Spencer grew up in Spring Grove, Minn., and came to WSU because his older brother graduated from WSU.  Spencer was comfortable with the small campus feel and the friendly atmosphere where many long lasting friendships first started.

Judy grew up in Savage, Minn., and came to WSU because she had relatives in Winona, and her parents suggested a small campus not too far from home.

Both Spencer and Judy were charter members in social organizations on campus: Spencer in Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity, and Judy in Alpha Xi Delta sorority. They enjoyed being involved with organizations that promoted academic achievement while focusing on creating fun social activities for students and providing help in the community through service projects.

In spring 1965, Spencer graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in math and a minor in physics and then taught junior high mathematics for two years in Madison, Wis.

Spencer went on to earn a Master of Science degree in education with emphasis on mathematics from Mankato State University and then opted for a career position with IBM in Rochester, rather than returning to teaching.  Judy graduated from WSU in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and taught for two years in Waseca, Minn.

Later, Judy took graduate courses at Winona State and the University of Minnesota and completed her master's equivalency in 1987.  "We both felt that the WSU experience totally prepared us to be successful in whatever career choices we made after graduating from Winona State," The Munkels said.

Spencer and Judy married in 1969 as he started his career at IBM and she began teaching in the Rochester School District where she remained for 32 years until retiring in 2001. Judy continues to substitute and volunteer in the Rochester School District.  Spencer retired from IBM after 23 years of service and later served as an account executive for the Dean Witter investment firm for 2 years before settling in to full-time retirement.

Throughout their careers, Spencer and Judy maintained many of the friendships they made while in school at Winona State and kept ties to the institution that helped them find each other.  Reminiscing about Winona State in the 1960s, Judy and Spencer fondly remember McVey's Ice Cream Parlor, study breaks at the Country Kitchen, various dances, Homecoming activities, trips downtown to the Garden Gate for SUPER cinnamon rolls, playing cards and interacting with various WSU staff members.

In the early 1990s, the Munkels decided to formally recognize and honor their connection to Winona State University by establishing the Judy and Spencer Munkel Scholarship Fund through the WSU Foundation. "While at Winona State, I received a scholarship that helped me," Spencer said. "Judy and I decided we were at a point in our lives where we could do something to help others."

Through additional gifts of their own and the benefit of the IBM employees matching gifts program, the Munkels' scholarship fund has grown significantly and has helped many WSU students achieve their educational goals. 

In 2000, the Munkels created a second scholarship fund specifically to help graduates of Spring Grove, Minn., attend Winona State University. In addition, the Munkels are members of the 1858 Founders Society, which recognizes that they have made a provision for WSU in their wills.

"By making gifts to support WSU students, we know we are doing something for those who will come after us," Spencer and Judy said. "We are pleased to leave a legacy to support causes we value. Our hope is that many of the students who receive scholarships at Winona State University will eventually establish their own scholarship awards to help future students." 

One of the added benefits for Spencer and Judy of their scholarship programs at Winona State is the opportunity to visit with the students who receive their scholarships and their parents at the annual Scholarship Recognition Brunch held each fall.

"Since we know how hectic it can get around midterms we like to send our scholarship recipients some money to take a break, relax and go out for pizza and movie," Spencer and Judy said.      

"Winona State University has become a much bigger part of our lives as we get older, and we are excited to be able to help WSU students make a positive difference in their lives," the couple said. "We look forward to coming to the campus, seeing the changes and improvements and reflecting on how it was when we were students."

Last Modified: Thursday, December 02, 2004 12:44 by Rhone Richard