Serving Our Community
For 33 years, he reported to work in the Department of Biology at Winona State University. Today, his work is done in the community. WSU Professor Emeritus Joe Emanuel served as a respected faculty member and a loved professor from 1949-1982. Upon retirement from WSU, Emanuel continued to do what he loved.
"I like to help people," said Emanuel. "Helping senior citizens who aren't as able as I am is the same reason I enjoyed helping students. I guess my philosophy, in general, is to help people."
Emanuel is now a community volunteer, but not with just one or two organizations. His ability to help people and give to the community is seen throughout the city of Winona.
"I volunteer for places like the bloodmobile, the Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the American Cancer Society and St. Anne's Nursing Home," said Emanuel.
The amount of time Emanuel dedicates to the community varies from week to week. Some weeks his services aren't needed, while others he reports to duty several days in a row. "I go when they call me," he said.
Emanuel also continues to teach. Since retirement, his expertise of the outdoors has not been forgotten. Each spring his phone starts to ring and many different clubs, organizations and classes invite him to talk to their groups about spring flowers.
"During my sabbatical from Winona State, around 1960," said Emanuel, "I published the only Winona County listing of flowering plants."
Armed with that knowledge, Emanuel is now a traveling teacher of sorts. He takes his expertise throughout the community and talks about the purpose of spring flowers and how they were once used as medicines.
Emanuel's passion for teaching has always been rooted in his love for working with people. As he continues to teach, he stays abreast of the quickly evolving nature of higher education. He is amazed at how far WSU has come from the time he came to the institution when it was the Winona Teachers' College to the nationally known university that it is today.
"When I drive by the university, I frequently say to myself, 'I can't imagine the student who wouldn't say this would be a great place to go to college,'" said Emanuel. "Winona State doesn't believe there is a limit to education. That way of thinking should interest students."
This belief is why Emanuel feels WSU is successful at producing a community of learners dedicated to improving our world.
