WSU Without the Foundation?

Imagine for a moment you are standing in the courtyard near the center of the WSU Winona campus, between Minne and Gildemeister Halls, between the Performing Arts center and Kryzsko Commons.

Imagine there are no fountains, gardens, or benches lining the campus sidewalk system, and, in fact, streets criss-cross the campus between buildings.

Now, look to the northwest and notice there is no Stark Hall or new Science Laboratory Center; to the southeast there is no Darrell W. Krueger Library. Further south there is no new Press Box, offices and suites overlooking Maxwell Field. In fact, picture Maxwell Field with the old bleachers and the torn-up, muddy grass field.

To the east of campus, there is no University Apartments complex, and to the west, WSU doesn't own Lourdes Hall and the Tau Center.

Now here's the big mind-stretching exercise... imagine Winona state with 2 to 3,000 less students.

It's a pretty grim image. If it weren't for the efforts of the WSU Foundation, that image in your mind might be the way WSU would look today.

The Winona State University Foundation was created in 1963 as a separate, private, non-profit entity, with its sole purpose to support the opportunity for quality education for students of Winona State University. 

The Foundation began as an organization focused on accepting and managing monetary gifts which it turned into scholarship awards to help deserving students have access to excellent education at a comprehensive public university. In addition, some of the funds managed by the Foundation have been used for projects or education enhancements for the university that would not be possible with private support.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has expanded in numerous ways; always within the core mission to support Winona State University and its students.

In 1988, when the WSU Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, its assets were about $800,000. Today, the Foundation controls assets of more than $25 million. For the 2004-05 academic year, the WSU Foundation awarded more than $460,235,000 in scholarships to more than 340 students, and provided and additional $1,406,823 in support to WSU in other ways.

During its Silver Anniversary year, 1988, the WSU Foundation established six donor societies as a way to provide recognition for annual donors. Society names were chosen to reflect the concepts of building and strength. The Benchmark Society recognizes annual gifts between $100 and $249, the Pillar Society recognizes annual gifts of $250-$499, the Colonnade Society recognizes annual gifts of $500-$999, the Arch Society recognizes annual gifts of $1,000-$2,499, the Keystone Society recognizes annual gifts of $2,500-$4,999, and the Capstone Society recognizes annual gifts of $5,000 and more.

In addition, the WSU Foundation created the Cornerstone Society to provide a lasting tribute to benefactors who have made cumulative gifts of $20,000 or more to the Foundation. Through their on-going efforts, these individuals and corporations have enabled the Foundation to become a force in providing support for WSU's academic mission.

An attractive Cornerstone Society wall display occupies a prominent spot in the main corridor of Somsen Hall, saluting this commitment. The initial Cornerstone Society induction was held May 19, 1989, when the Society was chartered with 10 members. Now, more than 40 names are included among Cornerstone Society members.

In 1996, the WSU Foundation established the 1858 Founders Society to honor a special group of friends who have made a provision for Winona State University in their estate plans through their will, life insurance, annuity or life income agreement. A bequest or other deferred gift of any size brings membership in this recognition society. All information is kept in strict confidence. Today, there are more than 100 1858 Founders Society members.

In the 43 years since it was established, the WSU Foundation has truly made an impact on the stability and growth of Winona State University. Perhaps most importantly, the Foundation has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of students.

Last Modified: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 13:49 by Brooke Sherer