Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
Drug abuse is an epidemic that rages throughout America, and unfortunately, those falling victim are younger and younger. The guest speakers from RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, mothers of children who were unfortunately lost to drug use, shed light on the dangers of drug usage and offer important information on how to potentially save lives.
A Mother’s Warning Against the Dangers of Fentanyl
Uncle Gill's Cut'z pop-up barbershop offered not only accessible hair care but also a safe space for students of color.
Uncle Gill’s Cut’z Pop-Up Barbershop at the WELL
Winona local Corey Tomesh shared his story of how he became a successful entrepreneur with Winona State students.
An Evening With an Entrepreneur – Corey Tomesh
The news of a potential freeze of federal grants and loans shook students across the U.S., leaving them wondering if those receiving aid would be able to afford a continued education.
The Trump Administration’s Freeze on Federal Grants and Loans
Housing can be a brutal task for students. The workshop hosted at WSU educated them on their rights as renters and how to make the right choices when living off campus.
Winona State Hosts Renter’s Rights Workshop
Intramural sports offers a great outlet for students who aren't necessarily looking for the extreme commitment or process of Winona State athletics but still desire a competitive, driven workout!
Intramural Basketball in McCown Lights Up a Frozen February
Winona State Men's Basketball team earned two clean wins over their weekend at home.
Clean Sweep From the Warrior Men’s Basketball
Winona State women's basketball tacked a win and a loss onto their score sheet in the NSIC.
Warriors Split Final Home Series Against UMary and Minot State
The Winona State's gymnastics team put their best into their meet, displaying impressive skills and even better scores to match.
Warriors Gymnastics Flourish Against Hamline University for Senior Night
Isaiah Thompson (15) goes to tack another point onto the Warriors scoreboard.
The Race to Qualify for the NSIC
Intramural sports offers a great outlet for students who aren't necessarily looking for the extreme commitment or process of Winona State athletics but still desire a competitive, driven workout!
Intramural Basketball in McCown Lights Up a Frozen February
Drug abuse is an epidemic that rages throughout America, and unfortunately, those falling victim are younger and younger. The guest speakers from RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, mothers of children who were unfortunately lost to drug use, shed light on the dangers of drug usage and offer important information on how to potentially save lives.
A Mother’s Warning Against the Dangers of Fentanyl
Uncle Gill's Cut'z pop-up barbershop offered not only accessible hair care but also a safe space for students of color.
Uncle Gill’s Cut’z Pop-Up Barbershop at the WELL
Winona local Corey Tomesh shared his story of how he became a successful entrepreneur with Winona State students.
An Evening With an Entrepreneur – Corey Tomesh
WSU's Students for Reproductive Justice Club is taking donations in efforts to create care kits for abortion patients around Minnesota.
The Impact of Direct Action: Care Kit Drive at Winona State University
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: A Call for the Removal of the Somsen Hall Mural
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: Student Organizing: Why the restrictions?
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: Crisis Pregnancy Centers
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?
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: A Call for the Removal of the Somsen Hall Mural
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: Student Organizing: Why the restrictions?
To submit a 'Letter to the Editor' please email winonan@go.winona.edu.
Letter to the Editor: Crisis Pregnancy Centers
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
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
A Real Pain is available to watch on Hulu for those interested in watching for themselves.
A Real Pain Review: Two Cousins and Grief
Dancescape, an ongoing tradition for Winona State, demonstrates the beauty of dance and the strong emotions that can be both evoked and conveyed by the performance.
Dancescape: The Art of Performance
Companion is now available in film theaters all around the world, and I recommend it to anyone reading. 
Companion: Good for Her!
The Frozen River Film Festival allowed students to snag a sneak-peek at the documentaries that will be shown during the festival dates.
Frozen River Film Festival Hosts a Preview Night for Students
WSU English Majors and friends travelled to the Guthrie Theater to see A Midsummer Night's Dream, a much different experience than simply reading the old words on a page.
WSU Students Enter the World of Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Dancescape, an ongoing tradition for Winona State, demonstrates the beauty of dance and the strong emotions that can be both evoked and conveyed by the performance.
Dancescape: The Art of Performance
WSU English Majors and friends travelled to the Guthrie Theater to see A Midsummer Night's Dream, a much different experience than simply reading the old words on a page.
WSU Students Enter the World of Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Eric Brisson wowed the crowd at the faculty recital, sharing his passion for music with the attending guests through song.
Winona State’s Eric Brisson Shares His Passion at Faculty Recital
All of these winners prove that you should take chances. For the writers among the student population, the deadline for the next issue of the Satori is February 17th.
Taking a Chance: The Winona Prize 2025
More Than Just Posters: “Get Out and Vote” Student Poster Event
A Real Pain is available to watch on Hulu for those interested in watching for themselves.
A Real Pain Review: Two Cousins and Grief
Companion is now available in film theaters all around the world, and I recommend it to anyone reading. 
Companion: Good for Her!
The Frozen River Film Festival allowed students to snag a sneak-peek at the documentaries that will be shown during the festival dates.
Frozen River Film Festival Hosts a Preview Night for Students
Anora is available to watch on streaming services.
Anora: A Successful Disappointment
Eric Brisson wowed the crowd at the faculty recital, sharing his passion for music with the attending guests through song.
Winona State’s Eric Brisson Shares His Passion at Faculty Recital
WSU's Students for Reproductive Justice Club is taking donations in efforts to create care kits for abortion patients around Minnesota.
The Impact of Direct Action: Care Kit Drive at Winona State University
While the common notion amongst college students is that RAs live to ruin the fun, in reality, they are students too and they put in plenty of work to make the living environment for their residents supportive and welcoming.
Breaking the Stigma Surrounding RA’s
Often on Winona State University’s campus students who need an accessibility accommodations are met with roadblocks. One of the most common is the accessible door open buttons not working.
Accessibility or Unacceptability: How Accessible is Winona State?
Dr. Kenneth Janz is all smiles as he celebrates his official inauguration as the 16th President of Winona State University.
Dr. Kenneth Janz as President of Winona State
As peers wrote words of encouragement on brightly colored post-it notes, they connected with others through their shared experiences.
A Tribute to Transfer Students
One of the new little robots rides along the pathways of Winona State, heading to its next food delivery on campus.
Food Delivery Robots Run Loose in Winona
The Warrior Cupboard booth, set up at the Warrior Game Day Experience, collects donations to fill the Cupboard.
Warrior Cupboard: Preventing Food Insecurity on Campus
“It's been very rewarding for all of us as a dining team to get such positive feedback so early in the school year. It really motivates us and it motivates our team too. We're just feeding off of what the students have been telling us," Tracy Jaquette said.
Changes to Dining on Campus: More Than Just Food
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
Intramural sports offers a great outlet for students who aren't necessarily looking for the extreme commitment or process of Winona State athletics but still desire a competitive, driven workout!
Intramural Basketball in McCown Lights Up a Frozen February
Drug abuse is an epidemic that rages throughout America, and unfortunately, those falling victim are younger and younger. The guest speakers from RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, mothers of children who were unfortunately lost to drug use, shed light on the dangers of drug usage and offer important information on how to potentially save lives.
A Mother’s Warning Against the Dangers of Fentanyl
Uncle Gill's Cut'z pop-up barbershop offered not only accessible hair care but also a safe space for students of color.
Uncle Gill’s Cut’z Pop-Up Barbershop at the WELL
WSU's Students for Reproductive Justice Club is taking donations in efforts to create care kits for abortion patients around Minnesota.
The Impact of Direct Action: Care Kit Drive at Winona State University
Traversing being a student and working can be difficult, especially when also attempting to simply be human.
Balancing Act: School-Work-Life Balance at Winona State
Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan
Karalyn Kolstad

Karalyn Kolstad, Photo Editor

Karalyn Kolstad (she/her/hers) is the photo editor for The Winonan. This is Karalyn’s second year with The Winonan. She is a fourth-year student at Winona State University majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. She is also the president of Medical Laboratory Science club on campus. Outside of school, Karalyn enjoys hanging out with friends and family, watching movies and reading.   
All content by Karalyn Kolstad
Intramural sports offers a great outlet for students who aren't necessarily looking for the extreme commitment or process of Winona State athletics but still desire a competitive, driven workout!

[Photo] Intramural Basketball in McCown Lights Up a Frozen February

Gabe Slavin, Sports Reporter
February 26, 2025
Donald Trump has made several big claims in his short time as President, although and the takeover of Gaza is another that has caused a variety of reactions from around the world.

[Photo] Trump’s Proposed Take Over in Gaza

Delia Derner, News Reporter
February 19, 2025
Housing can be a brutal task for students. The workshop hosted at WSU educated them on their rights as renters and how to make the right choices when living off campus.

[Photo] Winona State Hosts Renter’s Rights Workshop

Elsa Schreiner, News Reporter
February 19, 2025
The Winona State's gymnastics team put their best into their meet, displaying impressive skills and even better scores to match.

[Photo] Warriors Gymnastics Flourish Against Hamline University for Senior Night

Gabe Slavin, Sports Reporter
February 14, 2025
The Frozen River Film Festival allowed students to snag a sneak-peek at the documentaries that will be shown during the festival dates.

[Photo] WSU Students Enter the World of Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 12, 2025
Minne Hall is an integral location for Liberal Arts majors on the Winona State campus.

[Photo] In With the New: Dean’s Board in the College of Liberal Arts

Desiree Noon, Features Reporter
February 5, 2025
A beloved establishment of Winona caught fire on Jan. 17, ultimately destroying the building. A GoFundMe (linked within) has been set up, and donations for those affected by the fire is greatly appreciated, but heartfelt support left on their Facebook page is also impactful.

[Photo] Fire Devastates Black Horse Bar and Grill

Delia Derner, News Reporter
January 31, 2025
The election results may have come as quite a shock to many individuals, and may have even awoken a sense of dread for some. However, the Winona State community offers opportunities to share this discomfort and find reprieve with others.

[Photo] Shock of the Season: Reactions to the 2024 Election Outcome

Jade McElmury, Features Reporter
November 21, 2024
These are just some of the many promises that President Elect Donald Trump had made leading up to his campaign and during his campaign.

[Photo] What Can We Expect From Donald Trumps Presidency?

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
November 21, 2024
Many of the posters were created with the intention of encouraging specific demographics to vote, utilizing inspiration from the community and specific social justice movements.

[Photo] More Than Just Posters: “Get Out and Vote” Student Poster Event

Jade McElmury, Features Reporter
November 13, 2024
Elizabeth "Lyz" Jaakola shares her cultural music with different instruments and song.

[Photo] International Music Series: Exchanging Culture

Desiree Noon, Features Reporter
November 13, 2024
“Many of our LGBTQIA+ students and staff do face discrimination on campus, and with continued attacks on LGBTQIA+ people, our campus has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to marginalized students by updating Title IX polices to reflect the updated rules.”

[Photo] Title IX: Are LGBTQ+ Students Truly Protected at WSU?

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
November 6, 2024
Dr. Alan Dunbar performs passionately for a captive audience at the Faculty Recital.

[Photo] Story Telling Through Music: Faculty Recital with Alan Dunbar

Jade McElmury, Features Reporter
October 30, 2024
The cast of Elephant and Piggie's "We Are in a Play!" shows off their skills on the stage.

[Photo] Children’s Show Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” Rocks the Stage

Lexy Koenig, Features Reporter
October 23, 2024
General Maintence Workers, or GMWS, at Winona State ensure that we have a consistently clean and safe campus.

[Photo] General Maintenance Workers: The Unsung Heroes of Winona State

Desiree Noon, Features Reporter
October 9, 2024
Happy Boba located in Zane's in Kryzsko Commons.

[Photo] Happy Boba creating mixed emotions with Winona State students

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
September 19, 2024
Winona Mall entrance.

[Photo] Half of Winona Mall Staying

Dana Walker, News Reporter
April 24, 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.

[Photo] Update on Title IX: New Policies and Procedures

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
April 3, 2024
A collection of paintings hung up in Baldwin Lounge are slowly growing. This is one of the many new changes to Kryzsko Commons.

[Photo] Changes and Remodeling in Kryzsko Commons

Sariha Khaled, Features writer
March 27, 2024
Winona State University welcomes Kenneth Janz as President. He was appointed the 16th president for the school on March 20th, 2024. An event took place to welcome Janz for the Winona and Rochester campuses.

[Photo] Hello and Goodbye: A Familiar Face Steps up as University President

Lilia Barrett, News Reporter
March 27, 2024
New Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Nicole Williams.

[Photo] Dr. Nicole Williams – New Dean of the College of Science and Engineering

Dana Walker, News Reporter
February 28, 2024
Local movie theater in Winona, The Winona 7 Movie Theater

[Photo] Accessibility in Movie Theatres: Entertainment for All

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

[Photo] Sexual Assault Victims Share Their Stories at the Gazebo

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 21, 2024
A talk in the SLC on Feb. 7 titled “The Greenest Buildings in the World: How Winona State can lead the Nation” was led by architect and prominent figure in the green building movement, Jason F. McLennan. This talk was to expand on what can be possible for WSU’s future building, CICEL.

[Photo] Agents of Regeneration: Lead Designer Talks Gildemeister and Watkins Replacement

Dana Walker, News Reporter
February 14, 2024
A talk in the SLC on Feb. 7 titled “The Greenest Buildings in the World: How Winona State can lead the Nation” was led by architect and prominent figure in the green building movement, Jason F. McLennan. This talk was to expand on what can be possible for WSU’s future building, CICEL.

[Photo] Vision drives action: the future of CICEL

Elly Herrick, Online Editor
February 14, 2024
Somsen Hall still stands tall after hosting students, faculty and staff for 100 years now.

[Photo] Somsen Hall Celebrates 100 Years

Alayna Majkrzak, News Reporter
February 7, 2024
Dr. Zeller poses for a photo in his current office in Maxwell Hall.

[Photo] Dr. Zeller – Dean of College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Karleigh Johnson, News Reporter
February 7, 2024
Screenshot 2024-01-23 at 7.40.07 PM

[Photo] The Poll: What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to you?

Sophia Sailer, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2024
Tracy Rahim smiling proud after 24 years at WSU. Faculty and students will miss this member of the community.

[Photo] A Woman No Need of Introduction: Tracy Rahim

Sophia Sailer, Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2024
Screenshot 2023-11-01 at 12.06.30 PM

[Photo] The Poll: What do Winona State students want to see for our next president?

Sophia Sailer, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2023
In the new period products dispensers, you can find both pads and tampons.

[Photo] Red Marks the Spot: Period products now fully available on campus

Reanne Weil, News Editor
October 25, 2023
Inside the OASIS Advocacy Center located in Gildemeister Hall 110. Resources are provided for students experiencing or are interested in learning about violence on campus.

[Photo] Change Isn’t Strange: President Janz Looks at Title IX at Winona State

Sophia Sailer, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2023
What you can expect to find when heading into Counseling and Wellness Services!

[Photo] Mind Over Muscle: The Unseen Battle of College Athlete’s Mental Health

Kailey Doeseckle, Sports Editor
October 4, 2023
Presenting a sticker, students encourages each other to vote.

[Photo] National Voter Registration Day: What do students think about voting

Casey Kruger, News Reporter
September 27, 2023
An image of the new system and the directions on how to get it properly set up.

[Photo] WSU’s new printing system – FollowMe Print

Casey Kruger, News Reporter
September 20, 2023
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