Jokela Family Scholarship

In December 2023, the Jokela Family Scholarship was established with the Winona State University Foundation. The scholarship will support and encourage students who are majoring in the humanities within the College of Liberal Arts.

Criteria
• Undergraduate
• Declared majors in: Literature & Language, Writing and Film Studies; History and Global Studies; Music, Music Performance, and Studio Art
• Class years: Sophomore, Junior, and Senior
• Financial need
• Student in good academic standing

Background and Motivation
Cindy Jokela, now retired, had a fulfilling career in university advancement, including work at Yale and Vanderbilt Universities, Carleton College, and Winona State University. Her longest and most gratifying tenure was working in development at WSU. She felt it was a privilege to work with donors at all levels to help and support students, and to see the impact their generosity had on students’ lives.

Education and the liberal arts have been important to Cindy and her family. Her bachelor’s degree is in Language and Literature. Her husband, John Poling, studied history and is a retired philosophy professor. Their three sons, Karlan, Les and Noah, have also pursued paths in the humanities.

We feel that study in the liberal arts is both life-enriching and helps prepare students for any creative work or career path they choose. We would like to provide this opportunity to WSU students. It is with gratitude for the generosity of others that we create this scholarship, which will support students in select majors in the humanities, fine and performing arts.