Students sitting on a bench on campus.

The WSU Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is supported by Winona State alumni and friends who give each year to the WSU Foundation. These gifts allow WSU to provide an education that is both excellent and accessible. By funding student scholarships, academics, the arts, and university programs, annual giving impacts our students immediately and directly every day. Your support is our “living endowment”.  

For more information contact:
Annual Giving Director: Cindy Jokela
800.342.5978 ext. 5087
cjokela@winona.edu

What specifically will my gift support?

Your gift helps fund student scholarships, academic and extracurricular programs and immediate institutional needs, including the following examples:

  • Need-based and merit scholarships
  • Classroom, lab and technology upgrades
  • Student and faculty research
  • Library resources
  • Lecture series and cultural enrichment

Unrestricted gifts (our Sustaining Fund) support the area of greatest need on campus. The largest percentage of these gifts - over 60% - goes toward student scholarships. You may also direct your gift to a specific program, fund or department at the university.

How do I make a gift?

  • Give easily and securely via Give Now: Give Online & Your dollars will go to work immediately!
  • Call the Advancement Office: 800.342.5978 ext. 5087.
  • Complete the Gift Form and mail the gift & form to:   

                            WSU Foundation        
                             P.O. Box 5838             
                            Winona, MN 55987-5838

  • Pick up the phone when our friendly student callers ring you via the Phonathon. You’ll get a first-hand update on campus news and information from a student perspective as well.

Will my gift really make a difference?

YES! Not only do gifts at all levels add up to make big things possible, but your participation makes a huge difference. The percentage of our alumni, parents and community participation really matters when we seek large contributions from major donors and public funding sources, for national university rankings, and for student recruitment. When we demonstrate that we believe in our mission, others do too.

Why should I give? Aren't we a state-supported institution?

WSU is no longer state-supported, but is a state-assisted university. Twenty years ago over 60% of our budget was funded by the state; today it covers less than 25%. We rely on private philanthropy – gifts from our alumni, parents and friends – to bridge the gap between tuition and public funding and the cost of a quality WSU education. Thanks to your support, we can provide both academic excellence and accessibility. We are proud to note that for 15 years running, US News and World Report has listed WSU among America’s 100 best college buys.
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