The Brett Ekker Memorial Scholarship by Mary Ann Preston and Family

“I was born and raised in Winona, as was my mother and father. I have two daughters Lisa Molinari and Carissa Nustad, and a son, Brett, who died unexpectedly in 2010. I completed my education at WSU in 1960 earning a degree in Kindergarten/Primary education. In 1989 I earned my Master’s Degree at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.

I retired after teaching kindergarten and first grade for 35 years and moved back to Minnesota when I began attending WSU alumni functions. I’m a member of the Class of 1960 Reunion Committee who, in addition to planning our 40th reunion, raised class gifts to establish the Class of 1960 Scholarship. For the past two years I’ve attended the annual WSU Foundation Scholarship Breakfast and enjoyed having the opportunity to meet the student recipients, and their families. This experience helped me learn more about the scholarship program at WSU. I was very impressed by the number and types of scholarships available to support deserving students and decided to establish a scholarship in memory of my son Brett, and help an undergraduate who plans to be an early education teacher. I’m very grateful I had my education to rely on and hope this scholarship makes a difference to future students following their higher education dreams." – Mary Ann Preston

Scholarship contact is Mary Ann Preston (mother of Brett).