Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
A new jail has arrived in Winona! As of December 12th, 2023, a new jail has replaced the old one located on 203 W 3rd St. Winona.
Zoom Court: New Jail in Winona
Winona Mall entrance.
Half of Winona Mall Staying
Sugar Loaf stands tall beside the water, as the Winona Symphony Orchestra presents it’s water-themed pieces in the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for many guests to enjoy.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum Collaborates with Winona Symphony Orchestra
The entrance to the Education Village Building.
Education Village Celebrates Five Year Anniversary
The Winona State Play on! playbill from an exciting, entertaining and comedic night for the audience in the DuFresne Performing Arts Center.
WSU Theater Department Presents “Play On!
Winona State University’s women’s softball teams Their current score is fourteen wins and eight losses in the conference and 30 wins and 18 losses overall.
Softball Splits their Weeks Wins
Winona State dance team performs on Maxwell Field.
Winona State Dance Team Heads to Nationals!
The Black Katts and Gustavus Alolphus women’s rugby club in a scrum.
Women’s Rugby Has an Outstanding Game Against Gustavus
The Winona State women’s softball team faced Bemidji State University on April 6th at Maynard R. Johnson field.
Winona State Softball blows away competition
Cole Fuecker poses for a shot. The fifth-year business administration major plays as an infield on the Winona State University’s baseball team.
Cole Fuecker: A Legacy On and Off the Field
I could write about all of my Winonan experiences for an entire printed Winonan edition and longer, so I’ll keep this to a limited list of fun memories and the people I have to thank in true academy award speech style.
Editor Farewell: Heidi Hanson
To Gabriel, (my Editor-in-Chief last year) but also who was my partner in crime, thank you for everything. You are such an amazing human and an amazing friend. I could count on you for anything, and you would always be there.
Editor-in-Chief Farewell: Sophia Sailer
. Using wires, Schwabenbauer wove telephone wires and other materials into her pieces to create a series of unique and thought-provoking 3-D art. One piece that was introduced was called “Lonely, Get Connected.”
Flesh Garden: Senior Art Exhibiton
This once-a-year event aims to uplift the voices of sexual assault survivors through various activities such as speakers, creative demonstrations, as well as a marching protest through Winona.
Conversation, Community, and Healing: Winona State Hosts Annual Take Back the Night Event
Sydney Porter, Jack Mulvaney and Alex Peachey are this year’s winners of the annual Winona Prize competition in creative writing. The three writers wrote fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction pieces respectively.
Winona Prize Winners for Creative Writing
Building in Winona.
Staying in Winona – an Opinion Piece
The Poll: How do you feel about the current immigration process?
The Poll: How do you feel about the current immigration process?
The Poll: What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to you?
The Poll:Indigenous Day Trivia
The Poll:Indigenous Day Trivia
Students are interviewed around Winona State University campus about who they would like to see speak on campus? Who would you want to see speak here?
The Poll: Who do Winona State students want to see on campus
The Poll: What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to you?
Smiling brightly, Joe Eichele says goodbye to The Winonan.
Editor Farewell: Joe Eichele
Smiling brightly, Gabriel Hathaway says goodbye to The Winonan.
Editor Farewell: Gabriel Hathaway
Smiling brightly, Syerah Mulhern-Allred says goodbye to The Winonan.
Editor Farewell: Syerah Mulhern-Allred
Editor Farewell: Mohammed Islam
Editor Farewell: Mohammed Islam
September 9th, 2023, Jacob Gifford poses on his favorite throne in Stark Hall reading the last edition of The Winonan. Gifford has a true sense of appreciation for where he chooses to relive himself while on campus. Read to find the hot spots on campus where you should try next time you need to go.
Shine or Stink: Ranking WSU bathrooms
TV Review: “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
TV Review: “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
Amala Ekpunobi, a speaker from PragerU. She returns again to Winona State University on Oct. 14 after speaking at the campus last year.
Letter to the editor: statement on Ekpunobi event
Letter to the editor
Letter to the editor
Remembering Chadwick Boseman
Remembering Chadwick Boseman
“Monkey Man,” considered by some critics as the south-Asian “John Wick”, makes an amazing rendition of Indian culture and important themes surrounding it, highlighting the community known as ”Hijra.”
“Monkey Man” Available in Film Theaters Around USA
Poor Things won a variety of Oscars in the latest Academy Awards Season. The cinematography and acting are the two aspects that excel throughout this film.
“Poor Things” Review: A Missing Piece
This year, a limited five-part documentary series called “Quiet on Set” was released, talking about the abusive and toxic environment created in these shows.
Quiet on Set: The dark side of children’s shows
Dune part one is available for streaming, and Dune part two is available in movie theaters all around the world.
Dune Part Two Movie Review
. Receiving critical as well as commercial success and having one of the biggest debuts for the studio and achieving them their second Oscar for best animated feature: “The Boy and the Heron.”
The Boy and the Heron: 2nd Oscar for Studio Ghibli
Michael Torres begins his reading with his favorite poem, “All American Mexican” from his book “An incomplete List of Names”.
Michael Torres, author of An Incomplete List of Names, visits WSU
Comedian Drew Lynch visited Winona State University on April 12. Lynch was brought on behalf of the Warrior Entertainment Network. Much of the show was heavily based around interactions between Lynch and the audience which made for a unique and humorous show.
Stand-up comedian Drew Lynch humors Winona State
Oliver Harry (left) and Gavin Anderson McElligott (right) in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” put on by the Winona State University Theater and Dance Department.
Anything goes in Shakespeare’s comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Carolyn Porter visited Winona State University to read excerpts from her book, Marcel’s Letters: A Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate.
Visiting author, Carolyn Porter, and the story behind her book, “Marcel’s Letters: A Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate”
Louisa Schirmackcher and Kailey Doeseckle performing “Man or Muppet“ for their first ever talent show.
Wenonah Players: persevering through performance
Poor Things won a variety of Oscars in the latest Academy Awards Season. The cinematography and acting are the two aspects that excel throughout this film.
“Poor Things” Review: A Missing Piece
This year, a limited five-part documentary series called “Quiet on Set” was released, talking about the abusive and toxic environment created in these shows.
Quiet on Set: The dark side of children’s shows
Dune part one is available for streaming, and Dune part two is available in movie theaters all around the world.
Dune Part Two Movie Review
. Receiving critical as well as commercial success and having one of the biggest debuts for the studio and achieving them their second Oscar for best animated feature: “The Boy and the Heron.”
The Boy and the Heron: 2nd Oscar for Studio Ghibli
Anatomy of a Fall, directed by Justine Triet, is a drama focusing on the many layers of the death of Samuel Maleski.
Anatomy of a Fall: Murder of a Husband
The mural in the entrance of Somsen Hall was commissioned in the 1930s as part of the Work Projects Administration (WPA). The mural’s purpose was to show the beginnings of Winona, however, the painter John Martin Socha, painted this mural with a “lens of mainstream ideology at the time” according to the piece commissioned in 2017 called “Somsen Hall Mural Context: The Founding of Winona and the Somsen Hall WPA Mural” by Iyekiyapiwin Darlene St. Clair form St. Cloud State University and Jill Ahlberg Yohe from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
One voice in millions: Mural in Somsen
Some showers in residence halls at WSU are only divided by curtains, causing students to question security.
Safety and Security in the Residence Halls: Are Shower Curtains Enough?
Interior of studio, located at 302 Mankato Avenue, Suite A, Winona, MN
Perception: Body and Pole
Janelle “Nellie” Wollenburg passed away on Dec. 29, 2023 at age 37. She was an incredibly hard-working student and mother and made a large impact on the Healthcare Leadership program in just the first semester she was taking classes.
“A Natural Light in the World:” The Loss of Janelle “Nellie” Wollenburg
Dresses displayed in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center.
Wenonah Players Hosts Thrift Pop-Up Event
The Winona State University International Club and International Student & Scholar Services teamed up to host a celebration of culture. Pictured above is Yujiro Nakano, a kendama World Cup champion. Nakano is one of many international students who performed for the audience.
Annual International Night: Crossroads of Culture
On Wednesday Nov. 2, International Student Services hosted an international coffee hour in Gildemeister Hall. This event is typically held on the first Wednesday of each month. The events offer a chance for students to interact with other students from around the world in an educationally-focused environment. Depending on what the students decide, the events can range from very casual to quite organized.
Photo Story: International Coffee Hour
R.I.C.E. Club was formed to focus on forming bonds between people. R.I.C.E. stands for Racial Integra- tion and Cultural Enrichment.
New R.I.C.E. club promotes diversity and inclusivity
New food option, “Chaat House” is now open in Zaness At The Corner space. The food lineup offers Indian cuisine and rotates with other foods like pasta and quesadillas.
Zane’s debuts Indian food option, “Chaat House”
ZaZa’s is nearing the end of their renovation and has advertised looking to hire a full staff. It’s location is right across from Sheehan Hall on Winona State University’s Main Campus.
ZaZa’s set to officially reopen this March
The “Freshman 15” is often used as a scare tactic for incoming college freshmen because of the normal bodily shifts and changes that occur during this time. How much is this affecting students?
The Freshman 15 – Factual or Fatphobia?
During Thursday night on Oct. 24., the amount of rain was so drastic, an email was sent out to students about relocating their cars in the gravel lot due to ankle high rain fall. Students stood outside of the Quad and Prentiss- Lucas hoping to get soaked from cars passing by. The next day, the volleyball courts in front of PL are proof of that. Students have called it the ‘PL Pool”.
Weather Trouble – Flooding in Prentiss-Lucas on Oct. 24
The remnants of a party are left on a table while students drink in the background.
School Spirit or Alcoholism?
In the new period products dispensers, you can find both pads and tampons.
Red Marks the Spot: Period products now fully available on campus
Using a AI image software called Midjourney and a photo taken in Krysko Courtyard, the final image seen above is changed into a AI version using the prompt spiral to alter the image.
AI: The Beginning or the End?
Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
Alayna Majkrzak

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter

Alayna Majkrzak (she/they) is a first-year at Winona State University and is a news reporter here at The Winonan. Majkrzak is a CALT (Communication, Arts, and Literature Teaching) major and is minoring in theatre.  

In their spare time, they enjoy crocheting, reading and writing. Though, all these activities are preferably done in a comfortable sweater while listening to their favorite playlist or watching Ghost Adventures. Back at home, Majkrzak was involved in their school newspaper for four years, and they are incredibly excited to continue their passion for honesty through journalism in college.  

All content by Alayna Majkrzak
This once-a-year event aims to uplift the voices of sexual assault survivors through various activities such as speakers, creative demonstrations, as well as a marching protest through Winona.

Conversation, Community, and Healing: Winona State Hosts Annual Take Back the Night Event

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
April 24, 2024
The entrance to the Education Village Building.

Education Village Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
April 17, 2024
One of the lesser-known options is the OASIS center which is located in room 110 in Gildemeister. The full name of OASIS is the OASIS Advocacy Center, and they are an on-campus extension of the Advocacy Center that is located in Winona.

Update on Title IX: New Policies and Procedures

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
April 3, 2024
Winona State welcomed a panel of people who are helping immigrants and refugees in Winona and surrounding areas.

Open Community: Helping Winona’s Immigrants and Refugees

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
March 27, 2024
Members of the Jazz Panel Discussion on stage to discuss students pursuing music.

Hear Me Out: Education, Democracy, & Jazz Panel Discussion

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
March 20, 2024
Nicky Buck (center) and fellow Honoring Dakota Project at the Winona County History Center on February 24, 2024 to talk about their project and how they help the communities. At this event, the Honoring Dakota Project discussed the fact that We Are Relatives. This notion can be extended beyond Red Wing, Minnesota, where the Honoring Dakota Project is based, and can be applied to Winona, Minnesota.

“We Are All Related”: The Honoring Dakota Project Meal and Conversation

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 28, 2024
The WSU Reproductive Justice Club worked to highlight the voices of victims, helping them feel seen and heard.

Sexual Assault Victims Share Their Stories at the Gazebo

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 21, 2024
Learn more information about the club on Instagram @turtleisland- studentorg!

The WSU TISO Club Works to Become More Inclusive

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 21, 2024
Somsen Hall still stands tall after hosting students, faculty and staff for 100 years now.

Somsen Hall Celebrates 100 Years

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 7, 2024
Preacher Lawson speaks funnies to a crowd at Winona State University on Thursday, January 25th, 2024.

The Definition of Physical Comedy: Preacher Lawson

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
January 31, 2024
Dresses displayed in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center.

Wenonah Players Hosts Thrift Pop-Up Event

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
January 24, 2024
A view of the bluffs between Minne Hall and Krueger Library. We are currently in an El Niño weather pattern that causes warmer winters.

How Climate Change is Harming the Common Minnesota Winter

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
January 17, 2024

Earned Sick and Safe Leave Law

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
January 17, 2024
During Thursday night on Oct. 24., the amount of rain was so drastic, an email was sent out to students about relocating their cars in the gravel lot due to ankle high rain fall. Students stood outside of the Quad and Prentiss- Lucas hoping to get soaked from cars passing by. The next day, the volleyball courts in front of PL are proof of that. Students have called it the ‘PL Pool”.

Weather Trouble – Flooding in Prentiss-Lucas on Oct. 24

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
November 15, 2023
The club provided a variety of stickers, pins, and candy for students to take. They also provided a QR code that links you to then petition to urge the WSU administration to provide accessible and affordable abortion access on campus.

Reproductive Justice Petitioning

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
November 1, 2023

Ukrainian Identity Paid for by Blood: Keynote Lecture with Lev Golinkin

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
October 25, 2023
Dr. Matthew Lindaman played songs from indigenous musicians, such as Jesse Ed Davis, Redbone and Willie Dunn.

Indigenous People’s Day – October 9, 2023

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
October 18, 2023
Some of you may not have seen Lourdes Hall since it has not been a living space since 2021. This Lourdes Hall on October 6th, 2023. Winona State has yet to sell this residence hall. Alumni gather on Saturday, September 30th to do a final walkthrough.

End of an Era and Hope for the Future: Alumni Visit Lourdes Hall for a “Final” Goodbye.

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
October 11, 2023
From the beginning of 2023 till this August, around 1,915 library materials and resources have been challenged for a variety of reasons. In 2022, the number sat at 1,269 demands. When a ban is requested, the contents of the book are questioned and viewed by some people as unsuitable for certain ages or groups.

The Banned Books Effect

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
October 11, 2023
Lack of Gluten-Free food options in the Jack Kane Ding Hall on Winona State campus for those who need Gluten-Free options. Student searches for gluten-free bread in the dining hall, yet there is barely any bread left.

Gluten Free Meals – The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
September 27, 2023
Photo taken from The Los Angeles Times - profile of Luke Bryan, country singer.

Country Star Luke Bryan Donates to Students at Winona State University

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
September 20, 2023
Lyz Jaakola holding her guitar at the DuFresne Performing Arts Center. She wrote her own song on guitar and sang it. She teaches music education and American Indian Studies at a community college.

International Music Series – Combining Music and Identity

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
September 13, 2023
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