Fern Snure and Howard Williams

This scholarship was established in 1981 by Howard Williams in honor of his late wife, Fern. Following his death in 1993, their children (Julie Miller and Howard Williams) changed the name of the scholarship to include both of their parents. Fern and Howard were both actively involved in the community and at the University.

In 1981, the Fern Snure endowment for home economics scholarships was established by Howard Williams, in honor of his wife. In 1993, the name of the endowment was changed to the Fern Snure and Howard Williams Endowment, to honor Howard following his death.

Fern Snure was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and taught Home Economics for four years in public schools. She took night classes at Mankato State College to refresh her knowledge and interest in home economics, and taught in the department for two years (1954-56) at the request of MSU President Crawford while a faculty member was on leave. Fern taught classes such as Color & Design, Interior Decoration, Crafts & Needlework, Personal Problems & Family Living, Home Nursing, and 8th Grade Clothing. Fern was involved in many community organizations in Mankato, including the YWCA, Immanuel Hospital (Board Member), League of Women Voters (Charter Member), Campfire Girls (Board Member), and numerous other organizations. She encouraged young people to get involved in extracurricular activities and community service, as she believed it would make them better teachers. Fern was an excellent hostess with many friends, and gave a ‘’perfection party". After Fern passed away, her husband, Howard, established a Home Economics scholarship in her memory. The Fern Snure room in Wiecking Center on Minnesota State University, Mankato’s campus is named in her honor.

Howard Williams devoted much of his time to Mankato State College projects. He graduated from MSC in 1926, having lettered in basketball and track. He joined his father in the insurance business, became president of the MSC Alumni Association, and was very active in the development of the college. Howard was appointed Resident Director of MSC in 1949 by Minnesota Governor Youngdahl. As Resident Director, he became a member of the state Teachers College Board, with responsibility to consult on local matters with President Crawford, and to participate in planning and policy making for all five state teachers colleges. Howard was a Mankato State College Foundation Board member and President. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the I.O.O.F. and the Kiwanis Club. He was President of the Tri-County Fair Association, and of the Mankato Builders Exchange. He was also President of the Minnesota Association of Insurance Agents, and a committeeman on the National Association of Insurance Agents.Following his death in 1993, their children, Julie Miller and Howard Williams, changed the Fern Snure endowment to honor the memory of both of their parents.