ks., to be near their son, Craig, who is a 1957 graduate ofWSU. At a reception for the Curriers as they prepared to move from Winona in 1993, a crowd ofWSU administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and even a few current students packed Bub's Brewing Company in downtown Winona for an evening of celebration, reminiscing, anda few tears.
Upper right: Clarence and President Krueger in 2002. Middle: Clarence at the2003 Warrior Sports Auction. Lower left: Clarence in the 1960s.
Clarence C. Currier, a longtime supporter ofWSU Warrior Athletics, died Nov. 24 in Pittsburgh, Kan., at age 93.
Clarence was the consummate booster of both Winona State and its athletic program. His friendship with the University dates back to 1953 when he arranged the first journey by air for one of the WSU athletic teams while he was an official at the corporate headquarters of J.R. Watkins Company inWinona.
A graduate of the Winona Business College, Clarence worked at Watkins Co. from 1931 to 1968 where he became general sales manager and vice president. In 1968, he came to work at Winona State and served as personnel director and assistant to the vice president of administrative affairs before retiring in $975.
Over the years, Clarence's loyalty to Winona State became ever stronger, and his assistance to the university grew exponentially. He was a member of the WSU Cagers Club. He served as Winona State's representative to the Community Chest of Winona. Clarence was instrumental in the founding of the Winona State UniversityAthletic Hall of Fame and until very recently he continued to play a prominent role in thenomination and selection of Hall of Fame candidates each year.
Clarence served as president of the Winona State Foundation and wasa central figure as that organization grew and rospered, offering significant scholarship support to countless WSU students.
While living in Kansas, Clarence never lost touch with WSU and "his" Warriors. He kept up to date with Warrior athletics through newspapers, letters and phone calls, and frequently came back to campus for homecoming, alumni reunions, or just to watch a football game.
For his many contributions to the university, Clarence received the Winona State University Alumni Society's Distinguished Service Award in 1991. He was named the WSU Homecoming Heritage Award winner in 1997 and served as Grand Marshal of the homecoming parade that year. In 2002, Clarence was inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Clarence was proud of the tremendous success the Warrior football team enjoyed the past several years. When his health wouldn't allow him to travel, he listened to Warrior games via an internet connection. Family members said he had looked forward to returning to Winona to attend the NCAA Division II Midwest Region playoff game Nov. 22 as the Warriors hosted Emporia State University of Kansas at Maxwell Field. A few days before the game, he received a package from WSU that included a WSU football cap and a football autographed by all the members of this year's championship team. Earlier, he had received a WSU letter jacket that he wore proudly on game days.
As he opened the gift, Clarence said, "This is the greatest honor I've ever received I'll be wearing my letter jacket and hat on Saturday during the game."
The Warriors won that game and advanced into the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Clarence passed away the following Monday.
His son and daughter in law, Craig and Anita, wrote later, "He was so proud of the Warriors Thank you so much for everything everyone did for him. He loved Winona State."
Nina (Leighty) Hauglum ’23 (Minnetonka, MN)
Martha Steele ’25/43 (Houston, MN) received a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1953. She taught in rural schools for five years; in New Ulm, Minn., for one year andWinona for 41 years. She also taught accounting and English at the Winona Secretarial School for two years. She was a member of the Gamma Tau chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society in education at Winona State. She was a 50-plus-year member of the Winona Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving as president, treasurer and on many committees. Martha was a member of the Houston Forget-Me-Not Garden Club and the American LegionAuxilliary. She was an honorary member of the Minnesota State PT.A.
Victoria (Potter) Servas ’27 (Sidney, MT)
Lylah (Nash) Campbell ’29 (Houston, MN)
Catherine (Chase) Ernst ’29 (Minnetonka, MN)
Louise (Schleicher) Rollins ’29 (Hayfield, MN)
Agnes Lueck ’31 (Princeton, MN)
Edna (Brezinski) May ’32 (St. Paul, MN) was employed by Frontier Airlines in Phoenix, Ariz., for 20 years. She taught on an Indian reservation in Grand Portage, Minn., was assistant to the dean of the law school at the University of Minnesota and a senior columnist and great advocate for seniors’ rights. She enjoyed travel and reading.
Dorothy (McNulty) Jackman ’33 (Inver Grove Heights, MN)
Millicent (Yates) Johnson ’33 (Harmony, MN) taught at Rockne School in the Harmony area from 1933 to 1935. She attended the Twin Cities Business College in 1936 and served as a private secretary for the Minneapolis Nurses Association for two years. She married Howard in 1938. They owned OurOwn Hardware in Harmony for 35 years, retiring in 1971. She was a longtime member of the Harmony Golf Course. She was also an active member of the Photozetean Book Cluband a member of the American LegionAuxiliary. She was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and served as a Cub Scout den mother for many years. Millicent wrote much of “Let’s Have Harmony,” the centennial history of Harmony. She loved sports and was an avid follower of the Minnesota Twins.
IN MEMORIAM
Millicent Polley 34 (San Diego, CA) joined the Navy in 1943 and retired after 22 years as a lieutenant commander. She taught in the Long Beach school system until she retired. She was an avid golfer, traveler and photographer, visiting more than 80 countries.
Eleanor (Bauer) Wutschke ’34 (St. Paul, MN)
Ruth (Hardt) Mariner ’36 (Sequim, WA)
Mildred (Amley) McCown ‘36/69 (Shawnee, KS) married Luther McCown who was a health and physical education faculty member at Winona State from 1942-1971. WSU's McCown Gymnasium is named for Luther, and both he and Mildred shared a great sense ofloyalty to WSU. Mildred taught for many years in theWinona Public School System. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, the National Education Association and the Minnesota Education Association. She received the Winona State UniversityDistinguished Service Award in 1993.
Margaret (Brightman) Burleigh ’41 (Litchfield, MN) married Arden in 1941. She was a music teacher and organist.
Everett Einhorn ’41 (Lindenhurst, IL)
Adeline Cowen ’43 (Lanesboro, MN) taught at Benson, Kenyon, Mazeppa and Austin, Minn., elementary schools from 1938 to 1952. She then moved to California and was employed by the Howard Hughes Corp. in Los Angeles. In 1965, she joined the TRW Corp., Redondo Beach, Calif., to assist Dr. Fred Scarf in the engineering and design of the first Voyager spacecraft. She retired from TRW in 1984.
Francis “Fritz” Hatfield ’46 (Mankato, MN) met Evelyn Anderson at Winona State Teacher's College and they married in 1943. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, 98th Infantry Division. He was stationed on the island of Kauai in Hawaii where he, as part of the 369th Field Artillery Unit, prepared for the invasion ofJapan. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as First Lieutenant. Fritz also earned a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. He joined the faculty at Minnesota State University-Mankato (MSU) in 1952. Prior to MSU, he taught mathematics at Bemidji State University and Blackburn College in Carlinville, Ill. During his tenure at MSU, he chaired the Mathematics
Department for eight years, served as an advisor to the MSUWesley Foundation and assisted in the International Students’ Programs, here and abroad. He retired in 1987 and was named Emeriti Faculty. In 1992 Fritz and Evelyn were honored by MSU for their “outstanding unselfish effort to promote Mankato State University to the people of the Greater Mankato Area.” He was a member of the Mankato Kiwanis Club, a volunteer for the Salvation Army, and an assistant scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He was an avid reader, was a member of the Mankato Great Books Club and the Ecumenical Book Club. They also shared an enthusiasm for travel, enjoying trips to Spain, England, China, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Hawaii and Alaska.
Don Bolkcom ’49 (Bloomington, MN) Colene (Elton) Rice 49 (Caledonia, MN) taught elementary school in Caledoniaand Rochester, Minn., and completed her bachelor's degree in education at the University of Minnesota. She married Donald in 1955. They purchased and ran the Rice Pharmacy for more than 40 years. She loved to read and enjoyed studying recipe booksand financial news. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Alice (Mathison) Clabaugh ‘53/62 (Dodge Center, MN)
Adrian “Chief”Vondrashek ’53 (Winona, MN) married Irene Kleinschmidt in 1976. He was a member and past commander of Winona Legion Post No. 9 in 1998, member of the Winona Athletic Club and life member of Winona Elks Lodge No. 327. He worked for 30 years throughout the state of Minnesota for the Department of Jobs and Training, retiring in 1990. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy.
Darlene (Fort) Anderson ’54 (Crosby, MN) Robert Hartle (Austin, MN), a friend and benefactor to WSU, died on Jan. 22. His wife, Phyllis (Sanden) ‘56, was a teacher for many years. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, he worked for the USDA, and then for Hormel Foods in Austin until hisretirement in 1983. He was a University of Minnesota graduate and member of the Delta Tau Fraternity. He and Phyllis strongly believed in the value of higher education and were long-time supporters ofWSU.
Class of‘56 Christens Memorial Bench This past October, a number ofWinona State classmates from the Class of 1956 visited cam-
pus to "christen" a bench that they had donated in memory of two other classmates.
The bench was named in honor of Nannette (Flom) Remold and Luray "Terry" (Beck) Pietsch, and is prominentlyplaced in front of the main entrance to Memorial Hall.
The bench was purchased by Barbara (Gaddis) Patrick, Bette (Anderson) Ladd, Darlyne (Bearson) Whitman, Elizabeth (Grass) Schmidt, Jean (Thomforde) Brungardt, and Nancy (Gynild) O'Reilly.
Warren Carlund, ’60 (Richmond, CA)
Sara Sue (Gappa) Kluzik, ’63 (Winona, MN) taught at Rollingstone, Minn., for many years. She married Chester in 1979 and they had three children and two grandchildren.
Regis Lowe ’66 (La Crosse, WI)
Kenneth Klotz ’67 (Abilene, TX)
Charles “Chuck” Connors ’68 (Hobart, IN) worked for 31 years in the banking industry and retired in 2000. For over 20 years, he was dedicated to volunteering as a basketball and baseballcoach for local youth and was district
administrator for Indian District One, Little League Baseball. He was married to Mary for 35 years.
Frances (Richards) Lynch ’71 (Chatfield, MN)
Nicholas Majerus ’71 (St. Clair Shores, MI) served in the U.S. Army from 1968-70, serving inVietnam. Following discharge, he was employed by the United States Food and Drug Administration until his retirement in 2001. He married Sharon “Sherry” Gaydos in 1976 in Detroit, Mich.
Judith (Anderson) Benson ’72 (Alma, WI) was an elementary teacher for 37 years, including the last 30 years at the Alma Area School. She retired in 1993.
Almira Hazama ’78 (Rochester, MN)
CraigWittrock ’79 (St. Cloud, MN)
Brian Huling ’80 (Jackson, TN) graduated fromWilliamMitchell School of Law and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina. He was a professor for Lane College in Jackson.
Dean Jokela 99 (Goodview, MN) received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan Tech University. He married Darla Lahti in 1973 and they moved to Chicago where for eight years he worked at Shure Bros. Microphones. They moved to Winona where he was employed at TRW for 20 years as a senior qualityengineer. He enjoyed bowling, softball, darts and especiallyplaying in his work golfleague. He was an avid sports fan and particularly liked the San Francisco 49ers and the Giants, but knew he was a Vikings fan at heart.
Jean (Carlson) Meyer ’01 (Winona, MN) marriedMark in 1981. They moved to Winona from Eagan, Minn., in 1991. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University ofWisconsin-La Crosse in 2002. She was active in the Women’s Resource Center, did volunteer work at Madison Elementary School and was a member of the National Association of School Psychologists.
Knatterud, WSU Foundation Trustee
Gerald E. Knatterud, '54, died Aug. 8, 2003, at the age of 75 at his home in Winona. He
was born May 1, 1928, in Spring Grove, Minn. After attending school in Spring Grove and Chatfield, Minn., he graduated from Winona High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S.
to California and taught for 16 years at Lemoore High School. He earned a master of science degree from Cal State in Fullerton, Calif.
After retirement, he taught part-time at what now is Minnesota State University-Mankato in Mankato, Minn.
A loyal Winona State alumnus his whole life, several years ago Gerald began serving on the board of trustees for the Winona State University Foundation. He regularly attended many functions at Winona State, including Navy, serving in Hawaii for two years.
In 1951, he graduated from the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities where he was active in the ROTC program with a major in political science. He then served as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Germany. In 1954, he graduated from Winona State with a bachelor of science degree in English.
Gerald taught in Lake City, Minn., Chisolm, Minn., St. Paul, Minn., and Port Washington, Wis. He then moved
alumni reunions and homecoming. He had a tremendous interest in the quality and value to students of the Winona State University Library. He was a frequent visitor to the new WSU Library since it opened in 1999, and especially enjoyed the many art collections on display throughout the building.
Memorial gifts for Gerald are preferred to the Winona State University Foundation's Library Fund and may be sent in care of the WSU UniversityAdvancement Office, PO. Box 5838, Winona, MN 55987.
Jim & Nancy Reynolds
“Reaching
When Jim Reynolds, '67, and Nancy (Turner) Reynolds, '66/'70, arrived at Winona State in the early 1960s, both wanted to become teachers and were inspired by their parents’ belief in the value of education. Jim was the first in his family to attend college and came to Winona from his home in Minneapolis. Nancy, a 1962 graduate of ChosenValley High School in Chatfield, Minn., was already familiar with Winona State. Her mother, Marian Turner, received a teaching certificate here in 1934, then went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees as well.
Nancy graduated in 1966 and began her career teaching kindergarten at Chelsea Heights Elementary School in St. Paul. Jim finished at Winona State in 1967. With professor Larry Connell's encouragement, Jim went on to earn a master's in sociology from the University of North Dakota (UND).
The year 1969 was a momentous one for the couple. Jim finished at UND, they were married, and they decided to return to Winona where Jim began teaching sociology at WSU and Nancy worked on her master's degree in elementary education. When she was offered a position teaching for Winona Public Schools in 1970, it became clear thatWinona would be their permanent home.
Nancy taught kindergarten through fourth grade and Title 1 at three Winona schools until her 2000 retirement. She was also an adjunct faculty member of
takes resources”
WSU and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She went on to earn a master's degree in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1995. Jim retires from WSU this spring from his position as a professor of sociology. Since joining the faculty in 1969, Jim has been actively involved with WSU campus life, serving on various committees
within the IFO and university faculty Jim and Nancy Reynolds groups. He served as chairperson for the sociology department and as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Jim and Nancy have witnessed and generously contributed to the positive changes made at Winona State and they continue to show their support of the university's constant progress.
"Since the 1980s, Dr. Krueger has put an emphasis on creating an academic environment conducive to teaching and learning," Jim said. "The changes made have really inspired us to be part of the effort to make this fine old institution even betterthan it already is."
To show their support, Jim and Nancy worked with the University Advancement Office to determine several options for gift giving. Through the years, their gifts have benefited the Sociology Department andthe Library Endowment Fund. They also established the James R. & Nancy M. Reynolds Scholarship Fund and the Sociology Bachelor ofArts Endowed
Scholarship Fund for sociology majors. Finally, their donations of artwork, plaques and a sculpture base have benefited the cultural atmosphere on campus.
In 2000, Jim and Nancy were inducted to the WSU Cornerstone Society. The honor roll salutes benefactors who have made cumulative gifts of $20,000 or more to the WSU Foundation.
Both Jim and Nancy feel that investing in today's students is an investment in society's future. Their contributions to WSU area reflection of their strong commitment to education and their love of learning.
"Winona State has always been one of those institutions whichfirst generation college students look toward for the chance to reach their dreams," Jim said.
"Reaching dreams takes resources. We each stand on the shoulders of those who precede us. Helping students achieve their dreams is our way of preserving the legacy of one generation helping the next go further."
This fall, noted theologian and college professor Marcus J. Borg will be a guest speaker at the WSU-Rochester Center as part of the Carol Ann Wallace Distinguished Lectureship in Human Values.
Borg, a professor in the Department of Philosophy at Oregon State University, and one of the leading historical Jesus scholars of this generation, will speak at a WSURochester Center lecture on Nov. 5, and then will lead a two-day lecture program at Rochester's Christ United Methodist Church.
Borg is also a noted author and book editor, having published more than a dozen books including the best-sellers MeetingJesus Againfor the First Time (1994), and Reading the BibleAgainfor the First Time (2001). His latest book is The Heart ofChristianity: Rediscovering a Life ofFaith (2003).
The program is part of a series that began in the mid-1980s, through the vision and commitment of Carol Ann Wallace who earned both bachelor's and master's degrees at Winona State.
Carol Ann's interest in education has been life-long as her great-grandfather, Dr. David AlexanderWallace, was the founder and first president of Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill.
The inaugural program of the series occurred in 1986 in conjunction with the grand opening ofWSU's Rochester
Center building. That event featured Daniel Maguire, a Marquette University theology professor, who spoke on technological advances in medicine and their impact on moral judgments regarding life and death.
Since then, the series has hosted or co-sponsored a number of events including a lecture by Ralph Nader and a presentation in 2001 by John Shelby Spong, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Last year, the series presenteda lecture by noted Minnesota author Carol Bly.
According to Carol Ann, the lecture series was created to enhance the education of students at the WSURochester Center and the Rochester community through lectures dealing with a wide range of topics related to human values. The lectureship is administered by the Rochester Community andTechnical College Visiting Scholars Committee under the direction of RCTC Development Director Judy Bird.
Judy King, who has worked with English as a Second Language students in the Rochester school system for ten years said the lectureship program opens the community to new ideas and different ways of looking at theology. "The lectureship enables the community to push beyond traditional boundaries," King said, "and we are all enriched by this gift."
Marie Maher, a former WSU faculty member and current development director for the University of Minnesota in Rochester, said the lectureship has meant a great deal to her personally and professionally. "The opportunity to interact with great thinkers of today provides a chance to grow and stretch," Maher said. "The ‘life-long learning’ desire of Carol supports this concept for our whole community."
Bruce Buller, a Methodist minister, has served on the Visiting Scholars Committee with Carol and is appreciative of her efforts. He cites "The excellence with which she invites speakers, the warmth of spirit in which she gives hospitality, the integrity of intellect in which she invites inquiry and challenges thoughtful consideration, and the confidence with which she seeks to build community" as evidence of Carol's "continued investment for the good of all."
Funded through an endowment program created by Carol Ann through the Winona State University Foundation, the lectureship program has received financial support for a number of area organizations. Additional contributions to the program are welcome to help fund future lecture opportunities. Information is available from Wayne Wicka, WSU Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, 507-457-2772.
GRAND EXCURSION
Winona State Sponsors Mississippi River Grand Excursion
Winona State University is one of the major sponsors of Grand Excursion 2004, an event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the original 1854 Grand Excursion, celebrating America's first railroad connection to the Mississippi.
The original event hosted more than 1,200 dignitaries, politicians, journalists, business leaders and artists, including the 13th United States President, Millard Fillmore. The journey began on rail from Chicago to Rock Island, Ill., then by steamboat up river from Rock Island to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, with stops in riverfront communities along the way.
Grand Excursion 2004 retraces this historic adventure with special events, festivals, parades and programs showcasing riverfront improvements, pathways and tourist attractions in participating communities in a fourstate initiative (Illinois, lowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota).
Between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors are expected in Winona during the two-day visit of the flotilla, June 30 and July 1. The Mississippi Queen and Celebration Belle riverboats will dock in Winona June 30 and offer river excursion opportunities for local people as well as those riding along for the flotilla's journey.
WSU plans a number of events in conjunction with GE '04, including greetings from WSU's international students, music, and campus tours.
WSU President Darrell Krueger is pleased the university is a part of Grand Excursion ‘04, especially in light of Winona State's central role in the early development of this region.
Winona community leaders began planning an institution of higher learning in the 1850s. When Minnesota becamea state in 1858, one of its first actions was to establish the first teacher training institution west of the Mississippi in Winona; Winona Normal School grew into Winona State University.
"We're proud of our heritage," Krueger said, "and the legacy of leadership present in this institution from its very beginning. We're also proud to partner with the Winona community to celebrate the beauty andvalue of the Mississippi River. It's in keeping with our mission to be a community of learners dedicated to improving our world."
Specific dates and times for GE '04 events, as well as tickets for flotilla and river excursions, are available through the website: www.grandexcursion.com
Alumni Reunion 2004
Mark your calendar and make plans to be in Winona, Minnesota, June 18th & 19th for Winona State University’s Alumni Reunion 04. We extend an invitation to all Winona State alumni to join the celebration and will have special opportunities for the anniversary classes ending in 4 and 9 to reconnect with their fellow classmates. We also plan to recognize the 40th (1964), 50th (1954), and 60th (1944) anniversary classes.
Reunion 2004 is your opportunity to connect with old friends and make some new ones. Send in your registration, call your friends and askthem to join you, and then make your plans for a fun-filled weekend in Winona. The office of Alumni Relations and your Alma Mater lookforward to welcoming you.
Steamboat Days 2004
Once again Winona State University has planned our Alumni Reunion to coincide with the City of Winona’s Steamboat Days Festival.
Each summer forthe past 57 years the Winona Community has honored its river heritage by celebrating Steamboat Days. This year’s festival will include a carnival, car show, water ski show, softball tournaments, and lumberjack shows, along with a beverage tent with live entertainment. You may want to stay through Sunday and take in the spectacular grand parade and the outstanding display of fireworks over the Mississippi River. For more information and a detailedschedule of Steamboat Days events, please visit:
www.winonasteamboatdays.com
Schedule of Events for Alumni Weekend 2004
Friday, June 18
3:00 p.m.
Gazebo Dedication
Through the generosity of the Winona State College graduating classes of 1954, 1958 and 1959 the center of the WSU main campus is now graced with our newest campus landmark, theAlumni Gazebo. Named in honor of all graduates that call WSU home, this structure is a tribute to the relationship between Alumni and their alma mater. It has been erected to recognize the loyalty and commitment of Winona State alumni. Join the celebration and enjoy live music and refreshments following the dedication.
Friday, June 18
5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
Reunion Weekend Registration
Registration for Reunion Weekend activities will be held in the Student ActivityCenter located in the lower level of Kryzsko Commons. Be sure to stop by and pick up your registration materials including a complete list of special offerings, Campus Bookstore coupons and door prize registration and nametags. University Advancement staff and members of the Alumni Board of Directors will be on hand to welcome you back and to answer your questions. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and conversation with your fellow alumni as you reminisce about your days as a student at Winona State.
Friday, June 18
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Alumni Dinner
TheAlumni Social is a wonderful opportunity for representatives of your Alma Mater to welcome you and your fellow alumnihome to Winona State University. This gathering also provides a special opportunity for recognition of the 40th (Class of 1963), 50th (Class of 1953), and60th (Class of 1943), anniversary classes. Seating by decade provides additional opportunities for WSU alumni and friends to connect. This gathering is - gure to be a time of celebration as you reacquaint yourself with the classmates that you knew during your days as a student and make new connections with other alumni.
$ 18.00 per person
Friday, June 18
8:30 p.m.- 12:30 a.m.
Alumni Gathering at the Beverage Tent
Working collaboratively with the Winona Steamboat Days Committee, the WSU Alumni Office has made arrangements for a special Winona State Alumni section to be located in the Beverage Tent. Look for the WSU Alumni Banner and make your way over. The music of Union Station will fill the air and good times are sure to be had by all who attend. The Beverage tent will be located at the foot of Walnut Street; just look for the WSU Alumni Banner in the East Lot Tent.
Saturday, June 19 -
7:00 a.m.
Steamboat Stumble 5K Walk/Run
Sponsored by the WSU Alumni Society
Come enjoy the fresh morning air, beautiful Lake Winona scenery and the opportunity forexercise and camaraderie. Walk or run your way aroundthe East Lake Winona bike path, to the finish line of this 5K race. Winona State University representatives will be there to cheer you on.
We are proud of our alumni; and because we want everyone to know that you are a part of the WSU Community of Learners, you will receive a special Winona State bandana to wear during the race. Pick up your bandana and a commemorative race tee shirt when you check in at registration on race day. Be sure to indicate your shirt size preference when you pre-register for the reunion.
Race registration will be held at LakePark Lodge (East Lake Winona) and prizes will be awarded following the race. Please feel free to invite guests to join you for this event.
Saturday, June 19
8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
The Winona State University Alumni Board of Directors cordially invites you to breakfast at theAlumni House. Please feel free to bring a guest and enjoy a continental breakfast while renewing old friendships and sharing memories of your student days at Winona State. The Alumni House is located at 227 West Wabasha (7th) Street one block east of Huff Street.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Alumni Reunion Golf Outing
Call your friends and set up a foursome, or we will be happy to include you in one that we arrange. Make your plans to spend the morning playing a challenging roundof golf in the shadow of Sugar Loaf at the Winona Country Club. Established in 1920, the front nine holes were designed and built by Scottish golf professional Ben Knight. During the 1960s the inspired work of Robert Trent Jones made possible the expansion of the course to its present eighteen holes. The Pleasant Valley Creek flows through the course touching twelve of the eighteen holes. The Mississippi Riverbluffs and the many elevation changes throughout the course make Winona Country Cluba visually interesting and technically challenging course. You're sure to enjoy the challenge.
The Alumni Relations Office has reserved a block of tee times from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon. Groups of four will tee off every eight minutes and may golf either nine or eighteen holes. Individual registration fees of $28.00 for nine holes and $45.00 for eighteen holes of golf will include the green fees and use of a golf cart. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place finishes.
The Winona Country Club is located on County Road 17. For directions, call the Golf Shop (507) 452-3535.
Saturday, June 19
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Alumni Reunion SelfGuided Campus Tours
New buildings and campus beautification projects have dramatically changed the landscape of Winona State University. Campus maps will be available at the front entrance of Minné Hall to aide you in a self guided tour of the grounds. Plan to spend some time reacquainting yourself with this outstanding facility.
Educational Seminars
Saturday, June 19
10:00 a.m.
“Aging Well / Nun Sense”
Phyllis Gaspar
Back by popular demand, Dr. Phyllis Gaspar, RN and professor of Nursing in the WSU Master’s Program will expand the discussion she began at the 2003 Alumni Reunion. “Aging Well” was one of our most popular seminars. It focused on the changes that take place as people age. This year Dr. Gaspar has expanded her presentation to include Nun Studies and has appropriately titled her presentation “Nun Sense.” Using information derived from the studies, Dr. Gaspar will offer suggestions on how to minimize the negative impact of aging, while maximizing the abilityto remain active and enjoy life to the fullest.
Purple Room 106, Kryzsko Commons
Saturday, June 19
10:00 a.m.
Overcoming the Fear Factor: Shakespear for the Rest of Us GRSF Directors, Designers and staff
If you find it hard to imagine skipping out of work early (much to your boss in theblacksmith shop's dismay) to watch Much Ado or Hamlet, you haven't experienced Shakespeare the way it was meant to be performed. Come explore Shakespeare and the new Great River Shakespeare festival in a user-friendly workshop. This is Shakespeare asa full contact sport (and we promise not to embarrass you in front of the class).
Purple Room 104, Kryzsko Commons
Saturday, June 19
11:00 a.m.
“The Authors of WSU”
Jim Armstrong
Winona State University’s English Department is home to many talented and award-winning authors who have published novels, poetry, plays, and works of non-fiction. This seminar focuses on the creative writing process. Assistant professors and authors, James Armstrong and Elizabeth Oness will draw on their personal experience| and expertise to bring light to the writing experience. Copies of many of the published works of WSU authors will be available for sale.
Purple Room 104, Kryzsko Commons
Saturday, June 19
11:00 a.m.
“Brian’s Toys”
Brian Semling
In 2001 Brian Semling, 00 was named one of Winona State Universities Distinguished Young Alumni. Brian owns and operatesa thriving business in his hometown of Fountain City, Wisconsin called Brian’s Toys. The enterprise specializes in vintage and new Star Wars toys along with other collectibles such as Gl Joes and Transformers. Brian’s personal collection of these prized collectables is expansive. As a special treat, he has agreed to display and discuss some of the unique and interesting examples he has obtained over the years. Whether you are toy collector, or simply interested in what that Star Wars toy you sold years ago at a garage sale is now worth, you will find this offering fun and informative. For more information on Brian’s Toys, visit his Website at www.brianstoys.com.
Purple Room 105, Kryzsko Commons
Saturday, June 19
12:00 noon
Family Picnic
In 2003 we began a Reunion tradition! The Reunion Family Picnic has all the potential needed to become the jewel of Reunion Weekend 2004. We are making plans to have a giant inflatable play area and kids games for your children and grandchildren’s’ entertainment. While they run, jump and play, you can visit with old classmates and new friends. Be sure to come with an appetite because picnic fair will abound. The setting will be complete with the musical performance of the Irish Minstrels.
$ 8.00 per adult and $3.00 for children 12 and under or $20.00 per family
As a special feature of this year’s Reunion, we have -made arrangements with the Great River Shakespeare Festival to present a sampling from their premiere season. Join Festival directors, apprentices, and designers to get a
taste of what's in store for Winona. Don't forget to return to Winona June 25 —July 25, 2004 so that you can enjoy the _full season of plays and programs including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Winter's Tale.” For more information on the Great River Shakespeare Festival, go to www.grsf.org or call 507-474-7900.
These events will be held on the green space in the center of campus.
Reunions within the Reunion
Saturday, June 19
1:30 p.m.
Following the picnic, several constituent groups will gather independently to reconnect with alumni from their programs, which will afford opportunities to share the latest news about the dynamic changes at WSU.
College of Business Reunion
All alumni that graduated with a major or minor from the WSU College of Business are invited to join College faculty and staff for a gathering in your honor. This Reunion will be held in the main tent in the center of - campus.
College of Education Reunion
The College of Education is home to alumnae from every graduating class in the history of this fine old institution. Join a gathering of educators who began their journey to the classroom and beyond at Winona State. This Reunion will be held in Gildemeister 225.
Class of ’84 Nursing Reunion
Help celebrate the twentieth anniversary of this class by touring Winona State’s new thirty-million dollar science building and Stark Hall. Nursing faculty will be on hand to : os ag
show you what’s new at WSU. Meet at the east entrance of Gildemeister Hall. We will proceed from there to Stark Hall then on to the new science building.
Student Senate Reunion
All Winona State Student Senators, past and present, are invited to come together and enjoy this unique opportunity to reacquaint and share ideas with one another. You worked together as students, you represented your fellow students, now find out where life and education has taken everyone. This Reunion will be held in the Student Union Patio area with tours of the new Student Senate offices.
Reunion of WSU Alumni that work at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic employs over 700 WSU graduates. If you work at Mayo Clinic and graduated from Winona State, you may work side-by-side with fellow alumni. Come join the fun at this gathering and learn who they are! This Reunion will be held in the tent located nearest to Kryzsko Commons.
Reception
Saturday, June 19
3:00 p.m.
Class of ’84 Nursing Reception
Twenty years ago the 1984 Nursing Class graduated from Winona State University. Over the years this group has remained in contact with one another. To celebrate their commitment to their classmates and their loyalty to their alma mater, we have made arrangements for a reception in their honor. If you are a member of this group, plan to attendthe ’84 Nursing Reception in, Purple Rooms, Kryzsko Commons to share memories and conversation. Hors d’ oeuvres will be provided.
Saturday, June 19
6:00 p.m.
Social Hour and Recognition Banquet
Gather with other alumni and friends of WSU in the East Hall of Kryzsko Commons. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. Immediately after dinner we will celebrate the naming, of the 2004 Awards of Distinction winners.
Each year the Winona State University Alumni Society recognizes outstanding individuals for their commitment to WSU and their exceptionalpersonal and professional accomplishments, by presenting Awards of Distinction. As in previous years, Darrell W. Krueger, President of Winona State University, and James Schmidt, VicePresident for University Advancement, will be on hand to present the Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Young Alumni and Distinguished Service awards. Please join us as we recognize the 2004 recipients.
Sunday, June 20
1:30 p.m.
Grand Parade
The Steamboat Days Grand Parade is arguably the highlight of Winona’s Steamboat Days festival. With one outstanding entry afteranother you will want to claim your space on Broadway between Mankato and Main to see every colorful, festive and exciting moment. Our very own Winona State Alumni Float and Cheer Team took third place in the2003 parade competition. We’re hoping to top that this year!! Come help cheer us on.
Winona Accommodations for WSU Alumni. Reunion Weekend
Because the two events will happen on the same weekend, accommodations in town are likely to fill up fast. For those of you interested in reliving your dorm/residence hall experience, the WSUAlumni Relations Office has made arrangements for oncampus housing during Alumni Reunion Weekend. Contact Tracy Ferber-Rahim in the Housing & Residence Life Office at 507-4743700 to reserve your accommodations. Mention the Alumni Reunion when making your reservation.
WSU has made arrangements for a discount rate on a block of rooms at the Riverport Inn and Suites, and at the Quality Inn, ‘both located at the intersection of Highway 61 and 43. Mention the Winona State Reunion to receive the discount rate: Riverport Inn, 507-452-0606; Quality Inn, 507-454-4390.
Other accommodations may be available at:
Americinn, 60 Riverview Dr. (507) 457-0249
Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, 420 Main Days Inn, Hwy 14&W 61 (507) 454-6930
El Rancho Motel, 1429 Gilmore (507) 454-5920
Holiday Inn, Junction of Hwys 43 & 61 (507) 453-0303
Midwestern Motel, 7110 Martina Rd/Hwy 61 (507) 452-9136
Nichols Inn & Suites, 1025 Sugar Loaf (507) 454-6066
Sterling Motel, 1450 Gilmore (507) 454-1120
Sugar Loaf Motel, 1066 Homer Rd (507) 452-1491
Sundown Motel, Hwy 61 (507) 452-7376
Windom Park Bed & Breakfast, 369 W Broadway (507) 457-9515 (507) 452-8256
For your convenience, the WSU Bookstore will be open Saturday, June 19th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Located in the lower level of Kryzsko Commons, the Bookstore features an extensive selection of Winona State logo items. To help our alumni show their WSU pride, a special 15% discount will be available on any WSU imprinted items during Reunion Weekend. To receive your discount, simply mention “Warrior Pride” when you check out.
General Registration
Join us for any or all oftheReunion Weekend events.
Friday, June 18
Alumni Social/Dinner ($18.00/person) No.
Saturday, June 19
Steamboat Stumble 5K Walk/Run ($14.00/person includes commemorative shirt)
Recognition Reception and Banquet ($25/person) No.
(Please indicate your preference Beef Fish )
Class Year (if WSU Grad.)
Please complete this registration card along with the additional Golf Outing and/or 5K Walk/Run registration card and return them with your check, made payable to the WSU Foundation, by June 5, 2004. Mail to: Alumni Relations, Winona State University, P.O. Box 5838, Winona, MN 55987. For additional information please call (800) 242-8978 Ext. 5027 or email kzeiher@winona.edu.
Additional Registration Information for the Alumni Golf Outing
Name WSU Class Year
Please indicate your preference of tee time:9-10 a.m. 10-11 a.m. 11-12 noon
If you wish to play with a particular group, please list the players below, or if you prefer, we will set up a foursome for you.
Name WSU Class Year
Name WSU Class Year
Name WSU Class Year
Please include thisform with your General Registration and payment.
Additional Registration Information for the 5K Walk/Run
Name Address Street City Daytime Phone
Please circle T-Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
In consideration of the acceptance of my entry, |, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound for myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do hereby release any and all sponsors of this race, their representatives, successors, and assigns, the City of Winona and their members, the Steamboat Days Association, the Goodview Activity Group and Big Brother, Big Sisters of Greater Winona, and volunteers from any and all liability arising from illness or injuries | may suffer as a result of my participation in this race. attest and verify that | am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for the competition of this race. also understand that although police protection is provided, there may be traffic on the course route. assume the risk of running in traffic. have read the foregoing and certify my agreement by my signature below.
Signature Signature
Participant
Parent or guardian if under 18
Please include this form with your General Registration and payment.
