Leone J. & Thomas E. Mauszycki Scholarship

The Leone J. and Thomas E. Mauszycki Scholarship is created to encourage and support students majoring in Art at WSU.

Criteria

Each recipient must be a student enrolled full-time in good standing at Winona State University
Each recipient must be a sophomore, junior or senior
Each recipient must be a declared Art Major for at least one year at WSU
Each recipient must be enrolled in at least four credits of art per semester
Each recipient must demonstrate strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Biography/Motivation

Thomas is and has been active in a number of organizations spanning a variety of subjects and interests. He is an active member and volunteer of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) as well as the Thousand Lakes Region NMRA, American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and local Winona Radio Club, Junto Study Club, and Winona County Historical Society. As a serious model railroader, Tom advanced his skills to obtain recognition receiving his Master Model Railroader award in 2007. Thomas was presented with his Master Model Railroader plaque #388 with expertise in seven of the eleven disciplines. The first member received the award in 1934. In 2011, he advanced his amateur radio license to Extra Class, which is the highest class license. He enjoys photography, especially taking photos of trains, computer projects, railroad modeling (HO) and gardening. Thomas has an interest in the arts (plays, musical concerts, art exhibits), is an avid reader on a variety of subjects and has enjoyed golfing and sailing in earlier years. He also is a member and supporter of several organizations – too numerous to mention.

His professional service has been extensive. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association and has in the past been active in the Winona County Dental Society volunteering annually for Dental Health Week, which involves organizing conventions. He served on the Dental Assisting Advisory Board of the Rochester Community and Technical College. In addition, Thomas participated in the program as an adjunct to the college in practical training for dental assistants. Also, he has participated in the University of Minnesota School of Dentistrys Rural Preceptorship Program for senior dental students providing practical hands on training.

One of his most outstanding achievements was envisioning an office building where he could practice his profession and serve his community through offering space for other professionals like himself. He and his wife Leone constructed this building at 1600 West Gilmore Avenue on the west end of Winona.

Thomas currently lives in Winona with his wife of over 42 years, Leone. They have worked together and shared mutual interests serving our community in numerous ways.

Leone J. Mauszycki was born October 31, 1946 in Amery, WI and graduated from Richfield Sr. High School, in Richfield, MN in 1965. She graduated as a CLA (clinical laboratory assistant) from the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis Campus receiving her license in 1966. After a full days work, Leone continued her education and completed her EEG training program at the Clinic of Neurology and Psychiatry in Golden Valley, MN. Leone also studied dental assisting at the University of Minnesota – Rochester and Normandale Community Colleges earning her Minnesota Registration in 1974 and her National Certification in 1979. She completed approximately 120 credit hours majoring in individualized studies at Winona State University. Because of her commitment to excellence, Leone also took several evening business courses at Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical and other private business seminars from Career Track Inc. as well as other selected offerings of special interest for professional enhancement during her career.

Leone began her career at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis from 1966-1970 working in the clinical laboratory and was promoted to Chair of the Department of EKG/EEG. From 1968-1970, Leone was also employed, on call when needed, as an EEG Technician at the Sister Kenney Institute in Minneapolis. From 1970-1999, Leone served as Chief Financial Officer for Thomas E. Mauszycki D.D.S., P.A. (dental practice), Mauszycki Leasing, and Mauszycki Real Estate. She was in charge of design, development and construction management for the office building at 1600 West Gilmore Avenue in Winona, which was completed in 1978. Leone also worked with her husband Thomas as a Registered and Certified dental assistant and administrative supervisor for his practice. Leone is proud to have served on the WSU Foundation Board as a Trustee for eight years, as well as serving three years on the Winona Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Leone contributed to medical research during a clinical trial of the drug (Aldopa) targeted for Parkinson disease while at Abbott Hospital. She was a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Leone published dental forms for Medical Arts Press, and served one term on the Dental Assisting Advisory Board of the Rochester Community and Technical College dental assisting program. Dentistry was very important to Leone and she was past president of the Winona County Dental Auxiliary and the past president of the Dental Assisting Society when it existed in Winona.

Political advocacy was also important to Leone. She volunteered to Chair the Highway 61 Task Force for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and wrote the final Task Force Report which was submitted to the City of Winona and MNDOT. She presented the final recommendations of the Task Force to the Winona City Council and presented recommendations at the States Public Hearing. Subsequently, she assisted our state senator and representative on formulating a transportation bill, testified before the House and Senate Transportation Committees and lobbied at the Capital for the bill. If not for the governors veto, it would now be law. Leone has also served on other City of Winona Task Forces (Bike Path, and Library Referendum), and also served on three committees for the City of Winona Comprehensive Plan. She has served MNDOT and the City of Winona by participating in numerous meetings.

Leone and Thomas are lifelong learners and place a significant value on higher education. They are active community members and wish to encourage and support students to become engaged citizens. Our experience at Winona State University helped us prepare for fulfilling careers and lifelong commitment to education. Among their most satisfying accomplishments has been serving as mentors and role models to students throughout the Winona community. The Mauscyzkis continue to discover opportunities that allow them to make a difference. We established this scholarship to help students interested in pursuing an Art degree at WSU with the hope that it will help them experience the same benefits that were afforded to us. Giving back is important to Tom and Leone.