Stan Prosen Memorial Scholarship

If you knew Stan Prosen, you’ll remember him as a humble man; a man who truly valued his family, his friends and his colleagues. Stan will be appropriately remembered as a gifted innovator; a true pioneer of the composites industry, founding and nurturing the composites in SE Minnesota. You’ll remember Stan for his leadership in creating the Winona State University Composite Materials Engineering Program (the only undergraduate composites program in the US) by convincing the Governor and legislature to fund and house this groundbreaking program.

Stan’s family and friends remember a man who was curious and imaginative, with a zest for adventure and discovery. He had a generous spirit and calm demeanor. Stan’s colleagues and associates remember his modesty about his many accomplishments including his role in fabricating the very first carbon fiber part (NOL test ring) from material given to him by Dr. Roger Bacon, the principle inventor of carbon fiber. Stan revealed his true character by readily crediting those who went before him, often referencing a quote that he saved on a piece of yellow lab paper:

“What Descartes did was a good step. You have added much several ways, and especially in taking the colours of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton

Stan’s legacy includes his passion for discovery and innovation. He was a catalyst for change and progress; he made a difference in our lives and impacted the lives of people he never met. One of Stan’s dreams was to establish a scholarship for composite materials engineering students at WSU. It is our hope that this scholarship will fulfill that dream and make a difference for composite materials engineering students for generations to come.

Scholarship contacts are Pat Erdenberger and Jeff Van Fossen.