Winona State University will host an official dedication and reception for one of its new residence halls at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at Kirkland Hall, 223 W. Mark St.
The WSU Foundation and President Scott R. Olson will honor alumni Melvin and Lois Kirkland, whose $1.25 million scholarship contribution to the foundation is being recognized by the naming of Kirkland Hall.
Melvin, from West Concord, Minn., and Lois, from Little Falls, Minn., came to Winona in 1947 right after they were married. Melvin earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts from WSU in 1949. Lois received her associate’s degree the same year and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1956.
The Kirklands shared their life together as educators, teaching primarily in public schools in Seattle, Wash. Their love of teaching left a valuable legacy not only for the students whose lives they touched, but also for the generations that have followed. Two of the university’s most generous benefactors, the Kirklands left a bequest to WSU because of their passion for students and hope for the future of society. The Melvin L. and Lois M. Kirkland Scholarship Fund for aspiring teachers will continue the traditions of educational excellence that the Kirklands embodied.
The dedication of Kirkland Hall will honor the Kirklands love of travel, which led them around the globe several times and brought them to settle in Hawaii upon their retirement in 1979. Come enjoy entertainment by Hawaiian musicians Keith & Carmen Haugen and light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Peggy Walters.
