The Brett Ekker Memorial Scholarship by Mary Ann Preston and Family

In September 2014, Mary Ann Preston established a scholarship with the WSU Foundation. Brett Ekker Memorial Scholarship will benefit WSU students majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Criteria

1. Each recipient must be an undergraduate enrolled full-time and in good standing at Winona State University (minimum of 12 credits per semester, Fall and Spring).
2. Each recipient must be accepted into WSU’s Teacher Education Program.
3. Preference will be given to a student majoring in Early Childhood Education.
4. Each recipient must demonstrate financial need, but need should not be based solely on FASFA.

Biography/Motivation

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.