Dr. Robert & Barbara Dufresne Scholarship

Dr. Robert A. DuFresne is a native Minnesotan, having been born and raised in Brainerd. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University, and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of North Dakota. He taught in the public schools in Austin, MN, before joining the faculty of Mankato State University in 1959 as Professor of Education. He then spent three years as head of the Education Division at Kearney State College in Nebraska prior to coming to Winona State University as its President in 1967. Dr. DuFresne served as President for ten years, resigning in 1978 to return to teaching. In that same year he was designated a Distinguished Service Professor by the State University Board. In 1990, Dr. DuFresne retired as President Emeritus and continues to observe the political scene, play golf with friends and travel to warm places.

Barbara DuFresne received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance from the University of Maryland and a Master of Library Science from the University of Minnesota. She has been on the music faculties of the University of Maryland, St. Mary’s of Minnesota, and Winona State University. She has worked in libraries in Maryland and Ohio, as well as in the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota and was Director of the Winona Public Library for 11 years.In 2007, Ms. DuFresne retired from active participation in the work world but still pursues her musical interests along with tennis, traveling and reading. She is also a teacher of folk dance and is presently Artistic Director of the Winona International Dancers, a position she has held since 1981. In addition to performing, she continues to conduct dance workshops for students, teachers and community groups.

Dr. & Mrs. Robert DuFresne have multiple reasons for starting a scholarship, they wish for students to share some of the great experiences they had at WSU. With this gift they hope to give back to the University and provide the opportunity for students to pursue a higher education.

Scholarship contact is Barbara.