Walter Ellis, D.P.M.
St. Cloud, MN

Tell us about the work you do:  Following my senior year at The College of St. Scholastica, I attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago.  In the summer of 1991 I moved to St. Cloud and established the St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center.  I have been in practice with an associate for approximately 15 years with satellite clinics in Melrose and Paynesville.  Our clinic specializes in all aspects of podiatric medicine ranging from diabetic foot care to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.  I am currently on staff at the St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud Surgical Center and the Paynesville and Melrose Community Hospitals.

A source of pride in your life:  I met my wife, Trecia, while we were training for Grandma's Marathon in 1992.  We now have two wonderful children, Luke (5) and Annie (7).  Trecia manages the Duluth Transit Authority STRIDE Program for bus riders who are physically and mentally challenged.  She works through her home office with frequent trips to Duluth.

Best St. Scholastica memories:  The four years I spent at St. Scholastica were probably some of the best memories of my life.  I had wonderful roommates and met many great people.  Many memories are unprintable but center around the great friends and fun.  I fondly remember long discussions in the College greenhouse with the likes of Jim McLaughlin, Gerry McGraw, Greg Bown and Gerald Cizadlo.  I doubt there is a day that goes by that I do not think of St. Scholastica and the impact it has had on my life.

Significant influences/mentors:  Gerald Cizadlo and Greg Bown introduced me to human biology in a way that made it fascinating and easy to understand.  They provided a simplistic, but very practical approach to teaching human biology and presented it in a way that truly made it enjoyable.  Jim McLaughlin, my biology advisor, also gave me great insight to the opportunities available to those with a biology degree and motivated me to see the world in terms of biology and every day practicality.  I also find it interesting that I cannot see a bird without thinking of Sister Donna Schroeder.

Something interesting about your life:  In addition to spending time with family, I enjoy waterfowl hunting in places such as Africa, Mexico and South America. I also collect antique automobiles and waterfowl decoys.  I have recently contributed to a historical restoration manual published for enthusiasts of the 1933-1934 Ford V8.

Further education:  I currently hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine.  I completed a lower extremity surgical residency at Lincoln West Hospital, Chicago, IL, and a seven hospital affiliate program in southwestern MN.

Philosophy:  Keep Smilin' - These were words were echoed by Jim McLaughlin after the many sessions we had in the College greenhouse.

Impact of the Benedictine values:  The College of St. Scholastica has played a pivotal role in my life.  My friends and professors skillfully encouraged me to work hard and pursue my dreams.  I often think of the College and acknowledge the tremendous impact it has had on my life.