Winona Currents: A publication of Winona State University

C

Spring 2005

urrents winona state university magazine

President Darrell Krueger and his wife, Nancy: A look at 16 years of WSU leadership

Spring 2005 Volume 3, Issue 1

Winona Currents is published by Winona State University's Division of University Advancement and is distributed to more than 40,000 alumni and friends of Winona State University.

Currents is copyrighted material. Articles may be reprinted with permission. Comments on this publication should be directed by mail to WSU-University Advancement, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987; by email: Currents@winona.edu.

Address changes and Class Notes should be directed by mail to the Alumni Relations office, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987-5838; by email: alumni@winona.edu.

POSTMASTER: If undeliverable as addressed, please send Form 3579 to Alumni Relations, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987-5838.

Winona State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

This document can be made available in an alternative format to individuals with disabilities by contacting the magazine staff at the address above.

Winona State University is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

Cover and page 27 photograph by Rich Hultman

C O N T E N T S

4

STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD First-year students express what makes WSU a distinctive institution.

19

DEDICATED TO OUR STUDENTS’ EDUCATION The new $30 million Science Laboratory Center enhances teaching and learning.

16 KRUEGER RETIRES

President Krueger leaves a legacy at Winona State University.

34

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Professor Richard Jarvinen brings his experience with NASA into the classroom.

Tsunami Relief Effort . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Hands-on Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Leadership Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 New River Studies Program . . . . . . . . . . 16 Harlon Hill Trophy Nominee . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Professor Emeritus Joe Emanuel . . . . . . 54

From the Crowd Standing Out from the Crowd

One of the core values of Winona State University is to be distinctive. WSU

is able to stand out from the crowd through many different programs and opportunities offered to its students. We wanted to find out from the students themselves how successful we've been.

Here, five noteworthy first-year college students explain what made WSU distinctive to them as they decided where to attend college. All had plenty to say about how well we've treated them so far.

Alisia Nelson Alisia Nelson

Alisia Nelson From: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Thinking About: Exercise Science

I took my first Tae Bo and Pilates classes in gym my junior

year in high school. I loved it! My interest in leading a healthy

lifestyle continued to grow. I took up weight training and my parents bought me my own weight sets.

When I was touring college campuses, the fitness center at

WSU caught my attention. I also learned about the specialized aerobics classes and intramural sports offered on campus.

When I discovered WSU is building a new fitness center, which will offer much more space and many more opportunities for healthy living, I knew I made the right choice to come to Winona State.

I've enjoyed the kickboxing classes and the weight training

facility. These activities have allowed me to meet many new people who share my same interests. I also plan to join intramural volleyball.

I haven't decided on a major yet, but my interest in physical

health has me considering Exercise Science as an option.

My nutrition professor majored in Exercise Science. I look

forward to talking with her about my career options in this field of study. It's exciting to me that I can turn my passion into a possible career, but I'm still keeping my options open.

4 Spring 2005

Nathan Strandel Nathan Strandel

Nathan Strandell From: Pine Island, Minnesota Thinking About: English/Writing

In high school, Winona State University was a familiar name. A few of my teachers were recent WSU

graduates, not to mention my mom, dad and grandmother all received master's degrees from this university.

Since my hometown is just one hour from Winona State, and being close to home is important to me, I

decided to visit the campus. The green space on campus caught my eye immediately. I love that the

university sits between the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River and the bluffs. The admissions counselors were so friendly and made such a good impression on me that I knew WSU was the perfect option.

The adjustment to campus life has been easy. The first few weeks of school, as I headed back to my

residence hall, I'd tell my friends that I was going to my room. Now, I call Lourdes Hall my home, which to me has been an interesting transition in just a few short weeks.

Courses at WSU are, at times, challenging. However, classes I used to dread attending, like English, are now

courses that never seem long enough. My professor has made English 111 so enjoyable that I'm thinking about majoring in a field that is focused on writing.

Winona Currents 5

Nikki Olson Nikki Olson Nikki Olson From: Stevens Point, Wisconsin Thinking About: Biology

Running track has always been a part

of my life. My dad has coached both

track and cross country for 26 years, my mom and three siblings are all runners,

and I've been on the track team since my freshman year in high school. I knew

when I came to college I'd want to be on the track team.

While in high school, my best friend

told me about Winona State. I was

interested because I liked the idea of

going to college away from home. I also liked the size of the city, the beautiful

campus and the benefits of having my own computer as part of WSU's laptop program.

After learning about the university, I

went online and filled out a recruitment

form to be on the track team. Today, I'm a long jumper and a short distance sprinter for WSU.

My experience on a college-level track

team has already helped me learn how to manage my time and be more

organized; skills which will be helpful in my career as a pediatric doctor. I'm

currently a pre-med biology major at

WSU. I have always enjoyed working with children, which is why I've chosen to focus on pediatrics when I attend medical school.

6 Spring 2005

Vikki Cheung

Vikki Cheung

Vikki Cheung From: Tenafly, New Jersey Thinking About: English I first got to know Winona State

University during a visit while I was in

fifth grade. My parents both graduated from WSU, and I wanted to see where they went to college. It was the first

university campus I had ever been on and it stuck in my mind.

The Winona area is very different from

where I grew up, in Tenafly, New Jersey.

I'm used to a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle, and I was looking for a change. In

Winona, both on campus and in the

community, people are friendly and

welcoming, and make me feel at home.

It made the adjustment to a new community much easier.

I live at the Residential College in

Lourdes Hall. I take a short shuttle ride to the main campus for my classes--it's so convenient. I enjoy this style of

residence hall life because it makes me

feel like my studies and my personal life are two separate but related entities.

Although, many people live on main campus and enjoy that as well.

I'm planning to major in English. I've

loved the subject since my sophomore year in high school. I don't have a

definite career in mind yet, but I'm

looking into journalism and possibly speech writing.

Winona Currents 7

Kyle Miller Kyle Miller Kyle Miller From: Waseca, Minnesota Thinking About: Sociology I started playing the French horn in seventh

grade. In high school, our marching band was really good and very hardcore, requiring lots of practice and music lessons. I decided, before I came to

Winona State, I was going to take a break from music and focus on school.

A friend of mine from high school tried out for a

music scholarship at WSU the summer before we

started college, and I went along for moral support.

During the audition, my friend introduced me to

the Director of Bands at WSU, Donald Lovejoy. Guess what? I'm playing the French horn in both the

symphonic band and the wind ensemble. I'm happy with my decision, because the people are great. My friend also got her music scholarship.

I'm planning to major in sociology, because I'd

like to be a high school guidance counselor. I loved everything about high school, from the small class

sizes to the ability to get to know the students and teachers—which is one of the reasons I came to Winona State.

As a professional, my goal is to help create the

wonderful experience I had in high school for other students. I really want to make a difference in people's lives.

Relief Effort In response to the December 2004 tsunami tragedy in southern Asia, the Winona State University community reached out to help support the hundreds of thousands of victims.

In January, WSU hosted a public forum discussing the impact of the tsunami. WSU faculty members demonstrated what caused the deadly earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and WSU international students, who had family in the affected countries, shared their family's emotional stories about the experience of living through the tsunami disaster.

WSU also teamed up with the city of Winona to help raise money for the victims.

Winona State raised more than $4,500 for UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders. WSU students, faculty and staff also made private gifts through other off-campus organizations.

The university community also held a school supply relief collection. Hundreds of items were collected, including notebooks, pencils and art supplies.

Approximately one-third of WSU's international students are natives of the countries hit by the tsunami.

Winona Currents 9

Learning Isn’t a Spectators’ Sport

10 Spring 2005

Fastenal Manufacturing Division: Jon Hengel, Earl Murty, Stephen J. Kosidowski, Dr. Mary Gander, Jamie Thompson, Dan Conrad, Jim Jilk and Henry Rollinger, Jr. Tim Borkowski, division manager and Steve Kosidowski, production manager, give presentations for WSU Operations Management classes and give educational plant tours to WSU students. Fastenal employs many WSU students as interns, student workers and university graduates.

At Winona State University, the focus

has served as the director for several

their own improvements and solutions,

of the institution is on the student. Each

grant projects involving partnerships

solving many of the frustrating

day, WSU faculty members help educate

with regional businesses over the past

problems which were underlying causes

and enlighten thousands of students.

14 years.

of much of their conflict.

This is achieved through the Seven

Gander has always valued the

"You can imagine how much the

Principles for Good Practice in

importance of experiential learning, and

student learned and grew," said Gander,

Undergraduate Education. One of those

has welcomed opportunities for her

"and how much more her studies meant

principles of good practice encourages

students to take part in this style of

to her after this experience."

active learning.

education. In addition to involving WSU

Upon completion of a project such as

students in grant projects, area

this, the students do a presentation for

treat their learning experience as a

businesses or organizations contact

the company on their findings. This

spectators’ sport. Professor of

Gander at least once or twice a semester

type of hands-on experience helps the

Management in the Department of

asking for consulting help on a

students apply what they've learned in

Business Administration, Mary Gander,

particular issue or project.

the classroom and get an understanding

Winona State advises students not to

is one of the many examples of WSU

"The university has a lot of resources,

of how the professional world operates.

"The organizations give them a good

faculty who reinforce this type of

including our students, that can often fit

learning. She says finding a good

with the needs that a business might

dose of reality," said Gander. "They give

balance between academics and

have," said Gander. "So it's a matter of

them an opportunity to see things

applied learning helps students make

finding out what their needs are, seeing

they're learning in their classes, to apply

better use of their education.

if our resources can fit into their needs,

things they're learning in class, and to

and then making the match for a win-

see both sides, the theory and research

win outcome."

and the day-to-day business realities."

"They need a good well-rounded education," said Gander. "We're not training for a job here. We're educating

This is where her students get the

This type of partnership is what

people to be professionals. There has to

hands-on experience they need. Gander

Gander enjoys so much about her

be a balance."

matches a student, or a team of

career at Winona State University.

students, she thinks will be a good fit

Gander feels the human resources in

learn all they need to know in the

with an organization. For example, a

southeastern Minnesota are the highest

classroom. They need opportunities to

particular organization had a conflict

quality in the world, which makes her

apply what they're learning to situations

among three office employees resulting

work gratifying. But there are other

which occur in the professional world.

in customer dissatisfaction and chronic

rewards to these partnerships.

"The teaching that goes on in the

disruption. The manager tried sending

"It's always the people and the

classroom comes alive and has a lot

the employees to communication and

regional economy," said Gander.

more meaning to them," said Gander,

interpersonal relations seminars and to

"keeping this area healthy economically

"when they have real experience to

customer service training. The manager

and the companies as viable

relate it to."

even tried using his authority by

competitors in a changing economy. But

threatening the employees with formal

it's mostly the people."

Gander recognizes students cannot

Gander has been a faculty member at WSU since 1986. She came to Winona State after being recruited by a former

consequences if they didn't cooperate.

Finally, the manager contacted

After 18 years of working at Winona State University, Gander says WSU's

Gander who assigned a student to the

good reputation with the community is

project. Under Gander's supervision,

what keeps organizations returning for

interesting, diversified manufacturing

the student coached the employees

help. This type of partnership will

here that really interested me," said

using the knowledge and skills she

continue to provide a service to the

Gander.

learned in her WSU classes. The

community and to WSU students.

dean of the College of Business.

"I knew there was a lot of very

While at Winona State, Gander served

employees were put into an

"Part of my role as a faculty member

as the interim dean for the College of

improvement team to study their own

at Winona State is to provide

Business from 1988 to 1990. Currently,

work processes, office layout and jobs.

community service." said Gander. "I

she teaches Organizational Dynamics

Through the guidance of the WSU

take that very seriously, and I know a lot

and Behavior and several different

student and the support of their

of other faculty do, too."

operations management courses. She

manager, the employees came up with Winona Currents 11

The Trip to the Front of the Class

By Sanjeev Misra ‘02

The walk to the office every day draws a smile to the face of Dr. Frank Rocco, chair of the WSU Department of Special Education. A long time teacher of teachers, Rocco's occupation is one he calls "outrageously wonderful."

Rocco said fantastic opportunities for higher education exist at this level for instructors and students alike.

Because professors are able to continue to grow professionally through education, they are able to truly become masters in their field and serve as an invaluable resource to their students.

"Knowledge from personal experience and first-hand expertise is shared far beyond what can be found in textbooks alone," Rocco said. "The ability to profess one's own point of view is a privilege earned at the university level."

Rocco said he augments his research-based teaching with experiences from his own struggles and successes and aims for his students to be fully prepared for their first Monday in front of their own classrooms. He said his coursework is a filter for "what is high in the sky and what works."

A Winona State professor since 1972, Rocco has enjoyed the growth of his own knowledge in the field of education. He has studied near and far from home, completing postdoctoral work in educational psychology at the University of Minnesota and in biomedical ethics at the Gregorian University in Rome.

He and his wife, Joyce, another WSU professor, have visited professors at the University of Hawaii, and universities in the People’s Republic 12 Spring 2005

of China and American Samoa.

Frank Rocco's focus at WSU has been helping build the knowledge base and the career visions of young teachers. He has been the senior author of several state approved SPED teacher training programs over the years, each with an emphasis on practical curriculum.

The man who has invested the better part of his career developing Winona State's special education department now takes time to reflect on the years that have brought him to this point.

Frank’s father, Antonio Rocco, came to the U.S. from the southern part of Italy in 1921 as an indentured servant working in the Detroit auto plants and mines of the Ford Motor Company. He left his pregnant wife and unborn son overseas to start a new life for them in America. Ford helped him with housing and education, as he supported his family back home. Seven years after leaving Italy, Antonio was finally able to bring his wife and son, Dominic, across the Atlantic Ocean to their new home.

Frank Rocco was raised in a mainly immigrant community on the north side of Pittsburgh, Penn., and said he spoke Italian before he spoke English. Rocco, his three brothers and one sister grew up from modest roots.

Frank Rocco attended Oliver High School near his home. During senior year, he studied electric shop, wood shop, metal shop, print shop, physical education, and English.

One and one half years out of high school and a full time employee at the neighborhood supermarket, Rocco crossed paths with his high school English instructor, Mrs.

Bleisner, who said to him: "You're a smart boy, Frank. You could be a very good teacher."

Bleisner encouraged him to look into teaching programs at Clarion State Teacher's College, in Clarion, Penn. The open enrollment policy at the school for teachers gave Rocco the opportunity he sought.

His earlier plans of joining the military to be followed by trade work had now been refocused on education.

"Teachers and clergymen were the only professions we saw," Rocco said.

In order to exchange the blue collar for the white, he said, the only avenues open to him were to become a teacher or to enter the clergy. His father’s advice on the decision: "Good, Frank. You can go to work when it rains, sit down when you want to, and when you’re sick, they’ll pay you."

In the mail came school requirements for living needs, including some supplies Rocco didn’t have: sheets, pillowcases, pajamas, and suitcases. Without his knowing, Frank's sister-in-law, Delores, set out to collect the essentials for him. She initiated a gathering of store stamps, S & H Green Stamps, from neighbors.

To his surprise, young Rocco set off to school in the fall of 1958 holding two brand-new, brown suitcases packed with the required materials.

"Many who gave the stamps were waving," he said. "This was a great sacrifice for them to make. These were stamps that could've been used for themselves."

After one semester at college, Rocco found himself in a bind. The

teacher in helping grow the vision of the kind of instructor he wanted to become.

"They are both outstanding people. Mrs. Bleisner is of the same cut as Still. Both are from the best traditions of higher education," Rocco said.

"They both had high standards, and they both felt responsible for achieving them in their students; also the mark of great teachers."

Subsequent outstanding academic performance at Clarion State helped Rocco earn a masters degree fellowship to study peripatology at Boston College.

"I didn’t really know what I was going to school for until I got there," he said. "I knew it was some form of special education dealing with the blind."

Rocco had entered in a government-funded study in "orientation and mobility of the blind." He said there were promising opportunities in the field as it was just being established and there was a growing need for specialists.

Boston College was Professor Frank Rocco and his wife, Joyce, the second institution in the country to offer such sailing on Lake Winona. courses, and Rocco was in transition was difficult, his grades were the second class to study in its off track and he was on academic peripatology program. The practicum probation. courses were taught by the program’s "I was desperately serious," Rocco first-year graduates, themselves taught said. "I could not go back to my by war veterans. neighborhood after they had helped Included in the class work were me get there. I was their hope, as I was lessons in "sightless travel." Students the only one from my neighborhood were blindfolded and given walking who went to college. I couldn't afford canes. After considerable training, they to fail." were to navigate through Boston to a Redeeming himself through hard designated location using only work, Rocco earned the class scores he environmental cues and no assistance needed and also discovered a role from an accompanying university model. trainer.

Rocco said his college English Working his way down the sidewalk teacher, Dr. Dana Still, continued the one afternoon, Rocco tapped cane tips role played by his high school English with another blindfolded classmate. He

and the young lady politely excused themselves, moved aside, and continued on. Rocco's trainer, Bill Goodman, said to him of the student, "Wow, you should see that one, Rock!"

Later, in a class meeting, Goodman pointed out to Rocco the woman he had bumped into that afternoon. For the first time, Rocco laid eyes on the woman who would become his wife, Joyce White.

After Rocco and White earned their master’s degrees at Boston College, they were married on Dec. 14, 1963, in Joyce's hometown, Lincoln, Neb. After several years of teaching, the Roccos moved on to Michigan State University in Lansing, Mich. As a fellowship student, Frank pursued his doctorate in special education with disciplines in severe-profound mental retardation, emotional disturbance, and learning disabilities.

In 1969, at age 29, Rocco had earned his Ph.D. degree in special education and child development.

Before coming to Winona State in 1972, Rocco had experience at the kindergarten, elementary and secondary education levels, and was superintendent of the Iowa School for the Blind.

The Roccos began their family in Iowa with the adoption of their first daughter from Korea, Kristin. Their family continued to grow in Winona with the adoption of Tegen and Paige.

Kristin and Tegen are now teachers and Paige is a nurse.

On his life in special education, Rocco said, "I have been blessed with really wonderful students and great colleagues. In this field, you find yourself surrounded by great people with great hearts. It turned out to be a really wonderful thing. If I could go back and do it again, I would."

Now in phased retirement, Rocco spends his newfound personal time writing both prose and music, nursing his backyard vegetable garden, and enjoying leisurely afternoons gliding Lake Winona with Joyce in their white sailboat.

Rocco looks forward to completing a book, a musical for high schools, teaching around the world, and watching his daughters raise their own families.

Winona Currents 13

WSU: Developing Leaders in Our Community and Yours

related to a variety of disciplines.

Additionally, the Leadership Institute is working with WSU Summer Youth Conferences to develop leadership programming options for these types of conferences in a variety of formats.

One example of the leadership program for business and industry is the partnership between WSU and Merchants Bank. Together the organizations host the annual Economic Summit, which focuses on

Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski assists students during the High School Model Legistlature Program hosted annually by WSU’s Leadership Institute.

Winona State University offers a

The Leadership Institute was

economic concerns that face the Winona community, the region and the state.

Winona State also partners with

distinctive learning environment for a

formalized four years ago. Ann

the United Way through the leadership

broad range of students, beginning in

MacDonald, WSU Leadership Institute

program for non-profit organizations.

elementary school and reaching those

director, said the mission of the

The groups concentrate on grant

who are retired. The WSU Leadership

program is based on the very

writing, fundraising, board member

Institute is one program which

principles which have made Winona

recruitment and development and

facilitates this style of learning by

State a great institution.

volunteer management.

responding to the needs of the region.

“Our mission is to offer leadership

The Principle-Centered Leadership

WSU’s Associate Vice President of

learning opportunities that will build

Programs are offered to public and

Academic Affairs, Christine Barajas,

character and competence,” said

private sectors around the state in

said the Leadership Institute has

MacDonald, “to individuals in business

partnership with other Minnesota State

committed itself to provide

and industry and the public sector in

Colleges and Universities.

collaboration and diverse

our region.”

opportunities throughout the Winona State campus and into the community.

The Leadership Institute offers a

The program which allows the Leadership Institute their greatest

variety of programs including

impact on the future is the Leadership

leadership workshops for business,

Institute for High School Students. The

University for our Leadership Institute

industry, government and non-profit

intense, week-long, residential

is to provide leadership learning

organizations; Principle-Centered

program for high school leaders is

opportunities for our constituents:

Leadership Programs based on

based on the best-selling book 7 Habits

WSU students, personnel, high school

materials from FranklinCovey and

of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.

students and community members,”

internationally known author Stephen

said Barajas. “Beyond that, it is to

Covey; and the Leadership Institute for

had 140 students from 46 high schools

position Winona State among the

High School Students. It is in the

in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin

nation’s best in leadership

process of expanding its offerings to

attend,” said MacDonald, “and the

development opportunities.”

include workshops and certificate

feedback we have collected from

programs on leadership issues as

parents and school administrators

“The vision of Winona State

14 Spring 2005

“Over the past four years, we have

shows these students have become even better leaders.”

“Having a conferencing facility,”

Together, the Tau Center and the

said Ivanyo, “helps fulfill Winona State’s

Leadership Institute are working

outreach portion of its mission in

towards building and improving

expand its programs to draw upon the

providing a venue for the exchange of

Winona State University’s already

unique expertise of Winona State’s

knowledge between the community

successful leadership programs.

colleges and individual faculty

and the university.”

The Leadership Institute plans to

members. MacDonald said this will

“The vision for both of these

Throughout the past year, the Tau

programs,” said MacDonald, “is to

allow the Leadership Institute to build

Center has undergone many

support the outreach efforts for the

on WSU’s history as a leader in

renovations from cosmetic changes,

university constituents.”

education and leadership

including new carpeting, furniture and

development.

artwork, to logistical changes, such as

“With these types of leadership

upgrading the electrical system and

programs, not only do people come to

renovating the kitchen to support

us,” said MacDonald, “but we go to

catering in the facility. Those

them and customize programs for their

improvements have enhanced the

specific needs.”

facility and made Tau Center a

As the Leadership Institute program continues to work with learners throughout the community, WSU continues to expand its means to

“Having a conferencing facility helps fulfill Winona State’s outreach portion of its mission in providing a venue for the exchange of knowledge between the community and the university.” — Peg Ivanyo

serve that

desirable place to hold a conference. The results of an increase in conferences will have a direct impact on the students.

“The Tau Center focuses on the desire for the university to

community by offering more

expand its conference operation with

opportunities for conferences

the hope that it will increase funds for

throughout the year.

student scholarships,” said Barajas. “It

Peg Ivanyo is a consultant working

will also be used as a tool to strengthen

with WSU to help increase Winona

relationships with external

State’s outreach efforts. The plan to

organizations and, through that, it will

increase the partnership between

build the image of Winona State.”

Winona State and the community was

The goal of the Continuing

enhanced with the purchase of the Tau

Education and Conference Services

Center from the St. Teresa Campus in

unit, who will be supporting programs

2003. During the 2003-2004 school

in the Tau Center, is to facilitate a

year, the Tau Center was used as a

conference from beginning to end. The

residence hall. However, beginning in

Tau Center provides services ranging

September of 2004, the Tau Center

from audio-visual support to

became a dual-use facility, serving as a

coordinating food and lodging.

residence hall for students and a

“We offer complete conference

conference center to host conferences,

support services from needs

seminars, and workshops, as well as

assessment,” said Ivanyo, “through the

receptions, banquets and small

facilitation of the conference to the

meetings.

final evaluation of the program.”

For more information on the Tau Center, call 507-474-3900.

A+ Performance

Winona State University’s Leadership Institute for High School Students received an award for outstanding programming.

The leadership institute was given the Creative Program Award, for a noncredit program, by the University Continuing Education Association’s (UCEA) Mid-America 2004 Celebration of Excellence Program.

Ann MacDonald, WSU Leadership Institute director, said she’s very proud of the impact the program has made on high school students.

“It is rewarding to see just how much the students learn and grow in just one week,” said MacDonald. “I also enjoy watching them develop lasting friendships. Some of the students still remain in contact with each other by organizing their own mini-reunions, which shows the deep connection they formed during the program.”

There were many criteria to qualify for the award, including making a significant or ongoing contribution to the field of continuing education, successfully meeting the program’s objectives, and achieving the desired results of the program.

UCEA Executive Director, Kay Kohl, said this award “truly showcases a very unique and creative contribution to the field of continuing education in the heartland of the country.”

The Leadership Institute for High School Students began in 2000 as a one-week program for students who are active in leadership roles in their school and/or community. It is also for students who want to develop the self-confidence and communication skills needed for leadership positions.

Winona Currents 15

Mississippi River Promises Mighty Education Imagine floating down the Mississippi River on a steamboat reading Mark Twain as you wait for your river water sample to settle so you can begin a biology experiment.

During your travels, the steamboat may stop for you to

fifth course which

capture a picturesque scene of the bluffs on film. Before you

would require a

leave, you’re able to study the history of the earth in the bluff

student to analyze

rock.

how each of these

This type of interdisciplinary education was presented to

subjects are related.

a group of top students from several Winona area high

The interdisciplinary

schools during Winona State University’s River Excursion in

course will fulfill

October 2004. The excursion provided a way for WSU faculty

university studies

to tell potential students about the proposed new

courses required by

interdisciplinary river studies program the university plans

WSU. Drake

to begin in Fall 2005, coinciding with the roll-out of WSU’s

Hokanson, assistant

Winona Experience plan.

professor in mass

Students from Plainview, Houston, St. Charles and

communication and

Caledonia, Minn., schools traveled aboard the Julia Belle

co-organizer of the

Swain steamboat as they listened to a group of WSU

interdisciplinary

professors explain how the different aspects of the Mississippi River can be applied to several disciplines. Heidi Allen, a senior at St. Charles High School, said it was a good experience to ride on the river and hear about a new way to learn.

“I hadn’t been on a field trip since eighth grade,” said

Mike Swenson views a river sampleduring the river excursion.

"The generous donors who provide gifts for Winona State program, said this are helping ensure that our style of learning is beneficial for students. institution fulfills its mission “Students realize to improve our world."

—Swenson that the world is interdisciplinary. Why shouldn’t education also be

Allen. “So, this was a fun learning experience away from

interdisciplinary,” said Hokanson. “When students have the

school.”

opportunity to see these things as a whole, rather than as

The WSU River Excursion program was made possible through a generous donation from an anonymous Texas

components, then really neat things can happen for them.”

Many of the students on the steamboat enjoyed their

alumnus. Mike Swenson, director of major gifts, said it’s

lesson on interdisciplinary education. Brianna Polus, a

donations like this that make a big difference in the type of

senior at Caledonia High School, feels students would be

programs and opportunities we can offer students.

able to learn a lot outside of the classroom because of the

“The generous donors who provide gifts for Winona State,” said Swenson, “are helping ensure that our institution fulfills its mission to improve our world.”

The proposed interdisciplinary river program would be made up of 25 students who would live in the same residence hall. They would take a cluster of five courses

hands-on experience.

“I think it’d be really smart to offer a course like this because there are so many things for students to learn, use and see on the river,” said Polus. “Otherwise, it’d be like living in Washington, D.C., and not using the resources.”

Several faculty members are working on the logistics

focused on the Mississippi River, including English

behind implementing the interdisciplinary program. The

composition, American history, photography, biology and a

goal is to allow students to register for this program by the fall semester.

16 Spring 2005

A WinningTradition

Leslie L. Wothke, Winona, Minn.; Barbara L. Ward-Miller, Maplewood, Minn. Robert S. Brewer, Wake Forest, N.C.; Micheal Huettl, Eau Claire, Wis.; and Robert J. Scott, West Union, Iowa

by Sarah Goberville ‘05

Each year, past Winona State University athletes and coaches are honored for their athletic achievements and personal successes. In September 2004, four Winona State University graduates and one former coach were inducted into the Winona State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

The awards were presented to Michael A. Huettl, of Eau Claire, Wis.; Leslie L. Wothke, of Winona, Minn.;

and Barbara L. Ward-Miller, of

chosen unanimously by a Hall of Fame

Maplewood, Minn.

committee.

Dan Schumacher, WSU director of

“Hall of Fame inductees have said

Robert S. Brewer, of Wake Forest, N.C.;

athletic development, said this year’s

how amazing and exciting the changes

Robert J. Scott, of West Union, Iowa;

inductees are well-deserving and were

have been at WSU,” said Schumacher, Winona Currents 17

“because of the emphasis on

Scott won four letters in track and

had a women’s golf team,” said Ward-

academics and technology, new and

cross country, was the Conference

restored buildings, and the best

Champion 2-mile runner (1958), team

athletic success in 50 years.”

captain (1958-1960), and more

member of the state championship

recently, Iowa girls’ cross country

team (1985), three-time WSU low-

Coach of the Year.

average leader, and three-time MVP.

The first Hall of Fame induction was in 1986. Since then, 97 people have received this honor.

During the 1972-1973 Winona

Miller.

She was a state medalist (1985), a

Ward-Miller never finished out of the

After touring Winona State

State University basketball season,

top five in any golf tournament during

University as a high school student,

Leslie L. Wothke, WSU head men’s

her final three years at WSU.

Michael A. Huettl knew the university

basketball coach for 11 years, led his

was the perfect fit for him. Huettl had

team to 20 consecutive wins; at the

from Winona State University, football

a phenomenal baseball career at

time, it was the longest winning streak

great and 1976 graduate Robert S.

Winona State before he graduated in

in the nation.

Brewer said it’s impossible to choose

1977, and he now refers to his years in

“It was wonderful coaching and

college at WSU as the best years of his

teaching at WSU,”

life.

said Wothke, “and “WSU has always had a great

With many admirable honors

the award of which he’s most proud.

While at

“WSU has always had a great

the reward of

WSU, he won four letters in

athletic and academic program,” said

learning about

athletic and academic program,

football, was

Huettl “and the people at WSU, from

success in my

and the people at WSU, from the

named All-

the athletic director and president to

players’ lives

the faculty and students, are such

outweighs any

athletic director and president to

District and

good people.”

awards I’ve

the faculty and students, are

Honorable

Huettl helped WSU baseball teams win two conference and three NAIA

Conference, All-

received.”

Wothke was

Mention All-

such good people.”

American. Years

District 13 championships, was named

honored as

All-Conference, All-District, All-Area

Conference Coach

and NAIA All-American 2nd team.

of the Year three times and led WSU to

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

four conference championships.

(1994) and the Presidential Medallion

50 years, coaching cross country for 40

He has recorded more than 300

Award from WSU (2002) for his success

years and has seven marathons under

basketball victories and now shares his

in his business career.

his belt, but Robert J. Scott isn’t

knowledge of the game at lectures and

slowing down. Scott received his

clinics locally and around the world.

He’s been running for more than

bachelor’s degree (1960) and his

Almost 20 years after golf

— Huettl

later, he earned the WSU

“I’m proud to be a WSU alumnus because of the positive leadership, great campus improvements over the

master’s degree (1966) from Winona

phenomenon Barbara L. Ward-Miller

years, the impressive library and the

State University while making a big

graduated from Winona State

respected leadership of President

impression as a member of the track

University in 1985, she’s still playing

Krueger,” said Brewer.

team and the WSU charter cross

golf, and her game is even better than

country team.

in college.

“I was so happy that WSU started

“I chose to attend WSU because

a cross country program,” said Scott.

my brother graduated from WSU. I

“It was great to be a member of the

knew how the community supported

first WSU team in 1958.”

the college and the athletes and they

18 Spring 2005

He follows the WSU football team every week and is proud of their successes.

Dedicated to our

Students’ Education

Six years ago, it was an idea proposed to the state of Minnesota.

Today, the new $30 million Science Laboratory Center is a reality, offering exciting new possibilities to Winona State University students and faculty.

Construction on the Science Laboratory Center was completed this past summer, which allowed students to begin doing lab work in the new building at the start of the academic year, August 30, 2004.

Winona Currents 19

The Dean of the College of

“We strived to make the science

Science and Engineering, Nancy

building something different than

Jannik, said the building houses all

what we already had on campus,”

four natural science departments:

said Jannik.

biology, chemistry, geoscience and physics.

“We are very proud of our new

The Science Laboratory Center is made up entirely of science labs and one auditorium-style lecture

building,” said Jannik. “Its potential

hall. Classrooms and faculty offices

is phenomenal.”

are still housed in Pasteur Hall.

The design of the facility is

Winona State is awaiting passage of

educational and symbolic. The

a state bonding bill which will allow

wood paneling is made from

the university to complete phase

renewable bamboo; some of the

two of the science building

paint and carpet in the building

renovation by reconstructing

were created from recycled

Pasteur Hall to add much needed

materials; the atrium runs east and

modern classroom space.

west, mimicking the Mississippi

The new Science Laboratory

River; a first-floor plasma television

Center offers state-of-the-art

shows science news and laboratory

equipment including 1,900 data

experiments; and sky lights were

ports, teaching stations with video

used to save on power.

projectors and microscopes that

“We saw this building as a way to change the way we teach. This whole facility is a lab for us. It’s a way for students to learn through hands-on experiences.”

— Cathy Summa

connect to laptops to view and store images. The facility also has more space to conduct research and lab experiments. Richard Shields, chair of the physics department, said space was so tight in Pasteur Hall that labs ran morning to night in order to provide all WSU students with their required courses.

The art in the building also lends

“We also had students doing

itself to learning experiences. One

projects in closets and in the

percent of the cost of the building

hallway of Pasteur before this new

went toward the Minnesota Percent

facility was built,” said Shields.

for Art in Public Places Program,

The physics department now

sponsored by the Minnesota State

has double the space it had before,

Arts Board and the Department of

which allows students to conduct

Administration. Some of the art

experiments in the classroom.

includes a map of the geology of the

Other departments, like biology,

Winona area inlaid in the terrazzo

also saw a 100 percent increase in

floor; scientific symbols are etched

space, adding six instructional labs,

into the atrium floor; and a star-

two research areas and a

shaped bench is engraved with the

greenhouse. Michael Delong,

first constellation map of the

biology professor, said the limited

Northern Hemisphere.

space in Pasteur made it difficult for

20 Spring 2005

students and faculty to move

systems ventilate fumes which

around the classroom, and

are filtered and sent up and out

limited work space caused

of the building. Chemistry

supplies to constantly slide into

students are also able learn from

each other on crowded lab

a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

tables.

(NMR) machine which can be

“Now we have the capability

“Now we have the capability to do what we were doing before but better, and we can do even more of it.”

— Mike Delong

compared to an MRI. Students are able to spin chemicals with this machine to uncover what elements make up a particular compound.

The excitement of the building also brings many new

to do what we were doing before

advancements for the

but better,” said Delong, “and we

Department of Geoscience.

can do even more of it.”

Cathy Summa, chair of the

The labs in Pasteur Hall were

department, said the new facility

built in 1962. Charla Miertschin,

houses a three-story geologic

chemistry department chair, said

rock-wall and a flume lab which

at that time there were 13 natural

includes a replica of the

science faculty and 100 majors.

Mississippi River and landscape

Today, those numbers have

elevations.

grown to 39 natural science

“We saw this building as a

faculty and more than 1,000

way to change the way we teach,”

majors. Plus, today every one of

said Summa. “This whole facility

WSU’s 8,000 students takes at

is a lab for us. It’s a way for

least two required science

students to learn through hands-

courses.

on experiences.”

In chemistry, the students and

Experiential learning is

faculty received

becoming the focus of Winona

additional

State University, as faculty strive

research labs.

to teach students in more ways

The new

than the traditional classroom

structure

lecture. The design and intent of

provides better

this building gives students the

ventilation

opportunity to practice what

throughout the

they’re reading in textbooks and

building and

hearing in class, providing

cuts down on

students the true Winona

emissions. The

experience.

new hood

Hundreds of people participated in the Science Laboratory Center Dedication, October 22, 2004.

Lower right: WSU students demonstrate the type of learning that takes place in the labs at the new Science Laboratory Center.

Winona Currents 21

BAMBI:

Ambassador For Love, Hope and Peace The man now known in many circles around the globe as Bambi is better known to Winona State University

superstars, including Frankie Valli and Ray Charles.

Bambi holds a place of

students of the late 1970s as Shawn

high regard for WSU in his

Jadun. He came to Winona State in

heart, visiting campus on

1974 as an international student from

several occasions.

Pakistan. He was a resident assistant in

"I can tie everything in

Prentiss Hall in 1977 and '78, perhaps

my life somehow back to

the first international student to be an

Winona State and the

R.A. in the Minnesota State University

wonderful teachers there and

system.

the people I've met," Bambi said

Shaanshehryar Khan Raye

Shawn “Bambi� Jadun,’86, returned to campus for a visit in 2004.

during a 2004 visit to campus.

furthering his critical thinking skills,

Gajazadoon was born in the shadow of

"My success today is tied back to Jim

and Jim Bromeland, who hammered in

the Himalayan Mountains and

Kern's courses about open

the finer points of American

nicknamed Bambi by his mother and

communication, Don Salyard's

government. He met with Ronald

tribe. At age 18, he decided to further

economics classes and the intricacies

Stevens in Sociology from whom Bambi

his education in the United States. He

of international business, and Vivian

learned about conflict resolution.

applied to Winona State as well as other

Fusillo's theatre class and its

schools. "WSU was the first school to

relationship to work as a television

professors who have retired in years

send my paperwork back," Bambi said.

interviewer and radio announcer.

past, including Walter McCormick,

"So, I decided to go there and then

"From Terri Markos in the

He also fondly recalled many WSU

Director of Forensics, for helping him

perhaps transfer to another school.

International Student Office, I learned

receive the highest score in

Once I got to Winona State, I fell in love

about the use of collective wisdom and

forensics/debate among competitors

with the people and the place and

applied it as secretary of the

from colleges and universities in the

stayed there until graduation."

International Student Association. By

State of Minnesota.

Since graduating, Bambi's main

example, John Ferden's leadership was

involvement has been in overseas real

invaluable when I was president of

estate investments and an extensive

Prentiss Hall."

enterprise in music, perfumes, jewelry

Terri Markos remembers when

Bambi said his relationship with Winona State will remain strong.

"I'm looking forward to finding other ways I can help my college at the

and public speaking as noted on his

Bambi first came to Winona State; he

same time as I help other people," he

web site: BambiWithLove.com.

was an excellent guitar player and won

said.

Bambi has been a featured speaker on topics such as corporate giving,

a campus talent competition.

"He was so outgoing and friendly

"Even though I'm busy and am constantly traveling," Bambi said,

human rights abuses, world trade and

that everyone instantly found a friend

"there is nothing more important than

technology-related issues. He is known

in Shawn," Terri said, "and he was

giving back. To make something truly

internationally for his contributions as

always full of energy and wonderful

good happen, you have to be willing to

a speaker, designer, recording artist and

ideas about how to make things better."

do something extra. I'm making that

humanitarian. He has been featured on

While on campus last year, Bambi

commitment to Winona State, because

every major television network and has

visited with some of his professors,

of everything Winona State has meant

performed in concert with music

including Ahmed El-Afandi in Political

and done for me."

22 Spring 2005

Science, who Bambi credits for

FOOTBALL REUNION

Winona State College 1895 Football Team

"Celebrating Over 100 Years of Warrior Football" All Class Years are Welcome!

Friday, Sept. 9 - Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005

September 9, 2005

Stadium Addition Grand Opening Evening Golf Outing

September 10, 2005

Pre-game Tailgate Party, 10 a.m., at Loughrey Field WSU Warriors vs. University of North Dakota, 1 p.m., Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium Post-game Celebration, immediately following the Warrior Football Game, St. Teresa's Saturday's celebration begins with a 10 a.m. pre-game tailgate party at Loughrey Field including burgers, brats and all the side dishes.

The post-game celebration begins immediately following the Warrior football game at St. Teresa's in the sports facility. The post-game reunion includes a family-style dinner, full beverage service, guest speakers, presentations and entertainment.

Formal invitations are being sent in early spring. For more information, contact Dan Schumacher, director of athletic development, at 507-457-2771, email: dschumacher@winona.edu., or www.winona.edu/athletics/football.

Winona Currents 23

As I sat in Winona State University’s Performing Arts Center

our constituents and this outstanding institution of higher learning.

Dr. Krueger’s insight has shaped the evolution of Winona

for the Fall 2004 Opening

State and has created an institution that invites alumni back

Workshop, an annual

to their academic “home.” We see this dynamic in action

event during which

when alumni gather together for homecomings, reunions

faculty and

and regional events across the country. We witness it when

administrative staff

alumni commit their time, talent and financial resources to

gather to prepare for the

the improvement of physical and academic programs at the

upcoming school year,

university. We realize it when we witness the deep sense of

Dr. Darrell W. Krueger

pride our alumni take in their shared history with this fine

greeted us with the news

old institution.

that this would be the

As Dr. Krueger embarks on the next facet of his life’s

last academic year he would serve as president of Winona

journey, he leaves Winona State a rich legacy. Because of

State University. The news had a profound impact on each of

him, we walk on the grounds of an institution that is arguably

us in that room, and it gave me cause to stop and reflect on

the finest school in the MnSCU system. And each of us, as

his place in the history and development of my alma mater.

alumni, share in this legacy.

Over half of the alumni that have graduated from Winona

I encourage you to celebrate Dr. Krueger’s legacy to our

State have done so under Dr. Krueger’s leadership! His

alma mater. I invite you to reconnect with this community of

influence has directed the inspirational changes that we see

learners and to recommit to the relationships that you

across campus. Once an urban campus, Winona State

formed during your days at Winona State. I invite you to

University is now one of the most beautiful spaces in the city

become a more active member of the WSU alumni family,

of Winona; some refer to it as the most beautiful park in

and in so doing, to honor a man that has brought so much

Winona. Campus-wide, you see students carrying laptops as

honor to this university.

part of an innovative program that places our students on the leading edge of technology in learning. The alumni program, too, has benefited from Dr. Krueger’s vision. It has seen a renewed commitment by the university to provide resources

Kim Dehlin Zeiher,’78

that foster the development of lifelong relationships between

Director of Alumni Relations

24 Spring 2005

Alumni Relations P.O. Box 5838 Winona, Minnesota 55987-5838

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Winona, MN 55987 Permit 192

www.winona.edu/alumnirelations 800-DIAL-WSU

The WSU community and public are invited to attend this historic occasion. Join Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' Chancellor James McCormick and the entire WSU community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Darrell W. Krueger’s leadership.

"Unveiling Ceremony"

Winona State University Hosts An

In Honor of the Institution's 13th President, Dr. Darrell W. Krueger

Friday, April 29, 2005 11 a.m.

Winona State University Library

Krueger, was made possible through a $1 million anonymous gift to the WSU Foundation. The donation will go toward the library acquisition endowment to help maintain the integrity of WSU's Library.