George & Mary Joyce Scholarship

George, born in Rochester, MN., was the fifth child in a family of seven. His father, a dentist, died suddenly when George was nine years old. His mother then returned to her nursing career, working nights. George worked many menial jobs as a child to contribute to his education and daily needs which led to developing a strong work ethic continuing throughout his life. He served in the Navy and attended Rochester Junior College before going on to earn a degree in dentistry from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Carol Keller, a nurse, had five children. Shorty after she died he married Mary Hoodecheck. He practiced dentistry in Winona for over 39 years.

Mary grew up in Worthington and graduated from the College of St. Catherine in Elementary Education. Her MS degree is from Winona State University. She taught in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bloomington, Illinois and in the Twin Cities suburbs of Robbinsdale, Burnsville and Edina. Mary was employed by WSU for 27 years serving as a student teaching supervisor prior to becoming Director of Student Teaching and Field Experiences.

All three were active in their professions, church and community. They strongly valued education as the key to self reliance and fulfillment which they also instilled in their five children. This scholarship is intended for women who have found themselves in the role of single parent due to life circumstances and are striving to earn a degree in teaching in order to support their family and contribute to their community.

George died in 2007. Mary resides in the area.

Scholarship contact is Mary.