New Scholarship Intended for Southeast’s Returning Adult Learners

Winona and Red Wing, MN (January 12, 2026) – A local man has created an endowed scholarship for adult students at Minnesota State College Southeast, in honor of his late wife’s legacy.

Lawrence “Larry” Lyman created The Kathleen Lyman Endowed Scholarship in memory of his wife, Kathleen, a lifelong Winona resident who pursued her college education as a nontraditional student.

Southeast students in Red Wing or Winona who are U.S. citizens and attend college 10 or more years after graduating from high school will be eligible for the scholarship. In creating the scholarship, Larry Lyman is hoping to support hard-working individuals who may be pursuing a career change and are driven to do their best.

Kathleen Lyman graduated from Cotter High School in 1969, then took time away from her education before earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Winona State University in 1980.

“Kathleen and I experienced significant career transitions throughout our professional lives,” Larry said. “We are both big believers in the enduring value of skills-based education, like many of the programs offered at Southeast. A practical education provides lifelong benefits.”

Larry made a lead gift of $30,000 and is encouraging other like-minded people to contribute to the endowment fund.

Photo caption:

Kathleen Lyman

 Radiography Program Helps Southeast Student Change His Tune

Winona and Red Wing, MN (January 26, 2026) – For first-year radiography student Brandon Lamberson, pursuing a career in the music business didn’t strike the right notes.

Back in 2021, the Winona native moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in hopes of finding full-time employment in the music industry, but wound up working in retail, selling mattresses, instead.

“I kept looking for jobs in the music industry, and after having no luck for some time I gradually realized that I needed to look into other options,” Lamberson said.

When he started exploring different career paths, radiography stood out to him.

“I wanted to get back to Winona and the strength of [Minnesota State College] Southeast’s radiography program made it a good choice and good decision for me,” Lamberson said. “Things are going well.”

During his first semester, he landed a work study job in Academic Support Center on the Winona campus, which helped him feel connected on campus.

This spring, he’ll continue his education by doing clinical rotations with a local healthcare provider.

Lamberson plans to work in x-ray for a couple of years, but he is also interested in learning more about CT and MRI.

For radiography instructor Valarie Bere, Brandon’s experience is similar to her own educational journey.

Bere studied social work, but late in her degree program realized that field wasn’t for her.

“I’m always excited to see adult learners like Brandon in the program because it reminds me of my own experience,” Bere said. “They bring another level of commitment to their studies after having life experiences.”

Bere said Lamberson is a good student.

“Brandon collaborates well with his classmates. He strives to problem solve and work through scenarios without much guidance,” Bere said. “These traits will serve him well when working in the health care environment.”

Lamberson is open to pursuing a career in radiography, but he would also consider going back to earn a master’s degree in health administration.

He anticipates earning his degree in May 2027 and hopes to find full-time employment.

Aside from routine dental x-rays, Lamberson can only recall needing imaging one time, when he suffered a knee injury playing soccer. The MRI revealed he had a small meniscus tear.

“At the time in high school, it didn’t really play a role in choosing a career,” Lamberson said. “Once I started pursuing radiography, I recalled that experience as a positive one since the scan directly guided my steps to recovery.”

Now Lamberson looks forward to offering similar diagnostic care to future patients.