Jerry & Marlene Mensink Elementary Education Scholarship

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. After receiving a B.S. from WSU in Elementary Education in 1965, he taught sixth grade for two years in Wausau, WI. After teaching in Rochester for one year, his career was interrupted by a ‘draft notice’. His service time included a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Upon his return to civilian life, he resumed his teaching career which extended for more than 35 years. In addition to his B.S., Jerry earned a Masters Degree and a Sixth Year Certification from WSU.In his spare time Jerry enjoys sports, woodworking, family activities and traveling.

Marlene (Moechnig) Mensink was born in Lake City, MN and graduated from Lincoln High School. Following graduation from WSU in 1965, she taught for two years in Wausau, WI and for three years in Rochester, MN. Marlene interrupted her teaching career for ten years to care for the couple’s daughter and two sons. At the end of this time, Marlene returned to teaching – this time to teaching ESOL to newly arrived immigrant children. Marlene earned a Masters Degree from WSU and ESOL Certification from Hamline University.In her spare time Marlene enjoys sports, quilting, traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Scholarship contacts are Jerry & Marlene.