On August 18, 2006 the Department of Counseling & Student Personnel and the College of Education lost a close friend and respected member. Dr. Joanne Elizabeth Brandt died as the result of an accidental fall at her lake home in Hackensack, Minnesota.
"Joanne was very genuine, intelligent and very human," said Rick Auger, chair of Counseling & Student Personnel (CSP). "She was dedicated to the success of the department and its students." Walter Roberts, a long time associate in the department agreed. "Joanne was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet," noted Roberts. "She was intuitive, could see right through fakery, and was willing to fight the good fight for what she believed in."
Brandt's academic achievements were substantial. She was a faculty member of Counseling and Student Development at Minnesota State from 1984 until present, Chairperson of the Department of Counseling and interim Dean of the College of Education. "She was an accomplished clinician," Diane Coursol (CSP) commented, "but was always down-to-earth, and never expected special treatment."
Brandt filled the post of interim Dean of the College before the current Dean, Michael A. Miller was hired. "Joanne was a very nurturing person," Miller said. "Her goal was to provide as much assistance to me as possible and she was always there when I needed help."
Her nurturing side showed with her family also. She dedicated her life to her family, and loved spending time at her lake home and traveling with friends. Her survivors include Dr. Jon Kalinowski; two sons, Paul and Michael Brandt-Kalinowski and two step-sons, Thomas (Erin) and Robert (Meagan) Kalinowski.
"Joanne was an admired and valued colleague who will be sorely missed by the students, staff and faculty of the CSP department," said Anne Blackhurst, former CSP chair and acting dean of the College of Graduate Studies. "We will miss her forthrightness, her commitment and pride in the department and the students and her great laugh that brought a smile to our faces."
The Counseling & Student Personnel Department has established the Joanne E. Brandt Memorial Scholarship fund in honor of their colleague. Alumni and friends wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund may do so through the MSU Foundation. Please mail checks to University Development, 121 Alumni Foundation Center, Mankato, MN 56001. You may also call Rick Auger in Counseling & Student Personnel at 507-389-5725.
