July/August 2008

Kathleen Wingen
St. Cloud, MN
Class of 1972
Sociology

Tell us about the work you do: I have been coordinator of the Central Minnesota Legal Services' Volunteer Attorney Program in St. Cloud for 15 years. The program works with indigent clients who have a variety of legal issues and/or concerns. I also work with over 230 private attorneys in an eight-county area who volunteer their time and services to clients.

A source of pride in your life: In spite of the fact that I have a physical disability, which has created challenges and obstacles throughout my life, I am proud of who I am and where I am today.

Best St. Scholastica memories: Being at St. Scholastica enabled me to experience real independence for the first time. I was responsible for making decisions on my own, I was able to form lasting relationships, my religious beliefs were deepened, and I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the Catholic religion.

Significant influences: From as far back as I can remember, my parents, Edwin and Emma, instilled in me the belief that, despite the fact that I was not given the same lot in life as most people, I wasn't going to sit and watch the world go by. Another significant person in my life is Eva Cook-Jones, who was my very first teacher and is now 91 years old. Other influences are my two sisters, Karen and Diane, who always treated me like any other sibling; Susan Moch, my best friend from college; and my roommate and friend, Ann Zaleski. Lastly, Sister Mary Richard Boo, who was president of St. Scholastica for the first three years I attended there, has been and continues to be a big influence in my life. I have always admired and respected her a great deal. She has given me much support and encouragement throughout the years.

Greatest professional achievement: My biggest professional achievement has probably been accepting the International Year for Persons with Disabilities Award for the City of St. Cloud in 1981. Another was when I accompanied Governor Rudy Perpich as he experienced a day as a person in a wheelchair. As a result of that experience, he renovated the Governor's mansion to make it accessible for persons with disabilities. From that point on, he was a big supporter and advocate for persons with disabilities.

Family ties: Back in 1967 when I was looking to further my education, several colleges did not have accessibility or could not accommodate my transportation needs and turned my application down. My father then wrote to his aunt, Sister Theofreda Thell, who was at the St. Scholastica Priory. She shared his letter with Sister Mary Richard Boo and things just seemed to develop from there. I had another great aunt at the Priory, Sister Benigna Thell, who baked all kinds of goodies. Boy, were they good!

Further education: After receiving my bachelor's degree in sociology with minors in library science and theology, I took some graduate courses at St. Cloud State during the 1973-74 school years. About two years ago I began taking classes for a master's degree in organizational behavior on The College of Scholastica St. Cloud campus.

Philosophy: Live life to the fullest, never give up, and do all you can to help others. At the same time, since life is so short, be adventurous and live for today - for it could be your last day on earth!

Impact of the Benedictine values: Each day I live by my faith. My strongest Benedictine value is respect. I don't need to be liked by all people I come in contact with, but I do expect others to respect me as an individual. As someone who works with a lot of people, I strive to give everyone the respect they deserve.