Two Winona State University classes, Marketing Plans 346 and Small Business 429, collaborated this year to assist Winona Senior High School in re-designing its entrance space.

The students, including marketing major Lindsey Boigenzahn, worked with professor Tom List and WSHS Principal John Phelps in formatting a proposal to reenvision the current entrance space into an inviting oasis called "Winhawk Island."

The classes were "instrumental" in developing a plan to market the vision for the space, said Phelps. The proposal was endorsed unanimously by the District 861 School Board in March. Phelps expects to launch the campaign over the summer and break ground next fall.

WSU students will also work with the WSHS Booster Club to encourage high school students to raise funds to purchase an electronic color sign for the entrance environment. Boigenzahn hopes to raise enough money to place picnic tables, benches and cookout areas to encourage students and community members to utilize the area.

WSU student projects also provided the foundation to stimulate software and web interfaces for the WSHS Booster Club Web site.

"I am looking forward to many more collaborative efforts between Winona State University and Winona Senior High," said Phelps.

- WSU -