Patricia Waletzko

Stephanie was born in St. Cloud, MN on June 15, 1994. She attended St. Joseph’s
Elementary School in Waite Park, graduated from Cathedral High School in 2012
and then attended St. Cloud State University where she graduated Magna Cum
Laude with degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biomechanics and
Psychology. Stephanie was in the 4th year of her PhD studies in Exercise Science
and Nutrition at North Dakota State University. She had completed and passed
her comprehensive exams and was on track to start her dissertation research in
Fall 2020 when the COVID -19 pandemic stopped her ability to collect data. She
was continuing her education and planned to start her data collection in Fall
2021. She was working on numerous publications that she had data from during
the 2020-2021 school year and was planning on gaining additional teaching
experience during the year. She had earned her College Teaching Certificate and
her Statistics Certificate. She had numerous publications and presentations at
national, regional, and local meetings, and was planning to do more. Stephanie
died unexpectedly on October 14, 2020 from a Pulmonary Embolism at the age of
26.

Stephanie was a well-respected graduate student, well-liked among her graduate
student peers, and was on her way to be a quality professional in the Exercise
Science world. She was a mentor to many student-athletes during her time as a
graduate assistant and had a natural connection as a former athlete and a
passionate and caring soul. She was a valuable contributor to Athletic Academics
and a friend to all. She was a rising star in everything she did in life. Stephanie
lived life to the fullest. Her faith was the most important piece of her life. Her
positive attributes are numerous. However, she will be most remembered for her
incredibly strong faith, love of family, intelligence, generosity, and terrific sense
of humor. Stephanie received her Doctor of Philosophy degree posthumously on
May 14, 2021. It was always Stephanie’s wish to help others. In keeping with
Stephanie’s commitment to generosity, LifeSource has assured us her gift of
organ donation will give several others the precious gift of life. Stephanie was
also always ready to help others be successful in their academic endeavors. Thus,
the Dr. Stephanie P. Waletzko Memorial Scholarship Endowment was created for
others to pursue their passion and dreams in the world of Exercise Science. May
the recipient follow the sage advice from Stephanie’s favorite quote by Abraham
Lincoln, “Whatever you are, be a good one”.