Winter 09-10
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urrents
Sold! For benefit auctioneer Kurt Johnson ’88, philanthropy is the highest bidder
A Publication of Winona State Univer sity
2 | Winter 2009 - 2010
C O N T E N T S STEM-MING THE TIDE...................................................... 9 Partnership closes gap
$7.9 MILLION and counting.......................................13 Light the Way Campaign approaches goal
FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS......................................16 Using talents to support philanthropy Philanthropy News............................................................................................... 4 Scholarship News................................................................................................ 5 News & Highlights................................................................................................ 6 Jeff Reinardy: Strength in Numbers..................................................................... 8 My Favorite Professor: Mark Young..................................................................20 Alumni Relations................................................................................................22 Class Notes........................................................................................................24 Current People: Laura Senefeld........................................................................30 On the Cover Department of Commerce investigator by day, professional auctioneer by night, alumnus Kurt Johnson benefits deserving organizations with his selling ability. See full story on page 16. Photo: Rat Race Studios/Ken Friberg and Daniel Life. Birds Eye VIEW New artificial turf glows under the lights of Maxwell Field. The new turf, completed in August, was one of the $60 million in summer building and renovation projects on the WSU campus. In addition to Maxwell, projects included the Integrated Wellness Complex and new residence halls. Both will be completed in Fall 2010. Photo: Chops Hancock. Photo credits Strength in Numbers, My Favorite Professor, Current People: Angie Kronebusch; STEM-ming the Tide: Big Guy Advertising; Benefit of Others: Rat Race Studios; Homecoming 09: Kim Streblow, Brianna Klapperich; Winona Farmers Market: Libby DeNet; Warrior Waddle: John McKeith
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Winter 2009 - 2010
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 55987-5838; by email: currents@winona.edu; online: www.alumni.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.
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This document can be made available in an alternative format to individuals with disabilities by contacting the magazine staff at the address above. Winona Currents | 3
PHILANTHROPY NEWS
Planning Your Future present and future students.” Like many others, Stein, Ellingson, and the Ferdens have found that planned giving adapts to their changing needs. In many cases, it enables benefactors to make greater gifts than might otherwise be possible. Some gifts even provide tax and income benefits to donors and their families. The WSU Foundation honors the friends and benefactors who have arranged a planned gift through the 1858 Founders Society. Planned gifts of any size, such as a will provision, insurance policy, gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, and estate gift, offers membership. Find out more about the ways you may give, When considering the ways to
and he makes an annual gift for the
and how you can become an 1858
support Winona State University, you
premium amount. He explains that
Founders Society member by calling
may have heard the term “planned
life insurance, because the contract
507.450.5020.
giving” but weren’t sure what it
can multiply a donation many times,
meant.
is a great way to maximize a gift.
Planned giving describes a variety
Norm Ellingson ’69 chose to make
of options to give during your lifetime
a unique gift that follows his art
and afterwards, while meeting your
and cultural interests. The retired
current financial needs and providing
telecommunications executive
for your heirs. Many benefactors think
owns a large collection of works
of planned giving as leaving a legacy,
by Erte, a Russian-born artist and
one that benefits both the donor
designer. Ellingson plans to donate
and the donor’s family, and future
his collection, which includes prints,
generations.
sculptures, fashion designs, and
While some gifts require more
books, for display on campus. He
thought and care, most methods of
will also provide an endowment for
planned giving can be surprisingly
transportation and maintenance of
easy.
the pieces.
Rick Stein ’85 wanted to support
For Pat ’69/’73 and John Ferden,
the university where he learned the
Winona State is part of the family.
skills that have been invaluable to his
Both are longtime university
career with The Hartford Financial
employees, and two of their children
Services Group, one of the largest
are alumni, as are Pat’s sister, brother,
insurance and investment companies
and numerous aunts, uncles, and
based in the United States.
cousins.
His choice was simple, affordable,
They included Winona State in
and closely connected with his work:
their will. “The school uses the
a life insurance policy. Stein donated
money wisely,” said Pat. “We’re very
the policy to the WSU Foundation,
confident that our gift will benefit
4 | Winter 2009 - 2010
Many Paths to a Planned Gift
Planned giving describes a variety of ways to give during your lifetime and afterwards: Gift Annuities – contribute funds or assets to WSU and the Foundation makes fixed annuity payments to you for the rest of your life. Charitable Remainder Trust – receive income from a trust for your lifetime, whereupon the balance of the trust is transferred to an organization you select. Charitable Lead Trust – designate the Foundation to receive a regular, fixed amount from a trust for a fixed period of time. Charitable Bequest – give or leave anything from your estate, such as property, money, or cherished belongings, through a will or living trust. Beneficiary Designation – designate the Foundation as the beneficiary of life insurance or retirement assets. For more information on planned giving, contact a member of our development staff at 507.457.5020 (telephone) or foundation@winona.edu (email). There’s more information at our website: www.winona.edu/planned giving.
SCHOLARSHIP NEWS
I Think About Her Every Day Those who met Pamela Koelsch
Ronald McDonald House.
administration, and the group is
treasured her. She was hard
“Pam’s favorite time of year
working with the WSU Foundation
working, outgoing, and engaging.
was Greek Week,” said Hillman.
to build an endowment to fund the
“When Pam entered a room,
“She wanted to increase student
scholarship in perpetuity.
she lit it up,” said friend Jocelyn
involvement in Greek organizations
“Pam and I were together our
(Halverson) Hillman ’02. “She
at Winona State and make sororities
entire time at Winona State,
made everyone around her feel
and fraternities a more valuable
beginning with our freshman year
special.”
part of campus life.”
as roommates,” said Hillman. “I
At Pine Island (Minnesota) High
On July 14, 2002, just one
think about her every day.”
School, Koelsch was a cheerleader,
semester away from earning her
“Her scholarship is a good way
violinist in the orchestra, and “Miss
degree, Koelsch tragically lost her
to keep Pam’s spirit alive and
Congeniality” in her hometown
life in a motorcycle accident.
encourage students involved in the
pageant. She headed southeast to
Koelsch’s favorite holiday had
Greek community and on campus.”
Winona State University to pursue a
always been the Fourth of July.
degree in business administration
Appropriately, her sorority sisters
and, although she worked two part-
honored her life by forming a circle
time jobs to pay for her education,
of glowing sparklers. Hillman found
became active in the Greek
the tribute fitting, but wanted to do
community.
more to create a lasting legacy for
Koelsch and Hillman rushed
her sorority sister and best friend.
Sigma Sigma Sigma together when
Working closely with fellow Tri
they were sophomores. Koelsch
Sigma members and Koelsch’s
eventually became president of
parents, Monica and Jerald,
the sorority and then president
Hillman helped establish the
of the WSU Inter Greek Council.
Pamela Koelsch Memorial
As a council leader, she helped
Scholarship. An annual award goes
initiate Toys for Tots, Box Tops for
to a student involved in the Greek
Education, and fundraisers for the
community majoring in business
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Join Jocelyn Hillman, the Koelsch family, members of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and friends in supporting the Pamela Koelsch Memorial Scholarship. Contact Cathie Sieracki ’87 at 507.457.5198 (telephone) or at csieracki@winona.edu (email). Or, go to www.winona.edu and click on “Make a Gift.”
Winona Currents | 5
&HIGHLIGHTS NEWS
Academic Notables Fusillo Wins Honor of a Lifetime Vivian Fusillo, professor of theatre and dance and beloved director of the Winona State Children’s Theatre, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Arts in Minnesota from the Communication and Theatre Association of Minnesota. Fusillo is in her fourth decade of teaching at Winona State, where she has directed more than 75 performances covering the spectrum of styles and subjects. Each year, Fusillo produces a show for her Children’s Theatre. Since 1969, more than 160,000 children have enjoyed original and classic productions on the Winona State campus.
History Article Connects with Readers
“Survival at Crow Creek, 1863-1866,” an article in the Winter 2008-09 edition of Minnesota History by Colette Hyman, elicited tremendous reader response according to the journal’s publishers. In the article, Hyman writes about how Dakota women sustained their families while exiled on the Crow Creek Reservation in central South Dakota. Hyman’s description of the women’s heroic struggle to survive government mistreatment elicited many heartfelt reactions from readers of the journal. Hyman has been professor of history at Winona State since 1990 and has been studying Dakota history and language since 2002.
Berg Making a Difference
Tamara Berg, professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, was recognized by the United Way and KTTC-TV as one of “10 Who Make a Difference.” Berg was honored for her efforts in effectively addressing community needs. She sought to connect high-risk youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Minn. with WSU college student mentors through the College Connection Project. The project addresses the need to make a “college connection” with children who are at highest risk for falling into opportunity gaps; the need to mentor youth from disadvantaged backgrounds; and the need to provide children access to a safe, nurturing educational environment. 6 | Winter 2009 - 2010
Sustainable Transportation Takes Off On two wheels or four, the Winona State community now has more earth-friendly ways to get around town. On September 1, three self-service Zipcars made their campus debut. Located near Kryzsko Commons, the Zipcars are available for hourly or daily rental by WSU students and employees aged 18 and up. The cars benefit the university by helping reduce parking demands, while offering a convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly alternative to owning a car. The availability of Zipcars is particularly beneficial to faculty and staff who bike, carpool, or ride public transit to work by giving them access to a car during the day if they need one. When two wheels are more convenient, the Purple Bike Rental Program is available to students and employees. Seven bikes can be checked out at no cost at the Student Resource Center in Kryzsko. Locks and helmets are included with the bikes. Both the Zipcar and Purple Bike programs are efforts towards focusing attention on campus sustainability and towards achieving climate neutrality.
Enrollment remains high The university continued to demonstrate positive enrollment trends for fall semester 2009, including record enrollment and an all-time high average ACT score for incoming freshmen. According to enrollment figures taken on the tenth day of the semester, the total student headcount at WSU is 8,606, topping last fall’s alltime high tenth-day headcount of 8,450. Enrollment at WSU-Rochester is also on the rise with a total of 772 undergraduate and graduate students, up almost 10 percent from fall 2008. First-year retention rates continue to increase, with almost 75 percent of the fall 2008 new entering freshmen returning this fall. Average ACT scores climbed another two-tenths of a point in 2009, to 22.8.
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Two Winona State students are helping make a name for Winona State as a center for the arts. Gina Culp, a mass communications major from Winona, published two of her works in a national photography magazine. PDNEDU, a publication of Photo District News geared to emerging photographers and photography educators, featured Culp’s “Halfpond” and “Reflection” in its Spring 2009 edition. Culp said she was surprised when a PDNEDU editor called to notify her that her work would be featured. “It’s cool to know that thousands of people will see your work. But then I had to make sure the photos I
&HIGHLIGHTS
Things continued to look up for Winona State as the university kicked off its new academic year this fall, with positive marks in national ranking and student enrollment. The university appeared in college and university “best of” lists, including U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. U.S. News ranked Winona State 47th in the category “Best Universities – Master’s” in its 2010 list of America’s best colleges and universities. That ranking was up from 51st last year. The Princeton Review, a well-known college ranking program, named Winona State as one of its “Best in the Midwest” for the sixth consecutive year. Only 16 Minnesota schools appear on the list, and WSU and the University of Minnesota are the lone public institutions. The Princeton Review ranks schools based on student opinions. Using research conducted by The Daily Beast, Winona State ranks 11th in a list of the top25 safest campuses in the United States. The list included institutions with more than 6,000 students and with undergraduate and graduate programs. According to Don Walski, director of security, WSU has a number of features such as code blue stations, courtesy phones, and security cameras to keep students, staff, and visitors safe.
Students Project Positive Image
NEWS
WSU Continues to Top Rankings
submitted were truly worthy of that kind of attention.” Michelle Dunkin, a graphic design major from Woodbury, Minn., was grand prize winner for the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters logo contest. Her design will be used as the official logo for the Friends of the Refuge and on future correspondence and merchandise. The non-profit organization supports the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Dunkin, whose design was selected for the 2008 WSU holiday card, describes her Friends logo as “producing an all encompassing feeling of closeness with nature.”
Marketing Students Make Town Special Winona State students, led by assistant marketing professor Leon Tyler, are working with the Pine Island Economic Development Authority to develop insights into the benefits of living and working in the southeast Minnesota town. Tyler and his students are conducting research that will be used to
develop promotional messages and materials to communicate the value of investing in the community. They began their study with focus group discussions with Pine Island residents in September and followed with a community census later in the fall.
Children’s Center Wins Grant The Winona State Children’s Centers have received a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Education to support the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education. The $170,000 grant, awarded through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program, will be used to subsidize student parent child care tuition costs as well as increase campus and community-wide parent outreach programs. The Children’s Centers
serve about 200 children per year. “For many student families, difficult decisions are made as they juggle school, work and child care schedules on very tight household budgets.” Said June Reineke, director of the centers. “This grant program encourages student’s academic progress by supporting their unique needs as student parents and assuring a quality education and care environment for their children.”
Winona Currents | 7
Strength in Numbers TEAM
L
L W
L
hen Jeff Reinardy
support from our administration, our
and helping them understand how it
’94 is asked about his
coaches, and particularly the student-
improves performance in their sport.”
award as the nation’s
athletes.”
Reinardy is also playing a major role
top strength and
While he emphasizes that he simply
in an emerging health and wellness
conditioning professional, a single
wants to be thought of as a good
initiative across the university. He
word forms the heart of his response:
teammate, Reinardy’s leadership is
directs the bustling WSU Fitness
“Team.”
central to the highly regarded Warriors
Center, where students can lift weights,
Reinardy, in his ninth year at Winona
intercollegiate athletics program.
jog on treadmills, or enjoy a yoga
State University, was named 2009
He and his staff provide expertise,
class. He is also a member of the group
College Strength and Conditioning
guidance, and training that helps
that advocated for and planned the
Professional of the Year by the National
Warrior student-athletes increase
Integrated Wellness Complex, which
Strength and Conditioning Association
strength, speed, quickness, and
will house a new Fitness Center when it
in July. The award is considered the
flexibility while preventing injury. His
opens in 2010.
highest honor in the profession that
staff works with all of WSU’s fifteen
“The Integrated Wellness Complex
includes NFL, NBA, NHL, Major League
intercollegiate teams, ranging from
will open up new opportunities
Baseball, college, and high school
the 100-plus football players to the
for education and experiences in
coaches as well as Division I, II, and III
women’s tennis team.
personal and community well-being
collegiate strength and conditioning
“Education has been a huge
by combining academics and research,
coaches.
component of our success with
recreational sports, fitness, health
“Individual awards are a
intercollegiate athletics,” says
services, and athletics,” says Reinardy.
compliment, but it’s really about being
Reinardy.
“It’s a great combination that
part of the team here,” says Reinardy,
“It started with learning from the
will continue beyond campus into
director of fitness and wellness and
coaches about the goals and demands
lifelong wellness.” It’s a comment that
strength and conditioning at WSU.
of their sports. We carried that over to
typifies the Warriors’ top strength and
“From day-one, our strength and
educating each student-athlete on why
conditioning coach: always thinking of
conditioning staff has had fantastic
they do a specific lift or a core exercise,
the team.
8 | Winter 2009 - 2010
STEM-ming the Tide WSU-Rochester partnership closes gap in science, technology, engineering, math education By Kim Seidel
I
magine elementary students more excited about their science experiment results than who’s “It” during recess.
Picture teachers with hands-on experience in the sciences, technology, and mathematics, equipped with the confidence to impart their knowledge to their students. (Continued on following page)
winona.edu winona.edu
Winona Currents | 9
It’s happening through a unique collaboration between faculty at Winona State University-Rochester, the Rochester Public Schools and the Mayo Clinic in an effort to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. “Not many elementary teachers may specialize in areas of math or science. In reality, those subjects stretch across all curriculum areas in schools,” said Maggie Hoody, assistant professor of James Sonju, Lincoln School; Chris Pierret, Mayo Clinic; Margaret Hoody, WSU-Rochester; education at the WSU-Rochester. Andy Petzold, Mayo Clinic; Steve Ekker, Mayo Clinic. “This [partnership] is an authentic opportunity for our pre-service rank below counterparts in 17 by science and math, noted Cathy teachers to stretch themselves as other countries in science and Summa, professor and chair of the scientists, and stretch themselves math literacy. And in 2003, reports WSU Geoscience Department. “We as teachers to help their students showed that just 26 percent of high have to help students realize that learn in these areas.” school students scored high enough if we are going to understand the Research using zebrafish is on the ACT to successfully complete world, and advance in the future, taking center stage in the project. a first-year college science course. we have to be The black striped tropical “This is an authentic Winona State and its partners are able to engage fish have captivated Winona striving to change that. scientifically opportunity for our State pre-service teachers, with the Rochester elementary pre-service teachers to problems teachers, and their students. stretch themselves as confronting The fish are also making an scientists, and stretch Experimenting with zebrafish our global impact on STEM education in elementary classrooms and society,” she out of proportion to their themselves as teachers” in Mayo’s research labs with real said. tiny size. scientists, including Pierret and The Rochester education “The zebrafish provide a great colleague Stephen Ekker, are an partnership is a “phenomenal model system, because they important part of WSU’s effort to example” of a collaboration working share 75 percent of their genetic turn students and teachers on to to achieve support and success for code with us,” said Chris Pierret, STEM education. teachers through STEM education, a scientist at Mayo Clinic who is Each mating cycle for a zebrafish Summa said. It’s important that working with the partnership. “We produces hundreds of embryos. pre-service teachers and students can learn a lot about ourselves The growth of embryos takes place can integrate science, technology, through studying them.” outside of the fish, which can easily engineering, and math disciplines Beyond the focus on zebrafish, be observed. The developmental across the curriculum and engage the partnership shows a strong equivalent of the human ninelearners at all levels. commitment to improving STEM month gestation period is two days While science and engineering education, an important initiative for the zebrafish. are essential to a thriving U.S. for Winona State. In addition, the “That cycle is very amenable economy, some experts say that program pushes the university’s to take into the classrooms,” said many schools don’t have the tools teacher education students to grow Pierret. “The students can watch to produce quality scientists and both as teachers and as scientists. cells grow into tissues and observe mathematicians. By the time U.S. By the time many students other processes.” students are in high school, they reach college, they are turned off
Zebrafish illuminate education
10 | Winter 2009 - 2010
At Lincoln K-8 Choice Public School, located just northwest of Rochester’s downtown, students are observing blood circulation and other systems in zebrafish. Those systems were once abstract terms in textbooks, said James Sonju, principal at Lincoln, a school with about 400 students. He said that the fluorescent zebrafish are a huge hit with students, who dash in to see experimental results after recess. “The teachers have shown a lot of dedication to this project,” Sonju said. “They see the value in this for our students.” During the summer, Pierret introduced Lincoln teachers to Mayo’s zebrafish research lab. The goal was
to develop curriculum modules for students to use in classroom scientific research. Teachers devised 40 modules created to engage students across all courses, not only in science classes. Overall, the aim is to integrate science into everyday learning and make these subjects accessible for all students. Later in the summer, Lincoln students spent time in the Mayo lab to learn about zebrafish and test modules developed by their teachers. “The students actually became teachers,” Hoody observed. “The teachers received real feedback from the students as to whether the modules succeeded.” In November, Winona State pre-service teachers will learn about
Chris Pierret, Mayo research fellow, points out zebra fish embryo development to WSU pre-service teachers. winona.edu
Winona Currents | 11
the modules selected by the Lincoln teachers for classroom use. WSU students will assist Lincoln teachers for the rest of the school year and, in turn, the pre-service teachers learn to become better teachers and scientists themselves. “Overall, it’s of critical importance that teachers can provide strong STEM experiences for their students,” Hoody said. “In this case, WSU pre-service teachers are receiving STEM education as learners. They’re spending time situated in real experiences as lab scientists at Mayo Clinic. They’re turning around and providing similar STEM experiences for elementary students. It really adds an authenticity to STEM education that might have been missing in the past.”
Boosting test scores Each module developed by the teachers meets Minnesota Science Standards, such as raising questions about the natural world, seeking solutions by making careful observations, noting what happens through interaction with objects, and sharing answers with others. Using zebrafish, elementary students learn to provide evidence to support their claims, rather than answering, “Everyone knows that” or, “I just know.” Many elementary teachers can be anxious about teaching science. Sonju said they are learning that, like scientists, they may not know an answer. “Scientists are always questioning, but many times teachers are used to having answers laid out for them. This project has been a great paradigm shift for teachers,” said Sonju. One goal for this school year is a spring science fair, showcasing all of
12 | Winter 2009 - 2010
faculty to work with the next the knowledge gained. “It won’t be just one child displaying their work, generation of scientists and teachers and eliminate disparities but teams of student scientists,” in educational attainment among Hoody explained. diverse populations. The statewide, Another objective of the project two-year project is being funded by is to open and maintain a STEM the Minnesota State Colleges and resource center for Rochester area Universities Center for Teaching and teachers. The Rochester center is Learning and the P-16 Collaboration based on the Science House at the Unit. Science Museum of Minnesota. The National Institutes of Health Science House makes hands-on and private funding is supporting materials available for educators the zebrafish and serves as a “We want to make sure partnership. It’s all in center for formal that science comes to life the name of improving and informal consultations, in the classroom as much STEM education. While professional and as soon as possible.” the science proficiency scores are going up in development, Minnesota, Hoody, Summa, and and discussion of education Pierret believe those scores need issues in a comfortable, creative to be much higher. In a state with environment. large science-based institutions and A $70,000 grant from the industries, such as the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota State Colleges and IBM, and Medtronic, opportunities Universities is helping support abound for scientists, teachers, and outfit the Rochester center. and students to share educational Materials and equipment, such as thermometers and simple balances, experiences. The low number of teachers will be available for teachers to earning certification in the use in their classrooms. Rochester sciences and mathematics could teachers are already using a set be considered a crisis, said of microscopes purchased with Pierret, but getting them and their the grant. “We want to make sure students into the lab helps repair a that science comes to life in the disconnect between STEM and the classroom as much and as soon as real world. The evidence is strong possible,” Hoody said. that the Rochester partnership Winona State faculty members using zebrafish has been exciting are collaborating with the Science for students, teachers, and Winona Museum and colleagues at Bemidji State pre-service teachers. An State and Metropolitan State enthusiasm for science, math, and Universities to secure funding for technology, one that seems to have other regional resource centers. been lost over the years, is building “These centers help to blur the “The success is simple. Teachers boundaries between science, are allowed to be teachers, and engineering, math, and other scientists are allowed to be subjects,” Summa said. scientists,” Pierret said. “We have This spring, Summa and found a way to partner the strengths Hoody were awarded a $107,000 of the academic world and industry grant to partner with the Science to take the best available and make Museum in a project to prepare it available for our students.” STEM and STEM education
$7.9 Million and Counting Light the Way approaches its campaign goal
A
year ago, the Winona State community basked in the glow of the just launched Light the Way, the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign. The public phase of Light the Way began as the university’s sesquicentennial celebration wound down. Through a series of open houses, groundbreakings and media events, Winona State officials announced that the campaign was more than two-thirds of the way towards its goal of raising $10 million by the end of 2010. For a number of donors, both large and small, the campaign sparked a renewed affinity for the university and its mission. Support for student scholarships, the first of the campaign’s three initiatives,
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jumped dramatically and climbed towards its goal of $4 million. The “Merchants Match” sparked the campaign’s second initiative, construction of the Integrated Wellness Complex. Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010, the innovative center for wellness, fitness, recreation, athletics, and academics is being funded using a combination of public, student, and $3.5 million in private support. Merchant’s $200,000 match combined with an outright gift of $300,000 marked the bank’s largest charitable donation to date. Winona State reached beyond its own region to support its third campaign initiative. The National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC) was founded with a goal to eliminate child abuse within three
generations. Since it was opened on the WSU campus in 2003, the center has trained thousands of child protection professionals and, in partnership with Winona State faculty, developed a teaching curriculum that is being adopted by universities around the country. Finding consistent funding has been a challenge for the NCPTC, and Light the Way is seeking a total of $2.5 million from donors and foundations to secure its operations. Since Light the Way’s public announcement, progress has been steady. To date, a record number of donors has given or pledged more than $7.9 million, putting the university more than threequarters of the way to its goal. Both the scholarship and Integrated
Winona Currents | 13
Wellness Complex initiatives are nearing their targets of $4 million and $3.5 million, respectively. A broader range of benefactors has found new and creative ways to give, from establishing affordable student scholarships to including Winona State in their estate planning. The news has not been all good, however. The economic downturn, combined with already declining state funding, has pushed public funding to the university to approximately 20 percent of its total operating budget. In the 1980s, public funding was about 20 percent. Coupled with a slight decrease in its endowment, the university was forced to trim about a million dollars from its budget this year. As the economy recovers slowly, further cuts are possible. “We invested endowment funds prudently and have been efficient in our operations, so performed better than many institutions,” said Jim Schmidt ’86, vice president for University Advancement. “Because of the difficult economy and the need to help them is even greater.” Still, the climate has made Winona State’s fundraising achievement remarkable. Schmidt noted that some benefactors, particularly at the corporate, foundation, and leadership levels, more carefully considered their gifts this year. Turbulent times have forced his advancement staff to think outside the box in reaching out to a broader range of alumni and friends and those donors have developed new connections with the university.
14 | Winter 2009 - 2010
“Some people are surprised when I tell them that they can create an annual scholarship for about $85 a month” The Merchants Match to fund the Integrated Wellness Complex is one example. Nearly 10,000 alumni and friends living in counties served by Merchants Bank received a targeted appeal to support the campaign. Affinity groups, such as nursing alumni and friends of the WSU Children’s Theatre, are forming to fund new scholarships. And to make it more convenient to give, the WSU Foundation has implemented electronic funds transfer, periodic credit card drafts, and other affordable options for supporting the university. “Some people are surprised when I tell them that they
can create an annual scholarship for about $85 a month,” said Schmidt. “It’s easy to set up, easy to maintain. And consider the difference a $1,000 scholarship can make for one of our students.” The effort is paying off, particularly with the scholarship and Integrated Wellness Complex initiatives. Nick Jaeger ‘03, director of major gifts, noted, “Many of our alumni tell me how much they enjoyed their time at Winona State, how much they learned from this professor, or recall a memorable experience they had here.” “I think they understand that the university is moving forward with its educational programs, facilities, and in reaching out to the community,” said Jaeger. “They want to be a part of it, to continue and to expand the kinds of experiences they had for generations after them.” Schmidt agrees. “Most have found that we’re not raising money for the sake of raising money. They share our vision, that this campaign will help the university continue to play a special role in the region.” The campaign for the National Child Protection Training Center has proved more challenging. To date, about a quarter of its $2.5 million funding goal has been reached. Mary Rohrer, director of major gifts who works closely with the NCPTC, said that initial fundraising for the center focused on national foundations and corporations
that were particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn. In addition, some potential benefactors may be uncomfortable discussing child abuse. “Making a connection with student scholarships or building healthier communities is easier for many donors,” said Rohrer. “Although maltreatment touches millions of children in the U.S., it’s something that most of us don’t see every day. It’s a hidden epidemic.” The case for the NCPTC as a national, unified voice to prevent and eliminate child maltreatment is compelling. “They’re educating and training thousands of professionals that will lead to an end of child abuse,” said Rohrer. “Winona State stepped up to the plate to ensure its success. Our supporters believe in what we’re doing.” Light the Way is scheduled to end in 2010. Scholarship awareness surpassed the $1 million mark for the first time this past academic year. The Integrated Wellness Complex is rising next to Memorial Hall. The NCPTC’s operations are safe and sound for the coming year, and it’s making progress on plans to open regional centers around the country. Advancement staff members are confident that the campaign will succeed in reaching its financial goals, but they’re not yet celebrating. “At this point in a campaign, when you’re three-quarters of the way there, it’s easy to become a spectator,” said Jaeger. He stressed that with less than a quarter of the way to go in the campaign, all gifts move Light the Way towards its $10 million goal. “We have 45,000 alumni. If each one of us gave $100, or $50, or even $10, imagine the level of impact we could have on the university, on the world. It’s amazing.”
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Schmidt is proud that that the campaign is a first step towards building a culture of philanthropy at Winona State, something that has not traditionally existed here or at public institutions like it.
“Light the Way is the beginning,” said Schmidt. “The campaign is illuminating a path for our alumni and friends to deepen their relationship with the university, and, in turn, inspires us to strengthen our bond with our community.”
Every Gift Counts When he talks with potential donors about the Light the Way campaign,
Nick Jaeger often hears, “I can only give $25 or $50. How can that make a difference?” He asks donors to recall their days when they were struggling as students or in their first job. “Imagine that you just got back to your room after a long day to find a $50 check from a parent or a favorite uncle in your mailbox.” “What did that $50 mean to you? Now you could afford a pizza, pay a bill. Most of all, it meant that somebody cared about you and supported what you were doing.” “That check means the same thing to a student today,” said Jaeger. “It has a real and direct impact, and it’s just as meaningful to the university as it is to that student.” Every gift counts. Support Light the Way by contacting the WSU Foundation at 507.457.5020 (telephone) or wsufoundation@winona.edu (email). Find out more about the campaign and view our award winning video at www.winona.edu/lighttheway. Winona Currents | 15
For the Benefit of Others
Auctioneer Kurt Johnson uses his talents to support philanthropy By Margaret Cox
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By day, Kurt Johnson is a senior investigator with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, one of just two full-time regulators of the debt collection industry. It’s a job that requires him to be analytical, firm, and at times, downright cynical. In the evenings and on weekends, you’ll find Kurt working in a much different capacity: as one of the country’s foremost benefit auctioneers.
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n the world of auctioneering, Kurt is both an entertainer and a businessman, a position that allows him to connect with people much like a performance artist. Most importantly, he has the satisfaction of knowing he’s doing his part to sustain organizations that give back to the community. With two full-time careers, a family, and philanthropy on his mind, Kurt Johnson is one very busy alumnus. After graduating from Winona State University in 1988 with a paralegal degree, Kurt began searching for a job. In a short time, he managed to launch two careers simultaneously. While interviewing with the State of Minnesota, the headline of a small classified advertisement in a Minneapolis newspaper caught his eye: “You can be an auctioneer!”
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Winona Currents | 17
Through his auctions, Kurt Johnson connects with a cause.
T
hinking that it would be an easy way to make extra money, Kurt answered the ad and signed up for an intensive, one-week training course in Mankato. He completed the course and started his investigator job with the state the following week. Soon after, an auction company in central Minnesota hired Kurt to assist with their heavy schedule of commercial and personal property auctions. “Strangely enough, the first auction I did was a fundraiser, even though the company I worked for at the time didn’t specialize in those. I was paid $100, and thought I was really living well,” he said with a chuckle. Kurt worked with the auction company for two years, and gained valuable experience. He then took on a business partner and together, they started their own auction company—only to discover that the business of auctions was far more difficult than they had ever imagined. “Personal and commercial property auctioneering is really tough,” Kurt explained. “Often, the sellers are going through some sort of transition: a business closure, a death, or sometimes divorce. The buyers are looking for the best value, which can drive the prices of the items down. Booking is largely based on reputation and word-of-mouth, which take a long time to establish. It’s very difficult, both emotionally and financially, to build a viable auction company.”
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Changing Perceptions Meanwhile, Kurt continued to do benefit auctions, but often, organizations expected his services to be offered on a volunteer basis. “Organizations didn’t necessarily want to pay for a benefit auctioneer. They would use a volunteer or staff member to do the auctioneering as a way to keep costs down,” he says. “But there is an additional price that is paid when the event isn’t as successful as it could be.” With this in mind, Kurt set out on his own to create an auction company specializing in fundraising and corporate motivation. At the start, business was slow to build. The shift in attitude among organizations that were sponsoring benefit auctions was a gradual process. As fundraisers became increasingly popular, however, organizers began to realize that there was a direct correlation between the experience of the auctioneer and the success of the event. “Fundraisers are often held as annual events, but the volunteers and organizers who work on them tend to rotate out after a few years,” said Kurt. This loss of continuity can affect the fundraising efforts of the organization. To address these and other issues, Kurt began offering seminars and consultations focusing on the factors that can help make an event successful, as well as pitfalls to avoid. These informational sessions helped set Kurt’s company
apart from others that began springing up across the state. Although there are now at least ten competitors in Minnesota that specialize in benefit auctioneering, Kurt Johnson Auctioneering, Inc. is the largest in the Midwest. While the current economy has been difficult for many businesses, it has affected the auctioneering industry in an unexpectedly positive way. As organizations have become more dependent on fundraising events as a source of income, they have turned to professional auctioneers to boost the results of the event. “We’re not magicians, but we’ve learned a few things along the way,” said Kurt. “It’s great when we raise more money than the group expects.”
Making a Connection While Kurt’s clients have ranged from non-profit organizations to multi-billion dollar corporations, all of them appreciate his ability to connect with their cause. This has resulted in some touching moments. One occurred at an event for a children’s cancer group, where he conducted an auction to raise money for a piece of medical equipment designed to speed the diagnosis of leukemia. As Kurt waited backstage to announce the tally of the dollars raised for the equipment a woman approached to ask if he had a child with cancer. When Kurt replied that he didn’t, the woman explained that she was very impressed with the job he had done, adding, “Tonight would have been my child’s eleventh birthday.” “Now THAT was a moment,” Kurt paused to reflect. With more than 100 fundraising events on their schedule this year alone, there are plenty of opportunities for his team to connect with people, organizations, and the causes they are passionate about. Kurt also serves as an instructor at the World Wide College of Auctioneering, sharing his talents with others who are interested in entering the industry. According to Paul C. Behr, president of the college, Kurt has also done an amazing job connecting with students and clients. “Kurt Johnson is a national leader in the benefit auction field. His ability to raise much needed money for deserving charities truly lifts up people when they most need it,” said Behr. “Kurt is a family man with the highest standards of integrity and character, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have an auctioneer of his stature teaching at World Wide College of Auctioneering.”
Giving Back “Minnesota is a very philanthropic state. In fact, Minnesotans are often targeted by national organizations that do large scale fundraising campaigns because of our giving nature,” said Kurt. In true Minnesotan style, he is
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no exception when it comes to philanthropy. Each year, his company donates five percent of its gross revenue to support education, the arts, and social services. In addition, both Kurt and his wife have included scholarships at their alma maters as part of their legacy plan. “It was important to me to give back to the school by establishing a scholarship. I was the recipient of a scholarship when I went to Winona State University,” explained Kurt. “I have a huge respect for people who commit their lives to education. The good ones can’t begin to imagine the impact they have on students.” Kurt credits former Winona State history professor and advisor, Rod Henry, as an educator who provided him with life lessons, challenged the way that he thought, and taught him better ways to deal with life’s difficulties. “Rod Henry inspired me to be a better person in all aspects. I will never forget his impact on my life.” Although he has a track record of many successes, Kurt does not consider himself a wealthy man; rather, he feels blessed. “I was lucky to find a way early on to utilize my talents to help others. I work hard, but I’ve had a lot of support from my clients; my wife and business partner, Connie; and my daughter, Hannah (who recently graduated from auction school),” said Kurt. With a satisfied smile, he added, “I am rich in all the ways that it’s important.” And those who have benefitted from Kurt’s many talents wholeheartedly agree. Read more about Kurt and Kurt Johnson Auctioneering, Inc. at www.kurtjohnsonauctioneering.com.
Making Philanthropy a Habit “The more talent and treasures you can give, you can receive back tenfold,” says Kurt. Here are three ways to incorporate philanthropy into your every day life: 1. Find your passion Find a cause or organization you are passionate about—whether it’s the environment, education, the arts, animals, or any other topic you care about. Ask what the needs are, and make a commitment to help. 2. Know the organization When choosing an organization to assist, take a look at the financials and the types of activities in which they engage. “Winona State University is a good example of an organization that does a great job communicating— you can see the changes happening on campus as a direct result of donations,” says Kurt. 3. Ask yourself: what are you doing today? You don’t need to have a lot of money to be a philanthropist, nor do you have to wait until you’re gone to leave a legacy. Make an impact each week by donating what you can in terms of time, talent, and/or financial resources. Winona Currents | 19
MyFavorite r o s s e f o Pr
My Favorite Professor: Mark Young For this issue of Currents, a number of students pointed to Mark Young, professor of marketing in the College of Business at Winona State University. In 2005, the Journal of Marketing Education chose Young’s “The Motivational Effects of the Classroom Environment in Facilitating Self-Regulated Learning” as Outstanding Article of the Year. The same journal selected Young as Reviewer of the Year in 2008. He has been an avid participant in noontime student-faculty basketball games since joining Winona State in 1980. The SWOT analysis, a planning tool to identify a business venture’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, stands at the center of Marketing 332, a required course for Winona State marketing majors and minors. Many marketing students describe the SWOT analysis as one of the most challenging of their undergraduate experiences. They also remark that the semester-long assignment reveals the strengths of the professor teaching it, Mark Young. “It’s one of the classes where I learned the most at WSU,” says Melissa West, a
20 | Winter 2009 - 2010
senior marketing major and mass communication minor. “It was something that didn’t happen overnight. You had to sit and work hard at it, but at the same time the assignment and Dr. Young helped us really learn the material.” Caitlin Stene, who is majoring in marketing and public relations and is also president of the Winona State Student Senate, says that Young tempers demanding expectations with his open manner. “Dr. Young is always accommodating to students and their questions,” she says.
“He keeps you on-task, while he’s always smiling when you walk into class and available for questions afterwards,” says Patrick Canney, a senior business administration major. West adds that Young is a professor who “makes an extra effort to know your name and something about you. And he still remembers you and has time when you haven’t had him for a class in awhile.” Perhaps Young’s greatest strength is his ability to bring to his students his knowledge and passion for the material he is teaching. “Dr. Young helped me put the pieces together,” says Canney. “He really sparked my interest and got me into marketing.” Do you have a favorite memory of a faculty or staff member who inspired you? To nominate your favorite professor or staff member, email us at alumni@winona.edu. Or visit our website and choose “Tell us about your favorite professor.” www.alumni.winona.edu
Homecoming ’09 winona.edu
Winona Currents | 21
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Distinguished Alums Honored Each year Winona State University and the Alumni Society recognize individuals for their outstanding commitment to the university, its mission, and to improving our world. Following are the 2009 honorees.
The Distinguished Alumni Award Recognizes graduates who have achieved prominence in their chosen field of endeavor and who have made significant contributions to the university. Jeanette Bergler ’52/’57/’64 earned three degrees from Winona State, the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s. In 1981, Jeanette completed an education specialist degree at the University of Minnesota. A teacher and an artist, her teaching career spanned decades and her artwork earned her many awards. Now retired, she is active in her church community, where she teaches Bible school and serves as organist, and she remains committed to her alma mater. Don Redlich ’50 did graduate work in theatre and dance at the University of WisconsinMadison after graduating from WSU. He went to New York City in 1953 and spent the next 40 years pursuing a career in theatre and dance, which has taken him across the United States and the world. He has taught at a number of education institutions and is professor emeritus in the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers. Currently a resident of Santa Fe, N.M., Don remains active in his field and has generously shared of his time, talents, and resources with the university.
The Distinguished Service Award Recognizes those who have rendered significant contributions of time and talent to Winona State. Steve Kohner attended Winona State from 1964 to 1966 and was an all-conference football player in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970 and today
22 | Winter 2009 - 2010
is a successful business owner operating Modern Ready Mix, Modern Transport, and Winona Aggregate. He is a leader in the community, serving as a member of the Merchants Bank Board of Directors and the Morrie Miller Athletic Committee. Through his commitment to this university, especially to the department of athletics, he has helped Winona State become the thriving institution that it is today.
The Distinguished Young Alumni Award Recognizes graduates who are 45 years old or younger and have distinguished themselves in their work or in their community. Kalene Engel ’90 graduated summa cum laude with a degree in paralegal and was very involved with student activities. She was valedictorian of her class at William Mitchell College of Law, where she graduated in 1997. She opened her law firm in Winona in 2001 and was named a “Rising Star” in law by Minnesota Law and Politics magazine. She has received many awards including the 2005 Outstanding Woman in Government from the Winona Women in Business organization. David Rubenstein ’86 earned a bachelor’s in business administration and for more than 20 years has been an active and successful business owner in Los Angeles. Over the course of his career he worked diligently to grow a small chemical distribution company into the largest supplier of its type in the southwestern United States. Today, he is a founder, investor, and COO of the first sugar cane ethanol production facility in the U.S. He is a member of the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees and his affinity for the university remains strong.
The Distinguished Faculty-Staff Award Recognizes faculty or staff who have elevated the esteem and prestige of the university through their commitment to the university and all of its constituent groups. Robert DuFresne enjoyed an extensive career in academia. After teaching in public schools and then at Minnesota State University Mankato, he was the chair of the education division and director of teacher education at Kearney State University. He served Winona State as president from 1967 to 1977 and taught political science. He was a
Athletic Hall of Fame Four alumni who have shown distinctive and exceptional ability in athletics and success in life were inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2009.
Stephanie Bitter ’95 graduated with a nursing degree and played volleyball and tennis for the Warriors. She was an NAIA Scholar All-America in tennis and volleyball and conference singles and doubles tennis champion. She competed at the NAIA national tournament in both singles and doubles and was an all-district and all-conference volleyball player. She worked as a volunteer volleyball and soccer coach and has instructed youth tennis in the Dubuque, Iowa area. She and her husband, Tom, have three children. Daniel Malm ’77 has been a teacher, stockbroker, professional wrestler, research recruiter, and sales director. At Winona State he was an all-conference and all-area football player and two-time conference champion and NAIA All-America in wrestling. He was also honored as an outstanding weightlifter for his performance in competition power lifting and was recognized for being among the top ten in the world in the 275-pound weight class. He coached at Waukegan West High School and helped place six of his players in the Big Ten Conference. He was named in the top-ten of 135 brokers at Lehman Brothers and was top salesman at International Brands.
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member of the Winona City Council and served on many boards. He and his wife, Barbara, continue to be valuable members of the community. Daniel Hoyt began his career in education as a history teacher in La Crosse, Wis. In 1951, he came to Winona State and served the university in a number of roles, including professor and chair of history, dean of Graduate Studies, interim director of the Registrars Office. He is now professor emeritus at WSU. He is frequently recalled by alumni as one of their favorite professors at the university.
Brian Paulson ’94 filled his days at WSU with golf, playing first trumpet in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and performing in the Jazz Band. His golf honors include NSIC medalist, NAIA District IV medalist, and a third place at the NAIA National Golf Finals. He was an all-conference golfer for four years and NCAA Scholastic All-America from 1992 to 1994. As a professional, he played on several regional tours and qualified for the PGA of America Taylor Made and Adidas Golf National Assistant Professional Championship. He is currently the pro at the Bridges Golf Course. Charles “Charlie” Zane ’64 served in the U.S. Army prior to coming to Winona State and played football and baseball and wrestled. He lettered nine times in those sports as a Warrior. His baseball team placed fourth at the national tournament and in 1961 he established a tournament record for batting average. He also played on the conference champion football team in 1962 and led the Warriors in interceptions. After graduation he began his coaching career at Bay View High School in Milwaukee, but quickly returned to WSU. He took on many roles, including union president and three term state negotiator. He retired as professor emeritus in 1997 and remains active at WSU where he has served as a special projects fundraiser on the Retiree Center Steering Committee and collaborated with the Alumni Society in assisting incoming freshman.
Winona Currents | 23
CLASS NOTES We want to hear your news! Submit class notes, baby photos, or keep up with your friends and classmates at www.alumni.winona.edu. Read back issues of Currents (and previous editions of Class Notes) by visiting www.alumni.winona.edu and clicking on “Currents Magazine.” You can submit your information by email at: alumni@winona.edu. Mail your class notes to: Alumni Office, P.O. Box 5838, Winona, MN 55987
Red Bulls Serve in Iraq The 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard, known as the Red Bulls, includes three Winona State alums among its ranks. The Red Bulls assumed control of Coalition force operations in nine southern provinces of Iraq on May 20.
The Red Bulls pictured here include (L-R): Sergeant First Class Jason Smrecek ’95, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Sonnen ’92, Captain Jim Pereda, and Major Kevin Keller ’91.
1970s
Beverly Pettit ’72 (Skull Valley, Ariz.) received the grand prize in the Arizona Highways photo issue. Richard Nigon ’74 (Inver Grove, Minn.) has received the award of the Spirit of ALA award from the Association of Legal Administrators. The award is the Association’s highest honor and is presented to those whose commitment to professionalism, dedication to the advancement of law firm administration, and record of long-term service to ALA sets the standard for all
Pettit Takes Top Photo A cowpuncher struggling with a bucking bronco proved a winner for Winona State alumna Beverly (Arenz) Pettit ’72 in the September 2009 edition of Arizona Highways magazine. Pettit lives on a ranch in Skull Valley, Ariz. and has travelled the world with her camera in addition to working as a research print manager for an investment bank.
Beverly (Arenz) Pettit ‘72
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who aspire to achievement, excellence, and success. R. “Wayne” Clark ’77 (Batavia, Ohio) retired in July after thirty years of service in education and administration. David Krenze ’77 (La Crescent, Minn.) attended his first Austin School Board meeting as new superintendent in July. He was raised in Lewiston and attended Saint John’s University and Winona State, where he earned administrative degrees. He has spent the last 31 years working in the education field.
Diane Smith ’82 (Hastings, Minn.) recently took over the reins as new principal at Kennedy Elementary School in Hastings. Terry Shapiro ’85 (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) was recently named vice president of management services at Rosecrance, a not-for-profit substance abuse treatment center. He previously held the position of national marketing director. His extensive background in the addiction treatment field includes director of marketing and admissions for Lifeline Chemical Dependency Services in Chicago, executive director of the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services in Tennessee, and founder and CEO of Promises Foundation in Bogota, Colombia. Shapiro has worked for Amtrak and as clinical director of two California-based treatment programs. William “Bill” Suffrins ’86 (Winona) and wife Tara welcomed son Alex John on June 20. Alex joins two-yearold sister Autumn Claire. Michael Veldman ’89 (Austin, Minn.) was honored for developing and implementing the Young Citizens of the Month program at Ellis Middle School in Austin. He received the 2009 Promising Practice Award from the Minnesota Schools of Character and Promising Practices. Michael’s program was implemented six years
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ago and has honored over 700 students.
1990s
Jason Elliott ’90 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) has joined ME & V as an account executive in its Cedar Rapids office. Prior to joining ME & V, he held pharmaceutical sales representative positions at GlaxoSmithKline in eastern Iowa and Pfizer in eastern Indiana. He also spent sixteen years working for network television and radio affiliates across the nation. Brenda Boyum-Breen ’94 (Plymouth, Minn.) has been appointed vice president for student affairs by at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul. For the past six years she worked as director of academic support and chief student affairs officer. She was at Minneapolis Community and Technical College for five years and, prior to that, worked at the University of the Incarnate Word and at San Antonio College, both in San Antonio, Texas. Angela House ’09 (Spring Grove, Minn.) and Todd Tollefsrud welcomed a daughter, Arilah Alzabeth, on August 1. Catherine (Vogel) Schofield ’94 (Winona) married Terry Gray on June 6. She works for Winona County Public Health. Terry is retired from the federal government. Pamela (Kelley) Schaid ’95 (Rochester, Minn.) has been named director of quality and performance improvement by Hospice
Award Computes for Grad Nan Meng, who attended WSU through its exchange program with
Hebei University of Technology in China, won second place in the ACM Student Research Competition at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing 2009. The computer science major conducted her research, titled “Presenting Clinical Survival Probability Charts on Mobile Devices,” with Mingrui Zhang and Timothy Gegg-Harrison at Winona State. She is currently a doctoral student at the Ohio State University. Candidates’ research was evaluated on its quality and significance and the quality and clarity of an oral and visual presentation.
CLASS NOTES
1980s
Behrens Is Grad Scholar Erica Behrens ’09, a psychology graduate of Winona State University, has been awarded the NSCS-GEICO Graduate School Scholarship by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. The $5,000 scholarship will help Behrens complete her master’s in clinical counseling psychology at Illinois State University. A native of Byron, Minn., Behrens will use her degree to examine preventative measures of psychological distress and mental illness to help children and teenagers with developmental issues. Bailey Kasten, a member of the scholarship review committee, said she was “ impressed by [Behrens’] commitment to community service, from fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters to organizing a community clean-up program.”
Alyssa Rae Melberg made the winter a little warmer for Jennifer (Sellner) ’00 and Raymond Melberg when she joined their family on January 17. We enjoy seeing all of our alumni baby photos, but due to the number received can select one for publication in Currents. View more baby photos at www.alumni.winona.edu. You may also submit baby photos at the Alumni Relations website, or email your photos to alumni@ winona.edu.
Precious S o sma one, ll,S o sw eet Winona Currents | 25
CLASS NOTES
2
WINS
Omar Wins 200 With a 2-0 win over nationally ranked University of Minnesota Duluth, Ali Omar ’92 notched the 200th win of his career as Winona State women’s soccer coach. In a double milestone, the victory was also Omar’s 100th Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference win. Omar had to wait until the second half for 200 wins, but his success has come relatively quickly as the Warriors coach. In just fourteen seasons, he now has a 203-70-17 overall record (through October 18, 2009). He has guided the Warriors to five NSIC Tournament titles, eleven regular season conference championships, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Nine of his players have won All-America honors, and two have been awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.
of the Twin Cities. Previously she served as care manager at Shamrock In-Home Nursing in Rochester before moving to Seasons Hospice. After earning her bachelor’s in nursing at Winona State, she received a diploma in nursing at Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing and master’s health and human service administration at Saint Mary’s University. Heather Arent-Zachary ’95 (Seattle, Wash.) and husband Joseph welcomed a daughter, Lillian, on July 23. Emily (Homsher) Kouba ’96 (Winona) and her husband, Jeffrey, welcomed daughter Elsa Claire on July 1.
Jaime Buege ’99 (Milwaukee, Wis.) has been promoted to director of public affairs and communications at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. She is responsible for press releases and articles, publications and print collaterals, photography, the academy website, and media and community relations.
2000s
Alyssa (Ponto) Huettl ’00 (Eagan, Minn.) and husband Steve welcomed first child Brennan Daniel in September 2008. Kristina (King) Rodriguez ’00 (Hanover, Ill.) and husband Matthew
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welcomed son Sean William on June 3. Jennifer (Sellner) Melberg ’00 (Elk River, Minn.) and husband Raymond welcomed daughter Alyssa Rae on January 17. Steve Furlong ’00 (Bloomington, Minn.) is working on his MBA at the Carlson School of Management. He is also a mortgage specialist at Summit Mortgage Corporation. He was recently inducted into the President’s Club at Summit. Chad Scow ’02 (Trempealeau, Wis.) and wife Mandy welcomed their son, Daxson Mark, on July 25.
Joe Maxey ’02 and Sarah Handke ’05 (Winona) wed on October 17 at Windom Park Gazebo. Sarah works at Home and Community Options. Joe works for Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic in Winona. Tim Benz ’02 (Rochester, Minn.) and Michel Riska were married on June 27. Michel works at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, while Tim is employed at the Mayo Clinic. Eric Kammerer ’02 (Lakeville, Minn.) and wife Kristy welcomed son Ayden Michael on June 4. David Oldenberg ’03 (Onalaska, Wis.) was recently named principal at Memorial High School. He has served as the dean
Online Box Office Arrives
Lynnea Doublette ’06, (third from left) performs in “Caroline or Change” at the Guthrie Theater.
Judging from recent sightings by Winona State faculty members, alumni have been active on the Twin Cities stage. Collette Hyman, professor of history, noted Lynnea Doublette ’06 while attending a performance of Caroline, or Change at the Guthrie in Minneapolis. The psychology major was one of a trio of performers who made the radio come to life in Tony Kushner’s play David Bratt, professor emeritus of theatre and dance, spotted at least eight recent Winona State graduates participating in the Minnesota Fringe Festival in Minneapolis as actors or stage managers this past season. The Minnesota Fringe Festival organizes an annual festival of alternative, non-juried theatre. The Minnesota festival is the Midwest’s largest performing arts festival. Winona State alumni at last season’s Fringe Festival included: Tony Rydberg ’04, Mark Benzel ’06, Nate Wagner ’06, Tim Gage ’05, Mike Tischer ’04, Andy Waldron ’05, Nikki Wakkal, and Megen Edstrom ’05.
of students at Memorial, as well as principal at Loyal High School. David taught high school social studies at Loyal for five years. He earned his master’s at WSU. Angie (Anderson) Malke ’04 (Dunnell, Minn.) and husband David Mahlke III welcomed son Spencer Allen on August 8. Amy (Domeyer) Heeter ’05 and Dan Heeter ’08 (Trempealeau, Wis.) were married on April 25. Amy works for Trane Company in La Crosse, and Dan works for both Cottage Grove Nursery and Trane. Anne Blahnik ’05 (Rochester, Minn.) and Luka Bajzer wed August 7. Anne works for the Zumbro
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Education District. Luka is a graduate of Saint John’s University and works at the Mayo Clinic. Brett Schmit ’05 and Mandy Maffei ’07 (Winona) wed in a late summer 2009 celebration. Erin (Haase) Lambert ’05 (Beaver Dam, Wis.) graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in May. She earned her B.S. in cellular and molecular biology at Winona State. She and her husband, Dr. John Lambert, have one child, Alexia. Erin plans to begin a family medicine internship at Aspirus
Hospital in Wausau. Marne Schuldt ’05 (Owatonna, Minn.) and Justin Slack were married on May 30. Marne is corporate communications manager for the Taylor Corporation in North Mankato. Julie Engelstad ’06 (Eagan, Minn.) and Daniel Laufenberg married on August 29. She works for Uline in Eagan. Daniel is a graduate of Western Technical College and works for HealthPartners in Eagan. Michelle Adank ’06 (Winona) and Shai Klages married on June 27, at the Winona State gazebo. Michelle and Shai both
CLASS NOTES
Alums on the Stage
It’s finally here and it’s a breeze to use. Alumni and friends can order tickets to a variety of Winona State arts events at www.wsuartstickets.com. View schedules, review venue layouts, request special seating, and purchase tickets to WSU arts events using a variety of payment options. Enjoy the thriving Winona State arts scene by visiting www.wsuartstickets.com.
work at Sprint in Winona. Jennifer Carducci ’07 (Winona) and Chad Schultz were married on August 8. Kelly (Paszkiewicz) Kruchten ’08 (Sparta, Wis.) married Jeremy Kruchten on May 2. Kelly works at Sprint in West Salem. Jeremy works at Cardinal TG in Tomah. Katie (Kammer) Christiansen ’09 (Winona) wed Adam Christiansen on August 15. Kathie works at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Adam is a graduate of Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical and works for Caledonia Haulers.
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IN MEMORIAM 1930s Dorothy (Hawke) Gage ’30 (Wausau, Wis.) passed away in 2007 at the age of 97. Dorothy (Skalicky) ’39 (White Bear Lake, Minn.) passed away in 2007.
1940s Elizabeth A. “Betty” Bonow ’43 (Winona) passed away June 23. Born on January 4, 1922, she graduated from Winona Senior High School. After receiving her degree from Winona
friends and had a passion for horses
was employed at Benchmark. He was
and outdoor activities.
an avid baseball fan, particularly the
1970s William Jacques Gibbs ’70 (Eden Prairie, Minn.) passed away on Aug. 21 following a motorcycle accident. He was well known for his charismatic personality and positive outlook on life. During his more than 35 years with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, he became known as the “defensive coordinator,” a consummate
New York Yankees, and he loved the Green Bay Packers. Robin Lynn (Schultz) Miller ’83 (Minneapolis, Minn.) passed away on March 21. She graduated from Winona State with a degree in paralegal studies and later from William Mitchell Law School with honors.
2000s Dean Johnson ’03 (Pella, Iowa)
networker, and an enthusiastic mentor.
passed away suddenly on July 25, 2009
He was an avid waterskiier, runner, and
in a fatal car accident. He had recently
musician who enjoyed bringing people
started a new job at the Vernon County
together for fellowship and a few good
Broadcaster. Dean graduated from
laughs.
Winona State University with a degree
Vivian Gene (Hendren) Morgan
in mass communication.
’72/’76 (Winona) passed away on
Kelly Marin ’06 (Lake City, Minn.)
August 11. She met her husband,
passed away on September 30
Leo, while they were building Liberty
following a courageous battle with
Ships for World War II and they were
breast cancer. She earned her master’s
married in 1944. They lived in Hopkins
degree at Winona State while teaching
and moved to Winona in 1968. Vivian
Spanish at Lake City High School,
earned a bachelor’s and master’s at
where she was much loved by her
Winona State and was an instructor at
students. She was an avid traveler and
Winona Technical College, where she
met her husband, Ebert, while visiting
helped develop the medical secretary
Costa Rica.
program. Her hobbies included
Ekaterini “Tina” Rangl ’06
traveling, scrapbooking, visiting
(Rochester, Minn.) passed away
casinos, and gardening. A large part
peacefully July 20. She was a probation
of Vivian’s life was caring about her
officer for Dodge, Filmore, and
children and grandchildren.
Olmsted Counties where she developed
31. Ken earned his master’s at Winona
1980s
a mentorship program and was a
State and was a proud teacher for 30
Larry Anderson ’82 (Winona) passed
group. In 2006, she was named
years. He coached basketball, football,
away on June 28. He attended Winona
Volunteer of the Year for the Restorative
golf, and track and was inducted into
Technical College and Winona State
Justice Program. Tina was a member of
the Wisconsin Basketball Coaching
and served in the U.S. Army from 1973
numerous community organizations
Association Hall of Fame in 1993. He
to 1975. He worked as an auditor for
and was an accomplished equestrian.
enjoyed spending time with his wife,
the State of Minnesota for 22 years and
She also taught as an adjunct professor
Marie Stanislowski, and his family and
then relocated to Winona, where he
at Winona State.
State, she worked as a teacher in St. Louis and at Jefferson Elementary School in Winona. She also taught for many years at St. Martin’s Lutheran School and Winona Daycare. She married Warren Bonow in 1947.
1950s Lila (Mueske) McGill ’51 (Winona) passed away on June 24 She was born on December 3, 1928 and married Dr. Robert G. McGill in 1951. She received her degree at Winona State in physical education. Lila was an avid swimmer and loved to walk and participate in water aerobics. She volunteered at St. Anne’s Hospice and enjoyed Winona Municipal Band concerts at the lake.
1960s Kenneth George Stellpflug ’63 (Whitehall, Wis.) passed away on July
28 | Winter 2009 - 2010
member of a the conflict resolution
IN MEMORIAM
Faculty, Staff, Friends, Students Ma Le, an international student attending Winona State on
Douglas Sweetland (Marshall,
an exchange program from Hebei University of Technology
Minn.) passed away on July 21
in Tianjin, China, passed away on July 17 from injuries
following a two-year battle with
sustained from a near drowning. He arrived in Winona on
cancer. He received his B.S. at
July 11 to attend the English Language Center at Winona
Northern State College, and M.S. and
State and had been admitted to attend WSU this fall.
Ph.D. in economics at Kansas State University. He taught economics
Duane Peterson (Winona)
and finance at several institutions,
passed away on October 2.
including Winona State. He rose to
He practiced law for more
dean and vice president at Winona
than 32 years and was
State. He retired as president and
appointed to the bench in
professor of economics at Southwest Minnesota State
Houston County in 1989
University in Marshall. Although he worked in administration
where he served until his
for much of his career, Doug insisted on teaching at least one
retirement in 2000. He was
class so he could remain in contact with the students. He
named Minnesota Trial
will be remembered for treating those he met with kindness
Judge of the Year in 1998 and
and respect regardless of age or status. When asked what
Minnesota’s Distinguished
advice he would like to leave his children and grandchildren,
Trial Judge in 1999. Duane
he did not hesitate to say, “Be good to people. That’s all that
was instrumental in starting the Paralegal Program at Winona
matters.”
State, where he taught for many years. A lighthearted, humble man, Duane was a dedicated
Wilbur “Soup” Winblad ’49 (Rosemount,
community servant and Dixieland Jazz lover. He was a
Minn.) passed away on October 18.
founding member of the Gate City Jazz Band and enjoyed
A standout athlete at Red Wing High
playing with young musicians and faculty members of the
School, he volunteered to serve in the
WSU Music Department. Duane and his wife, Patte, were
U.S. Marine Corps during World War
committed to higher education and their support of Winona
II. Following his discharge in 1946, he
State. Together they established the Judge Duane & Patte
attended Winona State where he starred
Peterson Scholarship to encourage students enrolled in the
in football, basketball, and baseball. He
Paralegal Program at WSU. Family requested that memorials
was named Winona State’s most valuable
to Duane be directed to the Winona State University
football player in 1946 and inducted into the Athletic Hall of
Foundation.
Fame in 1987. He went on to become one of Minnesota’s top coaches and educators, working in Rushford and Farmington and later at Dakota County Technical Institute. In 1958, Soup was named a Minnesota Sports Champ, and in 1982 he won the Minnesota Merit Award for his contributions to vocational education. He was the first recipient of the Spirit of Dakota County Technical College for his exceptional service to the college. He also won the college’s Teacher of Excellence Award. Family requested that memorials to Soup be directed to the Winona State University Warrior Club.
winona.edu
Winona Currents | 29
CURRENT PEOPLE
Laura Senefeld
Laura Senefeld never imagined that a professor’s food allergy might be the source of a life-changing scholarship. When John Deming, a Winona State University chemistry professor, remarked that he had resolved an egg allergy by raising his own antibiotic-free chickens, Senefeld saw a research opportunity. That insight led to a $42,000 fellowship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Undergraduate Research Program. The EPA fellowship covers Senefeld’s tuition, fees, and books at Winona State. It also provides a stipend, expenses for supplies and travel related to her research, and funding for a summer internship at an EPA research laboratory. The fellowship, which is competitive, was awarded to only fourteen students last year. Senefeld, a junior from Plover, Wis., is receptive to opportunities. She chose her major, chemistry with the environmental science option, after seeing the movie An Inconvenient Truth during a freshman speech class. “My interest was always in chemistry, but I realized it could be more than sitting in a lab following reactions,” she says. Deming’s classroom anecdote prompted Senefeld to design a research project investigating the levels of
30 | Winter 2009 - 2010
antibiotics in commercially-produced versus organic eggs. She will work with Jeanne Franz, professor of chemistry at WSU. “Because it provides funding to conduct research and travel to paper presentations and conferences, the EPA fellowship gives Laura a tremendous advantage, both as an undergraduate and later in her career,” says Franz. Senefeld’s strong academic record, combined with her clear personal and career commitment to environmental science, likely led to the EPA fellowship award, says Franz. Senefeld explains that she “wanted to go into an area that would put me out in the field and had more of a direct, visible impact.” The summer will take Senefeld to an internship at one of the EPA’s research facilities scattered throughout the United States. While she has not yet learned which facility it will be, she hopes to work in a lab that focuses on water chemistry, which aligns with her career interests. No matter where she ends up, there’s little doubt that Senefeld will be open to any opportunity that crosses her path. Note: This article was developed under a GRO Research Assistance Agreement No. EPA-F2008U-GRO-P2 awarded by the U.S. EPA. It has not been formally reviewed by the EPA. The views expressed in this document are solely those of Laura Senefeld and the EPA does not endorse any products or commercial services mentioned in this publication.
Farmers’ Market Goes to College The Winona State community received an education through a visit from the Winona Farmers’ Market on October 17. A dinner featured foods sourced from local growers followed the Farmers’ Market visit. The on-campus market was part of the university’s yearlong focus on increasing awareness of sustainable foods. Food from local farmers is “good for us, good for the community, and good for the environment,” said Joan Francioni, professor and director of Engaged Teaching and Scholarship. Learn more about WSU’s sustainability efforts at www.winona.edu/green
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Running for Scholarships Participants dash around Lake Winona
during the annual Warrior Waddle. The 5-kilometer run benefits the WSU cross country and track and field teams, including the Warrior Waddle Women’s Track and Field Scholarship. Thanks fo Waddle organizers Tom Slaggie and Kathy Hovell. Just as hundreds did in the Warrior Waddle, benefactors can make a difference for students by supporting scholarships for deserving students. And there’s no better way to make a direct impact on the life of a student than by supporting Light the Way, Winona State’s leadership campaign. Read more about Light the Way inside this edition of Currents. You can call the WSU Foundation for more information at 507.457.5020. Or, visit our website and make an online gift at www.winona.edu/ lighttheway.