Each year at Homecoming, Winona State University and the Alumni Society recognize individuals for their outstanding commitment to the University, its mission, and to improving our world.
Distinguished Young Alumni
Jordan Henrickson ‘14
After receiving his BA in education from WSU, Henrickson was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. In 2016, he received his master’s degree in strategic security and counterterrorism from George Washington University. While at WSU, Henrickson was captain of the cross country team, an ROTC Cadet Mentor, served as a Big Brother and worked as a certified emergency medical technician. Thus far in his military career, he is the youngest officer to receive the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (twice) in his unit at Fort Bliss, Texas. He has also received the Army Commendation Medal for saving a civilian’s life in 2015 and the Army Achievement Medal for elite physical fitness. Recognized by the Battalion, Brigade, and Division Commanders for his excellence and outstanding service to the Army, Henrickson continues to be engaged in his community, serving as a Big Brother, working at animal shelters, and starting a weather balloon program at an area middle school to encourage students’ interest in science and engineering.
Distinguished Faculty/Staff
Dr. Joyati Debnath
Debnath, professor in WSU’s department of mathematics and statistics, has been teaching at the University since 1989. She received her master’s degree in pure mathematics in 1985, and Ph.D. in applied mathematics in 1988, both from Iowa State University. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Best Teaching Award from Iowa State University in 1987 and the Outstanding Woman of Education Award in 1993. Nominated for the Distinguished Faculty/Staff award by her students, Dr. Debnath has been an advocate and mentor for female mathematicians. Her research interests are in the areas of integral transform theory, matrices and graph theory. She is the author or co-author on over 50 publications, has presented at numerous national and international conferences, and has received many grants for her work. Additionally, she has served as the faculty director of the WSU Freshman Orientation Program, coordinated WSU’s Distinguished Lecture Series in Mathematics, and plays an active role in many community organizations, such as the YMCA, Parents of the Winona Area Catholic Schools Association and Habitat for Humanity. She is also a frequent judge at the Minnesota State Science Fair.
If you are interested in nominating a deserving individual, please visit winona.edu/alumni/awards.asp.
