Louise B. Schroeder Elementary Education Scholarship

In November, 2015, Louise Schroeder established the Louise B. Schroeder Elementary Education Scholarship with the Winona State University Foundation. The scholarship will benefit students who demonstrate passion and talent for teaching elementary education.

Criteria

1. Each recipient must be an undergraduate student 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 admitted in the Teacher Education Program
3. Each recipient must have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
4. Each recipient must demonstrate financial need, but need should not be based solely on FAFSA
5. Each recipient must demonstrate a talent and passion for teaching

Biography/Motivation

Louise B. Schroeder graduated from Winona State Teachers College in 1958 and was the first in her family to attend college. Her parents were vegetable farmers, but education was important in the family. Thanks to a scholarship, Louise was able to fulfill her dream of becoming an elementary education teacher.

After graduation, Louise began teaching elementary school in White Bear Lake where she taught intermediate grades for thirty-five years. During those years, she worked on many curriculum committees and teacher association groups. Summers included travel throughout the world to 109 countries and all seven continents. After retiring, Louise visited classrooms across the school district sharing stories, artifacts and photos from her world travels. For several years, she coordinated a program of volunteers at the community college to help ESL students learn English Louise also taught English in Poland and Slovakia. Volunteering, education and lifelong learning continue to be an important part of her life. Louise continues to be influenced by friends and acquaintances made while attending Winona State Teachers College, during her travels and especially through teaching. All are still a big part of her life.

Because education has been an important part of my life, I am establishing a scholarship for a student who will not only continue to influence our world of education, but also the community and the world in which we all live. I feel it is important for me to help others when the financial help can motivate a new teacher to take on this challenge. Hopefully, I can make a difference in the lives of others through this scholarship as someone made a difference in my life!