David Ross Patrick, a native of Winona, and Barbara Ann Gaddis, of Austin, met as freshmen at Winona State in the fall of 1952. They fell in love here, laid the foundation of adulthood, and met lifelong friends. Barbara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1956. After completing his sophomore year, David enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in Security while stationed in Korea and Japan from 1954-57. Married in 1957, David and Barbara returned to Winona to start a family and complete David’s education. In 1960, David earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Barbara taught kindergarten in suburban Minneapolis-St. Paul following her graduation, and again in the early 1960s. David’s 32-year career in Property-Casualty Claims Management took their family across the country. Yet, throughout the years and many moves, Winona and WSU remained a cherished part of their life.
Winona was home. The Patricks regularly returned for family gatherings, WSU homecomings, and simply to enjoy the beauty of the WSU campus and City of Winona. A memorial bench sits at the entrance of Krueger Library in celebration of David and Barbara.
The three Patrick children, Lisa, Leslie, and David, established the Patrick Family Scholarship to honor their parents and the university that gave David and Barbara their start in life. Their hope is to help a student obtain the knowledge and skills required to be a great teacher. In doing so, their parents’ legacy will continue to positively impact future generations.
