Walking into the College of Business Engagement Center, one would find it impossible to miss the large conference room, fitted with large digitals screens, a polished conference table, and mounted cameras that allow the room to be connected to anywhere in the world. The top of the wall hosts a stock market ticker, which constantly displays stocks and their current trading price, giving the entire Business Engagement Center a professional, business-like atmosphere.
The room, used for group projects, presentations, brainstorming sessions, and of course meetings, would not be possible without the gracious gift from Winona National Bank. Opening in July of 1874 as the “Winona Savings Bank,” Winona National Bank has always been a staple in the city of Winona, and for Winona State.
Winona National Bank has supported the university in many different ways throughout the years. Whether it has been sponsoring an event, offering scholarships, or offering donations. Due to their numerous donations and support of the College of Business, the conference room has officially been named the “Winona National Bank Financial Markets Lab.”
The dedication ceremony, where the lab’s nameplate was covered with a blanket, pleased the crowd as they clapped and cheered for the blankets removal. Jack Richter, President of Winona National Bank, spoke and touched on the importance of partnerships between the College of Business and financial leaders in the community.
Dean Akbari, Dr. Mark Wrolstad, Chair of the Department of Finance, and finance major student leaders, Linh Nguyen and Janak Sethi, remarked on the significance of the support from Winona National Bank and offered their appreciation.
Indeed, a huge thank you to Jack Richter and the rest of Winona National Bank for their donation and support. The College of Business would not be the college that it is today without the continued support.