Strauss Reading Scholarship

In December 2018, the Strauss Reading Scholarship was established with the Winona State University Foundation. The scholarship will benefit and encourage students who are majoring in Elementary Education with a reading minor.

Criteria
1.Each recipient must be enrolled full-time and in good standing at Winona State University (minimum 12 credits per semester)
2.Each recipient must be a junior or senior at the time they receive the award
3.Each recipient must be must be an education major with a reading minor
The reading minor is designed primarily for teacher candidates in education majors (such as Early Childhood and Elementary Education) who seek additional depth or preparation for delivering quality literacy instruction. Courses in the minor have been designed to lay the foundation for students wishing to seek a MN Teacher of Reading License in future professional development.
4.Each recipient must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program at WSU
5.Each recipient must have a GPA of 2.75(4.0 = A).
6.Each recipient must demonstrate financial need; however, financial need will not be based solely on FAFSA
7.As part of the application process, the student must submit an essay describing the following:

• What inspired them to become an elementary education teacher with a focus on
  reading

Background and Motivation
Bob and Mary Jo Strauss are both Winona State University alumni and are loyal supporters of the university and its programs. Mary Jo graduated from WSU in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Leisure and a Minor in Art. She is a past member of the Alumni Society Board of Directors and served as co-chair of the Integrated Wellness Complex Capital Campaign Board. Bob earned his Degree in Business Administration in 1976 and worked his entire career at the Fastenal Company. He was the first sales manager for Fastenal and progressed to vice president of business development for the fortune 500 company. Bob has been a WSU Foundation Trustee since 1994.

“We give back to WSU because we believe the institution promotes quality education while providing a healthy environment to all students.”