James R. Erickson Memorial Adult Entry Program Scholarship

The James R. Erickson Memorial Adult Entry Program Scholarship fund is to encourage and support adult learners who have never attended college before or those returning after an absence of some years. The adult entry program at WSU is designed to take into consideration the experience, needs and maturity of the adult student.

Criteria

1. Each recipient must be accepted into the adult entry program at Winona State University.
2. Recipients can be students at either the Winona or Rochester WSU campus.
3. Recipient can be either full-time or part-time (minimum 3 credits) and be in good standing. Full-time students will be awarded $1,000 (minimum) and part-time students will be awarded $500 (minimum).
4. Each recipient must have a G.P.A of 3.0 or higher. For new student applicants without a current G.P.A., the committee will assess their probability of success through their essay.
5. Each recipient must demonstrate financial need. Financial need will be assessed through the student’s FAFSA AND/OR their essay.

Biography/Motivation

Jim earned his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in biology at Winona State University. He retired in 1996, after 22 years with Winona State University where he served as the Director of the Continuing Education and Extension Department and started both the WSU Elderhostel program (1979) and The Learning Club (1993).
Jim and Ruth (Olson) were married in 1970. They enjoyed traveling the world together and visited 73 countries. Jim also enjoyed boating and all things Mississippi River, hunting, and cooking for and with family and friends.
In retirement, Jim continued to follow his passion for learning and enjoyed volunteering with numerous organizations close to his heart including The Winona County Historical Society, The Learning Club, Cedar Valley Lutheran Church, Commonweal Theatre Company, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Sauer Health Care, Pickwick Mill, Upper Mississippi Jazz Society, and Great River Shakespeare Festival. Jim and Ruth were also honored recipients of the 2009 Spirit of Winona Award and the 2012 Winona County Historical Society Heritage Service Award.

Jim earned two degrees from WSU plus worked there for 22 years with adult students. Ruth earned her Master’s Degree from WSU. Therefore, they wanted to support the institution and its adult students into the future.