C
Spring 2005
urrents winona state university magazine
President Darrell Krueger and his wife, Nancy: A look at 16 years of WSU leadership
Spring 2005 Volume 3, Issue 1
Winona Currents is published by Winona State University's Division of University Advancement and is distributed to more than 40,000 alumni and friends of Winona State University.
Currents is copyrighted material. Articles may be reprinted with permission. Comments on this publication should be directed by mail to WSU-University Advancement, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987; by email: Currents@winona.edu. Address changes and Class Notes should be directed by mail to the Alumni Relations office, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987-5838; by email: alumni@winona.edu. POSTMASTER: If undeliverable as addressed, please send Form 3579 to Alumni Relations, PO Box 5838, Winona MN 55987-5838. Winona State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This document can be made available in an alternative format to individuals with disabilities by contacting the magazine staff at the address above. Winona State University is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Cover and page 27 photograph by Rich Hultman
C O N T E N T S
4
STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD First-year students express what makes WSU a distinctive institution.
19
DEDICATED TO OUR STUDENTS’ EDUCATION The new $30 million Science Laboratory Center enhances teaching and learning.
16 KRUEGER RETIRES
President Krueger leaves a legacy at Winona State University.
34
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Professor Richard Jarvinen brings his experience with NASA into the classroom.
Tsunami Relief Effort . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Hands-on Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Leadership Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 New River Studies Program . . . . . . . . . . 16 Harlon Hill Trophy Nominee . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Professor Emeritus Joe Emanuel . . . . . . 54
From the Crowd Standing Out from the Crowd
One of the core values of Winona State University is to be distinctive. WSU
is able to stand out from the crowd through many different programs and opportunities offered to its students. We wanted to find out from the students themselves how successful we've been. Here, five noteworthy first-year college students explain what made WSU distinctive to them as they decided where to attend college. All had plenty to say about how well we've treated them so far.
Alisia Nelson Alisia Nelson
Alisia Nelson From: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Thinking About: Exercise Science
I took my first Tae Bo and Pilates classes in gym my junior
year in high school. I loved it! My interest in leading a healthy
lifestyle continued to grow. I took up weight training and my parents bought me my own weight sets.
When I was touring college campuses, the fitness center at
WSU caught my attention. I also learned about the specialized aerobics classes and intramural sports offered on campus.
When I discovered WSU is building a new fitness center, which will offer much more space and many more opportunities for healthy living, I knew I made the right choice to come to Winona State.
I've enjoyed the kickboxing classes and the weight training
facility. These activities have allowed me to meet many new people who share my same interests. I also plan to join intramural volleyball.
I haven't decided on a major yet, but my interest in physical
health has me considering Exercise Science as an option.
My nutrition professor majored in Exercise Science. I look
forward to talking with her about my career options in this field of study. It's exciting to me that I can turn my passion into a possible career, but I'm still keeping my options open.
4 Spring 2005
Nathan Strandel Nathan Strandel
Nathan Strandell From: Pine Island, Minnesota Thinking About: English/Writing
In high school, Winona State University was a familiar name. A few of my teachers were recent WSU
graduates, not to mention my mom, dad and grandmother all received master's degrees from this university.
Since my hometown is just one hour from Winona State, and being close to home is important to me, I
decided to visit the campus. The green space on campus caught my eye immediately. I love that the
university sits between the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River and the bluffs. The admissions counselors were so friendly and made such a good impression on me that I knew WSU was the perfect option.
The adjustment to campus life has been easy. The first few weeks of school, as I headed back to my
residence hall, I'd tell my friends that I was going to my room. Now, I call Lourdes Hall my home, which to me has been an interesting transition in just a few short weeks.
Courses at WSU are, at times, challenging. However, classes I used to dread attending, like English, are now
courses that never seem long enough. My professor has made English 111 so enjoyable that I'm thinking about majoring in a field that is focused on writing.
Winona Currents 5
Nikki Olson Nikki Olson Nikki Olson From: Stevens Point, Wisconsin Thinking About: Biology
Running track has always been a part
of my life. My dad has coached both
track and cross country for 26 years, my mom and three siblings are all runners,
and I've been on the track team since my freshman year in high school. I knew
when I came to college I'd want to be on the track team.
While in high school, my best friend
told me about Winona State. I was
interested because I liked the idea of
going to college away from home. I also liked the size of the city, the beautiful
campus and the benefits of having my own computer as part of WSU's laptop program.
After learning about the university, I
went online and filled out a recruitment
form to be on the track team. Today, I'm a long jumper and a short distance sprinter for WSU.
My experience on a college-level track
team has already helped me learn how to manage my time and be more
organized; skills which will be helpful in my career as a pediatric doctor. I'm
currently a pre-med biology major at
WSU. I have always enjoyed working with children, which is why I've chosen to focus on pediatrics when I attend medical school.
6 Spring 2005
Vikki Cheung
Vikki Cheung
Vikki Cheung From: Tenafly, New Jersey Thinking About: English I first got to know Winona State
University during a visit while I was in
fifth grade. My parents both graduated from WSU, and I wanted to see where they went to college. It was the first
university campus I had ever been on and it stuck in my mind.
The Winona area is very different from
where I grew up, in Tenafly, New Jersey. I'm used to a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle, and I was looking for a change. In
Winona, both on campus and in the
community, people are friendly and
welcoming, and make me feel at home. It made the adjustment to a new community much easier.
I live at the Residential College in
Lourdes Hall. I take a short shuttle ride to the main campus for my classes--it's so convenient. I enjoy this style of
residence hall life because it makes me
feel like my studies and my personal life are two separate but related entities. Although, many people live on main campus and enjoy that as well.
I'm planning to major in English. I've
loved the subject since my sophomore year in high school. I don't have a
definite career in mind yet, but I'm
looking into journalism and possibly speech writing.
Winona Currents 7
Kyle Miller Kyle Miller Kyle Miller From: Waseca, Minnesota Thinking About: Sociology I started playing the French horn in seventh
grade. In high school, our marching band was really good and very hardcore, requiring lots of practice and music lessons. I decided, before I came to
Winona State, I was going to take a break from music and focus on school.
A friend of mine from high school tried out for a
music scholarship at WSU the summer before we
started college, and I went along for moral support. During the audition, my friend introduced me to
the Director of Bands at WSU, Donald Lovejoy. Guess what? I'm playing the French horn in both the
symphonic band and the wind ensemble. I'm happy with my decision, because the people are great. My friend also got her music scholarship.
I'm planning to major in sociology, because I'd
like to be a high school guidance counselor. I loved everything about high school, from the small class
sizes to the ability to get to know the students and teachers—which is one of the reasons I came to Winona State.
As a professional, my goal is to help create the
wonderful experience I had in high school for other students. I really want to make a difference in people's lives.
Relief Effort In response to the December 2004 tsunami tragedy in southern Asia, the Winona State University community reached out to help support the hundreds of thousands of victims. In January, WSU hosted a public forum discussing the impact of the tsunami. WSU faculty members demonstrated what caused the deadly earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and WSU international students, who had family in the affected countries, shared their family's emotional stories about the experience of living through the tsunami disaster. WSU also teamed up with the city of Winona to help raise money for the victims. Winona State raised more than $4,500 for UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders. WSU students, faculty and staff also made private gifts through other off-campus organizations. The university community also held a school supply relief collection. Hundreds of items were collected, including notebooks, pencils and art supplies. Approximately one-third of WSU's international students are natives of the countries hit by the tsunami.
Winona Currents 9
Learning Isn’t a Spectators’ Sport
10 Spring 2005
Fastenal Manufacturing Division: Jon Hengel, Earl Murty, Stephen J. Kosidowski, Dr. Mary Gander, Jamie Thompson, Dan Conrad, Jim Jilk and Henry Rollinger, Jr. Tim Borkowski, division manager and Steve Kosidowski, production manager, give presentations for WSU Operations Management classes and give educational plant tours to WSU students. Fastenal employs many WSU students as interns, student workers and university graduates.
At Winona State University, the focus
has served as the director for several
their own improvements and solutions,
of the institution is on the student. Each
grant projects involving partnerships
solving many of the frustrating
day, WSU faculty members help educate
with regional businesses over the past
problems which were underlying causes
and enlighten thousands of students.
14 years.
of much of their conflict.
This is achieved through the Seven
Gander has always valued the
"You can imagine how much the
Principles for Good Practice in
importance of experiential learning, and
student learned and grew," said Gander,
Undergraduate Education. One of those
has welcomed opportunities for her
"and how much more her studies meant
principles of good practice encourages
students to take part in this style of
to her after this experience."
active learning.
education. In addition to involving WSU
Upon completion of a project such as
students in grant projects, area
this, the students do a presentation for
treat their learning experience as a
businesses or organizations contact
the company on their findings. This
spectators’ sport. Professor of
Gander at least once or twice a semester
type of hands-on experience helps the
Management in the Department of
asking for consulting help on a
students apply what they've learned in
Business Administration, Mary Gander,
particular issue or project.
the classroom and get an understanding
Winona State advises students not to
is one of the many examples of WSU
"The university has a lot of resources,
of how the professional world operates. "The organizations give them a good
faculty who reinforce this type of
including our students, that can often fit
learning. She says finding a good
with the needs that a business might
dose of reality," said Gander. "They give
balance between academics and
have," said Gander. "So it's a matter of
them an opportunity to see things
applied learning helps students make
finding out what their needs are, seeing
they're learning in their classes, to apply
better use of their education.
if our resources can fit into their needs,
things they're learning in class, and to
and then making the match for a win-
see both sides, the theory and research
win outcome."
and the day-to-day business realities."
"They need a good well-rounded education," said Gander. "We're not training for a job here. We're educating
This is where her students get the
This type of partnership is what
people to be professionals. There has to
hands-on experience they need. Gander
Gander enjoys so much about her
be a balance."
matches a student, or a team of
career at Winona State University.
students, she thinks will be a good fit
Gander feels the human resources in
learn all they need to know in the
with an organization. For example, a
southeastern Minnesota are the highest
classroom. They need opportunities to
particular organization had a conflict
quality in the world, which makes her
apply what they're learning to situations
among three office employees resulting
work gratifying. But there are other
which occur in the professional world.
in customer dissatisfaction and chronic
rewards to these partnerships.
"The teaching that goes on in the
disruption. The manager tried sending
"It's always the people and the
classroom comes alive and has a lot
the employees to communication and
regional economy," said Gander.
more meaning to them," said Gander,
interpersonal relations seminars and to
"keeping this area healthy economically
"when they have real experience to
customer service training. The manager
and the companies as viable
relate it to."
even tried using his authority by
competitors in a changing economy. But
threatening the employees with formal
it's mostly the people."
Gander recognizes students cannot
Gander has been a faculty member at WSU since 1986. She came to Winona State after being recruited by a former
consequences if they didn't cooperate. Finally, the manager contacted
After 18 years of working at Winona State University, Gander says WSU's
Gander who assigned a student to the
good reputation with the community is
project. Under Gander's supervision,
what keeps organizations returning for
interesting, diversified manufacturing
the student coached the employees
help. This type of partnership will
here that really interested me," said
using the knowledge and skills she
continue to provide a service to the
Gander.
learned in her WSU classes. The
community and to WSU students.
dean of the College of Business. "I knew there was a lot of very
While at Winona State, Gander served
employees were put into an
"Part of my role as a faculty member
as the interim dean for the College of
improvement team to study their own
at Winona State is to provide
Business from 1988 to 1990. Currently,
work processes, office layout and jobs.
community service." said Gander. "I
she teaches Organizational Dynamics
Through the guidance of the WSU
take that very seriously, and I know a lot
and Behavior and several different
student and the support of their
of other faculty do, too."
operations management courses. She
manager, the employees came up with Winona Currents 11
The Trip to the Front of the Class By Sanjeev Misra ‘02
The walk to the office every day draws a smile to the face of Dr. Frank Rocco, chair of the WSU Department of Special Education. A long time teacher of teachers, Rocco's occupation is one he calls "outrageously wonderful." Rocco said fantastic opportunities for higher education exist at this level for instructors and students alike. Because professors are able to continue to grow professionally through education, they are able to truly become masters in their field and serve as an invaluable resource to their students. "Knowledge from personal experience and first-hand expertise is shared far beyond what can be found in textbooks alone," Rocco said. "The ability to profess one's own point of view is a privilege earned at the university level." Rocco said he augments his research-based teaching with experiences from his own struggles and successes and aims for his students to be fully prepared for their first Monday in front of their own classrooms. He said his coursework is a filter for "what is high in the sky and what works." A Winona State professor since 1972, Rocco has enjoyed the growth of his own knowledge in the field of education. He has studied near and far from home, completing postdoctoral work in educational psychology at the University of Minnesota and in biomedical ethics at the Gregorian University in Rome. He and his wife, Joyce, another WSU professor, have visited professors at the University of Hawaii, and universities in the People’s Republic 12 Spring 2005
of China and American Samoa. Frank Rocco's focus at WSU has been helping build the knowledge base and the career visions of young teachers. He has been the senior author of several state approved SPED teacher training programs over the years, each with an emphasis on practical curriculum. The man who has invested the better part of his career developing Winona State's special education department now takes time to reflect on the years that have brought him to this point. Frank’s father, Antonio Rocco, came to the U.S. from the southern part of Italy in 1921 as an indentured servant working in the Detroit auto plants and mines of the Ford Motor Company. He left his pregnant wife and unborn son overseas to start a new life for them in America. Ford helped him with housing and education, as he supported his family back home. Seven years after leaving Italy, Antonio was finally able to bring his wife and son, Dominic, across the Atlantic Ocean to their new home. Frank Rocco was raised in a mainly immigrant community on the north side of Pittsburgh, Penn., and said he spoke Italian before he spoke English. Rocco, his three brothers and one sister grew up from modest roots. Frank Rocco attended Oliver High School near his home. During senior year, he studied electric shop, wood shop, metal shop, print shop, physical education, and English. One and one half years out of high school and a full time employee at the neighborhood supermarket, Rocco crossed paths with his high school English instructor, Mrs.
Bleisner, who said to him: "You're a smart boy, Frank. You could be a very good teacher." Bleisner encouraged him to look into teaching programs at Clarion State Teacher's College, in Clarion, Penn. The open enrollment policy at the school for teachers gave Rocco the opportunity he sought. His earlier plans of joining the military to be followed by trade work had now been refocused on education. "Teachers and clergymen were the only professions we saw," Rocco said. In order to exchange the blue collar for the white, he said, the only avenues open to him were to become a teacher or to enter the clergy. His father’s advice on the decision: "Good, Frank. You can go to work when it rains, sit down when you want to, and when you’re sick, they’ll pay you." In the mail came school requirements for living needs, including some supplies Rocco didn’t have: sheets, pillowcases, pajamas, and suitcases. Without his knowing, Frank's sister-in-law, Delores, set out to collect the essentials for him. She initiated a gathering of store stamps, S & H Green Stamps, from neighbors. To his surprise, young Rocco set off to school in the fall of 1958 holding two brand-new, brown suitcases packed with the required materials. "Many who gave the stamps were waving," he said. "This was a great sacrifice for them to make. These were stamps that could've been used for themselves." After one semester at college, Rocco found himself in a bind. The
teacher in helping grow the vision of the kind of instructor he wanted to become. "They are both outstanding people. Mrs. Bleisner is of the same cut as Still. Both are from the best traditions of higher education," Rocco said. "They both had high standards, and they both felt responsible for achieving them in their students; also the mark of great teachers." Subsequent outstanding academic performance at Clarion State helped Rocco earn a masters degree fellowship to study peripatology at Boston College. "I didn’t really know what I was going to school for until I got there," he said. "I knew it was some form of special education dealing with the blind." Rocco had entered in a government-funded study in "orientation and mobility of the blind." He said there were promising opportunities in the field as it was just being established and there was a growing need for specialists. Boston College was Professor Frank Rocco and his wife, Joyce, the second institution in the country to offer such sailing on Lake Winona. courses, and Rocco was in transition was difficult, his grades were the second class to study in its off track and he was on academic peripatology program. The practicum probation. courses were taught by the program’s "I was desperately serious," Rocco first-year graduates, themselves taught said. "I could not go back to my by war veterans. neighborhood after they had helped Included in the class work were me get there. I was their hope, as I was lessons in "sightless travel." Students the only one from my neighborhood were blindfolded and given walking who went to college. I couldn't afford canes. After considerable training, they to fail." were to navigate through Boston to a Redeeming himself through hard designated location using only work, Rocco earned the class scores he environmental cues and no assistance needed and also discovered a role from an accompanying university model. trainer. Rocco said his college English Working his way down the sidewalk teacher, Dr. Dana Still, continued the one afternoon, Rocco tapped cane tips role played by his high school English with another blindfolded classmate. He
and the young lady politely excused themselves, moved aside, and continued on. Rocco's trainer, Bill Goodman, said to him of the student, "Wow, you should see that one, Rock!" Later, in a class meeting, Goodman pointed out to Rocco the woman he had bumped into that afternoon. For the first time, Rocco laid eyes on the woman who would become his wife, Joyce White. After Rocco and White earned their master’s degrees at Boston College, they were married on Dec. 14, 1963, in Joyce's hometown, Lincoln, Neb. After several years of teaching, the Roccos moved on to Michigan State University in Lansing, Mich. As a fellowship student, Frank pursued his doctorate in special education with disciplines in severe-profound mental retardation, emotional disturbance, and learning disabilities. In 1969, at age 29, Rocco had earned his Ph.D. degree in special education and child development. Before coming to Winona State in 1972, Rocco had experience at the kindergarten, elementary and secondary education levels, and was superintendent of the Iowa School for the Blind. The Roccos began their family in Iowa with the adoption of their first daughter from Korea, Kristin. Their family continued to grow in Winona with the adoption of Tegen and Paige. Kristin and Tegen are now teachers and Paige is a nurse. On his life in special education, Rocco said, "I have been blessed with really wonderful students and great colleagues. In this field, you find yourself surrounded by great people with great hearts. It turned out to be a really wonderful thing. If I could go back and do it again, I would." Now in phased retirement, Rocco spends his newfound personal time writing both prose and music, nursing his backyard vegetable garden, and enjoying leisurely afternoons gliding Lake Winona with Joyce in their white sailboat. Rocco looks forward to completing a book, a musical for high schools, teaching around the world, and watching his daughters raise their own families. Winona Currents 13
WSU: Developing Leaders in Our Community and Yours
related to a variety of disciplines. Additionally, the Leadership Institute is working with WSU Summer Youth Conferences to develop leadership programming options for these types of conferences in a variety of formats. One example of the leadership program for business and industry is the partnership between WSU and Merchants Bank. Together the organizations host the annual Economic Summit, which focuses on
Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski assists students during the High School Model Legistlature Program hosted annually by WSU’s Leadership Institute. Winona State University offers a
The Leadership Institute was
economic concerns that face the Winona community, the region and the state. Winona State also partners with
distinctive learning environment for a
formalized four years ago. Ann
the United Way through the leadership
broad range of students, beginning in
MacDonald, WSU Leadership Institute
program for non-profit organizations.
elementary school and reaching those
director, said the mission of the
The groups concentrate on grant
who are retired. The WSU Leadership
program is based on the very
writing, fundraising, board member
Institute is one program which
principles which have made Winona
recruitment and development and
facilitates this style of learning by
State a great institution.
volunteer management.
responding to the needs of the region.
“Our mission is to offer leadership
The Principle-Centered Leadership
WSU’s Associate Vice President of
learning opportunities that will build
Programs are offered to public and
Academic Affairs, Christine Barajas,
character and competence,” said
private sectors around the state in
said the Leadership Institute has
MacDonald, “to individuals in business
partnership with other Minnesota State
committed itself to provide
and industry and the public sector in
Colleges and Universities.
collaboration and diverse
our region.”
opportunities throughout the Winona State campus and into the community.
The Leadership Institute offers a
The program which allows the Leadership Institute their greatest
variety of programs including
impact on the future is the Leadership
leadership workshops for business,
Institute for High School Students. The
University for our Leadership Institute
industry, government and non-profit
intense, week-long, residential
is to provide leadership learning
organizations; Principle-Centered
program for high school leaders is
opportunities for our constituents:
Leadership Programs based on
based on the best-selling book 7 Habits
WSU students, personnel, high school
materials from FranklinCovey and
of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
students and community members,”
internationally known author Stephen
said Barajas. “Beyond that, it is to
Covey; and the Leadership Institute for
had 140 students from 46 high schools
position Winona State among the
High School Students. It is in the
in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin
nation’s best in leadership
process of expanding its offerings to
attend,” said MacDonald, “and the
development opportunities.”
include workshops and certificate
feedback we have collected from
programs on leadership issues as
parents and school administrators
“The vision of Winona State
14 Spring 2005
“Over the past four years, we have
shows these students have become even better leaders.”
“Having a conferencing facility,”
Together, the Tau Center and the
said Ivanyo, “helps fulfill Winona State’s
Leadership Institute are working
outreach portion of its mission in
towards building and improving
expand its programs to draw upon the
providing a venue for the exchange of
Winona State University’s already
unique expertise of Winona State’s
knowledge between the community
successful leadership programs.
colleges and individual faculty
and the university.”
The Leadership Institute plans to
members. MacDonald said this will
“The vision for both of these
Throughout the past year, the Tau
programs,” said MacDonald, “is to
allow the Leadership Institute to build
Center has undergone many
support the outreach efforts for the
on WSU’s history as a leader in
renovations from cosmetic changes,
university constituents.”
education and leadership
including new carpeting, furniture and
development.
artwork, to logistical changes, such as
“With these types of leadership
upgrading the electrical system and
programs, not only do people come to
renovating the kitchen to support
us,” said MacDonald, “but we go to
catering in the facility. Those
them and customize programs for their
improvements have enhanced the
specific needs.”
facility and made Tau Center a
As the Leadership Institute program continues to work with learners throughout the community, WSU continues to expand its means to
“Having a conferencing facility helps fulfill Winona State’s outreach portion of its mission in providing a venue for the exchange of knowledge between the community and the university.” — Peg Ivanyo
serve that
desirable place to hold a conference. The results of an increase in conferences will have a direct impact on the students. “The Tau Center focuses on the desire for the university to
community by offering more
expand its conference operation with
opportunities for conferences
the hope that it will increase funds for
throughout the year.
student scholarships,” said Barajas. “It
Peg Ivanyo is a consultant working
will also be used as a tool to strengthen
with WSU to help increase Winona
relationships with external
State’s outreach efforts. The plan to
organizations and, through that, it will
increase the partnership between
build the image of Winona State.”
Winona State and the community was
The goal of the Continuing
enhanced with the purchase of the Tau
Education and Conference Services
Center from the St. Teresa Campus in
unit, who will be supporting programs
2003. During the 2003-2004 school
in the Tau Center, is to facilitate a
year, the Tau Center was used as a
conference from beginning to end. The
residence hall. However, beginning in
Tau Center provides services ranging
September of 2004, the Tau Center
from audio-visual support to
became a dual-use facility, serving as a
coordinating food and lodging.
residence hall for students and a
“We offer complete conference
conference center to host conferences,
support services from needs
seminars, and workshops, as well as
assessment,” said Ivanyo, “through the
receptions, banquets and small
facilitation of the conference to the
meetings.
final evaluation of the program.”
For more information on the Tau Center, call 507-474-3900.
A+ Performance
Winona State University’s Leadership Institute for High School Students received an award for outstanding programming. The leadership institute was given the Creative Program Award, for a noncredit program, by the University Continuing Education Association’s (UCEA) Mid-America 2004 Celebration of Excellence Program. Ann MacDonald, WSU Leadership Institute director, said she’s very proud of the impact the program has made on high school students. “It is rewarding to see just how much the students learn and grow in just one week,” said MacDonald. “I also enjoy watching them develop lasting friendships. Some of the students still remain in contact with each other by organizing their own mini-reunions, which shows the deep connection they formed during the program.” There were many criteria to qualify for the award, including making a significant or ongoing contribution to the field of continuing education, successfully meeting the program’s objectives, and achieving the desired results of the program. UCEA Executive Director, Kay Kohl, said this award “truly showcases a very unique and creative contribution to the field of continuing education in the heartland of the country.” The Leadership Institute for High School Students began in 2000 as a one-week program for students who are active in leadership roles in their school and/or community. It is also for students who want to develop the self-confidence and communication skills needed for leadership positions.
Winona Currents 15
Mississippi River Promises Mighty Education Imagine floating down the Mississippi River on a steamboat reading Mark Twain as you wait for your river water sample to settle so you can begin a biology experiment. During your travels, the steamboat may stop for you to
fifth course which
capture a picturesque scene of the bluffs on film. Before you
would require a
leave, you’re able to study the history of the earth in the bluff
student to analyze
rock.
how each of these
This type of interdisciplinary education was presented to
subjects are related.
a group of top students from several Winona area high
The interdisciplinary
schools during Winona State University’s River Excursion in
course will fulfill
October 2004. The excursion provided a way for WSU faculty
university studies
to tell potential students about the proposed new
courses required by
interdisciplinary river studies program the university plans
WSU. Drake
to begin in Fall 2005, coinciding with the roll-out of WSU’s
Hokanson, assistant
Winona Experience plan.
professor in mass
Students from Plainview, Houston, St. Charles and
communication and
Caledonia, Minn., schools traveled aboard the Julia Belle
co-organizer of the
Swain steamboat as they listened to a group of WSU
interdisciplinary
professors explain how the different aspects of the Mississippi River can be applied to several disciplines. Heidi Allen, a senior at St. Charles High School, said it was a good experience to ride on the river and hear about a new way to learn. “I hadn’t been on a field trip since eighth grade,” said
Mike Swenson views a river sampleduring the river excursion.
"The generous donors who provide gifts for Winona State program, said this are helping ensure that our style of learning is beneficial for students. institution fulfills its mission “Students realize to improve our world." —Swenson that the world is interdisciplinary. Why shouldn’t education also be
Allen. “So, this was a fun learning experience away from
interdisciplinary,” said Hokanson. “When students have the
school.”
opportunity to see these things as a whole, rather than as
The WSU River Excursion program was made possible through a generous donation from an anonymous Texas
components, then really neat things can happen for them.” Many of the students on the steamboat enjoyed their
alumnus. Mike Swenson, director of major gifts, said it’s
lesson on interdisciplinary education. Brianna Polus, a
donations like this that make a big difference in the type of
senior at Caledonia High School, feels students would be
programs and opportunities we can offer students.
able to learn a lot outside of the classroom because of the
“The generous donors who provide gifts for Winona State,” said Swenson, “are helping ensure that our institution fulfills its mission to improve our world.” The proposed interdisciplinary river program would be made up of 25 students who would live in the same residence hall. They would take a cluster of five courses
hands-on experience. “I think it’d be really smart to offer a course like this because there are so many things for students to learn, use and see on the river,” said Polus. “Otherwise, it’d be like living in Washington, D.C., and not using the resources.” Several faculty members are working on the logistics
focused on the Mississippi River, including English
behind implementing the interdisciplinary program. The
composition, American history, photography, biology and a
goal is to allow students to register for this program by the fall semester.
16 Spring 2005
A WinningTradition
Leslie L. Wothke, Winona, Minn.; Barbara L. Ward-Miller, Maplewood, Minn. Robert S. Brewer, Wake Forest, N.C.; Micheal Huettl, Eau Claire, Wis.; and Robert J. Scott, West Union, Iowa
by Sarah Goberville ‘05
Each year, past Winona State University athletes and coaches are honored for their athletic achievements and personal successes. In September 2004, four Winona State University graduates and one former coach were inducted into the Winona State University Athletic Hall of Fame. The awards were presented to Michael A. Huettl, of Eau Claire, Wis.; Leslie L. Wothke, of Winona, Minn.;
and Barbara L. Ward-Miller, of
chosen unanimously by a Hall of Fame
Maplewood, Minn.
committee.
Dan Schumacher, WSU director of
“Hall of Fame inductees have said
Robert S. Brewer, of Wake Forest, N.C.;
athletic development, said this year’s
how amazing and exciting the changes
Robert J. Scott, of West Union, Iowa;
inductees are well-deserving and were
have been at WSU,” said Schumacher, Winona Currents 17
“because of the emphasis on
Scott won four letters in track and
had a women’s golf team,” said Ward-
academics and technology, new and
cross country, was the Conference
restored buildings, and the best
Champion 2-mile runner (1958), team
athletic success in 50 years.”
captain (1958-1960), and more
member of the state championship
recently, Iowa girls’ cross country
team (1985), three-time WSU low-
Coach of the Year.
average leader, and three-time MVP.
The first Hall of Fame induction was in 1986. Since then, 97 people have received this honor.
During the 1972-1973 Winona
Miller. She was a state medalist (1985), a
Ward-Miller never finished out of the
After touring Winona State
State University basketball season,
top five in any golf tournament during
University as a high school student,
Leslie L. Wothke, WSU head men’s
her final three years at WSU.
Michael A. Huettl knew the university
basketball coach for 11 years, led his
was the perfect fit for him. Huettl had
team to 20 consecutive wins; at the
from Winona State University, football
a phenomenal baseball career at
time, it was the longest winning streak
great and 1976 graduate Robert S.
Winona State before he graduated in
in the nation.
Brewer said it’s impossible to choose
1977, and he now refers to his years in
“It was wonderful coaching and
college at WSU as the best years of his
teaching at WSU,”
life.
said Wothke, “and “WSU has always had a great
With many admirable honors
the award of which he’s most proud. While at
“WSU has always had a great
the reward of
WSU, he won four letters in
athletic and academic program,” said
learning about
athletic and academic program,
football, was
Huettl “and the people at WSU, from
success in my
and the people at WSU, from the
named All-
the athletic director and president to
players’ lives
the faculty and students, are such
outweighs any
athletic director and president to
District and
good people.”
awards I’ve
the faculty and students, are
Honorable
Huettl helped WSU baseball teams win two conference and three NAIA
Conference, All-
received.” Wothke was
Mention All-
such good people.”
American. Years
District 13 championships, was named
honored as
All-Conference, All-District, All-Area
Conference Coach
and NAIA All-American 2nd team.
of the Year three times and led WSU to
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
four conference championships.
(1994) and the Presidential Medallion
50 years, coaching cross country for 40
He has recorded more than 300
Award from WSU (2002) for his success
years and has seven marathons under
basketball victories and now shares his
in his business career.
his belt, but Robert J. Scott isn’t
knowledge of the game at lectures and
slowing down. Scott received his
clinics locally and around the world.
He’s been running for more than
bachelor’s degree (1960) and his
Almost 20 years after golf
— Huettl
later, he earned the WSU
“I’m proud to be a WSU alumnus because of the positive leadership, great campus improvements over the
master’s degree (1966) from Winona
phenomenon Barbara L. Ward-Miller
years, the impressive library and the
State University while making a big
graduated from Winona State
respected leadership of President
impression as a member of the track
University in 1985, she’s still playing
Krueger,” said Brewer.
team and the WSU charter cross
golf, and her game is even better than
country team.
in college.
“I was so happy that WSU started
“I chose to attend WSU because
a cross country program,” said Scott.
my brother graduated from WSU. I
“It was great to be a member of the
knew how the community supported
first WSU team in 1958.”
the college and the athletes and they
18 Spring 2005
He follows the WSU football team every week and is proud of their successes.
Dedicated to our
Students’ Education
Six years ago, it was an idea proposed to the state of Minnesota. Today, the new $30 million Science Laboratory Center is a reality, offering exciting new possibilities to Winona State University students and faculty. Construction on the Science Laboratory Center was completed this past summer, which allowed students to begin doing lab work in the new building at the start of the academic year, August 30, 2004.
Winona Currents 19
The Dean of the College of
“We strived to make the science
Science and Engineering, Nancy
building something different than
Jannik, said the building houses all
what we already had on campus,”
four natural science departments:
said Jannik.
biology, chemistry, geoscience and physics. “We are very proud of our new
The Science Laboratory Center is made up entirely of science labs and one auditorium-style lecture
building,” said Jannik. “Its potential
hall. Classrooms and faculty offices
is phenomenal.”
are still housed in Pasteur Hall.
The design of the facility is
Winona State is awaiting passage of
educational and symbolic. The
a state bonding bill which will allow
wood paneling is made from
the university to complete phase
renewable bamboo; some of the
two of the science building
paint and carpet in the building
renovation by reconstructing
were created from recycled
Pasteur Hall to add much needed
materials; the atrium runs east and
modern classroom space.
west, mimicking the Mississippi
The new Science Laboratory
River; a first-floor plasma television
Center offers state-of-the-art
shows science news and laboratory
equipment including 1,900 data
experiments; and sky lights were
ports, teaching stations with video
used to save on power.
projectors and microscopes that
“We saw this building as a way to change the way we teach. This whole facility is a lab for us. It’s a way for students to learn through hands-on experiences.” — Cathy Summa
connect to laptops to view and store images. The facility also has more space to conduct research and lab experiments. Richard Shields, chair of the physics department, said space was so tight in Pasteur Hall that labs ran morning to night in order to provide all WSU students with their required courses.
The art in the building also lends
“We also had students doing
itself to learning experiences. One
projects in closets and in the
percent of the cost of the building
hallway of Pasteur before this new
went toward the Minnesota Percent
facility was built,” said Shields.
for Art in Public Places Program,
The physics department now
sponsored by the Minnesota State
has double the space it had before,
Arts Board and the Department of
which allows students to conduct
Administration. Some of the art
experiments in the classroom.
includes a map of the geology of the
Other departments, like biology,
Winona area inlaid in the terrazzo
also saw a 100 percent increase in
floor; scientific symbols are etched
space, adding six instructional labs,
into the atrium floor; and a star-
two research areas and a
shaped bench is engraved with the
greenhouse. Michael Delong,
first constellation map of the
biology professor, said the limited
Northern Hemisphere.
space in Pasteur made it difficult for
20 Spring 2005
students and faculty to move
systems ventilate fumes which
around the classroom, and
are filtered and sent up and out
limited work space caused
of the building. Chemistry
supplies to constantly slide into
students are also able learn from
each other on crowded lab
a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
tables.
(NMR) machine which can be
“Now we have the capability
“Now we have the capability to do what we were doing before but better, and we can do even more of it.” — Mike Delong
compared to an MRI. Students are able to spin chemicals with this machine to uncover what elements make up a particular compound. The excitement of the building also brings many new
to do what we were doing before
advancements for the
but better,” said Delong, “and we
Department of Geoscience.
can do even more of it.”
Cathy Summa, chair of the
The labs in Pasteur Hall were
department, said the new facility
built in 1962. Charla Miertschin,
houses a three-story geologic
chemistry department chair, said
rock-wall and a flume lab which
at that time there were 13 natural
includes a replica of the
science faculty and 100 majors.
Mississippi River and landscape
Today, those numbers have
elevations.
grown to 39 natural science
“We saw this building as a
faculty and more than 1,000
way to change the way we teach,”
majors. Plus, today every one of
said Summa. “This whole facility
WSU’s 8,000 students takes at
is a lab for us. It’s a way for
least two required science
students to learn through hands-
courses.
on experiences.”
In chemistry, the students and
Experiential learning is
faculty received
becoming the focus of Winona
additional
State University, as faculty strive
research labs.
to teach students in more ways
The new
than the traditional classroom
structure
lecture. The design and intent of
provides better
this building gives students the
ventilation
opportunity to practice what
throughout the
they’re reading in textbooks and
building and
hearing in class, providing
cuts down on
students the true Winona
emissions. The
experience.
new hood
Hundreds of people participated in the Science Laboratory Center Dedication, October 22, 2004. Lower right: WSU students demonstrate the type of learning that takes place in the labs at the new Science Laboratory Center. Winona Currents 21
BAMBI:
Ambassador For Love, Hope and Peace The man now known in many circles around the globe as Bambi is better known to Winona State University
superstars, including Frankie Valli and Ray Charles. Bambi holds a place of
students of the late 1970s as Shawn
high regard for WSU in his
Jadun. He came to Winona State in
heart, visiting campus on
1974 as an international student from
several occasions.
Pakistan. He was a resident assistant in
"I can tie everything in
Prentiss Hall in 1977 and '78, perhaps
my life somehow back to
the first international student to be an
Winona State and the
R.A. in the Minnesota State University
wonderful teachers there and
system.
the people I've met," Bambi said
Shaanshehryar Khan Raye
Shawn “Bambi� Jadun,’86, returned to campus for a visit in 2004.
during a 2004 visit to campus.
furthering his critical thinking skills,
Gajazadoon was born in the shadow of
"My success today is tied back to Jim
and Jim Bromeland, who hammered in
the Himalayan Mountains and
Kern's courses about open
the finer points of American
nicknamed Bambi by his mother and
communication, Don Salyard's
government. He met with Ronald
tribe. At age 18, he decided to further
economics classes and the intricacies
Stevens in Sociology from whom Bambi
his education in the United States. He
of international business, and Vivian
learned about conflict resolution.
applied to Winona State as well as other
Fusillo's theatre class and its
schools. "WSU was the first school to
relationship to work as a television
professors who have retired in years
send my paperwork back," Bambi said.
interviewer and radio announcer.
past, including Walter McCormick,
"So, I decided to go there and then
"From Terri Markos in the
He also fondly recalled many WSU
Director of Forensics, for helping him
perhaps transfer to another school.
International Student Office, I learned
receive the highest score in
Once I got to Winona State, I fell in love
about the use of collective wisdom and
forensics/debate among competitors
with the people and the place and
applied it as secretary of the
from colleges and universities in the
stayed there until graduation."
International Student Association. By
State of Minnesota.
Since graduating, Bambi's main
example, John Ferden's leadership was
involvement has been in overseas real
invaluable when I was president of
estate investments and an extensive
Prentiss Hall."
enterprise in music, perfumes, jewelry
Terri Markos remembers when
Bambi said his relationship with Winona State will remain strong. "I'm looking forward to finding other ways I can help my college at the
and public speaking as noted on his
Bambi first came to Winona State; he
same time as I help other people," he
web site: BambiWithLove.com.
was an excellent guitar player and won
said.
Bambi has been a featured speaker on topics such as corporate giving,
a campus talent competition. "He was so outgoing and friendly
"Even though I'm busy and am constantly traveling," Bambi said,
human rights abuses, world trade and
that everyone instantly found a friend
"there is nothing more important than
technology-related issues. He is known
in Shawn," Terri said, "and he was
giving back. To make something truly
internationally for his contributions as
always full of energy and wonderful
good happen, you have to be willing to
a speaker, designer, recording artist and
ideas about how to make things better."
do something extra. I'm making that
humanitarian. He has been featured on
While on campus last year, Bambi
commitment to Winona State, because
every major television network and has
visited with some of his professors,
of everything Winona State has meant
performed in concert with music
including Ahmed El-Afandi in Political
and done for me."
22 Spring 2005
Science, who Bambi credits for
FOOTBALL REUNION
Winona State College 1895 Football Team
"Celebrating Over 100 Years of Warrior Football" All Class Years are Welcome!
Friday, Sept. 9 - Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005
September 9, 2005
Stadium Addition Grand Opening Evening Golf Outing
September 10, 2005
Pre-game Tailgate Party, 10 a.m., at Loughrey Field WSU Warriors vs. University of North Dakota, 1 p.m., Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium Post-game Celebration, immediately following the Warrior Football Game, St. Teresa's Saturday's celebration begins with a 10 a.m. pre-game tailgate party at Loughrey Field including burgers, brats and all the side dishes. The post-game celebration begins immediately following the Warrior football game at St. Teresa's in the sports facility. The post-game reunion includes a family-style dinner, full beverage service, guest speakers, presentations and entertainment. Formal invitations are being sent in early spring. For more information, contact Dan Schumacher, director of athletic development, at 507-457-2771, email: dschumacher@winona.edu., or www.winona.edu/athletics/football. Winona Currents 23
As I sat in Winona State University’s Performing Arts Center
our constituents and this outstanding institution of higher learning. Dr. Krueger’s insight has shaped the evolution of Winona
for the Fall 2004 Opening
State and has created an institution that invites alumni back
Workshop, an annual
to their academic “home.” We see this dynamic in action
event during which
when alumni gather together for homecomings, reunions
faculty and
and regional events across the country. We witness it when
administrative staff
alumni commit their time, talent and financial resources to
gather to prepare for the
the improvement of physical and academic programs at the
upcoming school year,
university. We realize it when we witness the deep sense of
Dr. Darrell W. Krueger
pride our alumni take in their shared history with this fine
greeted us with the news
old institution.
that this would be the
As Dr. Krueger embarks on the next facet of his life’s
last academic year he would serve as president of Winona
journey, he leaves Winona State a rich legacy. Because of
State University. The news had a profound impact on each of
him, we walk on the grounds of an institution that is arguably
us in that room, and it gave me cause to stop and reflect on
the finest school in the MnSCU system. And each of us, as
his place in the history and development of my alma mater.
alumni, share in this legacy.
Over half of the alumni that have graduated from Winona
I encourage you to celebrate Dr. Krueger’s legacy to our
State have done so under Dr. Krueger’s leadership! His
alma mater. I invite you to reconnect with this community of
influence has directed the inspirational changes that we see
learners and to recommit to the relationships that you
across campus. Once an urban campus, Winona State
formed during your days at Winona State. I invite you to
University is now one of the most beautiful spaces in the city
become a more active member of the WSU alumni family,
of Winona; some refer to it as the most beautiful park in
and in so doing, to honor a man that has brought so much
Winona. Campus-wide, you see students carrying laptops as
honor to this university.
part of an innovative program that places our students on the leading edge of technology in learning. The alumni program, too, has benefited from Dr. Krueger’s vision. It has seen a renewed commitment by the university to provide resources
Kim Dehlin Zeiher,’78
that foster the development of lifelong relationships between
Director of Alumni Relations
24 Spring 2005
Alumni Relations P.O. Box 5838 Winona, Minnesota 55987-5838
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Winona, MN 55987 Permit 192
www.winona.edu/alumnirelations 800-DIAL-WSU
The WSU community and public are invited to attend this historic occasion. Join Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' Chancellor James McCormick and the entire WSU community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Darrell W. Krueger’s leadership.
"Unveiling Ceremony"
Winona State University Hosts An
In Honor of the Institution's 13th President, Dr. Darrell W. Krueger
Friday, April 29, 2005 11 a.m.
Winona State University Library
Krueger, was made possible through a $1 million anonymous gift to the WSU Foundation. The donation will go toward the library acquisition endowment to help maintain the integrity of WSU's Library.