[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/WSU-Letter-Gazebo-Phelps-Fall-1920.jpg” alt=”WSU Letters near the gazebo in front of Phelps Hall in the fall.” title_text=”WSU-Letter-Gazebo-Phelps-Fall-1920″ admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”WSU Foundation Annual Report | FY20″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/Bob-Strauss-Profile-300.jpg” alt=”Bob Strauss” title_text=”Bob-Strauss-Profile-300″ admin_label=”Foundation Chair Image” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Bob Strauss” job_title=”Winona State University Foundation Chair” admin_label=”Foundation Chair Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
What an exciting time to be Board Chair of the Winona State University Foundation.<\/p>\n
Recently we announced the largest gift ever to the university and welcomed a new CEO of the Winona State University Foundation, we have incredible momentum and I like the direction we are heading.<\/p>\n
Having raised my family in Winona, I have a pretty good pulse on the community and believe the level of optimism, including the Foundation, to be at an all-time high.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”WSU Foundation Board 2020″ admin_label=”Foundation Board Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n
Bob Strauss \u201876 | Chair
Tom Wynn | Chair Elect
Mark Nichols \u201878 | Immediate Past Chair
Jim Meyer \u201885 | Secretary
John McShea \u201879 | Treasurer<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trustees Heading Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false”][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trustees Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trustees Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”VP Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Welcome from Vice President Jon Olson” admin_label=”VP Welcome Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/11\/J.Olson_Headshot_resized.jpg” title_text=”J.Olson_Headshot_resized” admin_label=”VP Image” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jon Olson” job_title=”Vice President, University Advancement” company_name=”CEO, WSU Foundation” admin_label=”VP Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Greetings alumni and friends of Winona State University! What a humbling honor it is to be able to write to our donors for the first time and thank you all for the difference you make in the lives of the students at Winona State University.<\/p>\n
Your support of our students and projects is immeasurable and very much appreciated.<\/p>\n
What an outstanding welcome my family and I have received from everyone in the WSU and Winona communities!<\/p>\n
From WSU campus leadership, to our Foundation staff and board of trustees, and the greater community, my family and I thank you all and look forward to making Winona home for years to come.<\/p>\n
Go Warriors!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Total Assets Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/FY20-Giving-Chart-1280-1.jpg” alt=”A chart showing the relative amounts given by groups in FY20. Alumni donated the most, followed by organizations, retirees, friends, faculty & staff and lastly parents. These gifts total $8,905,569.” title_text=”FY20-Giving-Chart-1280″ admin_label=”Gifts Chart Image” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Story 1 Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”WSU Alumnus Leaves a Legacy” admin_label=”Story 1 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n
Winona State University received a $5.26 million dollar gift from 1950 alumnus Maynard \u201cMo\u201d Weber, the largest gift in WSU history. Mo died peacefully in his home in Luray, VA on July 26, 2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cMo Weber\u2019s generosity and love of WSU knew no bounds,\u201d said WSU President Scott R. Olson. \u201cHe helped kindle Winona State\u2019s love of beautiful art as well as our love of Warrior baseball, and for that and so many other reasons, we will be forever grateful to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weber came to Winona in the 1940s, following his military service during the second World War.<\/p>\n
He completed his bachelor\u2019s degree in education at Winona State, and spent his time helping to coach baseball, a passion that led Weber to teach and coach at various institutions across the country after graduating.<\/p>\n
He was the son of famed painter Max Weber and had gifted several of his father\u2019s paintings to WSU in the past.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Story 1 Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Weber made his last visit to WSU, when he returned for Homecoming in 2018, at the age of 94. He loved to talk and reminisce about his time in Winona.<\/p>\n
His fondness and loyalty to his alma mater was true. He had even been known to refer to Winona State as the \u201cHarvard of the West.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of Weber\u2019s gift is designated to the WSU Art and Design program through Mo, and his late wife Dorothy\u2019s preexisting scholarships.<\/p>\n
Additionally, part of the gift will fund gallery space in the future Laird Norton Center for Art & Design where his father\u2019s paintings will be highlighted.<\/p>\n
The remainder of this gift will be used for a Baseball scholarship endowment, the Alumni House, and Sustaining Fund.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/news.winona.edu\/17809\/wsu-receives-largest-gift-in-its-history\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Read More” admin_label=”Story 1 Button” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/Mo-Weber-Cheerleaders-Homecoming-1280.jpg” alt=”Mo Weber smiles surrounded by cheerleaders at WSU Homecoming.” title_text=”Mo-Weber-Cheerleaders-Homecoming-1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Image Caption Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Mo Weber celebrates Homecoming weekend with the Warriors – 2018.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Story 2 Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Generosity Keeps Cupboard Stocked” admin_label=”Story 2 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n
Located in the Integrated Wellness Complex, the Warrior Cupboard is the On-Campus Food Shelf.<\/p>\n
The Cupboard\u2019s goal is to ensure students have access to quality food, as well as resources and support on and off campus when they are in need, particularly during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Between the fall graduation on Dec. 11, 2020 and Jan. 6, 2021, 221 students accessed the Warrior Cupboard and utilized 2,000+ pounds of food.<\/p>\n
Since the fund\u2019s inception in 2017, donors have contributed more than $12,000 to keep it stocked, with nearly $8,000 of that since the start of the pandemic!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/Warrior-Cupboard-Food-Shelves-1280.jpg” alt=”Shelves stocked with food in the Warrior Cupboard.” title_text=”Warrior-Cupboard-Food-Shelves-1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Story 3 Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”A Promise from WSU Faculty” admin_label=”Story 3 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n
Every hardship prompts a search for silver linings. The Winona State Faculty Association provided one such silver lining with their creation of the Winona State Faculty Promise Scholarship.<\/p>\n
The local branch of the IFO (Inter Faculty Organization), found itself with a small surplus of money due to lower expenses during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
They donated to community organizations around food insecurity, helped with transporting students to new polling locations and assisted some faculty with emergency situations they found themselves in, due to the pandemic. Then came the idea of a scholarship, which had unanimous support from the WSU Faculty Senate.<\/p>\n
The IFO union was built by generations of former faculty, providing a sense of purpose and a mentality of solidarity. The group invested not only their surplus funds from this year, but also a portion of their reserve account to give the scholarship a more
significant start.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are just so many things happening right now that ask us to consider ways of stretching ourselves to help others,\u201d IFO President Jenna Chernega said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to support the financial sustainability of Winona State and we want to support students,especially those who have been most impacted by the pandemic and the racial inequalities that are so present in our state.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Story 3 Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
The scholarship name represents the promise in each student who comes to Winona State, as well as a promise faculty make to the students. Chernega sees the exceptional educational opportunities faculty create for their students every day with limited resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey demonstrate an amazing commitment to public higher education and to the students,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The scholarship is designed to help WSU Admissions recruit students who might not otherwise come here.<\/p>\n
The scholarship gives preference to students of color and first-generation students, two populations that experience achievement gaps in Minnesota.<\/p>\n
In addition to the initial funds, the union\u2019s donation also includes a matching gift to encourage other donations and bring the scholarship fund to the endowed level where it can support itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel truly lucky to work at a place like Winona State with the great faculty we have\u201d, said Chernega. \u201cI hope that this gift will grow and support generations of students to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Story 4 Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Student Graduates Debt-Free with WSU Scholarships” admin_label=”Story 3 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n
Natalie Henke understands what it takes to overcome adversity. Growing up in Lakeville, MN, in a family with four siblings, adversity came early with the death of her father when she was twelve.<\/p>\n
She started working 30-40 hours a week at the age of fifteen to ease the financial burden on her single mother. She lived with continual anxiety around financial stability.<\/p>\n
Despite these challenges, she graduated from high school with 37 college credits and some savings in the bank.<\/p>\n
Natalie knew that choosing a college would be an important decision and based that choice on affordability and the opportunities for personal development.<\/p>\n
WSU did not disappoint!<\/p>\n
The availability of scholarships was a huge factor and allowed Natalie to concentrate on academics and be highly involved with multiple clubs and boards on campus, serving in many leadership roles.<\/p>\n
Majoring in Accounting, Natalie has found the faculty to be supportive, responsive, and inspiring and have genuine care for students. \u201cPeople became like family and my professors really guided me through.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because of the generosity of WSU donors and Natalie\u2019s determination, she will graduate in May, debt-free!<\/p>\n
She will go on to sit for the CPA exam and will follow her spring internship at CliftonLarsonAllen with a full-time position as a
Tax and Audit Associate.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/03\/Natalie-Henke-1280.jpg” alt=”Natalie Henke” title_text=”Natalie-Henke-1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_testimonial author=”Natalie Henke ’21” job_title=”Accounting Major” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
My high school career was comprised of fear, anxiety, and grief.<\/p>\n
My college career has been overflowing with opportunities, personal and academic growth, and financial freedom.<\/p>\n
Thank you for helping me turn the page and change my story.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=trvKqpbTJc0&t=3s” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Scholarships Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Impact of Scholarship Aid for WSU Students” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Scholarships Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Scholarships Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px”]<\/p>\n
Due to your generosity, the Winona State University Foundation was able to award $1.8 million<\/strong> in scholarships last year.<\/p>\n This included over 800 scholarships<\/strong> that helped more than 600 students<\/strong> at WSU.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Scholarships Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Scholarships Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Interested in starting a scholarship?” admin_label=”Start a Scholarship Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/foundation\/scholarships.asp” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn How” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Button” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Fast Facts Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Fast Facts” admin_label=”Fast Facts Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Most Popular Undergraduate Majors” admin_label=”Majors Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Story 4 Section” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”WSU Foundation Grant Plants Seeds for Interprofessional Program” admin_label=”Story 4 Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\n At the end of 2016, Jennifer Timm, a professor in the WSU Nursing department, submitted a Special Projects application to the WSU Foundation and likely never imagined that the program would still be going strong in 2021.<\/p>\n Her concept, titled on the application as \u201cInterprofessional Collaborative Practice in a Community-Based Primary Care Setting\u201d has become what is now known in the community as \u201cBridges Health Winona\u201d. Bridges Health Winona is a partnership between Winona State University and multiple community organizations serving at-risk populations.<\/p>\nNewly Established Scholarships in FY20<\/h3>\n
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