Ramaley and other WSU administrators, faculty members and students rode the last leg of the boat's trip-- from Trempealeau, Wis., to Winona.

"Our ship has finally arrived," Ramaley joked.

Winona Mayor Jerry Miller was a part of the welcoming ceremony for the boat and he presented a plaque proclaiming Oct 21 "Winona State University Mississippi River Studies Day."

Several WSU faculty members were present and described how the university plans to partner with Winona's new Center for Mississippi River Studies, and use the boat in the future for interdisciplinary programs on the river. Such programs will include university courses that focus on aspects of the river and its surroundings, such as: literature related to the river, the economy of river towns, history of the region, and the biology and ecosystems in an near the river.

The boat is 64 feet by 18 feet, has a conference room large enough for a small classroom and an upper sun deck; it has space on the bow to transport canoes and kayaks; has twin 120-hp John Deere diesel engines and its own electrical systems; and will hold up to 50 people.

WSU has leased the boat for three years through a cooperative agreement with Living Lands and Waters, a non-profit organization that received the boat as a donation from the John Deere Corporation.

The university plans to offer two classes on the houseboat next summer, each about ten days in duration. Project organizers have been seeking proposals from WSU faculty with ideas about courses to teach on the boat with river themes. More than a dozen proposals have been received to date.