Learn About the Winona State Alumni Society

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History of the Winona State University Alumni Society and Foundation

Phelps Hall, named after Alumni Society organizer William T. Phelps

After 1930, the Society remained quite active. Many students were helped financially through loans from its funds; biennial reunions were hosted in the Twin Cities during Minnesota Education Association meetings; data for proposed legislation were collected and organized; an excursion to Washington, D.C., was sponsored, and two "Round-Ups" of loyal Winona alumni were organized and carried through to success. Alumni, students and faculty were eligible for active membership in the Society, and by 1935, 173 life members and 40 annual members were registered.

The Alumni Society maintained a steady enrollment of loyal graduates of Winona State and performed important functions, especially by providing scholarships and other forms of assistance before state and national loans became common. By 1970, it was clear that the organization should be expanded to include as many alumni as possible. The president's office took the initiative in locating the various graduates and others who had been associated with Winona State over the years, a task that was much more complicated and time-consuming than anyone had anticipated. However, with the help of the newly-acquired computer systems, the job was completed. Today, there are more than 38,000 alumni in the records.

Also in 1970, a quarterly publication, "Alum," was created. The magazine contained news about Winona State and its graduates. In 1980, the publication became known as "INSIDE Winona State," which was replaced by "Winona Currents" in 2001.

Today, the Alumni Society is part of the office of the Vice President for University Relations and Development, a far cry from the small group that was organized in 1875.

Mission Statement

The Winona State University Alumni Society exists to establish and carry out means by which the university can regularly communicate with and serve alumni and to provide a mechanism through which alumni may communicate with and serve the University. The intent of this partnership is to ensure the continued excellence of Winona State University.

To implement this mission, the Alumni Society shall:

• Offer to alumni and other appropriate constituencies diversely appealing activities that are educational, social, athletic and cultural. All of these fund-raising activities shall promote Winona State University, its programs and its people.
• Involve increasing numbers of alumni in the attainment of all Alumni Society goals.
• Create and maintain an awareness of the alumni body's responsibility to provide strong financial support to Winona State University.
• Support and assist in the recruitment of superior students for all Winona State University programs.
• Stimulate continuing intellectual growth of all constituencies through symposia, seminars and publications.
• Recognize distinguished alumni service and career achievement.
• Support Winona State University in its student and alumni career development programs.
• Propose qualified alumni as potential members of the President's Cabinet. Encourage communication between the Cabinet and the Alumni Society Board of Directors.
• Educate students, through interaction with the alumni, about the responsibilities of a life-long relationship with Winona State University.
• Serve as preserver and conveyor of the history of the University and its environment.
• Assist the Winona State University administration in mobilizing the alumni population for lobbying to assure governmental support for higher education.

Special Objectives

• Advocate the Winona State University provide the Office of Alumni Relations with adequate staff and resources to accomplish its mission.
• Provide for thoughtful integration of graduates of the Rochester Center into the Alumni Society.
• Increase the visibility of the Alumni Society at University programs. 

Last Modified: Monday, May 14, 2007 16:04 by Michael Swenson