This scholarship is established in memory of James F. Opsahl by the Winona State University Biology Department from funds bequeathed to the department by Dr. Opsahl. Dr. Opsahl received his E.A. degree in biology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1949....

After graduating from Winona State in December, 1959 with a B.S. in Education, I got a job teaching at Kasson-Mantorville. I was there 32 years as a teacher and athletic director. I met my wife, Phyllis, who was a K-M kindergarten teacher in Kasson. We were on...

Janet Fitzpatrick was born in Wisconsin February 18, 1935, Janet spent the 1st fourteen years of her life in Milwaukee where thanks to her mother’s influence; she learned her love of reading and books at the Milwaukee Public Library. Janet’s family moved to the...

Robert and Janet Wilke have been a part of the Winona community since 1972. Robert worked as an electrical engineer at TRW and later in research and development of new products. Janet taught at Winona State University for approximately 34 years in nursing, teaching...

Jane Vivian Madsen, the first person in her family to earn a doctoral degree, is an inspiration for the values she attaches to learning. She embodies the critical linkage between education, career and family. With her husband Colonel Fred Madsen, she reared four...

Arnie and Jeanette Bergler were both born and raised in the Winona area. Jeanette graduated from Winona State Teachers College with three degrees. She received her diploma in 1952, earned her B.S. degree in 1957 and her M.S. degree in 1964. She did graduate work at...

Jeanne E. (Nelson) Danneker earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University in 1978, majoring in Special Education/Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education. She taught special education at the elementary level for 18 years. During that time she...

J. B. Kusch received a B. S. degree in Accounting from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota in 1988 and became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1991. Mr. Kusch joined Austin Mutual as the Accounting Manager in 1992 and served as Treasurer from...

Jerry Dempsey was born in Henderson, MN in 1933. After graduating from Henderson High School and the College of St. Thomas, he began teaching in Goodhue, MN and then at Hastings Senior High School where he taught social studies until 1974. While teaching, he attended...

Jerry & Jo Stejskal are enthusiastic supporters of Winona State University. Jerry graduated from Winona State University in 1970 with a degree in PE and Health. Athletics were an integral part of Jerry’s collegiate experience and he participated on the Warrior...

Jerry and Marlene Mensink of Rochester, MN consider themselves to be lifelong educators and wish to encourage and support young people who are interested in a career as an elementary teacher. Jerry was born in Preston, MN and graduated from Harmony High School. ...

For many people, Dr. Soo Young Yang is a matchmaker—and a good one at that. But she’s not pairing people for blind dates or coaxing couples to tie the knot. Although, that might be easier. Instead, Yang is in the tricky business of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)...

Jim, a native of Winona and a 1954 graduate of Winona High School, enrolled at Winona State in 1958. Prior to entering college, Jim served in the United States Navy. Caron, a Rollingstone native and 1958 graduate of Holy Trinity, also started college at Winona State...

In recognition of the influence that Winona State University has had upon the lives of their family over three generations, WSU alumni Jim & Claran Ramsdell have chosen to establish a scholarship within the WSU Foundation. Claran worked for many years as a special...

The Joan Kangel Madland Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship is in memory of Joan Kangel Madland; wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend. Joan completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in three years (1966) and her Master’s Degree (1971), both at...

Miss Gertrude Finch is terminating her services at the end of the first summer session at Winona State College with which she has been associated since 1949, and has been instrumental in the development of programs for training teachers of business education at the...

Melissa Ascheman (Davis) and John Davis met at Winona State University (WSU) in 1990. Melissa graduated with a Mass Communications degree and Sociology minor, while John graduated with a Marketing degree. They were married in 1995 and in 2015, they celebrated 20...

John J. Fuller worked for over 50 years in public education after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University, a master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University and a doctorate from Ohio State University. He had been the recipient of two...

John J. McShea graduated from Winona State University in 1979 earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Political Science and Business Administration. John continued his education earning a Masters of Management/MBA degree in 1986 from the Kellogg...

John L. Martin was head men’s swimming coach 1963-70 and 1973-74, women’s swimming coach 1974-75, head football coach 1986, assistant football coach for 28 years. He also served as chair of the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department. Author of the...

John M. and Ruth E. Koenig Kamin were world travelers, who, throughout their lifetime, shared adventures on six of the seven continents! Ruth’s love of learning began as a youngster. She was born and raised in Winona, Minnesota, where she received her Bachelors...

Joshua Rumpca has been described as having a dynamic presence and you couldn’t help but feel his intensity and his love when you were with him. Josh was known for his determination-he always tried to achieve his goals. He was a generous friend and kindhearted to...

A native of Little Falls, MN, Joyce Locks received her degree in physical education from St. Cloud State University in 1949, and after teaching in Wadena, MN and Thief River Falls, MN, she received her Masters’ degree in physical education from the University of...

Duane and Patte (Hart) Peterson were born and raised in Duluth, MN. Duane had two younger brothers and Patte was the middle child, with two older siblings and two younger ones. Duane graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School and attended the Duluth State Teachers...

Judy was born on July 14, 1937 in Winona, MN to Russell and Arvilla (Ottum) Herbert. She married Gerald “Jerry” Whetstone on July 27, 1957 at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, MN. She taught for 28 years at Central Elementary School teaching 1st grade and retiring...

In loving memory of Judy Schlawin, this scholarship was created from charitable donations from those who knew and worked with her. Judy was a retired professor of art at Winona State University, serving there from 1964 to 1996. During her career, she held many...

June M. Lerstad Braisted was born May 5, 1918 in Virginia, Minnesota. She attended school in Virginia through 2 years of junior college, then transferring to Winona State Teachers college now Winona State University where she received her teaching degree. She taught...

Dr. Jeanne Ehlinger was an associate professor in the Winona State University Department of Education from September 1988 until the time of her death on February 26, 1994. During hr years at WSU, Jeanne was responsible for establishing the Middle School Licensure...

Karen Matzke was born and raised in Winona, MN. She majored in nursing at the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN and received her Master of Science degree in Adult Health Nursing from Winona State University. Her professional nursing career has spanned 37...