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Julie Jurgenson, Rochester business owner, receives MSC Southeast's 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award, Red Wing Campus
Red Wing, MN (May 16, 2023) -- Every year since 2005, Minnesota State College Southeast has honored one graduate from each campus - Red Wing and Winona - with the Outstanding Alumni Award, presented in recognition of outstanding personal and professional achievement and service to others.
At its Commencement Ceremony on May 12, Minnesota State College Southeast presented the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award for the Red Wing Campus to Julie Jurgenson, a successful band instrument repair business owner based in Rochester, Minnesota.
Julie graduated from MSC Southeast's Band Instrument Repair program in 1982. She has operated JJ's Horn Clinic, which is located at the Schmitt Music Center, 1765 Hwy 52N in Rochester, for over 30 years. She was nominated for the Outstanding Alumni Award by Band Instrument Repair program instructors John Huth, Brian DeGayner, and Greg Beckwith along with Bill Mathews, Executive Director of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians, and Craig Anderson, Chair of the college's Band Instrument Repair Advisory Committee.
In presenting her with the award at Commencement, MSC Southeast Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Hawkins said, "Julie was described by those who nominated her as 'a unique, exceptional individual who has made a positive impact through the giving of her time, expertise, compassion, and generosity of spirit.'''
Julie has been a leader within the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians, serving as Secretary/Treasurer, presenting clinics at national and regional conferences, and mentoring first-time national conference attendees. She is the recipient of two awards of distinction from the association, the Sine Que Non Award for above-and-beyond service in 2006 and the Lifetime Membership Award for long-term service to the organization in 2022.
For more than 20 years, Julie has been an active member of the Band Instrument Repair Program's Advisory Committee at MSC Southeast. She participates in the program's Mentorship Initiative, which links current students to volunteer advisory committee members. Students are always welcome to visit her shop and learn more about the profession.
"Julie shared that her experience at Minnesota State College Southeast changed her life trajectory for the better and she believes strongly that similar opportunities should be afforded to all who follow," said Jennifer Hawkins. "The entire college community joins in celebrating and honoring Julie Jurgenson for her dedication to the band instrument repair profession and positive impact on our students."
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About Minnesota State College Southeast
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college offering small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a friendly and supportive environment. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.