Spencer & Judy Munkel Scholarship

Spencer Gaynor Munkel, a native of Spring Grove, Minnesota, met his future wife, Judy Ann Malmin of Savage, Minnesota, in 1963, while both were attending Winona State University. While at Winona State, Spencer and Judy were actively involved in organizations that promoted academic achievement and serving the community, including Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

In spring 1965, Spencer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and a minor in physics and began teaching junior high math in Madison, WI. Judy graduated two years later with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Judy started her teaching career in Waseca, MN, where she taught for two years. In 1969, Spencer earned an M.S. degree in education, with an emphasis on Math, from Mankato State University. Judy pursued graduate courses at Winona State and the University of Minnesota and completed her master’s equivalency in 1987.

The couple married in 1969 as Spencer started his career at IBM in Rochester and Judy began teaching in the Rochester Public Schools. Spencer retired from IBM after 23 years of service and later served as an account executive for the Dean Witter investment firm for two years before settling into full-time retirement. Judy retired from teaching in 2001, after dedicating 34 years to educating students. She continues to substitute teach and volunteer in Rochester.

In 1992, the Munkels established their first scholarship through the WSU Foundation benefiting students majoring in Math and Statistics or Elementary Education – The Judy & Spencer Munkel Scholarship (#196). In August 2008 the scholarship was renamed and amended to become the Judy & Spencer Munkel Elementary Education Scholarship. In March 2011, The Judy & Spencer Munkel Elementary Education Scholarship was further updated and amended.

In 2000, the Munkels created a second scholarship, providing support for graduates of Spring Grove High School in Minnesota – The Spencer & Judy Munkel Spring Grove Scholarship (#1006). In August 2008, the Judy & Spencer Munkel Spring Grove Scholarship was renamed and amended to become the Spencer & Judy Munkel Math Scholarship. In March 2011, The Spencer & Judy Munkel Math Scholarship was further updated and amended.

The Munkels are charter members of the 1858 Founders Society, which recognizes individuals who have made provisions for WSU in their wills. In 2006, the Munkels were honored for their ongoing support and inducted into the Foundation’s Cornerstone Society.

Scholarship contacts are Spencer & Judy.