Tom Slaggie, of Winona, will be recognized by Winona State University with the Distinguished Service Award Friday, Sept. 25, as a part of the university’s Homecoming celebration.
Tom Slaggie grew up in Winona and served as the city’s mayor from 1987-1995. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in military engineering. Slaggie served in Vietnam and retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel. He returned to Winona in 1971 and worked as an insurance agent for his family’s business, Gate City Agency, retiring as company president. Slaggie and Kathy Hovell created the WSU Warrior Waddle 5k race to benefit the Warrior women’s track and field team, and the event has raised more than $90,000 for scholarships since 2009. Slaggie has been involved in numerous community groups as a volunteer, including the Winona Civic Association, Winona American Legion, Woodlawn Cemetery Board, Goodview Activity Group, and was 2005 Winona Steamboat Days Harbormaster. Slaggie has been a longtime organizer and participant in area recreational road races.
