Gil Kraft Scholarship

The Gil Kraft Scholarship is created for students who have declared a major in WSU’s Secondary Education program.

Criteria

1. Each recipient must be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) at Winona State University.
2. Each recipient must be classified as a sophomore, junior or senior when they are originally selected and be in good standing at Winona State University with a minimum grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.75 (4.0 = A).
3. Each recipient must be a declared major in Winona State University’s Secondary Education Program.
4. Each recipient must have been admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
5. Each recipient must demonstrate need through the Financial Aid Office.

Biography/Motivation

Gil Kraft graduated from Winona State Teachers College in 1939 with a major in Industrial Arts and minors in Social Studies and Physical Education. While he was at Winona State, he was a three-year letter winner in football.

After graduating, Gil taught and coached in Kiester, MN. In 1942 he entered the military and served on the USS Pueblo in the Pacific Theater during WW II. He was discharged in the fall of 1945 and finished the year teaching in Elkton, MN. He received an M.A. Degree from Colorado State University in Guidance Counseling.

From 1963 until his retirement in 1979, he served as a senior high school guidance counselor in the Kasson-Mantorville High School.

In addition to his teaching career, Gil also spent time as co-owner of a cabinet ship in Benson, MN, served as the District Manager for southeastern Minnesota for Farmers Insurance Group and also as a representative for J.E. Stowers & Company, an investment firm.

Gil has established the Gil Kraft Scholarship through the WSU Foundation for secondary education students. During his retirement he continues to pursue his interest in athletic events and outdoor activities. Gil is also a member of various area educational associations and now resides in Kasson, MN.